The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Astoria
There’s nothing quite like New York City in the fall. Our neighborhood especially really starts to shine once that crisp autumn air hits. Morning walks through Astoria Park with a coffee in hand, nights spent sipping pumpkin beers or boozy mulled cider with friends at your favorite local spot—things just feel a bit more special and a lot cozier this time of year. Best of all, this season is packed with events, activities, and excuses to get outside now that leaving your apartment doesn’t feel like stepping into an unbearably humid sauna before instantly dissolving into a puddle of sweat. That’s why we’ve put together this curated guide to help you get the most out of the amazing things that Queens has to offer this month. So throw on a sweater and start planning your ultimate fall bucket list right now.
Cityside Pumpkin Patch
Though you might not equate autumnal pumpkin patches with NYC rooftops, Cityside Pumpkin Patch is proof that you don’t need to travel outside of the city to enjoy some fall fun. Thanks to Cityside, you can visit a fully operational pumpkin patch right here in Queens, because they’ve transformed the rooftop of LIC’s The Summer Club into the ultimate fall destination. Complete with carnival games, spooky photo activations, fall-themed food and cocktails, and a ton of locally sourced pumpkins for you to take home, Cityside truly has something for everyone. The patch is running from October 3rd through November 2nd, and tickets are on sale now. For those who love fall but have a hard time leaving the city, this is an activity you won’t want to miss.
8-08 Queens Plaza S I October 3rd-November 2nd I @citysidepumpkinpatch I citysidepumpkinpatch.com
Halloween Harvest Festival
Astoria is home to so many incredible Halloween-themed events in October, but the Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park may just be at the top of the list. Taking place on Saturday, October 25th, from 12 pm to 5 pm, this festival is community-driven and fun for the whole family. The afternoon includes pumpkin decorating, art-making workshops, local food vendors, and even New York’s second-largest dog costume contest in collaboration with Chateau le Woof. You would have a tough time finding a free-to-attend event with more to offer than the Harvest Festival this October.
32-01 Vernon Blvd I October 25th I @socratespark I socratessculpturepark.org
Scary Movie Screenings With Astoria Horror Club
If you’re someone who knows that the best way to watch a scary movie is with a crowd, then Astoria Horror Club has you covered this October. They are screening a different horror movie at Heart of Gold every Monday throughout the month. On the 6th, they’ll be showing the 1985 Italian film, Demons. After that, they’re screening the modern body-horror classic, Saw. Then, on the 20th, Trick ‘r Treat. And, finally, on the 27th, they will be showing Halloween: Resurrection. But these four screenings aren’t the only things the club has lined up for the month. On October 8th, they are collaborating with Zero Vision Cinema to screen A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night at Singlecut, hosted by filmmaker Kevin V. Doan. For fans of scary movies, any of these events should be on your to-do list this month.
37-14 31st Ave I October 6th, 8th, 13th, 20th, 27th I @astoriahorrorclub I zerovisioncinema.com
Murder Mystery Party at QED
On October 28th, QED is inviting Astorians to enjoy a night of suspense, thrills, and madness with Terror in Transylvania, an interactive murder mystery party. Guests are encouraged to dress up, and if you wish to attend, there are 20 main characters who factor into the game that you could possibly portray. Tickets are on sale now, and there will be a live character pull at Ladies First Astoria’s monthly happy hour on October 9th, and then another meeting at Mosaic on the 13th to hand out character information to those who cannot attend the happy hour. Once the 28th arrives, the goal of the night will be to unravel the mystery, but there will, of course, be food and drink available as well. For anyone looking to try something different and meet new people this month, this is the event for you.
27-16 23rd Ave I October 28th I qedastoria.com
Ditmars Boulevard Halloween Parade and Block Party
The 4th annual Ditmars Boulevard Halloween Parade and Block Party will assuredly be one of the most festive events of the fall season. With community organizations and local businesses joining in to support the fun, this truly is one of the most inclusive and Astoria-centric events on the list. Folks of all ages should show out and parents should bring their kids, as there will be live music, costume contests, spooky activities, art workshops, and more. Be sure to mark this one down on your calendar.
Ditmars Blvd I October 25th I @ditmarsblvd
Astoria Farmers Market
One of the best aspects of living in Astoria in 2025 has been the addition of the monthly farmers market. Debuting back in May, the market that pops up on 31st Ave on the second Sunday of every month is already considered a beloved neighborhood staple by many local residents. With over 20 vendors coming from Queens, Long Island, and Hudson Valley, there is a ton of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal goods, and more to browse. Stop by on October 12th and stock up on some ingredients for your next cozy, autumnal, home-cooked meal.
31st Ave I October 12th I astoriafarmersmarket.com
Central Astoria’s Diwali Celebration
On October 20th, Central Astoria LDC will be hosting a free-to-attend Diwali celebration at Playground Thirty-Five, which is on the corner of Steinway and 35th Ave. It will be a vibrant community gathering that honors Astoria’s diversity, and all are welcome to join. From 12 pm to 2 pm, attendees will be invited to decorate rangolis, make and take diyas, and learn about the traditions and customs of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
40-16 35th Ave I October 20th I centralastoria.org
Cozy Date Night at Astoria Bookshop
For those who associate October more with coziness and romance than spooks and scares, Astoria Bookshop has one of the best deals in the neighborhood. The beloved shop offers $100 date night packages, which include an hour and a half of private after-hours browsing time, a table for two, a bookstore scavenger hunt, and a $30 gift card to the shop. Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks, and even send in a Spotify playlist in advance. For avid readers who love the comfort and aesthetic of a bookstore, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to have one all to yourselves—and there is no better time of year to do it than the fall.
36-19 30th St I astoriabookshop.com
Mostly Good Studios Pumpkin Painting and October Art Classes
If you’re a parent looking for a creative outlet for your young children this October, Mostly Good Studios has you covered. On Saturday, October 25th, the studio is hosting a pumpkin painting class for children 6 and up. Each child and guardian will receive two pumpkins to decorate together, alongside a teacher. That’s not all, though. If your little one is particularly artistic, you should take advantage of Mostly Good’s Mostly Littles October Class Pass. The pass comes with two tickets to all Mostly Littles October classes, including the pumpkin painting as well as a magical monster ceramics class, a thumbprint animal drawing class, and a ghost puppet marionette class.
October 25th I @mostlygoodstudios I mostlygoodstudios.com
Boroughs of the Dead Haunted History Tour
History buffs, thrill seekers, and fans of urban legends looking for something to do this month should look no further than the “Haunting Histories and Legends of Astoria” tour, put on by Boroughs of the Dead. It’s a two-hour stroll that visits lesser-known historical sites and explores the shadowy and more unsettling aspects of our neighborhood’s past. It’s the perfect activity for anyone who loves a good ghost story. Those interested can purchase tickets to one of their three scheduled October tours for $35.
October 11th, 18th, 31st I @boroughsofthedead I boroughsofthedead.com
Trunk-or-Treat at Culture Lab LIC
On October 25th, Culture Lab LIC is transforming its outdoor lot into a festive “Trunk-or-Treat” celebration for kids and families. Outside of all the candy, the lot will feature magic shows, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and more. A community-minded event, there will also be a marketplace made up of goods, treats, and crafts from local vendors. And since all of the festival’s proceeds go to Make-A-Wish, it’s the perfect way to have some fun while giving back this October.
5-25 46th Ave I October 25th I GET TICKETS HERE I culturelablic.com
A Wizarding Cocktail Experience at Tootles & French
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails who also already has your annual Harry Potter rewatch marked on your calendar, then Tootles & French has the event for you. On October 19th, Astoria’s favorite wine bar is hosting a “Harry Potter Potions Class,” where attendees will learn to make mystical potions, a.k.a unique and delicious cocktails. You’ll show up ready to drink and leave feeling like the wizarding world’s greatest mixologist. And, those who are looking to fully immerse themselves in the experience will be happy to know that costumes are highly encouraged.
36-15 Ditmars Blvd I October 19th I @tootlesandfrench I tootlesandfrench.com
Queens County Farm Pumpkin Patch
Dating back to 1967, Queens Farm is one of the longest continuously farmed sites in all of New York state. This historical location is the perfect autumn destination for those who want the full countryside experience without traveling out of the borough. Not only can guests find the perfect pumpkin to take home with them, but they can also visit and feed the farm’s livestock and even take a hayride. Full of wholesome fun and open daily, this pumpkin patch is the perfect day trip for families and couples alike this October.
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy I queensfarm.org
Fall Bird Walk at Queens Botanical Garden
Whether you’re a nature lover, an experienced birdwatcher, or just someone looking to engage in a new activity this October, the Fall Bird Walk at Queens Botanical Garden is a great excuse to spend a day outside in the crisp autumn air. Hosted at the garden with NYC Birds Alliance, the walk is a guided experience, in which attendees can spot and identify different birds while taking in the surrounding sights and sounds. It is a peaceful and educational way to experience autumn’s beauty while connecting with wildlife.
43-50 Main St, Flushing I October 18th I queensbotanical.org
Fall Films at the Museum of the Moving Image
Throughout October, the Museum of the Moving Image is giving film buffs plenty to dive into. Their screening calendar for the month is full of classics, international cinema, and seasonal favorites. On the 11th, they are showing a rare 35mm print of Disney’s The Black Cauldron, followed by a Q&A and book signing with author Neil O’Brien. Closer to Halloween, they will be screening contemporary horror classics like The Witch, It Follows, and Drag Me to Hall, as well as older and less familiar fare like Cat People, Onibaba, and Night of the Demon. Movie lovers can also see Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen in 3D on the 25th and 26th. And any horror fans who stop by for a screening shouldn’t leave before visiting their ongoing “Horrible Sites: Makeup and Production Design for The Exorcist” exhibit.
36-01 35th AveI movingimage.org
Spooky Silent Disco at Bohemian Beer Garden
Looking for a fun and unique costume party this year? Check out Astoria’s favorite beer garden on October 26th for a silent disco party you won’t forget. Featuring three live DJs and Bohemian’s always-festive atmosphere, this event is the perfect Halloween celebration for anyone in the 21-and-over crowd. Put on your best costume, bring some friends, have some drinks, and dance the night away.
29-19 24th Ave I October 26th GET TICKETS HERE I bohemianhall.com
Astoria Mystic Circle Witches Ball 2025
On October 18, the Astoria Mystic Circle is hosting its annual Witches Ball at Medusa, a mystical evening filled with music, ritual, and community. Guests can enjoy drag performances, spell-crafting stations, a communal altar, tarot readings, and more. With the only requirements to attend being an open mind and a respectful heart, all are welcome to partake in the night’s festivities.
18-14 Astoria Blvd I October 18th I @astoriamysticcircle
