We love the fact that Columbus Day provides the opportunity for a mini fall getaway – we get to take a break from the stress of work and school and indulge in a fun little trip. If you’re looking for seasonal things to do in New York during Columbus Day weekend 2017, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions.
Save on Seasonal Activities
Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Learn more about all New York tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass.
Leaf Peeping
See the changing of the seasons in some of the most beautiful places in the entire city, like Central Park, with its acres and acres of fall foliage, or place like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which features a wide variety of flora in a rainbow of colors. Don't forget to take their "Season Highlights Tour," which will show you the best of what's blooming, changing color, growing, or otherwise doing something cool and interesting.
Insider Tip: If you're in town the weekend prior on October 1, check out their Chile Pepper Festival. It runs from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm and features bands, food, and fun.
Getting In: Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. The Chile Pepper Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass.
Art at the Met
Image credit: Monica Arellano-Ongpin (license)
Celebrate the other contributions Italian (and Roman) culture has made to the world with a visit to the classical art collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Marvel at carefully preserved pottery, restored jewelry, ancient sculptures, and much more. Then, of course, there are the masters of Renaissance painting, Baroque, Rococo, and so on. Be sure to check out their brand new standout exhibit,
Rodin at the Met (opened September 16, 2017). Featuring nearly 50 works by this famed sculptor, this exciting new exhibit showcases many of his works that haven't been on display in years, alongside iconic pieces like "The Thinker" and "The Hand of God."
Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Landmark Cruise
Fall is also a really good time to hop aboard a local sightseeing cruise. If you choose something like a landmark cruise, which highlights top sights and sounds of the Manhattan skyline, you'll get a great overview of the the city without the stress of navigating the streets. The weather has a good chance of being pleasant but brisk on the water, so grab a light jacket.
Getting In: Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Bike Rides
Enjoy the crisp fall weather with a leisurely bike ride around Central Park. Meander quaint paths and pass by charming pools and interesting statuary. Or, head across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore new territory. Wherever you choose to go, it’s a great way to celebrate fall!
Getting In: Central Park bike rentals and
guided bike tours are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.
Columbus Day Parade
October 9, 2017
Image credit: Columbus Citizens Foundation.
Enjoy a parade dedicated to this important Italian in a city that treasures its Italian heritage. The parade runs through Manhattan from 47th to 72nd street, with thousands upon thousands of spectators gathered to enjoy this unique event. Keep an eye out for authentic performances of the tarantella, a famed Italian dance.
Getting In: Admission to the NYC Columbus Day Parade is free.
New York Comic Con
Javits Center October 5-8, 2017
So what if you can't afford San Diego Comic Con - New York Comic Con is an amazing event with tons of great authors, exhibits, collectibles, books, videos, and so much more. Enjoy content on everything from Batman comics to the Doctor Who TV show to the Resident Evil video game series. You also have the chance to see talks by a wide variety of authors. If it's got anything to do with contemporary pop culture, you'll find it here!
Getting In: Admission to New York Comic Con is separately ticketed and is not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit the
event website.
LIC Flea & Food
Long Island City October 7-8, 2017
If you love flea markets of all stripes, you won't want to miss a stroll through the LIC Flea & Food. It's an eclectic open air bazaar filled with a wide variety of antiques and unique finds plus tons of delicious food and drinks. A visit here also provides amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, so it's a great opportunity to snap some postcard perfect photos. Be sure to stop by their Queens-only Beer and Wine Garden!
Getting In: Admission to the LIC Flea & Food is free.
Remember to Save on Attraction Admission
So there you have it. Our list of some exciting things to do in the New York area this Columbus Day Weekend. Remember, many of these great options are included on the New York City Explorer Pass, where you can save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Please note, the Columbus Day Weekend events taking place at some of these venues may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your fall long weekend vacation itinerary.