October 2011 Events in New York City

Events and Things to Do in New York City in October

By Pamela Skillings, About.com Guide

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Get more information about can't-miss events in New York City this October.

October Street Fairs, Festivals and Farmer's Markets in New York City -- Enjoy the street fairs of New York this October. Check out our guide to where to find a street fair near you this weekend.

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

Yom Kippur Services in New York City -- Attend Yom Kippur services in New York City.

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.

New York Film Festival -- This year's New York Film Festival will feature film premieres, Q&As with top directors, showcases, panels, parties, and more.

Art in Odd Places -- This annual public art and performance festival will take place along 14th Street between Avenue C to the Hudson River. The festival will feature approximately 30 artists from New York and beyond.

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.

CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival -- The CMJ Music Marathon brings more than 1,000 artists to 50+ venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. The CMJ Film Festival runs concurrently at film venues around the city.

New York Spa Week -- Get pampered for less at New York's best spas during New York Spa Week from October 10-16, 2011.

New York Cares Day -- Join thousands of volunteers to help revitalize 120 public school on the 20th annual New York Cares Day on October 15, 2011. Volunteers will create colorful new murals, re-organize libraries, plant flowers, paint classrooms and fences, fix up playgrounds, organize storage areas, and more. Money raised supports the event and New York Cares' year-round volunteer programs.

Imagine Science Film Festival -- The Imagine Science Film Festival is committed to promoting a high-level dialogue between scientists and filmmakers and providing exposure to films that make science accessible. The festival runs October 14-21, 2011. Many of the screenings and panel events are free, others are $8-$15 per ticket.

Gotham Screen Film Festival -- The Gotham Screen Film Festival will present fresh voices and perspectives from local, national and international filmmakers. Gotham Screen focuses exclusively on new names and lesser known filmmaking regions. The festival aims to be a place for new discoveries, for both audiences and industry professionals.

Big Apple Circus -- The Big Apple Circus returns to New York on October 20, 2011 with an all-new show in Lincoln Center Plaza.

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 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. Get scared at a haunted house, frolic in the park, or go club-hopping. LISTINGS WILL BE UPDATED AS MORE HALLOWEEN 2011 INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.