Things to Do in New York in Fall 2018 - Attractions, Activities & More
Heading to the Big Apple for some fall festivities? There’s so much to see and so many things to do that you’ll have a hard time narrowing it all down into one trip. If you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in New York in the Fall in 2018, take a look at our suggestions for the top attractions and activities to check out this year, including...
- Special Exhibits at The Met
- Fall foliage from Popular Observation Decks
- Metroplitan Museum of Art Special Exhibits
- Georgia O'Keeffe at the New York Botanical Garden
- Sporting events
- and more...
Save on Attraction Admission
Regular admission to a number of these New York activities are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all New York tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of the Fall events listed below may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass.
The RIDE in Masquerade
2018 Dates TBD
This time of year, New York's most enjoyable and entertaining tour bus is in full costume -- the RIDE is now in Masquerade! What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with a gorgeous historical costume? Marvel at the heritage of old world European masquerade as the guides on this unparalleled tour treat you to a special seasonal version of their famed RIDE. Seriously, you'll feel like you're attending a historical ball with Marie Antoinette. Of course, it's not all glitz and glam -- you'll also be treated to scary stories, enticing videos, and the very tangible presence of the spirits of New York City past. It's all in all some super seasonal fun! Getting In: The RIDE in Masquerade tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Amazing City Views of Fall Foliage
Statue of Liberty
Fall is time for remembering our history, and there are few places so historical as New York City. Take a ferry out to our Lady Liberty, then tour the Ellis Island Museum as you learn all about the history of early immigration in America. Crowds will be thinner this time of year, too, and it may be easier to get additional tickets to the pedestal or crown (as long as you don't plan your vacation for a holiday weekend). Getting In: Statue of Liberty ferry tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Crown and pedestal admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass.
Art Museums
There are few places as culturally diverse and as artistically accomplished as NYC. So it's no surprise that it's home to some of the world's most prestigious and fascinating museums. Two of our favorites are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, which each offer amazing and inspiring works of art from all around the world for your enjoyment. If you're headed to the Met, be sure to check out their exciting new exhibit (which we all previewed at this year's Met Gala), "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." This special exhibit of apparel and accessories will be on display through October 8, 2018. Additional fall special exhibits at the Met include topics like African American photography, Japanese painting, twentieth-century furniture, African sculpture, and more. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Get Out for a Bike Ride
Fall in New York is that perfect mix of crisp and cool – not too cold to stay inside but just pleasant enough that you aren’t working up much of a sweat on a leisurely bike ride. Didn’t bring a bike with you? Just rent one in Central Park and enjoy pedaling along their many scenic bike trails. You'll get to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Central Park, including Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden, Central Park Zoo, and so much more. If you prefer a little bit of guidance to maximize your Central Park explorations, you can take a bike tour of the area, too! Getting In: Central Park bike rentals and Central Park Bike Tour tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Sightseeing Cruises
Sporting Events & Arena Tours
What better way to celebrate fall with sports fans than with a visit to their favorite ballpark or arena? The Yankees have some really amazing talent and their post-season chances are looking good. And while baseball is winding to a close in the fall, basketball is just getting started and the Knicks are ready to go with some new talent on board this season. And don't forget about the Rangers, either! If you can't make it to a game, consider taking a tour of local venues, like Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden. Getting In: Yankee Stadium Classic Tour tickets and Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i
New York Botanical Garden now through October 28, 2018
This special exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see for art and plant lovers. Come to see Georgia O'Keeffe's iconic paintings of Hawaii -- now together in NYC for the first time since 1940. These lush, evocative paintings are paired with the exotic Hawaiian plants that inspired them, creating a truly inspiring combination of art and science that we know you'll just adore. This exhibition is included with general admission. Getting In: New York Botanical Garden tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Brooklyn Book Festival
September 10-17, 2018 Brooklyn Borough Hall & Citywide
Oktoberfest in NYC
Throughout October Various locations
Atlantic Antic
September 23, 2018 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
Wander through more than 500 food, craft, and beverage vendors as they take over one of Brooklyn’s busiest streets You’ll also be treated to a diverse musical lineup and other great performance art, so it’s an all-around cultural fest. This year marks the 44th occurrence of this perennially popular event! Getting In: Admission to Atlantic Antic is free.
Medieval Festival
September 30, 2018 Fort Tryon Park
Columbus Day Parade
October 8, 2018 5th Ave.
A Few Other Suggestion for Things to do in New York this Fall
- Hop aboard a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River.
- Later in the season, check out one of New York’s famed ice rinks like the one in Rockefeller Plaza.
- Visit the Queens County Farm Museum for all sorts of seasonal fun like pumpkin picking and corn-maze exploring.
- Cheer on the runners at the world-famous New York City marathon.
Let's Recap
So there you have it – scads of exciting and festive things to do in New York in the fall in 2018. From parades to festivals and bike rides to cruises, whatever you do you’re bound to have fun. And remember, you can save on combined admission on many of these popular attractions, tours, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Please note, some of the Fall events taking place mentioned in this post may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass.