We survived the nor’easter, and let’s hope there’s better weather ahead this month. October is peak fall season and I’m so here for it. A full, robust Halloween guide is coming next week, so stay tuned. Below are the things I'm looking forward to in October that aren’t Halloween-related:
There are two GREAT kids’ parties coming up this month:
The American Museum of Natural History Family Party is back on Tuesday, October 20, from 5–7:30 p.m. Designed for kids 2–12, the party features hands-on activities, live animal encounters, and a chance to meet Museum curators and scientists after hours. This one tends to sell out, so it’s worth grabbing tickets now.
The Met Pajama Party on Wednesday, October 28, from 5–7 p.m. It’s a Halloween-themed evening for the whole family, with art activities, a Halloween-inspired menu, and live entertainment set against the Temple of Dendur. Costumes or pajamas both welcome.
For the arts and culture lovers:
The 64th New York Film Festival runs through October 12, presented by Film at Lincoln Center, with a lineup of the season’s most anticipated new cinema.
The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival returns to the lawn between Cherry Hill and Sheep Meadow (enter at West 69th Street) this week, free and open to all. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for preshow programming, with movies starting at dusk. The lineup: Tuesday, October 6, Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff; Wednesday, October 7, Time and Water; Thursday, October 8, Blink; and Friday, October 9, Lion.
I LOVE Diller-Quaile’s Rug Concerts, and the season kicks off on October 3 with Carnival of Percussion! There are two showings, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. These 45-minute concerts welcome children six and under to explore music interactively.
Two things I'm excited to watch this season, both adapted from novels top of my list: In theaters, Sense and Sensibility, out October 16. And on Netflix, East of Eden, a seven-episode adaptation of the Steinbeck classic starring Florence Pugh, out October 1. There's still time to read the books now if you haven't already!
Two art exhibits not to miss:
Anthea Hamilton's Comfort Zones at Salon 94 is closing October 24, and it's worth going for the space alone. The gallery's townhouse is stunning. Her signature pumpkins, boots, and leg chairs get a playful reimagining across the building's three floors, and I think kids would love it, too.
Opening October 4, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous at the Met is a major one to catch. The first New York show in over 20 years devoted to either artist, and the first time their full careers have been traced together. On view through January 31.
For more on what's opening this fall, check out my Fall Art in NYC guide.
Two fun openings:
Big news for pastrami lovers: Carnegie Deli has reopened after a 10-year hiatus, just a block from its original Midtown home. Same classic sandwiches, cheesecake, and checkered floors, plus a few new additions to the menu. Walk-ins only, open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
La Coqueta just opened on Madison and 88th. They're my favorite for dressing my daughter, with such special pieces for occasion wear. Can’t wait to shop IRL!
And so, so much more:
In sports news: October brings two huge season openers. The Rangers kick off September 29 in an Original Six matchup at Boston. But the real headline is October 20, when the Knicks host LeBron James and the 76ers at Madison Square Garden, and before tip-off, raise their first championship banner in over 50 years.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Fall Harvest Festival returns Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., with live music, a beer and cider garden, pumpkin carving demos, and an afternoon costume parade. Come dressed in your best flannel, or in costume. A ticketed event, so grab yours in advance.
Stargazing on the High Line runs every Tuesday from sunset until 30 minutes before park closing, but only through October 27. The Amateur Astronomers Association sets up telescopes at Little West 12th Street: free, no RSVP, no experience needed.
There are many options around NYC for pumpkin and apple picking. Here are the ones I consider the strongest contender, taking into account proximity to the city and the variety of other activities they offer. Many of these farms also host harvest festivals, hayrides, and other seasonal events throughout the season, so it's worth checking each farm's website before you go for exact dates and what's on:
Upstate: Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY), Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY), Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem, NY) and Outhouse Orchards (North Salem, NY), Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY), Stuarts Farm (Granite Springs, NY).
There are also a handful in Warwick, NY to consider: Ochs Orchard, Apple Ridge Orchards, and Pennings Orchard.
Long Island: Schmitt’s Family Farm (Melville, NY), Harbes Family Farm (Mattituck, NY), Fink’s Country Farm (Wading River, NY), Wickham's Fruit Farm (Calverton, NY), and Lewin Farm (Calverton, NY).
New Jersey: Happy Day Farm (Manalapan, NJ) and Heaven Hill Farm (Vernon, NJ).
For those who don’t want to travel far or have a car, consider Queens County Farm Museum.
Shopbop is having their major sale this week (25% off $800+) and it’s time to shop till you drop. Here are my favorites worth checking out:
Janessa Leoné straw bucket hat, one of the most popular items from this newsletter
All-time best white t-shirt, also a huge hit here
My favorite workout top (I have it in black and white, such a great material)
Anything from TWP or La Ligne, my favorite brands at the moment
A great time to stock up on cashmere from White & Warren
Other brands I usually shop: Alex Mill, Reformation, Staud
Sneakies is a new brand that just launched, and they sent us some to try. My kids LOVE it: a pancake and waffle mix packed with a full serving of fruits and veggies, made with whole wheat flour, no artificial flavors or colors. Genius! Super easy to whip up for weekday mornings. (Use code ADRIENNE74198 for 10% off + a free gift)
This toner was all the rage years ago, and I don't know why it's taken me so long to try it, but I can confirm it's excellent: a pH-balancing acid toner that gently exfoliates and evens out skin tone and texture. A great option for anyone whose skin can't tolerate retinol.
A few months ago, my friend and I got (matching!! it is that good!) brown suede bomber jackets in Mexico City. I couldn't believe it when Nour Hammour launched the exact same style. I cannot think of a more perfect autumnal jacket.
Another great October jacket staple: this J.Crew barn jacket. Perfect for all the apple picking adventures. More from J.Crew: my favorite sweater in great fall colors (dark moss!) and a decent Belgian Shoes dupe.
Meta Muse: I'm blown away by AI in general lately, but Muse feels different: less chatbot, more personal assistant. I’ve been loving the app and the desktop version and game-changing to link my email to it, too. Highly recommend!!
Up next week is a full Halloween guide, stay tuned for that!