Autumn in New York City
Whether you are leaf-peeping on the High Line or enjoying seasonal treats at local cafés, autumn in the Big Apple, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. Catch new cultural seasons, Broadway shows and the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. Among the big names, you’ll find new seasons for the Met Opera, Carnegie Hall and New York Philharmonic, in addition to the kickoff of the Brooklyn Museum’s bicentennial this fall.
The Metropolitan Opera
Attracting all opera, performing arts, and architecture enthusiasts, The Metropolitan Opera performance season is back for 2025–2026. The Met Opera performs six days a week from September through May in the heart of New York’s Lincoln Center. Experience the world’s greatest singers on the world’s greatest stage, or take a backstage tour of the scenic stage and rehearsal rooms with the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Step outside Manhattan and capture incredible leaf-peeping moments with a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Enjoy the vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red as autumn transforms this urban oasis into one of New York’s most photogenic escapes.
American Museum of Natural History
Come face to face with dinosaurs at one of the city’s most beloved museums. The American Museum of Natural History offers an unforgettable experience—see real Night at the Museum exhibits and stand beneath the awe-inspiring 94-foot blue whale. It’s a must for families, science lovers, and anyone looking to reconnect with their sense of wonder.
Central Park Pickleball
Players of the nation’s fastest-growing new sport has opened 14 courts for daily play in Central Park’s Wollman Rink (open play sessions between 8am and 9pm daily).
The Met: Roof Garden Commission
Witness sweeping views of Central Park, with this year’s Roof Garden commission at The Met, a sprawling 3-D sculptural installation, and enjoy drinks on the Met’s rooftop garden bar. Visit before the Met Rooftop closes on October 19, 2025 for renovation.
American Ballet Theatre
The Fall Season is here at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center and features programs including Sleeping Beauty Act 3, Rodeo, Push Comes to shove, and more (October 15- November 1, 2025).
Friday Evenings at The Whitney Museum
Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music and city views at The Whitney Museum’s Free Friday Nights from 5-10pm. Friday nights this summer include live music and performances throughout the museum provided by Public Records.
Fall-O-Ween at New York Botanical Garden
Escape to NYC’s Fall-O-Ween headquarters at the New York Botanical Garden. Stroll through fields of fall flowers and pumpkins of all sizes and experience magical evening light trails for all ages. Experience the perfect fall getaway, whether it’s for a romantic weekend or family fun.
Poster House Fall Exhibits
Immerse yourself in artistic heritage at Poster House’. The fall exhibition, Blazing A Trail: Dorothy Waugh’s National Parks Posters showcases bold, modernist visions of America’s great outdoors. For a playful touch, join their Halloween Mask Printing workshop on Friday, Oct 17, 2025 for an engaging experience for both design lovers and families alike.
Banksy Museum
Explore 15,000 square feet worth of Banksy’s artwork. Discover the genius of Banksy with the largest collection in the world of Banksy’s life-size recreations and stunning installations at The Banksy Museum.
NYC’s Farmers Markets
As fall hits, there are probably a few things you start craving – like apple cider donuts. Stock up on all things apple this fall at NYC’s open-air markets.
Leaf-Peeping in Central Park
Take a stroll in the park in the crisp cool air and enjoy some of the brilliant colors of fall. Start at the Conservatory Water, near the entrance at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street, then continue to the 38-acre Ramble in the middle of the park and then trek to the North Woods for a nice rustic landscape and end at the Great Hill for some majestic red, yellow and orange leaves.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from New York City. The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, marching bands, Broadway performances and celebs return for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 8:30AM.
