How to Spend This Fall Season in NYC: Haunted Houses, Eats, and Smooth Jazz Tunes 🎷🎃🍁

Crisp air, golden leaves, and nights that beg for a little extra sparkle? Fall is coming to New York and  whether you’re chasing jazz and burlesque above the skyline, savoring new restaurant debuts, or pumpkin-picking with friends, here’s your edit of the events worth penciling in. 


Sight Seeing Experience with Statue of Liberty Cruises all Fall Season

With the fall travel season in full swing, there’s no better time to experience two of New York’s most iconic landmarks — the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — with Statue City Cruises, the official ferry provider for the National Park Service. Autumn’s crisp air and brilliant foliage set the perfect backdrop for sailing from Liberty State Park, offering breathtaking views of Lady Liberty framed by the changing leaves. The season’s mild temperatures and smaller crowds make for an ideal sightseeing experience, whether you’re soaking in the skyline from the deck or exploring the historic grounds up close. It’s also a wonderful time for families — students returning to school can bring history lessons to life with an inspiring visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. For a dose of travel inspiration, follow @statuecruises on Instagram. Tickets can be booked exclusively at cityexperiences.com, via the City Experiences App, or in person at the box offices in Battery Park and Liberty State Park.



Carmine's and The American Immersion Theater Will Launch Their Halloween Show “Spirits" This Month

Carmine's and the American Immersion Theater are set to launch Spirits, a new Halloween show set in the 1920s that blends mystery, music, and masked performance. The immersive haunted experience written by Scott Cramton, transports guests to Lou Zar’s Speakeasy in 1927 to follow the rise and fall of Olive Thomas—an out-of-work jazz starlet who makes a deal with the devil—through a two-hour journey of vintage cocktails, live music, masked audience choices, desserts, a cash bar, and the guidance of the untrustworthy Mr. Scratch, leaving you to wonder by the end: are you truly alive, or are you a spirit?To mark the debut, they’re staging a one-night-only flash mob in Times Square on Saturday, October 4th at 8:30 PM, featuring 100 masked actors, a live band, and a dramatic transformation moment outside One Times Square.


Enjoy a Dazzling Evening at Elsie Rooftop with Salsa on the Rooftop on Fridays in September Through October

Elsie Rooftop (1412 Broadway), one of the city’s most stylish nightlife destinations pairing skyline views with cocktails, bites, and weekly themed entertainment transforms every Friday night for Salsa on the Rooftop! This high-energy celebration of music and dance runs from

8pm. until late. Guests can ease into the night with an optional VIP salsa lesson led by Valerie Levine before hitting the floor as live band Grupo Tahona brings the rhythm with classic salsa hits and Latin favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking for a lively night out, the atmosphere is welcoming and festive, with plenty of space to dance under the stars. Alongside the music, Elsie serves à la carte cocktails and shareable plates in a glamorous indoor-outdoor setting, with weekend hours stretching until 4 a.m. Upcoming dates for the fun include September 12th, 19th, and 26th along with October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th!

Find tickets for Salsa on the Rooftop here, https://tickets.elsierooftop.com/e/salsa-on-the-rooftop-latin-night-at-elsie-roofto-5

Elsie Rooftop Select Salsa Images Folder Courtesy of @RepBK



September Fun at Brooklyn Roots Collective: Charli XCX Hot Yoga, A Knot Okay Upcycled Fashion Event, and More!

Brooklyn Roots Collective (100 Scott Avenue) is hosting a strong mix of wellness, food, culture, and community-driven events. On Friday, September 19th from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, Wine Expert Preeti Hosts a Vegan Wine Tasting, guiding guests through what makes these wines vegan with a focus on production and filtration, all in a space that champions conscious living and connection. On Saturday, September 20th, wellness meets nightlife with Real Hot Yoga’s Yogalates Mixtape Series: Charli XCX vs Lorde, a high-energy class from 2 PM to 3 PM blending Pilates and yoga with music from both artists, followed by an afternoon of cocktails, vegan bites, yard games, thrift shopping, and football screenings across the Collective’s party-ready space. The month wraps up with the NYFW Upcycled Designer Showcase, presented by Brooklyn Roots Collective and the Knot Okay Club on Sunday, September 28th at 6 PM Brooklyn where guests can shop unique pieces from upcycled and slow fashion brands, see looks come to life on the runway, and dance into the night at the after party—with VIP early entry to shop starting at 4 PM. 

Courtesy of Richard Burrows


Perfect Pre-Theater Dining: Six Spots to Savor During Broadway Week Now Through 9/21

Broadway Week returns now through September 21st, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair world-class theater with an equally memorable meal. From rooftop dining with sweeping city views to intimate omakase counters, six standout restaurants near the Theater District are spotlighting pre-theater menus that deliver both flavor and convenience. Options include The Alderman’s $49 four-course prix-fixe showcasing New York–inspired dishes, Fushimi’s inventive Japanese fusion for $38.99, and Carnegie Diner & Cafe’s approachable two-course offering for $29.95 per person. For skyline views, Sushi Lab Rooftop provides a stylish omakase experience and features Chef’s Selection of 12 signature courses for $69, while The Chemistry Room at Sushi Lab offers a 15-course tasting for $100 for a more intimate evening. And, Altair invites diners to embark on a culinary journey inspired by celestial themes. The atmospheric restaurant offers a $55 three-course pre-theater menu featuring modern American fare. Haven Rooftop rounds out the list with a curated dinner prix-fixe menu ideal for a pre-show featuring a three-course experience for $65 per person. Whether guests are heading to Six or another Broadway favorite, these 6 dining destinations promise to set the stage for an unforgettable night. More information can be found here

Altair


Raise a Stein: Clinton Hall Celebrates Oktoberfest Beginning on 9/20

Clinton Hall is going all out for Oktoberfest this year beginning on September 20th. Guests can enjoy festive food and drinks from a special Oktoberfest menu at all four Clinton Hall locations, 36th Street (16 W. 36th Street), E. 51st Street (230 E. 51st) and Bronx (601 E. 189th St.), through the end of October. Themed games and contests like Pretzel Toss, Beer Pong with Steins, an Ice Cold Grab Bag with hidden prizes inside and of course, Clinton Hall's annual Stein-Hoisting Contest, will take place at Clinton Hall's FiDi location (90 Washington Street) on September 20th, September 27th, and October 4th. The atmosphere will be fueled by Oktoberfest-themed music, while Clinton Hall's menu delivers oversized fun with sausages, jumbo pretzels, schnitzel sliders, wurst tots, and the Wurst Oktoberfest Platter, plus favorites like Wagyu Dogs,a German Burger and Apple Strudel Spring Rolls. Guests looking for a challenge can take on Clinton Hall’s Oktoberfest Food Challenge, with plenty of photo-worthy moments to capture—from giant pretzels and wurst platters, to stein-hoisting triumphs.


Richie Nuzz Brings Velvet Vocals to Jazz Night & Burlesque at Elsie Rooftop Starting 9/24

Experience a night of glamour and allure high above the city at Elsie Rooftop (1412 Broadway) a sophisticated all-season oasis located 25 stories above Midtown Manhattan, steps from Bryant Park, where Neo Crooner Richie Nuzz takes the stage for weekly Wednesday Jazz & Burlesque Nights beginning September 24th at 9 PM. With velvet vocals and a magnetic presence, Richie blends the timeless romance of jazz with a seductive modern energy. Rooted in the timeless charm of jazz legends like Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Nat King Cole, but elevated with the emotion of modern R&B and the pull of pop, Richie brings a sleek, genre-blending sound that feels both nostalgic and next-gen. With a voice like honey and an ear for mood, his music is made for midnight drives, slow dances, and moments that linger. From ballads that stir the heart to high-voltage performances that light up the room, every set is a fusion of sophistication and passion—where each note feels like champagne in the air. Paired with captivating burlesque performances and the chic rooftop ambiance of Elsie, Wednesday nights become a celebration of music, style, and spectacle. For more information and the rsvp visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/velvet-brass-elsie-rooftop-tickets-1661401208739 


Fornino Brings Its Beloved Pizza to the Newly Opened Time Out Market Location in Union Square on 9/26

Fornino (124 East 14th Street inside Zero Irving) known for igniting New York’s artisanal pizza movement, will be part of the much-anticipated Time Out Market New York, Union Square location, officially opening this September. Fornino, which already has three Brooklyn locations including its flagship in Greenpoint, a seasonal outpost at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, and a permanent rooftop at Time Out Market New York joins a lineup of standout vendors bringing their signature flavors to the Market, marking an exciting new chapter for both Union Square and one of New York’s most beloved pizza institutions. Visitors can enjoy a curated menu from Chef Michael Ayoub featuring fresh salads like the kale with beets, apple, and pistachio, hearty sandwiches such as Alice’s chicken parmesan, and pizzas ranging from the classic Margherita to the Funghi Misti with mushrooms and white truffle oil plus luxurious dessert like tiramisu and a selection of Italian sodas.

For more information visit, https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-union-square


​Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Greg’s Great Pumpkin Patch Beginning on 9/27

Greg's Great Pumpkin Patch will transform Greenwood Park Beer Garden (555 7th Ave.) into a festive fall destination from September 27th through October 31st with fun for the whole family. Pick from a massive selection of pumpkins, fancy gourds, and tons of Halloween decor. There will be a special child-friendly and adult pumpkin painting available, along with Instagrammable photo opportunities throughout, hay bales, corn stalks, painted pumpkins for sale, along with fall mums. Find more information by visiting Greg's Trees


Discover the Whites of the Ionian: Greek Wine Classes at Nerina Beginning on 9/27

Nerina (35 Commercial Street) will host Greek Wine Classes beginning on Friday, September 27th, with additional dates on October 3rd and October 10th, all starting at 5:30pm. The series offers a deep dive into the crisp whites of the Ionian islands—wines that taste like sea air, rocky cliffs, and endless sunshine. From Robola of Kefalonia to hidden gems of Zakynthos, these bottles are sun-drenched, sea-kissed, and wildly expressive. Each class includes pours of hand-selected wines such as Kakotrygis (Nicoluzo, Corfu), Robola (Sclavos “Lacomatia,” Kefalonia), and Zakinthino (Petrakopoulos “Gold,” Kefalonia), paired with a Greek cheese plate and stories from Greece’s ancient winemaking tradition. Classes will be held on Nerina’s outdoor patio (weather permitting) or indoors, are priced at $35 per person, and reservations can be made through Nerina's Resy page or nerainyc.com


Fall Restaurant Openings to Check Out in NYC Including The C Cafe, Carnegie Diner & Cafe, Isla & Co, Park Rose and Dear Margo

This fall welcomes a quad of exciting new restaurant openings across the city, each bringing a distinct culinary perspective. In the West Village, The C Café (552 Hudson Street) will open September 17th as a Parisian-inspired café by day and a chic wine bar by night, serving crêpes, Champagne and elegant charcuterie boards alongside wine flights and spritzes. Carnegie Diner & Cafe, the fast-growing Modern American Diner from Carnegie Hospitality, will debut a new location this September at 1185 Avenue of the Americas in New York City’s Diamond District. Joining the brand’s existing outposts in Midtown Manhattan, the Theater District, Secaucus, and Vienna, VA, the Diamond District opening continues the diner’s expansion in Midtown. True to its signature style, the new location will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week with a menu from Chef & Owner Stathis Antonakopoulos featuring all-day breakfast favorites, oversized salads, burgers, sandwiches, plant-based options, pastas, and indulgent desserts like the 24-layer chocolate cake. Isla & Co. (66 Grand St.) is set to open in Williamsburg this September, pairing Australian-inspired brunch and dinner favorites with craft cocktails, specialty coffee, and natural wines in a relaxed yet stylish setting. Diners can enjoy Australian style cooking with creative brunch dishes and a seasonally driven dinner menu featuring excellent cuts of meat paired with bright flavors alongside vegetable focused dishes. Meanwhile, in Nomad, Park Rose (444 Park Avenue South) will debut inside Hotel Park Ave in mid-October, offering tableside vermouth service and a menu that blends wood-fired New-American Italian fare with gorgeous art deco interiors, featuring housemade pasta including a seasonally-special pumpkin ravioli, a can’t miss meatball sub and Rome-style pizzas from Renwick Hospitality Group (the team behind Lindens, Foxtail, Altair, The Alderman and ART Rooftops). Uptown, Dear Margo (961 Lexington Avenue) will open on the Upper East Side in late October. Expect a casually cozy Mediterranean retreat featuring shareable mezze plates, grilled skewers, and more. 

Park Rose Table Spread Courtesy Nicholas Ruiz


Get Spooked at BloodManor Opening 10/3 Through 11/8

BloodManor (359 Broadway), New York City’s premier haunted attraction is thrilled to celebrate over two decades of spine-chilling scares and thrilling entertainment. As pioneers of the haunted house experience, BloodManor has become a Halloween season staple in NYC, delighting and terrifying millions of visitors over the years. This year promises an unprecedented level of horror and excitement, spanning three new rooms, all-new costumes from Abracadabra, NYC’s ultimate Halloween store, and a terrifyingly talented team of trained actors, set designers, make-up artists and more. For the first time Blood Manor is now offering a new ticketed experience where guests can sign a waiver, get suited up in makeup and costume, and join the cast to scare visitors for an hour complete with admission to the haunted attraction itself. Experience horrifying attractions, mind-bending theatrics and bone-chilling surprises, ensuring a night of terror unlike any other. BloodManor's infamous, hair-raising attractions will return, revamped and amplified to intensify the fear factor year after year. Visitors will confront their deepest fears as they journey through dark, sinister corridors filled with twisted characters and scares at every turn. Incorporating state-of-the-art special effects, BloodManor brings unparalleled realism to the haunting experience, immersing visitors in a nightmare that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Each attraction within the house is based on carefully crafted, original storylines, transporting visitors into eerie and macabre worlds. From cursed mansions, to abandoned asylums, every theme promises to invoke terror and adrenaline. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online at www.BloodManor.com or at the door. You can also follow @bloodmanornyc for real-time information, images, videos, and more. 


The 15th Annual Taste of Sunnyside Returns on 10/12 with Over 65 Participating Vendors

Taste of Sunnyside will return to Queens for its 15th year on Sunday, October 12th, featuring local restaurants and a block party on 46th Street between Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. This annual neighborhood fest will include live music, a local artists exhibition, family-friendly activities, and the opportunity to walk around the community while sampling bites throughout from more than 60 top eateries in Sunnyside. The Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District produces this annual event to showcase the diverse culinary destination they call home and to encourage locals and visitors to discover local restaurants. Tickets are priced at $55 and can be purchased by visiting https://www.tasteofsunnyside.com/ 


Experience Eros Unbound: Erotic Readings + Confessions at The Red Pavilion on 10/23

Step into the sultry, Asian Neo-Noir cabaret world of The Red Pavilion (1241 Flushing Ave., Bushwick) on Thursday, October 23rd, for an extraordinary edition of Eros Unbound: Erotic Readings + Confessions. For one night only, witness a lineup of creatives share their own original erotic stories—an intimate performance not to be missed. Guests are invited to surrender to an evening of seductive storytelling, immersive soundscapes, and interactive writing prompts designed to spark creativity and awaken desire. From whispered confessions to handwritten love notes, the audience becomes part of the experience, weaving their own passion into the night’s tapestry. Running from 8:45 PM –11:00 PM, this daring event promises a rare and unforgettable celebration of sensuality, artistry, and connection. For more information and to purchase tickets visit, https://www.viewcy.com/event/eros_unbound_erotic_12 


Singles and Their Besties can Attend Pitch & Pair NYC at Slate on 10/24

Got a single friend who’s a total catch? During Pitch & Pair NYC, you finally get the chance to play matchmaker! On Friday, October 24th, Slate (54 W 21st St, Chelsea) will host an epic singles event from 6:30 PM to 9 PM where friends take the stage to pitch their single besties in 3–5 minute presentations packed with charm, quirks, and laughs. Whether you’re presenting or just watching, you’ll mingle with NYC’s most eligible singles, enjoy Q&A sessions after each pitch, and maybe even spark the next great love story. Recently featured in the New York Post, Glamour Magazine, and NBC News, this 21+ event flips traditional dating on its head with no awkward speed dating or endless swiping, just genuine connections in a fun, interactive setting. Spots are limited, so grab your ticket now and get ready for a night of laughter, mingling, and potential romance. Tickets priced at $20 to attend or $50 if you’d like to step into the role of “love doctor” can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/powerpoint-meets-romance-pitch-your-friend-to-a-room-of-singles-tickets-1576657417779?aff=oddtdtcreator 


Head to Neo-Noir Nightclub The Red Pavilion on Halloween to Delight in the Frightful Sounds of The Black Lodge Ball: Halloween with Cinema Paradiso

This Halloween The Red Pavilion transforms into a portal both wonderful and strange for The Black Lodge Ball: Halloween with Cinema Paradiso. Step into a haunting masquerade of psychedelic soundscapes, cosmic horror, and smoky jazz noir on Friday, October 31st from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. The evening features house band Cinema Paradiso, conjuring live performances of music from the surreal worlds of David Lynch—including Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and Lost Highway—alongside iconic scores from cult horror classics by Hitchcock, Argento, Tarantino, Carpenter, Burton, and more. The show begins at 7:30 PM and walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to RSVP visit, https://www.viewcy.com/checkout/the_black_lodge_ball?event=538fa90f-e40b-4bd3-8adc-8feb75850914&ticketType=in-person 





Celebrate Halloween with The Rocky Horror Show Live! at Ellen’s Stardust Diner 10/31 - 11/1

This Halloweekend, the diner is pulling out the fishnets and transforming into the ultimate midnight musical extravaganza with The Rocky Horror Show: Live! at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, happening Halloween Night, Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1, 2025. This after-dark event is for ages 18+, with doors opening at 11 p.m. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for two nights only, the diner will transform into an immersive performance space for a full-scale, live production of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical, The Rocky Horror Show. Featuring the vocal and theatrical talents of the Stardusters, this late-night staging offers audiences an up-close, high-energy interpretation of the beloved rock musical in a truly one-of-a-kind venue. Unlike traditional shadow cast screenings, this is a complete, fully rehearsed stage production, performed live with all the iconic songs, outrageous characters, and audience interaction that make Rocky Horror a cultural phenomenon. Creatures of the night can sink their teeth into Frank-N-Furters (hot dogs), munch on popcorn, candy, and chips with salsa, guac, and queso. Guests can also enjoy the festive Rocky Horror Milkshake, made with a vanilla ice cream base and infused with flavors of Granny Smith apple and caramel, topped with whipped cream, Halloween sprinkles, and Rocky Horror-inspired decorations like a ring pop, candy pumpkin, gummy eyeball, and more. The shake is available for $22, with the option for a boozy upgrade for adults 21+ looking to toast to Dr. Frank-N-Furter himself and will be offered at the diner throughout the entire month of October. 




Visit The Haunted Library at Arlo NoMad on Halloween Night!

This Halloween, Arlo NoMad invites guests to step into the shadows of its Haunted Library, a dark academia–inspired experience taking over the hotel’s second-level studios, bar, and terrace on Friday, October 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed as their favorite storybook characters and explore three immersive spaces filled with chilling delights, including Trinity Readings by Ruby Jade Rituals (astrology, numerology, and tarot), guided spirit tastings with Bulleit Bourbon and Astral Tequila, hauntingly good bites from NoMad Diner, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. A live DJ will set the mood on the terrace, where partygoers can channel their inner Wednesday Addams on the dance floor. Tickets are $60.10 and include a complimentary Diageo welcome cocktail, premium spirit sampling, light bites, and a spine-tingling night of darkly elegant fun.

Tickets: HERE

Haunted Library at Arlo NoMad


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