Free Things to Do on the UWS in October 2023

October heralds some favorite and highly anticipated Fall rituals. Hiking. Your seasonal warm coffee, apple cider or hot chocolate drink. Time spent in Central Park enjoying the Fall foliage. Family visits to tri-state farms and orchards for bags full of apples. Tail gates and football games. Pumpkin patches and pumpkin carving. And of course….. there’s Halloween and the famous Village Halloween Parade. With 31 days in the month, there’s lots to do and enjoy. Looking for something that’s local, free and easy on you this Fall? Check out some of the best free things to do on New York City’s Upper West Side this October.

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 1, 2023

The annual Blessing of the Animals will return to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, October 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The celebration in honor of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, is always well attended and heartwarming. So head up to Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street if you are a pet owner or lover. All are welcome to bring their hairy friends to this yearly event.

Verdi Square Festival with the Manhattan School of Music – Sunday, October 1, 2023

The Jazz Arts program at Manhattan School of Music is one of the world’s leading programs for Jazz Music. Check out Verdi Square on West 73rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues for some lively jazz, beginning at 5:00 pm. Music lovers may wish to visit the Manhattan School of Music’s for other upcoming discounted and free events.

Kaufman Music Center – Kickoff Event – Sunday, October 1, 2023

Celebrating the start of the 2023-2024 season, this event will feature artists and students from the Special Music School (a public/private partnership for students in K-12) and Lucy Moses School (which offers music, dance and theater for children and adults) . This free program will be at the Kaufman Center at 129 W. 67th St. from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Young Ethical Explorers: Peace Dances and Songs – Sunday, October 1, 2023

The New York Society for Ethical Culture, located at 2 West 64th Street, offers a Sunday school for young people ages 4-13. Open to children and their families, this event provides opportunities to participate in peace dances and songs with guest artists. Newcomers are welcome. As a guest RSVP is essential. Contact Audrey at YoungEthicalExplorers@gmail.com. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

CSS Community Celebration Concert Series – Sunday, October 1, 2023

Renowned jazz musicians Bruce Barth (piano) and Steve Wilson (saxophones & flute) will perform a free concert at Christ & St. Stephens Church (120 W. 69th St.) starting at 2:00 pm. There will be another free vocal jazz concert on Thursday, October 19 at 7 p.m.

Riverside Park Bluegrass Jam – Sundays – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

If you are a music lover looking to spend a tranquil Sunday afternoon in the park listening to some darn-good free music, try this. Riverside Park at 102^nd Street any Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Slow jam music that is 90% Bluegrass is on display, a gift of local musicians. There is a real sense of community at this weekly event, in what feels like a beautifully relaxed and inviting setting. Try it out!

Columbus Avenue Open Streets – Sundays: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023

Columbus Avenue Open Streets continues every Sunday in October (1, 8, 15, 22, 29). Columbus Avenue will be closed to traffic from W. 68th to 77th Streets from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pedestrians can enjoy the avenue unencumbered by cars, trucks, or buses. There will be food, music, and events throughout the day.

NYC Grand Bazaar – Every Sunday during October 2023

New York City’s biggest curated weekly market is open all year round, with hundreds of regular and seasonal vendors. From vintage goods to artisanal foods, there is something for everyone. The indoor and outdoor markets are located at 100 W. 77th Street (at Columbus Ave.) from 10:00 – 5:00 pm. Profits support local NYC public schools.

Lincoln Center Presents: Community Blood Drive – Monday, October 2, 2023

Help fellow New Yorkers by donating blood whiile listening to live music performances by The Julliard School. Located at 61 West 62nd Street (David Rubenstein Atrium) from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. To schedule your appointment go to the New York Blood Center.

NYRR Striders Walking Group

NYRR Striders is a FREE walking and fitness program that offers physical activity for older adults looking to get active, stay fit, and improve their health . Includes weekly gatherings at different locations:

-Fitness & Walking: Columbus Circle, Central Park West and 60th Street: (Mondays, 10:00 – 11:00 am)

-Walking: Goddard NORC at 689 Columbus Avenue at West 94th Streets (Mondays & Fridays – 1:30-2:30 pm)

– Walking: The DOROT building at 171 W. 85th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.)

NYRR Striders Enrollment Form

Central Park – Fall Foliage – All month during Oct. 2023

Enjoy the Fall Foliage and take a walk through Central Park or Riverside Park

Morris-Jumel Mansion – ConEdison Family Day – Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

Each second Saturday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, families and visitors of all ages can participate in a fun hands-on activity during their ConEdison Family Day.  65 Jumel Terrace (161st/162nd Streets)

Congregation Shearith Israel Tour – Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Individuals and groups who are vaccinated are welcome to attend a free, guided tour on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am, led by a member of their clergy or a trained docent. Tours generally last 45 minutes. Often called The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue – it is the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. It was established in 1654 in New Amsterdam by Jews who arrived from Dutch Brazil. 2 W. 70th Street (corner of Central Park West).

Volleyball in Riverside Park – Wednesday, October 11, 2023

This is a low key, just for fun volleyball meetup. All skill levels are welcome! Meet in Riverside Park weather permitting, at the 105th / 106th st volleyball courts. 5:45 pm – 8:30 pm

Highline Vocal Group – Thursday, October 19, 2023

Highline is an award-winning vocal jazz quintet based in New York City. The group was founded in December 2017, and has been performing, recording, teaching, and creating music videos ever since. The jazz concert will be at 7:00 pm – Christ & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 120 W. 69th Street

American Folk Art Museum – Thursday, October 19, 2023

The museum has an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, sculptural objects, textiles, ceramics, and furniture, as well as research and archival materials. Admission is always free. On Thursday, October 19 there will be a public tour of current exhibitions led by Gallery Guides. Meet in the Museum Atrium at 1:00 pm. Email education@folkartmuseum.org for free registration. 2 Lincoln Square (Columbus at W. 66th Street)

1,000 Drones Over Central Park – Saturday, October 21, 2023

On Saturday, October 21st New Yorkers will be witness to the largest public art project in Central Park since “The Gates” in 2005. There will be three 10-minute shows at 7, 8 & 9 p.m. Best locations to watch the show within Central Park will be at Bethesda Fountain, Bandstand, Dead Road, Boat Landing and Lake Overpass.

Juilliard Organ Department Performances- October 25 & 26, 2023

Collaborative Recital – October 25, 26, 2023

Recital featuring organist from The Juilliard School Organ Department and other Juilliard musicians and composers. Christ St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 120 W. 69th St. at 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

Organ Department Concert – October 26, 2023

7:30 pm at The Juilliard School – 60 Lincoln Center Plaza

Halloween on the Harlem Meer – Thursday, October 26, 2023

The annual event has been happening for nearly 30 years in Central Park. Pumpkins sail in two long lines of connected pumpkins providing for a spectacular visual. (4:00 – 7:00 p.m.).

The Lotus Garden Halloween Party – Saturday, October 28, 2023

The Lotus Garden annual Halloween Party will be held on Saturday, October 28th (Sunday Oct. 29th rain date) from noon until 2 p.m. This is a really fun event with crafts and games for children of all ages. The party is open to everyone, people don’t need to be key-holders in order to attend. Located on 97th Street between Broadway & West End Avenue.