This weekend · Oct 31–Nov 1

Things to Do in NYC This Weekend (Oct 31–1): 7 Picks — Halloween night, then a marathon Sunday

This weekend in New York, the city itself is the main event: Halloween on Saturday, then the 50th year of the five-borough marathon course on Sunday. We picked a night parade, daytime family outings, a Día de los Muertos procession in the Bronx, and a major show of Japanese women photographers for whenever you want a quieter hour indoors.

Saturday: Halloween

  1. Village Halloween Parade 2026: Route, Start Time, Theme and How to March

    Village Halloween Parade 2026: Route, Start Time, Theme and How to March

    Sixth Avenue, Canal Street to 15th Street, SoHo · 2026-10-31–2026-10-31

    The 53rd Village Halloween Parade steps off at 7 p.m. Saturday up Sixth Avenue, Canal to 15th Street. Theme: "Body & Soul," led by Basil Twist's Firehorse puppet. Anyone in costume can march; lineup is 6:30–9 p.m.

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  2. Halloween Under the Blue Whale at NYC's American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side

    Halloween Under the Blue Whale at NYC's American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side

    American Museum of Natural History, Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, Upper West Side · 2026-10-31–2026-10-31

    The American Museum of Natural History hosts Halloween under the blue whale, Saturday 11am–4pm: crafts, face painting, a marine biology show and a costume parade. $25 ($15 members), plus admission.

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  3. At Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NYC, a Haunted Carousel Spins on Halloween Saturday

    At Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NYC, a Haunted Carousel Spins on Halloween Saturday

    Children's Corner, Prospect Park, Brooklyn · 2026-10-31–2026-10-31

    In Brooklyn's Prospect Park, the carousel turns spooky on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., at Children's Corner. $3 a ride or $13 for five tickets. An easy option for small kids.

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Sunday: Marathon and Procession

  1. TCS New York City Marathon Marks 50 Years of the Five-Borough Course on Nov. 1

    TCS New York City Marathon Marks 50 Years of the Five-Borough Course on Nov. 1

    Five boroughs course (Staten Island to Central Park) · 2026-11-01–2026-11-01

    The TCS New York City Marathon marks 50 years of its five-borough course on Sunday, Nov. 1. Nearly 60,000 runners go from Staten Island to Central Park, and watching from the course is free. Daylight saving also ends that day.

  2. Día de los Muertos Debuts at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, NYC

    Día de los Muertos Debuts at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, NYC

    New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Park · 2026-10-03–2026-11-02

    The New York Botanical Garden's first Día de los Muertos runs through Nov. 2, with marigolds, a giant Catrina and a community ofrenda. The parade is Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., included with garden admission.

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All Weekend

  1. I'm So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now

    I'm So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now

    International Center of Photography, Lower East Side · 2026-10-15–2027-01-11

    At ICP on the Lower East Side, 28 Japanese women photographers from the 1950s to now, including Rinko Kawauchi, Miyako Ishiuchi and Mika Ninagawa. First US showing, on view through Jan. 11, 2027.

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  2. Light and Stone: Revisiting Noguchi's 1986 Venice Biennale

    Light and Stone: Revisiting Noguchi's 1986 Venice Biennale

    The Noguchi Museum, Long Island City · 2026-05-06–2027-05-09

    At the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, a show marking 40 years since Isamu Noguchi represented the US at the 1986 Venice Biennale: photos, sketches, a Slide Mantra model and Akari lights. Through May 9, 2027.

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