Five October Dates You Need To Know In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — As the air chills, leaves change color and candy fills more drugstore aisles, it's clear October is near. But Halloween isn't the only important day in the first full month of fall.

With city elections and a major Hindu holiday approaching, there's plenty to put on your calendar for the next month. Here are five days not to miss.

(For more news about your NYC neighborhood, subscribe to Patch to get a daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.)

Monday, Oct. 9 — Columbus Day

This federally recognized holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in North America on Oct. 12, 1492. In the U.S., it's also become a celebration of Italian-American heritage. New York City is home to the world's largest Columbus Day parade, sponsored by the Columbus Citizens Foundation. This year's march down Fifth Avenue, led by grand marshal and Barnes & Noble Chairman Leonard Riggio, is expected to draw more than a million spectators.

Celebrations have met protests in recent years with a push to rename the day Indigenous People's Day in recognition of the native people Columbus and his crew killed on the island of Hispanola. Hundreds of protesters gathered on Randalls Island during last year's parade, the New York Daily News reported then. The city to considering taking down the statue of the explorer at Columbus Circle because it is a possible "symbol of hate."

• The Columbus Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. and proceeds up Fifth Avenue from 47th Street to 72nd Street. Performances will be held between 67th and 69th streets.
• City schools and government buildings are closed.
• Alternate side parking rules are suspended.

Friday, Oct. 13 — Voter Registration Deadline

This is the last day to register to vote in New York City's general election on Nov. 7. At stake this year are the mayor's, comptroller's and public advocate's offices, as well as 41 City Council seats. Also on the ballot will be a question asking voters whether to hold a state constitutional convention. New Yorkers must decide whether to hold a convention to amend the constitution every 20 years.

• You can register to vote in person, by mail or online at the city Board of Elections website.
• Schools and government buildings are open on this day.
• Alternate side parking rules are in effect.

Thursday, Oct. 19 — Diwali

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditional celebrations include bright, colorful lamp displays and explosive fireworks shows to conclude a five-day period of observance. Millions of people celebrate Diwali in India, but the largest celebration outside that country is Diwali at Times Square. The free extravaganza, held a little early this year on Saturday, Oct. 7, will feature celebrity performances, a lamp-lighting display and a digital fireworks show.

• City schools and government buildings are open on Diwali.
• Alternate side parking rules are suspended.

Tuesday, Oct. 24 — United Nations Day

This day, marked around the world since 1948, commemorates the date the United Nations charter officially took effect in 1945. The 193-member international body sponsors events around the world to celebrate, including film screenings, rallies and art exhibits, according to the UN Day website. Among them is a concert at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with the theme "Freedom First," featuring performances by the Hungarian State Opera.

• The concert starts at 7 p.m. at the UN General Assembly Hall at the body's East Midtown complex.
• Schools and government buildings are open on this day.
• Alternate side parking rules are in effect.

Tuesday, Oct. 31 — Halloween

Ready to get spooky? Trick-or-treaters will take to the streets in costume across the city — as will the thousands of revelers in the 44th annual Village Halloween Parade. The macabre march features extravagant costumes floats, giant puppets and musicians. You have to be in costume to march, but anyone can watch.

• The Village Halloween Parade starts at 7 p.m. and proceeds up Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street. It will end at about 11 p.m.
• Schools and government buildings are open on this day.
• Alternate side parking rules are in effect.

(Lead image via Pixabay)