Enjoying the Fall Foliage and Other Events in The Bronx
Whether you like to call it Autumn or Fall, The Bronx offers a variety of ways to enjoy this colorful seasonal transition. From musical trolleys and cemetery walks to pumpkin carvings and family races, you will not miss a chance to catch the colorful leaves of autumn here in The Bronx.
Having vast parks gives Bronxites the opportunity to experience the warm colors of the Fall foliage right here at home. And while the Fall events are well underway, the leaves are not expected to turn here in The Bronx until October. If you’re a little impatient about your colors you can check out the Fall Foliage in New York State by visiting the New York Fall Foliage Report and find out where you can go to see the change now. If you are more on the patient side and rather wait for autumn leaves to make their appearance as you enjoy an array of events, here are some places to visit and things to do right here in The Bronx.
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Throughout the Fall you can enjoy Music, Author Spotlights, Talks and Walks through the garden grounds taking you back to what country living was like in the Pelham Bay Park area back in the early 19th Century.
Sept 21 – Urban Park Ranger Hike. Historic New York: The Estates of Pelham Bay Park
Sept. 23 – Local Author Spotlight
Sept. 27 – Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Oct. 2 – Centennial Lecture Series: Carswell Rush Berlin
Oct. 3 – First Friday! Music + Bronx Trolley
Oct. 4 – Volunteer Garden Clean-Up Day
Oct 11 – Discover Bartow-Pell Day: We’re More than a Mansion!
Oct. 12 – OpenHouseNY Weekend
Centennial Lecture Series: Stuart P. Feld
Oct. 16 – Centennial Lecture Series: Peter M. Kenny
Oct. 18 – Birding at Bartow
Oct. 30 – Cemetery Walk + Ghost Stories in the Double Parlors
The New York Botanical Garden
Spooky fall adventures at NYBG return this year with The Haunted Pumpkin Garden, a family fun annual tradition. This year, The Haunted Pumpkin Garden combines the spooky fun of Halloween festivities with an astonishing display of the most eye-catching and intriguing pumpkins and gourds.
On October 18 & 19, Ray Villafane will work his carving magic to create intricate pumpkin sculptures, while the largest pumpkins from North America will once again call the Garden home on October 25 & 26.
Ongoing Haunted Pumpkin Garden Activities
Tuesdays–Fridays; 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays, and Monday, October 13; 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
- Put on your own performance in the Pumpkin Puppet Theater.
- Play inside the Pumpkin House.
- Watch a pumpkin seed sprout.
- Go on a scavenger hunt.
- Join a Halloween Parade at 1 or 3 p.m. (on weekends, and including October 13 and 31).
Creepy Creatures of Halloween
Saturdays and Sundays, September 21–October 27 and Monday, October 13; 12 & 2 p.m.
At the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions (October 18, 19, 25, & 26 on Daffodil Hill)
Some of the animals that make us scream are actually the coolest animals around. Meet some new critters from our big backyard and beyond during this live presentation and discover the unique adaptations that help them survive in their habitats.
Pumpkin Picasso with Master Carver Ray Villafane
Thursday, October 16; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Master Carver Ray Villafane has amazed the public with his spectacular pumpkin creations for more than a decade. Back by popular demand, Ray will use this intensive one-day workshop to show participants his carving techniques so they can sculpt their own amazing pumpkin masterpieces. Participants will also get a sneak peek of the massive pumpkin Ray will be carving for the upcoming Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend on October 18 and 19. Reservation includes a pumpkin; all necessary tools, including Ray’s signature carving kit; parking; and a bagged lunch.
$120 Member / $125 Non–Member. Limited to 18 carvers.
To reserve call 718.817.8703 or e-mail membership@nybg.org
Spooky Nighttime Adventures
October 18, 24, 25, & 31; 6:30–8:30 p.m. (timed entries at 6:30 & 7:15 p.m.)
Throughout the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Now with more spooky fun! Grab a ConEdison flashlight and explore the exhibit as you travel along the Whole Foods Market® Trick-or-Treat Trail after dark. Listen for critters of the night or sit in on a spooky ghost story. Capture a family photo with larger-than-life skeletons and costumed characters. For those who dare, see the giant pumpkin displays illuminated in the darkness and journey along the meandering Mitsubishi Wild Wetland Trail.
Ongoing evening activities:
- Enjoy the antics of costumed characters created by Lucretia Novoa and Alice Farley at the Visitor Center.
- Listen in on ghost stories at the Wild Wetland Trail gazebo.
- Decorate a treat bag and go exploring along the Whole Foods Market® Trick-or-Treat Trail.
- Stop by the Clay Pavilions to purchase snacks and beverages.
- Practice the sounds of the night at the Boulders by calling for creatures like owls, bats, toads, and crickets.
- Dig for decomposers or dissect owl pellets at the Discovery Center.
- At the Dodge Activity Center, decorate a gourd and take home carving tips.
Adults and kids of all ages: Non-Member $20/Member $15. Advance tickets recommended
Budding Masters Creepy Pumpkin Carving Adventure
October 4, 11, 18, and 25; 10 a.m–12 p.m.
MasterCard cardholders get insider access to The Haunted Pumpkin Garden with carving tips, an introduction to the artists, and the opportunity to create their own jack-o’-lantern masterpiece. The $50 workshop covers all materials and includes an All-Garden Pass for one adult and one child. For more information, visit priceless.com/newyork or purchase your tickets at the NYBG website.
For more information about the Haunted Pumpkin Garden visit nybg.org/halloween
Van Cortlandt Park
Located in the northwest part of The Bronx, Van Cortlandt Park is the third largest park in New York City.
BronxNet’s Halloween Fitness & Family Races
Sunday, October 26 at 12:30pm
Come in costume if you dare and celebrate Halloween at this BronxNet Fitness 5K race and Family Flats Run, co-hosted by BronxNet, Van Cortlandt Track Club and CUNY Athletic Conference. Winners of each age division and people in the best costumes will receive a Lloyd’s famous carrot cake and other prizes! Followed by post-race activities.
Register Online
Thanksgiving Reunions Run 5K
Friday, November 28 at 10am
When did you last train or compete in Van Cortlandt Park? Revisit your run from yesterday or yesteryear; call old running friends to meet up or come by yourself. No timing, no pressure and everyone receives a souvenir prize. Come share a memory of Van Cortlandt Park at our post-race acknowledgements or plan a luncheon nearby with old friends.
Register Online
The Bronx Zoo
Having opened its doors in 1899, The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in North America, and among the largest in the world. In addition seeing the different animals and participating in the many seasonal activities, the Bronx Zoo offers you a breathtaking view of the Fall foliage along the Bronx River through the Asia Monorail. Just be sure to have your cameras ready!
Bronx River Alliance
Join the Alliance in protecting, improving and restoring the Bronx River corridor. Enjoy events such as walking tours, paddling, music, and river runs and join in the clean up efforts to continue improving the Bronx River.
For details on all these events visit the Bronx River Alliance Calendar of Events.
Wave Hill
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, provides you the perfect setting to experience the Fall colored landscapes.
For events and information visit wavehill.org