Scary Good: Halloween Must-Dos in NYC
October is a magical time in the city. The temperature drops, the leaves change, and for one glorious day, every dachshund in the tri-state area transforms into a hotdog at the Tompkins Square Howlaween Parade.
From NYC’s historic brownstones to the haunting grandeur of its most storied apartment buildings, the city lends itself particularly well to the spooky season—perhaps one of the reasons it’s served as a backdrop for horror films from Rosemary’s Baby to American Psycho.
Whether you’re looking to get down or get out of town, we’ve rounded up the best NY events to celebrate Halloween.
Haunted Hop Halloween Spooktacular presented by Jonathan Toubin & New York Night Train
The Knockdown Center in Queens is hosting the 2022 Halloween Haunted Hop, the 17th incarnation of Jonathan Toubin and New York Night Train’s enormously popular annual event. The 50,000 square-foot venue will become a labyrinth of cobwebbed rooms, dancing and horror cinema, with live performances from underground entertainers and music legends Hunx and his Punx, Hank Wood and the Hammerheads, Christeene, and Martin Rev of synth-punk band Suicide. Of course, Toubin himself will hit the decks with his signature mix of obscure 1950s and 1960s blues, soul, and rock and roll.
“It’s the kind of party where a variety of subcultures escape from NYC’s typical Halloween madness to come early and stay late and choose their own adventure as they wander through an action-packed, tightly-curated party,” says Toubin. “Essentially it’s nonstop unique, supreme quality art and music all night long and a party like no other anywhere in the world.”
The winner of the 1am costume contest takes home $500.
October 31 from 7pm until late at The Knockdown Center, Queens. Tickets available—here.
Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of the Ghouls
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine is once again holding its annual Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of the Ghouls! Starting October 28 at 7pm and again at 10pm, you can take in a chilling screening of the classic silent movie Nosferatu (1922). The film will be accompanied by creepy tunes played on the Cathedral’s great organ by Timothy Brumfield.
Tickets available—here.
McKittrick Hotel Halloween Party
The McKittrick Hotel is best known as the home of Sleep No More but on October 28, 29 and 31, the venue will host a different kind of immersive experience. Beyond The Lost Garden theme, they’re not giving much away, but expect live performances, DJs and an open bar to keep the party kicking on.
Each evening has an early or late-night option and is costumed, so cast off your worldly cares and celebrate life’s abundant pleasures dressed as your spirit’s true form.
Tickets available—here.
Green-Wood After Hours
Located on 500 25th Street in Brooklyn, these historic grounds are home to the Green-Wood After Hours Event. Explore its historic grounds under the cover of night, visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American history and learn about everything from the cemetery’s Egypt-inspired art to tales of murder.
This not-to-be-missed walking tour ends with a visit to the Catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.
Tickets available—here.
PHOTOGRAPHY The third annual Halloween party at Studio 54, New York, 1978. Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images
