Halloween in NYC 2026: Parties, Parades & Events
Explore Halloween in NYC 2026 with our comprehensive guide to events, parties, and family activities throughout the city from October 1 to November 2.
New York City comes alive each October with a kaleidoscope of Halloween festivities that stretch the celebration from October 1 all the way to November 2. From thrilling haunted attractions and spooky film screenings to lavish costume parties and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your essential guide to the highlights of Halloween in NYC for 2026.
Costume Parties and Nightlife
If you’re ready to don your costumes and hit the dance floor, the city’s nightlife has a thrilling lineup this season.
Start your October with a cult classic at Lips: Rocky Horror at [[v:House of Yes]] on Thursday, October 8. The iconic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” experience features performances that will keep you singing and dancing all night.
On October 23, prepare for a double whammy with the City Of Gods Halloween Festival 2026 at [[v:House of Yes]], kicking off at 9 PM. Afterward, follow it up with YOI TOKI (A FUTURE FUNK/VAPORWAVE HALLOWEEN) at [[v:Brooklyn Monarch]], a night that blends funk and vaporwave at 11 PM, ensuring your night is nothing short of magical.
The night of October 30 is packed with celebrations, including hABBAween at [[v:The Bell House]], an ABBA tribute concert at 8 PM, followed by Rocky Horror Picture Show - Play at [[v:Town Hall]], a theatrical twist on “The Rocky Horror Show” also at 8 PM. You can’t miss THE DEAD DANCE - HALLOWEEN PARTY at [[v:Brooklyn Monarch]] and Thriller: 80s Disco Halloween Night at [[v:Mercury Lounge]], both starting at 9 PM, promising dance-filled nights to round off the Halloween weekend.
Haunted Attractions and Scary Experiences
For those seeking spine-tingling experiences, NYC offers some eerie attractions.
A must-see is the Haunted History Double Feature: Cemetery Symbols + Graves of Gotham at [[v:Brooklyn Brainery]] on Thursday, October 8, where you’ll delve into Cemetery Symbols and the Graves of Gotham, starting at 7 PM. On Halloween, the The Black Lodge Ball: Halloween with Cinema Paradiso at [[v:The Red Pavilion]] transforms into a haunting place for The Black Lodge Ball at 6 PM, a psychedelic masquerade inspired by David Lynch.
Looking for a unique scare? Don’t miss Experiment in Terror: Horror Movie Soundtracks Live x Cinema Paradiso on Thursday, October 29, at [[v:The Red Pavilion]], where classic horror film music will take you through a live journey with chilling soundtracks from iconic films.
Family-Friendly Activities
Halloween isn’t just for adults! There are plenty of family-friendly events this season. On Saturday, October 31, head to Halloween Pet Portraits by Diana Ross-Gotta at [[v:Saturn Road]] for Halloween Pet Portraits starting at 2 PM. It’s an adorable way to celebrate the season with your furry friends.
For a fun-filled film experience, enjoy A Drinking Game NYC: The Nightmare Before Christmas at [[v:Bell House]], where a drinking game theme twists the classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas” into an interactive show at 7 PM, suitable for the whole family.
Film Screenings and Cultural Events
Film buffs will find a wealth of spooky screenings in New York this October. Notably, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) with Live Cello Score on Sunday, October 18, at [[v:Red Pavilion]] presents the classic 1922 silent film Nosferatu with a live cello score at 7:30 PM, an artistic take on a horror staple.
The theatrical Wunderkammer: A Taxidermy Showcase and Competition at [[v:Bell House]] on October 29 showcases a modern taxidermy competition that combines creativity and the creepy for an engaging night at 8 PM.
The Final Days of Halloween
As Halloween approaches its end, ensure your plans are filled with mystique. On November 1, join the fun during Kaiju Big Battel: Satan Sleeps Tonight at [[v:The Bell House]], featuring the well-loved Kaiju Big Battel, at 6 PM — a perfect capstone to your spooky season with outrageous monster battles.
From costume extravaganzas to intimate horror-themed events, Halloween in NYC 2026 promises to be unforgettable. Grab your friends and family, make your plans, and get ready to celebrate the spookiest month of the year in the city that never sleeps!