The Parties, Bars, And Events You Need To Hit Up In NYC For Halloweekend 2019

Halloweekend is unquestionably the season’s most anticipated event. From screenings and parties, to events, parades, and everything in between, there’s a bunch of options in NYC that enable you and your gang to celebrate in style. So without further ado, here are some of the best parties, bars, and events that you need to hit up during halloweekend this year.

1. Village Halloween Parade

A fan favorite located in Greenwich Village, the highly anticipated Village Halloween Parade brings the spookiest of vibes with crazy costumes, insane ghoulish makeup and more. This is the place to be, whether you’re a partier or not, for the sheer creativity alone, not to mention all the fun to be had. An added benefit is, if you dress up, you’ll be allowed to march and participate, which is pretty cool if you ask me considering parades tend to be exclusive. Bring your family and friends for added bonus, and make this year’s halloweekend one to remember!

2. Halloween at Samsung 837

Start the holiday on a strong note at Samsung 837 located on Washington Street. In honor of the 45th annual Village Halloween Parade, Samsung 837 is hosting a day-long Halloween party with tons of food, and a big screening of the holiday classic, Hocus Pocus. Plus, you’ll be able to get decked out in ghoulish makeup by 3 p.m. when MAC makeup artists are expected to arrive. Truly, there’s no better way to prepare for the festivities of Halloweekend than attending this event.

3. Boo at the Zoo

For the animal lovers and families with small children out there, this is for you. Every Halloween season, The Bronx Zoo takes the night of fright to the next level with its Boo at the Zoo event, starting September 28th and ending November 3rd. The annual holiday tradition is jam-packed with activities for everyone, including, but not limited to, hay rides, live performances, costume parades, spooky safari rides, and much, much more.

4. Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade

In this highly contentious socio-political climate, what we need more of is wholesome fun and more dogs. The Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade provides both, making the world a bit of a better place once a year. At this event, you’ll be enamored with dogs decked out in elaborate and conceptual costumes, all running for the coveted prizes that are legit worth thousands of dollars. Sadly, I do not have a dog; however, if you do, you’re in luck: either participate or simply watch with your adorable furry friend in tow.

5. Queens Night Market Halloween Finale

The Queens Night Market Halloween Finale wraps the spooky season on a high note, with food trucks, cool art, and trendy clothes that you’ll want to get your hands on. I’m a sucker for food trucks and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be vowed by what the event’s vendors are serving, which includes yummy mochi waffles, revered filipino staples, epic taiwanese popcorn chicken, beer garden delights, and more. This is the perfect time to spend and shop away without any regrets, all in the name of Halloweekend.

6. Halloween Yacht Cruise Party

I like to party, I like to drink, I like to celebrate Halloween in an over-the-top way, and I really like yacht cruises; so it shouldn’t shock anyone who’s reading this that I am beyond hyped for this year’s Halloween Yacht Party Cruise hosted by Hornblower Cruises & Events. The annual event spanning from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. offers three bars for cocktails, beer, and wine, along with two indoor dance floors, two levels of music, bottle service, and food to help you down shots with ease. Tickets range between $30-$45, which honestly, isn’t too shabby for a night out in NYC. So, in conclusion, the place to be during this year’s halloweekend is sailing around Manhattan. Case closed.

7. Halloweekend Fright Night NYC Pub Crawl

If you get seasick, fear not: there’s a Halloween Bar Crawl that you and your crew can enjoy. The Official Halloweekend Fright Night NYC Pub Crawl offers all access one day and three day passes to enjoy a crazy mix of popular bars, and prices vary. I recommend getting a massive group together and coordinating the crawl together for maximum fun. I also recommend not bringing the friend who’s so-so about binge drinking because this isn’t for the faint hearted; however, remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Last thing you want to be doing is upchucking cranberry vodkas in a Wonder Woman costume this year. You never want to be that guy. Use good judgment.

8. Beetle House

If the thought of a yacht party and/or bar crawl is stressful, then head over to the Beetle House, an eclectic bar located in the East Village. The Beetle House is inspired by all things Tim Burton, taking on “This Is Halloween” to the extremes. The decor is ominous and edgy, with faux gravestones and more; the drink and food menu is even scarier, with options like ‘The Beetle Juice,’ ‘The Love It Meat Pie,’ and more. Due to its rather small size, I’d recommend pregaming here for dinner, and then heading over to larger venues that allow for dancing.

9. Morris-Jumel Mansion

You’re never too old for a good ol’ fashioned haunted house. This year, visit the notorious Morris-Jumel Mansion, located in the underrated Washington Heights, Manhattan. This historic site is Manhattan’s oldest personal residence, serving as General Washington’s headquarters in the early months of the Revolutionary War. Today, you can tour the mansion with family and friends, learn about its fascinating backstory, and attend the mansion’s events and workshops, all in the name of a good fright.

10. The New York Public Library: Halloween Library After Hours

If you’re into elaborate and sophisticated galas, then you’re in luck: The New York Public Library holds an annual masquerade ball, rolling out frightening photographs, prints, texts and films of the past. The event features food, fun, dancing, and a literary-themed costume contest, which means you better arrive ready to compete.