Things to do on a Sunday in New York

Shhh... an unbelievable, exclusive four-night Halloween Masquerade Party is taking over the former McKittrick Hotel at the end of October. Every floor of this historic location will be transformed into a multi-level, immersive nightlife production, each night offering a unique theme inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s oil painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights."

More than 250 artists, performers and musicians are coming together to make this experience unlike anything the city has ever seen, inviting guests to wander through six levels of hidden chambers, forbidden gardens and surreal stages, all with live music, art and interactive installations. Each night is a living labyrinth where worlds collide, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that evolves with every visit.

Guests are encouraged to dress to seduce in "a decadent masquerade that blurs boundaries and heightens fantasy." Events run on October 24, 25, 31 and November 1. October 31, Halloween night, promises to be one of the largest gay Halloween parties in NYC. 

Don't miss out, get your tickets now. 

Dress up your pet for Barktoberfest's costume contest—and you could win some pretty epic prizes. DOWNTOWN Magazine is hosting this adorable dog costume contest on Pier 57's nearly two-acre Rooftop Park on Saturday, October 25.

Here are examples of the prizes you can win: a Nobu Restaurant dinner for two, a Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown one-night stay with breakfast in bed, a pet photography package with Josh Owens, or a Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Cruise for two. 

Even if you don't have a pet, all are invited to watch and can enjoy the festivities amongst spectacular views of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan (costumes for humans are encouraged, too!). This year’s event will showcsae Muddy Paws Rescue, a local foster-based dog rescue organization.

Check in is at 11am and the show begins at 12pm. The event is free, but registration is required to participate. 

Calling all real life supermen! Are you and/or a friend searching for love? Head to House Watch in the East Village on Friday, October 24 for the "Rescue Me Halloween Party" dedicated to men that are first responders and women of all professions. 

Whether your a firefighter, EMS/paramedic, cop or military personnel, this event promises thrills, chills and maybe some mouth-to-mouth resucitation. Come in your uniform/gear or wear a costume—ladies, costumes are highly recommended. Mix and mingle with NYC's finest and bravest from 8pm to 1am (arrive before 10:30pm to get in). 

Heads up that this part is open ONLY to men who are legitimate and active/retired first responders. However, their civilian guy friends can tag along, too. First responders with valid agency ID get to drink for free from 8-9pm. 

Get tickets early now for $25 or at the door for $30. 

Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen. 

Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to.

The last night market of the year is October 25.

What’s more elegantly spooky than a classic horror film accompanied by a live orchestral score? On Saturday, October 25, the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra will set the stage for a spine-tingling Halloween with a performance of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu inside the Gothic-style Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights.

The orchestra will perform Rodney Sauer’s compiled and arranged score live alongside F.W. Murnau’s masterpiece, expanding the cinematic concert tradition into a grand 1,000-seat hall. To preserve the authenticity of the silent-era experience, this Nosferatu performance will feature six musicians from the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, with Sauer at the piano, re-creating the intimate yet visceral sound that would have filled theaters a century ago.

Guests are invited to wear costumes to truly immerse themselves in this hour-and-a- half performance starting at 7:30pm. Expect a night full of unforgettable music, film and Halloween spirit.

Bring your pup aboard this Circle Line boat for a howling good time on Saturday, October 25. The Pup Cruise, which invites all dogs and their humans aboard (preferably in costume), travels down the Hudson River, passing landmarks like Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, High Line Park and the Statue of Liberty.

During the 90-minute cruise, participate in a spirited pup costume contest judged by VIP guests. Plus, check out a mobile adoption event hosted by North Shore Animal League America back at Pier 83 from 10am to 2pm. In support of this partnership, 100% of Pup Cruise ticket sales will be donated to help save homeless animals.

Tickets are $40 and are expected to sell out quickly. Purchase your ticket here. 

Sure, you're brave enough to watch a scary movie at home on the comfort of your couch. But are you brave enough to watch a scary movie after dark ON THE GOWANUS CANAL? That takes real guts. 

This weekend, brave cinema lovers can enjoy a Creature Feature paddle-in movie series with Gowanus Dredgers. Yes, that means you'll get to watch a movie while floating in a canoe for $23/person (or from the shore for free, if you prefer).  

The lineup features two iconic creature classics: 

— Friday, October 24: Creature From the Black Lagoon
— Saturday, October 25: The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms

Whether you're going to watch from the water or the shore, you'll need to book your spot in advance. Get your tickets here. On-shore guests should bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating. Costumes are encouraged, so have some fun with it. 

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine’s annual Halloween Extravaganza returns to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 at the uptown house of prayer.

The long-standing Upper West Side tradition was born decades ago under the direction of Artist in Residence Ralph Lee, founder of the Mettawee River Theatre Company. This year, the cathedral honors that legacy with an evening featuring frightening Mettawee performers who will haunt the audience with tricks and treats. 

The evening will kick off with a showing of The Phantom of the Opera in celebration of the film’s 100th anniversary. Additionally, the Cathedral will celebrate the return of the Great Organ to the Halloween Extravaganza with live accompaniment by Tim Brumfield.

Showings begin at 7pm on both days for the Halloween Extravaganza, with $50 tickets available on the cathedral's website starting September 2.

Kick off Halloween a little early at the Brooklyn Children's Museum for the second annual Kawaii Kreature Festival on Sunday, October 26.

In partnership with AniTOMO Con, the museum invites you to dive into the world of anime while dressed in your Halloween costume to trick-or-treat and show off at the kids' costume runway. Meet creepy crawlies from BCMS's living collection and enjoy Japanese-inspired art workshops, performances and stories read by professional cosplayers. You can also check out free screenings of anime cartoons in the movie theater. 

Tickets are on sale now for $15. 

Cheer for all the cute doggos in their Halloween finery during this year's 27th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest on Saturday, October 25. Held every year by Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society since 1998, the event is held at the bottom of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument stairs, where more than a hundred dogs run around in silly and creative costumes from RBG to hot dogs and more.

Each dog is presented to a panel of judges, but the audience decides the top three winners with rounds of applause.

The entry fee for each participant is $20. No walk-up, on-site registration will be available. It's free to watch the show with no registration required. The event will also be streamed live on the Fort Greene PUPS instagram in case you can't make it in person.