MANHATTAN
Little Red Lighthouse Festival | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | Celebrate Manhattan's only remaining lighthouse with readings of the beloved children's book, live music, and activities. Limited lighthouse tours for first 200 attendees led by NYC Park Rangers - arrive before noon for best chance. Tours are timed for 40-minute windows on first-come, first-served basis. The 140-year-old lighthouse sits beneath the George Washington Bridge. | Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan | https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/10/04/little-red-lighthouse-festival
Fun Fest Japan | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | Japanese cultural festival by The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York featuring traditional performances and hands-on activities. Watch Minbuza folk dancers, Samurai Sword Soul demonstrations, and Taiko Masala drummers. Try origami, calligraphy, kendama games, and kimono dressing at activity stations. Festival ends with participatory Bon Odori dance at 3:30 PM where all attendees join in traditional circle dancing. | Corlears Hook Park, 479 Cherry Street, Manhattan | https://www.friendsofcorlears.org/events/fun-fest-japan
Sketch Jam | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | Observational drawing event in Riverside Park led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain. All experience levels welcome. Bring your favorite art supplies or use basic materials provided. Draw the Hudson River views, park landscapes, and urban scenery. | W 72nd Street and Riverside Drive in Riverside Park, Manhattan | https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/10/05/sketch-jam
Mid-Autumn Festival | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $0-$15 | KID FRIENDLY | Celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn traditions with Uyghur dance performance, shadow puppet show of The Legend of White Snake, and hands-on workshops. Make snow skin mooncakes, craft rice dough sculptures, enjoy sugar painting and lacquer fan painting. Includes family-friendly gallery tour of Metamorphosis exhibition. First-come workshops at 3:00 and 4:00 PM. | China Institute in America, 100 Washington Street, Manhattan | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-mid-autumn-festival-tickets-1474699137819
Aminé: Tour de Dance | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 8:00 PM | Ticketed event | High-energy rapper and singer-songwriter Aminé performs at SummerStage. Known for 2016 hit "Caroline" and collaborations with Missy Elliott, Young Thug, and Pharrell Williams. Doors open 7:00 PM. All ages. | Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, Manhattan | https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/amine-2025
BROOKLYN
Park Slope Farmers Market | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | Year-round farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Weekend market with vendors from regional farms. | 4th Street between 5th Avenue and Dead End, Park Slope, Brooklyn | https://www.nyc.gov/main/events
Brooklyn Nets vs. Hapoel Jerusalem | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 8:00 PM | Tickets vary | KID FRIENDLY | Preseason basketball game featuring the Brooklyn Nets versus Hapoel 'Bank Yahav' Jerusalem. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off. | Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn | https://www.barclayscenter.com
Basic Canoeing | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | FREE ADMISSION | AGES 8+ | Urban Park Rangers lead guided canoe adventures on Prospect Park's protected lake waters. Experience the rhythm of waves and exhilaration of paddling in the heart of Brooklyn. All equipment and instruction provided for beginners. Lottery registration required starting September 22. | Audubon Center at the Boathouse in Prospect Park, Brooklyn | https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/10/05/basic-canoeing
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QUEENS
Cityside Pumpkin Patch | October 3-5, 2025 | Various times | Starting at $17 | KID FRIENDLY | Halloween-themed rooftop experience with working pumpkin patch featuring locally harvested pumpkins from upstate New York. The Summer Club transformed into immersive Halloween experience. | The Summer Club, 8-08 Queens Plaza S., Long Island City, Queens | https://events.newyorkfamily.com
25th Annual Moon Festival | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | Celebrate 380 years of Flushing (founded October 10, 1645) with kite flying, cultural performances, and activities. Part of Queens' Mid-Autumn celebrations. | Kissena Corridor Park, Colden Street @ 45th Avenue, Flushing, Queens | https://www.facebook.com/events/1650054025951857
Dragon Lion Dance Cultural Festival & Asian Mid-Autumn Parade | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | USA International Dragon Lion Dance Cultural Festival featuring traditional performances and Mid-Autumn cultural parade. Street closures along Sanford Avenue between Kissena Boulevard and Main Street. | Sanford Avenue between Kissena Boulevard and Main Street, Flushing, Queens | https://www.nyc.gov/main/events
The Bronx
Van Gogh's Flowers | October 3-5, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | $15-$39 | KID FRIENDLY | Botanical displays and large-scale artworks celebrating Van Gogh's iconic works, including monumental sunflower field. Everett Children's Adventure Garden offers hands-on crafts and plant activities. Select evenings feature Starry Nights with live music, performances, and drone shows. | New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx | https://events.newyorkfamily.com
Bronx Fit Fest: Hatha Yoga | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | FREE ADMISSION | 45-minute Hatha Yoga practice for all levels with instructor Michele Griffin. Build strength, flexibility and inner calm through mindful breath, postures and gentle flow. Registration available until event date. | Soccer Field in St. James Park, Bronx | https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/10/04/bronx-fit-fest-hatha-yoga
Fiesta on The Hudson | Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free with Wave Hill admission | Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with dance lessons and live music. Dance instructor Talia Castro-Pozo teaches salsa, samba, and cha-cha steps while Santiago y La Orquesta performs. All ages and dance levels welcome. Rain location: Wave Hill House with priority for advance ticket holders. | Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx | https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/10/05/fiesta-on-the-hudson
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