2025 New York City Fall Fun Guide: Oktoberfest, Light Trails, A Corn Maze, And More

NEW YORK CITY — The autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, signals the official arrival of fall, but the season is already in full swing in New York City with fun, autumnal events.

Sunny days and crisp evenings are perfect for outdoor fun. Some can’t-miss events in New York City are the corn maze at the Queens County Farm Museum, the Tim Burton-themed light trail at the New York Botanical Garden, food festivals, and more.

But that’s just the beginning of fun activities taking place over the next couple of months.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Below, find the 2025 Patch guide to fall fun in New York City:

The Feast of San Gennaro

• What: The Feast of San Gennaro is an 11-day celebration honoring the patron saint of Naples and the neighborhood's Italian heritage. What began in 1926 as a one-day block party thrown by Neapolitan immigrants on Mulberry Street has grown into a world-famous festival spanning 11 blocks, filled with Italian food, music, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
• Where: Mulberry Street between Canal Street and Houston Street.
• When: Sept. 11-Sept. 21

Queens Night Market

• What: The Queens Night Market is a large, family-friendly open-air night market featuring more than 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring live music and art.
• Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens, NY, 11368
• When: Sept. 13- Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to midnight every Saturday

Nightfall at Green-Wood Cemetery

• What: Nightfall returns to Green-Wood Cemetery, transforming its historic pathways into a stage for circus acts, candlelit storytelling, cinematic projections, and music. This year’s event is hosted by the drag queen opera singer Creatine Price, with surprise encounters from Greedy Peasant and Sister Cecilia’s lively troupe.
• When: Oct. 16-17
• Where: Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th St. and 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11232

Oktoberfest

• What: Go to Munich without leaving Manhattan! Oktoberfest celebrates all things Germany with authentic beers and oversized steins, brats and giant pretzels.
• Where: Watermark Waterfront Bar, Pier 15, 78 South St., New York, NY 10038
• When: Sept. 12-Oct. 26

Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze

• What: Get lost in adventure at New York City’s only corn maze! Your journey starts with a “Stalk Talk” before you set out to hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and navigate your way to Victory Bridge—where a sweeping view of the 3-acre maze awaits. The question is: how long will it take you to conquer the towering corn?
• Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004
• When: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 6-Oct. 26

Harvest Glow at the Bronx Zoo

• What: Harvest Glow is the Bronx Zoo’s reimagined, family-friendly Halloween spectacular. This fall, experience the magic of an illuminated animal-themed Jack O’ Lantern trail, journey through Dinosaur Safari after dark, and enjoy live pumpkin carving, Wildlife Theater, brand-new games, and more.
• Where: The Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460
• When: Thursdays through Sundays, Sept. 25-Oct. 31

Disney Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Light Trail

• What: Step into a moonlit wonderland as Disney Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Light Trail returns to the New York Botanical Garden. Fans can wander through illuminated scenes from the beloved film, featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and more — with expanded displays, themed treats, and spooky-fun merchandise.
• Where: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458
• When: Wednesdays through Sundays, Sept. 25 through Nov. 30

Have an event to add to the Patch calendar? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.