Halloween 2025: Your Guide to Downtown Holiday Happenings

The roadway-themed Fraley family were among those who celebrated at last year's Washington Market Park Halloween party. This year's festivities, which include the annual parade down Greenwich Street, takes place on Sunday, Oct. 26. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

Once again this Halloween season, Downtown families can celebrate with pumpkin-picking, scavenger hunts, parades for humans and dogs, and more. Here’s a rundown of those Lower Manhattan happenings. All events are free, except where noted. 

NIGHTMARE ON 21 JAY STREET

When Now through Halloween

Monday-Friday 4 pm to 11 pm, Sat. & Sun. 11 am-11 pm

Where 21 Jay Street, at Greenwich Street

This ghoulish installation of characters, some in scary motion and creepily speaking, is out to haunt you, especially when viewed after dark. Designed and installed by Worth a Shot Events.

When Oct. 25 to Nov. 2

Where Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St.

Pick up a map from the concierge for a self-guided hunt through Brookfield place. Finish four activities and you score a treat. Complete them all and win a bigger prize. Go here [1] for days and hours.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST

When Saturday, Oct. 25, 3-6 pm

Where Washington Market Park, Duane & Greenwich Sts.

Drop off your creation between 3 and 5 pm, then stay for the judging. Winners will be announced at 5:30 pm. Trophies go to winners and runner-ups in these categories: Most creative, funniest, scariest, cutest and most realistic with a trophy also going to the overall winner. A cash prize will be awarded in a new category: “master blade.” Even if you don’t enter, come view these creative and often whimsical entries. Go here [2] for more information. Sponsored by Friends of Washington Market Park.

SCAVANGER HUNT AT THE SEAPORT MUSEUM

When Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 am-5 pm

Where Pier 16 

Go on a scavenger hunt in the South Street Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship “Wavertree.” Collect all the superstitions and get a prize. Free admission to the museum grants access to the “Wavertree” and the 1908 lightship “Ambrose” at Pier 16 as well as exhibitions in the museum’s galleries at 12 Fulton St. and 213 Water St.

THE PUMPKIN ARCH

When Now through Nov. 3

Where North side of Pier 17 roof deck, 89 South St.

An arch crafted from hundreds of pumpkins and draped in fall leaves frames the Brooklyn Bridge on the deck of Pier 17.

BPC DOGS HALLOWEEN PARADE

When Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 pm

Where Assemble at South Cove

The 23rd annual parade of costumed canines and their keepers proceeds up the Esplanade to Esplanade Plaza near North Cove where judging takes place in a number of categories. Plus, there’s a raffle. More information here [3].

PUMPKIN POINT AT GOVERNORS ISLAND

When Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 & 26, 10 am-5 pm

Where Nolan Park, Governors Island

Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, free with a suggested donation (one per family). Visitors are encouraged to come early “to make sure you have your pick of the pumpkin patch.” Costumes are encouraged, with trick-or-treating, music and crafts and a fall foliage tree tour for the whole family. Vendors will be on site for “fall-themed” food and drink. Go here [4] for more information.

HALLOWEEN PARADE AND PARTY,

WASHINGTON MARKET PARK

When Sunday, Oct. 26, 12:45 pm. Queue at Greenwich and Hubert streets

Where Greenwich Street to the park, Greenwich and Duane streets

As they do each year in this long-running Tribeca tradition, costumed revelers parade down Greenwich Street to a ghoulishly decorated Washington Market Park, led by The Queer Big Apple Corps marching band. More music and fun awaits in the park. Sponsored by Friends of Washington Market Park.

HOWL-O-WEEN DOG COSTUME CONTEST

When Thursday, Oct. 30, 5 pm to 7 pm, contest begins at 6:30 pm

Where Roof deck, Pier 17, 89 South Street

Live DJ music, treats from Dunkin’, and prizes. No registration required.

PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY AT THE SEAPORT

When Friday, Oct. 31, 4 pm to 6 pm

Where Malibu Farm New York, Pier 17, 89 South Street

Pumpkin carving and music, includes pumpkin, tools, and all supplies. For kids 4 to 12, with adult supervision required.  $20. Go here [5] to reserve a space.

STONE STREET HALLOWEEN BAR FEST

When Saturday, Nov. 1, 2 pm-8 pm

Where Stone Street

For revelers 21 and over, Stone Street is transformed into a Halloween-themed happy hour, with games and contests. Ten participating bars. Costumes are encouraged. Go here [6] for tickets and more information.