The Fall is coming... (Did you get the reference?)

By: Maria Eduarda Tarre

Fall is almost here, and I personally love this shift of season in New York City. Pumpkins. Fallen leaves. Halloween. And more pumpkins. 

I have the perspective that once summer is over and fall begins people tend to stop rushing for a little bit (at least, until Christmas time) and they tend to enjoy more their time in the city and with their family. Fall brings a different energy to New York, it makes people start reflecting on the year that is almost over and creating their last few memories before the new year comes.

So, if you are one of these people who are trying to make the most out of the last two months of 2024, here are my top four suggestions of things to do in NYC during the fall:

1) Spend a Sunday afternoon at Central Park

Central Park is beautiful at all times of the year, but, especially, during fall. There are so many leaf-peeping spots and the mix of orange and yellow in the middle of the city is absolutely stunning!

2) Watch a Free Outdoor Movie at the Hudson Yards

You may think that the outdoor season is over, but not entirely! If you haven’t had a chance to watch an outdoor movie this summer, here is your last chance before it gets too cold. The Backyard at Hudson Yards will be showcasing free movies every Friday from September 22nd to October 27th. 

3) Check out Pumpkin Night at the Bronx Zoo

This fall festival will showcase more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins in a jack-o’-lantern trail for half a mile. Tickets are paid but it is definitely worth the visit!

4) Don't Miss the Annual Halloween Parade

It is definitely very touristic and crowded, but if that is your very first Halloween in NYC, I would say it is pretty interesting to see the parade. If you can’t make it to this one, don’t worry! The Macy’s Thanksgiving parade also happens annually, and the two parades are somehow similar.

I can certainly understand how some people don’t enjoy fall as much as they could. The shift in temperatures can be thought of, but soon enough winter will be here and some of the beautiful outdoor activities won’t be possible any longer. I, personally, will try to take as much advantage of this season as possible and I hope you will do the same.