Autumn in New York City is a season of vibrant foliage, crisp air, and a calendar packed with cultural events and outdoor activities. From the soaring sounds of classical music to the captivating stories told on Broadway, the city offers an array of experiences that celebrate the changing season.
Whether an art enthusiast or looking for harvest-themed fun, 305 West End Assisted Living has cultivated a comprehensive guide to can’t-miss autumn activities in Manhattan.
Top Things to See and Do This Fall in New York City
Classical Music
The classical music scene in NYC flourishes as fall strikes up the band. Take a seat at the legendary Carnegie Hall or the Lincoln Center for world-class performances. The New York Philharmonic opens its season with stirring symphonies and guest soloists from around the globe. Don't miss the chance to witness the grand operas at The Metropolitan Opera House, where powerful voices and orchestral sounds fill the air.
Check out what’s on the schedule this fall:
- Sept 12-15: Michael Tilson Thomas and Emanuel Ax - Wu Tsai Theater
- Sept. 23 - Oct. 19: Grounded - Metropolitan Opera House
- Sept. 25 - Jan. 23: Tosca - Metropolitan Opera House
- Sept. 28: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Garrick Ohlsson, Piano - Carnegie Hall
- Oct 10 & 13: Mendelssohn, Schoenberg, & Matthias Pintscher - Wu Tsai Theater
- Oct. 15: Haydn’s Surprise - Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall
- Oct. 16: Sphinx Virtuosi - Carnegie Hall
- Oct. 22: María Dueñas, Violin, and Alexander Malofeev, Piano - Carnegie Hall
Theatre
Broadway and beyond light up with premieres and long-running hits each fall. Catch the latest Tony Award-winning sensations or discover an off-Broadway gem that captures the spirit of the city. Small independent theaters scattered throughout the five boroughs also offer intimate performances that range from classic revivals to innovative new works.
Explore the current productions:
- Wicked - Gershwin Theatre
- Hamilton - Richard Rodgers Theatre
- Aladdin - New Amsterdam Theatre
- The Great Gatsby - Broadway Theatre
- Once Upon a Mattress - Hudson Theatre
- Little Shop of Horrors - Westside Theatre
- From Here - Pershing Square Signature Center
- Titanique - Daryl Roth Theatre
- The Play That Goes Wrong - New World Stages
- Someone Spectacular - The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center
Art
As the leaves turn, so do the exhibits at New York's renowned museums and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art reveal new collections and retrospectives that span the globe and the centuries. Enjoy contemporary installations at the Whitney or explore the rich cultural offerings at the Brooklyn Museum.
Discover unique art exhibits:
- Through Oct. 20: Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co. and Lineages: Korean Art at The Met - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Through Sept. 8: Alex Katz: Seasons - Museum of Modern Art
- Through Aug. 31: Music at MoMA: Summer Sounds - live music and DJs in the Sculpture Garden - Museum of Modern Art
- Through Sept. 7: LaToya Ruby Frazier - Museum of Modern Art
- Through Dec. 2024: Wanda Gág’s World - Whitney Museum of American Art
- Through Oct. 1: Nico Williams: Aaniin, I See Your Light - Brooklyn Museum
Dance
Experience the grace and athleticism of dance in many forms, from the timeless productions of the New York City Ballet to modern dance showcases at The Joyce Theater. Innovative spaces like BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) often present avant-garde performances that push the boundaries of movement and storytelling.
Enjoy the following performances:
- Sept. 17, 18, 20, 21, 26: Masters at Work - New York City Ballet
- Sept. 25, Oct. 1, 2, 4, 8, 10: Balanchine + Ratmansky - New York City Ballet
- Sept. 25-29: BalletX - The Joyce Theater
- Oct. 1-6: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company - The Joyce Theater
- Oct. 30 - Nov. 2: Still/Here - Brooklyn Academy of Music
- Nov. 8-9: Frontera - Brooklyn Academy of Music
Contemporary Music
New York's music scene hums with every genre imaginable. Large venues like Madison Square Garden host headlining tours, while more intimate spots such as the Bowery Ballroom or the Music Hall of Williamsburg offer a chance to see up-and-coming artists. Jazz clubs, like the Blue Note and Village Vanguard, provide warm respite with cool tunes on autumn nights.
Tune in to these artists:
- Sept. 12: Hans Zimmer - Madison Square Garden
- Sept. 29: John Craigie - Bowery Ballroom
- Nov. 17: Haley Heynderickx - Music Hall of Williamsburg
- Aug. 30 - Sept. 1: The Black Radio Experience - Blue Note
- Aug. 20-25: Bill Frisell Five - Village Vanguard
Movies
With the New York Film Festival taking place in the fall, cinephiles flock to screenings of Oscar hopefuls and indie darlings. Neighborhood cinemas feature curated selections, including foreign, classic, and art-house films. Enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor movie night in one of the city's many parks before the winter chill sets in.
Get a sneak peek of these top films and popular movies:
- Sept. 27 - Oct. 13: New York Film Festival
- Nickel Boys - RaMell Ross, U.S.
- The Room Next Door - Pedro Almodóvar, Spain
- Blitz - Steve McQueen, U.K.
- Aug. 1 - Sept. 19: Movies Under the Stars
- Aug. 23: IF
- Aug. 30: Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny
- Aug. 30: Wish
- Sept. 4: The Great Gatsby
- Sept. 6: Much Ado About Nothing
Apple and Pumpkin Picking
For a delightful day trip, escape the city and head to the countryside for a quintessential fall experience. Farms near NYC, such as Fishkill Farms and Hank’s Pumpkintown, offer apple picking amid scenic landscapes. Harvest pumpkins to carve or cook, and enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and fresh cider donuts.
Check farm websites for visiting hours and festivities schedules:
Sept-Oct:
- Fishkill Farms - 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell JCT, NY 12533
- Hank’s Pumpkintown - 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
- Milk Pail - 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, NY 11976
- Apple Ridge Orchards - 101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY 10990
- Greig Farm - 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571
Embrace the Fall Season of Cultural and Harvest-Themed Fun
These are just a few ways to embrace the fall season in New York City. With such a rich tapestry of cultural and recreational activities available, there's something to fulfill everyone's autumnal desires.
Plan ahead to secure tickets to performances and special events, and remember to dress in layers to comfortably adapt to the city's unpredictable fall weather. Enjoy every moment of the season's enchanting offerings in the city that never sleeps!
Interested in Finding More Things to Do in the Area?
Explore our blog on the best day trips from New York City. From the historic sites in Philadelphia to the scenic lighthouse and state parks in Montauk, there’s something for everyone.
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