October is approaching, which means it’s almost time for spooky season events and activities. Whether you’re looking for a family-fun event like a parade or hoping to check out some cute costumed furry friends, there are plenty of fun events to check out in NYC this October.

Dress Up for the 52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade

On October 31st at 7:00 PM, join many others in marching or simply watching the 52nd annual Village Halloween Parade. Being one of the most anticipated events of October, over 50,000 Halloween lovers join together to dress up in their spookiest apparel and celebrate with each other. Anyone in costume is permitted to walk the parade route. This year, the theme is Potluck, so put together your best ingredients and dress to impress! The parade can be viewed anywhere along 6th Avenue, between King Street and West 15th Street. Tickets can also be purchased for VIP viewing tickets.

Indulge in a Scary Movie at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

The 10th annual Brooklyn Horror Film Festival will be taking place this October from the 16-25. Showings will be taking place at Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park and Williamsburg. There are three badge packages available for purchase, ranging in price from $165 to $575, and offering pre-selection for films, swag bags, and more. Submissions are now closed, but badges can continue to be purchased to get your fright on this October!

Revel in a Beverage and Bite at Food Network’s Wine and Food Festival

Stop by the historic Seaport this October to enjoy some delicious food and wine at the Food Network’s Wine and Food Festival. Now celebrating 18 years, this festival returns with a wide selection of talent offering over fifty different events, ranging from master classes to tastings and dining experiences. Featuring culinary legends like Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Martha Stewart, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this event is not one to miss. This year, the event is taking place from October 15-19. While many of the events have now sold out, there are still plenty available for ticket purchase online.

Become Immersed in Pop Culture at New York Comic Con

Head over to the Javits Center for four days packed with pop culture, comics, voice actors, panels, and more at New York Comic Con. Taking place from October 9-12, Comic Con will be featuring many artists, actors, authors, and many other creatives attending with opportunities for autographing, discussions, workshops, and more. Whether you’re a fan or cosplayer, Comic Con is an accepting space for everyone to join together. Tickets can be purchased on their website for $80 a day or $260 for all four days.

Visit Governor’s Island Pumpkin Point

Take the ferry over to Governor’s Island and visit the free pumpkin patch and fall festival, Pumpkin Point. Visit the historic Nolan Park on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 for the free pumpkin patch with thousands of pumpkins, where visitors can pick their own pumpkins on these days between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition to the pumpkin patch, this family-fun event will also be featuring food and drink vendors, trick-or-treating, live music performances and crafts, and a Fall Foliage Tree Tour. For more information and the full schedule, visit their website.

Bring Your Best-Dressed Furry Friend to DOWNTOWN’s Barktoberfest

Join DOWNTOWN’s team along with many other members of the community on October 25th at the rooftop at Pier 57 for our annual Barktoberfest! Bring your best-dressed furry friend for the biggest dog-costume competition yet. With amazing prizes up for grabs, such as dinner for two at Nobu and a Four Seasons stay, you won’t want to miss out on this highly-anticipated annual event. DOWNTOWN’s PAWblisher, Barclay, will of course be making an appearance as well. Prior registration for participants is required, and can be completed here. Check in time is set at 11:00 AM, with the show kicking off at noon. We hope to see you and your furry friends there!

Take a Downtown Ghost-Hunting Tour

Downtown is home to some seriously haunted spots, like Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church’s graveyard and perhaps even the Downtown Alliance’s own office building. But just how ghost-filled is Lower Manhattan? And how likely are you to run into a revolutionary specter or phantom Black Monday stockbroker while bopping around the nabe on a dark and eerie night?

We at the Alliance wanted some answers, so last Halloween, we took to the streets with an EMF reader to get a better sense of downtown’s supernatural activity. And while results were decidedly mixed, we still had a spookily good time on our ghosthunt. Revisit our Reel here, and keep your eyes peeled for any specters next time you’re hanging at one of your favorite Lower Manhattan haunts (pun intended). *Reprinted from The Downtown Alliance

Halloween Hunt, Brookfield Place

This family friendly scavenger hunt runs October 25 to November 2 and features “fa-BOO-lous” prizes. Get a map from the concierge at 230 Vesey St. and start searching for clues. *Reprinted from The Downtown Alliance.

Scream-inducing scenes, Alamo Drafthouse, 28 Liberty St.

The Lower Manhattan Alamo Drafthouse is naturally packed with options throughout the month, screening cult classics (Rocky Horror Picture Show), horror classics (Fright Night) and family friendly frights (Corpse Bride).  *Reprinted from The Downtown Alliance.

Whether you’re hoping to relax and indulge in some food and wine with family or looking for a little spook from a scary movie, these events are sure to make for a memorable and fun October in NYC.