2016 Downtown Halloween Guide: Family Things to Do and Places to Go
Two of the many kids who attended the annual Halloween party and parade last year in Washington Market Park. The event this year kicks off at 1 p.m. on Oct. 30. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib
From a dance party to a carved pumpkin contest to Halloween-themed soccer games, there are plenty of ways for Downtown families to celebrate the spooky holiday. Here's a rundown of Halloween happenings in Lower Manhattan. All events are free, except where noted.
.png "Hear Alice Schertle's new tale at Barnes & Noble")
When: Saturday Oct. 22, 11 am
Where: Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St.
Two-to-4 year-olds will enjoy a reading of the newly published "Little Blue Truck's Halloween" by Alice Schertle. It is a story about a truck that is picking up his animal friend for a Halloween costume party.
When: Friday, Oct. 28, 4 - 6 pm
Where: Asphalt Green, 212 N. End Ave.
An afternoon of tricks, treats, and active Halloween games at Asphalt Screams includes a Spooktacular Soccer Shootout. The first 500 kids to arrive will receive a goody bag. RSVP here.
.png "\"Beetlejuice\" plays at Rockefeller Park")
When: Friday, Oct. 28, 7 pm
Where: Rockefeller Park
The 1988 movie "Beetlejuice" hits the big outdoor screen in Battery Park City. Directed by Tim Burton, the film follows a pair of ghosts who decide to reinhabit their former earthly home. There is no admission, though a blanket for the lawn (and a picnic dinner) are recommended. Prizes will be awarded for the best Halloween costumes.
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 am - 12 pm
Where: Léman Manhattan’s Preparatory School, 41 Broad St.
A costume parade, spooky crafts, healthy treats, pumpkin decorating and face painting are in store for children ages 2 to 7 at this event in the Broad Street Ballroom. $10 per child; reservations necessary.
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 am - 1 pm
Where: Tribeca Greenmarket, Greenwich & Duane Sts.
Children who come to the market in a costume will receive a free apple. There will also be an "Apple-Cider Donut Eating" contest and pumpkin decorating (free with purchase of a pumpkin from participating farmers), and free samples of mulled cider.
CHURCH STREET SCHOOL FOR MUSIC & ART
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 11 am – 3 pm
Where:72 Warren St.
Spooky mazes, art projects, pumpkin painting, musical performances, kooky karaoke and more. Advanced ticket prices are $55 for an entire family.
.png "Mario the Magician appears at Brookfield")
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT BROOKFIELD PLACE
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 12 – 3 pm
Where: Brookfield Place
The Winter Garden of Brookfield Place is
packed with entertainment for its annual Halloween Party. There is Carmelo the Science Fellow, Mario the Magician, Puppets by Big Nazo, a Halloween dance party, face painting, a sing-long with Hopalong Andrew and his Dusty Cowpoke Posse, a red-carpet costume catwalk and a pumpkin carving demonstration.
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Poets House, 10 River Terrace
Come in costume and enjoy spooky poetry mad libs, festive crafts, and more tricks and (poe) treats in the Children’s Room. For ages 10 and under
When: Saturday, Oct. 29; Submit entries between 5 – 5:45 pm; Judging begins at 6 pm
Where: Washington Market Park, Greenwich & Duane Sts.
.jpg "Last year's winner of the \"Funniest Pumpkin\" prize at the Washington Market Park carved pumpkin contest.")
This is the second annual Carved Pumpkin Contest sponsored by The Friends of Washington Market Park. Ribbons will be awarded for three categories: Scariest, funniest and most creative. Electronic candles will be provided for illumination.
When: Sunday, Oct. 30, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: Seaport District (19 Fulton Street/Front Street)
Activities include a Lego building workshop with Play-Well Teknologies, science and technology-based activities with the Pine Street School, a concert by Ramblin' Dan & the Freewheelin' Band and games.
There will be no stroller parking so families are encouraged to leave strollers at home. The free event is hosted by FiDi Families and sponsored by the Howard Hughes Corporation and New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.
HUDSON RIVER PARK CARNIVAL ON PIER 26
When: Sunday, Oct. 30, 12 pm
Where: Pier 26, cross West Street at N Moore St.
The pier is transformed for this annual event into a festive, entertainment-filled venue. There is interactive storytelling with the Story Pirates, magic with Kid Ace, rides, face painting, treats and more. For all ages, but most attractions will appeal to kids aged 2–8 years. Some activities are free; select activities are $2.
WASHINGTON MARKET PARK PARADE & PARTY
When: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 – 3 pm
Where: Washington Market Park, Greenwich & Duane Sts.
The Friends of Washington Market Park's Annual Halloween Costume Parade begins at 12:50 p.m. at Greenwich and North Moore streets and travels south to the park along Greenwich Street. The park is decked out for the long-popular rain-or-shine event and there are crafts, juggling and games, with music provided by the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band. Strollers are not be permitted in the park during the event but a free stroller-check will be available near the park entrance.