12 Halloween Events for All Types of Terror Tolerance

There’s a chilling aura creeping over Lower Manhattan this October, and no, it’s not the drop in temperature. With so many spooky events and fun things to do in the neighborhood this Halloween, downtown is scarier than ever. We’ve listed 12 neighborhood Halloween activities for all types of revelers. The list is sorted by scare level, so whether you’re a steel-nerved thrill seeker or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, you can plan accordingly. But don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Low Scare Activities

The Pumpkin Arch, Heineken Riverdeck, north side of Pier 17

Think pumpkins, red leaves and fairy lights. This is your perfect Halloween photo op, complete with a Brooklyn Bridge backdrop. Now through November 3, free.

Pumpkin Paint and Pour, Malibu Farm, 89 South St.

Decorate pumpkins while enjoying unlimited wine and beer and noshing on Malibu Farm’s fall dinner menu. Thursday, October 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $75.

Halloween Hunt, Brookfield Place (start at concierge), 230 Vesey St.

Grab a map from the concierge and set off on a Halloween hunt through the Brookfield Place complex. October 25–31, free.

Seaport Kids x Halloween Block Party, Seaport Square and Fulton Street

Enjoy a Halloween-themed block party for kids. There will be tricks, treats, costumes and fun! Saturday, October 26, 3 to 5 p.m., free.

Pumpkin Point 2024, Nolan Park, Governors Island

Hop over to Governors Island and pick your own pumpkin. Costumes encouraged. October 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free with suggested donation.

Neighborhood Trick or Treating, the Seaport

Don your costumes and trick-or-treat at the Seaport’s participating restaurants. (More treats than tricks.) Thursday, October 31, 4 to 6 p.m., free.

High Scare Activities

Sinister Secrets of the Seaport Walking Tour, outside the South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St.

Learn about the harrowing tales and scandals of the Seaport’s past after enjoying a complimentary drink at Ryan Maguire’s. Various dates and times through October, $30–$40.

Dark Matter — Nightmare Before Midnight, Mercer Labs, 21 Dey St.

Explore the darkest depths of paranormal expression, cultural anxieties and the great unknown in this immersive digital exhibition. October 17–30, $46–$52, free for children under three.

Halloween film screenings, Five & Dime, 8 Park Pl.

The bartender will be screening scary barside films throughout spooky season. Though October, free entry (but please buy drinks!).

FIDI Haunted History Scavenger Hunt, corner of Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl St.

Join New York Social Network for a fun and informative scavenger hunt around the neighborhood, stopping at the locations of historic hauntings, crimes and grisly deeds. Friday, October 18, 7 to 9 p.m., $30.

New York on Film: “Wolfen” with Michael Gingold and Gavin Smith, Alamo Drafthouse, 28 Liberty St.

Our screening of the 1981 thriller followed by a talk with horror film experts Gavin Smith and Michael Gingold. Tuesday, October 29, 6 to 9 p.m., $5.

Annual Halloween Party, Ryan Maguire’s, 28 Cliff St.

If anyone knows how to throw the ultimate Halloween rager, it’s Ryan Maguire’s. Start preparing your costumes now. Thursday, October 31, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., free to enter (but please buy drinks!).

photo: iStock