Free October Events in New York City

Find free events and things to do in the most expensive city in the world. We've got the best free events in New York City this October (also see our monthly free event listings for June, July, August, and September).

• October Street Fairs in New York City -- Enjoy free street fairs of New York this October.



• Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park -- The area around the Cloisters Museum will be transformed into a medieval village. Hang with knights, jesters, magicians, storytellers, and puppeteers in authentic medieval garb. Admission is free.



• Exotic Animal Parade -- New Yorkers are invited to bring their pets to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a festival and exotic animal parade in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. The event is free, but a limited number of tickets is available.



• Light the Night Walk -- Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for their annual Light The Night Walk in Manhattan. Thousands will walk from South Street Seaport across the Brooklyn Bridge and back to build awareness of blood cancers and fund research for cures.



• Open House New York -- Get an inside look at some of New York's most significant architectural and design sites during Open House New York weekend. Enjoy rare opportunities to tour fascinating places that are usually off-limits to the public. Sites include the new section of the High Line (not yet open to the public), the Chrysler Building, the Apollo Theater, Grand Central Terminal, and many private homes, offices, churches, and more. Many of the sites offer guided tours and lectures.



• Art in Odd Places -- Artists are taking to the street for this free public art and performance festival from October 1-10, 2010. Art projects include wearable sculptures, planted art objects, video projections on buildings, and live performances.



• Halloween in Central Park -- Celebrate Halloween in Central Park with free pumpkin carving, a Pumpkin Festival, and the famous Pumpkin Sail.



• Village Halloween Parade -- Don't miss the only Halloween parade rated as one of the 100 Things to Do Before You Die. Dress up, let loose, and make it a night to remember.



• More Free New York City Halloween Events -- If the parade's not your thing, check out our guide to what else is going on in New York City this Halloween. You'll find plenty of free and low-cost ways to scare yourself silly in New York this October.

See more NYC event listings for October.