Events, Parties, and Things To Do in NYC for October 2024 (with Free Events!)
There’s so much to do in NYC in October that it’s almost scary. From Halloween parties and book signings to film festivals and Champagne toasts, these are the not-to-miss events in NYC in October 2024.
The Balanchine Ball presented by New York City Ballet Young Patron’s Circle
A group of New York City Ballet Young Patrons Circle Members. Image: New York City Ballet.
What is it: In celebration of the New York City Ballet premiere of the Balanchine + Ratmansky program, The New York City Ballet’s Young Patrons Circle is hosting a post-performance party to toast the new season. The Circle, composed of supporters aged 21 to 40, is committed to expanding New York City Ballet’s reach to the widest possible audience; helping to cultivate the next generation of ballet patrons through advocacy and events like the Balanchine Ball.
Why go: Situated on the promenade of the David H. Koch Theater, the event is an ideal opportunity to unwind and celebrate after a captivating show featuring the magical choreography of George Balanchine (Note: performance tickets are sold separately). You can expect to mingle with performers, artists, and fellow patrons, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. And if you’re already a member of the Young Patrons Circle, you’ll receive complimentary tickets to YPC Post-Performance Parties (including this one).
What’s involved: Lively afterparty with dancing, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres.
Dress code: Ballet-inspired black-tie.
Friday, October 4, 2024. Performance at 7:30pm, post-performance party at 9:30pm on the Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater.
17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
Opening night at the 10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival. Image: AVS Production Company for Bushwick Film Festival.
What is it: A signature Brooklyn event now in its 17th year, the Bushwick Film Festival celebrates diverse voices in filmmaking through the screenings of feature films, shorts, and documentaries from emerging filmmakers. Drawing on a global pool of talent, the week-long festival offers Q&A sessions with directors, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and parties. It’s a space for creatives to showcase work, connect with industry professionals, and enjoy cutting-edge storytelling in a vibrant arts community.
Why go: Considered an important festival that has informed rising taste and trends, filmmakers like Yvonne Welbon and rising stars like Shatara Michelle Ford have premiered work at the Bushwick Film Festival. Industry figures from HBO, Netflix, and BET have attended, along with recognizable names such as actress Rosario Dawson. This year will feature an impressive slate of new work under the theme of “Producing The Dream”, with plenty of screening and side events, including Youth Film Screenings that will showcase high school talent, plus one night of stand-up comedians, plus panel discussions.
What’s involved: A week-long festival with short and feature film screenings, side events, and an awards ceremony.
Wednesday, October 16th through Sunday, October 20th, 2024 with screenings and events happening daily in select Brooklyn locations. Information and schedule here. Buy passes and tickets here.
FREE EVENT: CBK: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in Fashion Talk + Book Signing
Pages of CBK: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in Fashion. Image: Abrams.
What is it: You’re invited to join fashion creative director Sunita Kumar Nair and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb at the Fashion Institute of Technology for a discussion about CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, an all-new book celebrating and studying the discreet fashion genius of the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The book features insights from fashion icons like Calvin Klein and Tory Burch as they celebrate and analyze Bessette Kennedy's timeless style and offer personal anecdotes. The event will feature conversation, Q&A, and a book signing by the author, Sunita Kumar Nair.
Why go: Inspiring the likes of The Row, Victoria Beckham, and countless others, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s unmistakable style defined an era of moody chic that added an academic flair to a minimalist style. Her tragic passing has created a long-lasting air of intrigue and reverence for the extremely private woman. Learn more about her personality and style from those who knew her. For a quick visual primer, check out the All for Carolyn instagram, an exquisite curation of style paired with quotes and anecdotes.
What’s involved: Conversation and book signing.
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Katie Murphy Amphitheater at the Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center. Information and free tickets with RSVP here.
Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
Hillary Clinton took the stage at the charity event in 2016. Image: Ruth Fremson for The New York Times.
What is it: As strict partisanship seems to the be standard these days, there is still a time and place for shared understanding. One of those times and places happens to be the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, taking place at the Hilton Midtown this year. The charity gala has raised funds for children in need since 1945, but it is best known for bringing together political leaders— including U.S. presidential candidates— to deliver humorous speeches in a lighthearted, bipartisan setting. If you’re curious, Trump will attend— but Harris will be a no show.
Why go: Attending means sharing a night with political heavyweights like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton, who’ve all stood at the podium delivering sharp yet good-natured jabs. In 2016, Trump’s speech sparked laughter and some boos—classic moments that make the night memorable. It’s one of the few events where you might see rival politicians roast each other (with the possible exception of the Gridiron Dinner), then raise a glass to support children in need. Politics with punchlines, for a cause.
What’s involved: Cocktails, dinner, and speeches.
Dress code: Black tie.
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at New York Hilton Midtown. Information and tickets here.
Tammy Faye Opening Night on Broadway
Tammy Faye. Image: Tammy Faye Broadway.
What is it: The opening night of Tammy Faye on Broadway is sure to be where theater meets spectacle, honoring the colorful life of Tammy Faye Bakker, a televangelist and singer known for her flamboyant personality, emotional broadcasts, and her role in the rise and fall of a major Christian television network, PTL. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Jake Shears of The Scissor Sisters, the new Broadway show will dive into Faye’s world of faith, scandal, and resilience. The night will bring out Broadway’s brightest, along with celebrities and fans curious about this iconic, controversial figure.
Why go: Sure to reopen conversation around the fascinating, larger-than-life figure (already subject to an excellent 2021 film, The Eyes of Tammy Faye), the opening night and previews will introduce the world an all-new musical, featuring a talented cast including Katie Brayben as Tammy, and Christian Borle as Jim Bakker.
What’s involved: Live action performance with a run time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Previews for Tammy Faye begin on October 19th, 2024 at 8:00pm at The Palace Theatre. Additional performances available. Tickets available here.
90th Anniversary of Casita Maria's Fiesta!
Casita Maria's 2022 Fiesta at The Plaza. Image: BFA.
What is it: Casita Maria's 90th anniversary Fiesta! is sure to be a glamorous celebration honoring the foundation's legacy of supporting Latino youth through education, arts, and cultural programs in New York City and beyond. Founded by the visionary Dr. M. Dolores E. Aponte in 1934, Casita Maria has transformed countless lives with its after-school programs, scholarships, artistic opportunities, and more. The foundation helps students develop essential skills, build confidence, and pursue higher education. This milestone gala at The Plaza Hotel will raise funds for continued outreach, empowering the next generation.
Why go: Running a charity is no small feat, and to keep one going for 90 years is truly extraordinary. The evening will celebrate those who’ve benefited from the work of Casita Maria while recognizing those that make the behind-the-scenes magic happen. Be part of history with the 90th anniversary celebrations. This year’s gala is chaired by Jacquline Weld Drake and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and will honor philanthropist Lucy Doughty, Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon, and gallerists James J. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui of Wally Findlay Galleries International. Past attendees have included Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo, Marc Anthony, Jean Shafiroff.
What’s involved: Cocktails, dinner, and dancing, with fundraising proceeds going to the Casita Maria organization.
Dress code: Black tie.
Monday, October 21st, 2024 from 7:30pm onward at the Plaza Hotel. Information, tables, and tickets here.
Le Fête du Champagne 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Le Fête du Champagne 2018 Gala Dinner. Image: La Fête du Champagne.
What is it: Originating in 2014, Le Fête du Champagne has celebrated the world of champagne in a very grand way. Featuring tastings, masterclasses, and elegant dinners across the city, the week of celebration and education draws the most prestigious champagne houses and top sommeliers to present their finest offerings and new perspectives on the cherished wine. A treasured ticket, the events often sell out in minutes thanks to the exquisite curation and draw-dropping guest list.
Attendees include connoisseurs, winemakers, chefs, and industry insiders, and more, making it a must-attend for those passionate about fine wine and gourmet experiences. The week-long festival blends education, luxury, and celebration in a festive atmosphere. That week of festivities culminates in a Gala dinner, an all-out bonanza of fine wine and dining with the who’s-who of Champagne.
Why go: The wine, for one. But the menu is certainly no laughing matter. This year, legendary chefs Daniel Boulud, Arnaud Lallement, Andrew Carmellini, Romain Paumier, Danny Garcia, Jassimran Singh, and Justin Osorio will collaborate on a luxurious, Champagne-friendly, multi-course menu drawing on a wide range of cuisines. In addition to enjoying carefully selected bottles provided by all attending producers, guests are invited to bring bottles of Champagne from their own cellars to share throughout the room.
What’s involved: Cocktails followed by a multi-course dinner in an elegant setting.
Saturday, October 26th, 2024 from 6:30pm onward at Pier Sixty. Information and tickets here.
The Haunted Hotel III: Carnevil Halloween Party at The Ned NoMad
Guests attend the Halloween party at The Ned NoMad. Image: BFA.
What is it: Choosing a Halloween party in NYC is never a light task. But The Ned NoMad has cooked up something so elaborate and haunting, we can’t imagine missing it. The Haunted Hotel III: Carnevil is The Ned NoMad’s take on a haunted hotel, opening its doors to host a wild spectacle in collaboration with the legendary team from The Box. Known for their electrifying, boundary-pushing performances, the team from The Box and The Ned will transform the hotel into an immersive Halloween labyrinth. This year’s theme, Carnevil, will send you on a on a thrilling journey through Ned's Club Downstairs, before going into the Haunted Hotel on the second floor.
Why go: Typically reserved for member access only, you’ll experience Ned’s Club NoMad like never before. The party is a tantalizing multi-level experience featuring maze of rooms, each inspired by Hollywood horror film classics. Each room features a different DJ, setting unique atmospheres and soundscapes as you encounter interactive performances and the eerie décor of each space. Finally, it’s a Halloween party after all, so you’ll be expected to dress in your most creative or terrifying costumes. No two experiences will be alike.
What’s involved: Unparalleled entertainment and grandeur with drinks, dancing, and live music across the The Ned NoMad.
Dress code: The more elaborate, the better.
Saturday, October 26th, 2024 from 10:00pm onward at The Ned NoMad. Information and tickets here. Tickets are for admission only and do not include refreshments.
