Things to do in NYC in October 2021 depend on the progress of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We won’t know the situation on the ground until September. Most everything is TBC meaning “to be confirmed.”
The Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day long weekend at the end of Hispanic Heritage Month is one of the peak times for Latin culture in New York.
The Month of October
October is the nicest month of fall because New York is in full stride, the weather is perfect, and the changing colors are beautiful.
New York City’s October weather is peak fall. Average temperatures range from 50° to 64°F, so it is cool. It’s the end of the March to October rainy season.
These events happen all month long.
- NYCFC Major League Soccer
- NY Red Bulls Major League Soccer
Things to do in NYC in October 2021 Week 39
September 27 – October 3, 2021
New York City Ballet fall season continues Tuesday – Sunday.
The Brooklyn Book Festival is through Monday.
Friday, October 1
The Diana: The Musical original Broadway cast movie opens on Netflix today.
Alejandro Cerrudo presents ballet at The Joyce in Chelsea at 8pm. From $26. 🇪🇸
Pedrito Martinez plays Cuban rumba at Drom in the East Village at 8pm (7pm doors). Tickets $30.
Jerry Rivera sings salsa at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey at 8pm. From $49 🇵🇷
Saturday, October 2
Jose “Pepito” Gomez plays Cuban son in tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club at Drom in the East Village at 5:30pm. (5pm doors). 🇨🇺
Alejandro Cerrudo presents ballet at The Joyce in Chelsea at 2pm & 8pm. From $26. 🇪🇸
The Red Bull Batalla Spanish freestyle rap championship of Spain is on redbull.com at time TBD. 🇪🇸
Sunday, October 3
The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park in Hudson Heights, Manhattan is officially cancelled for 2021. It will be back October 2, 2022.
Alejandro Cerrudo presents ballet at The Joyce in Chelsea at 2pm. From $26. 🇪🇸
Yankees vs Rays is the last game of the regular season at Yankee Stadium in Concourse, The Bronx at 3:05pm.
Things to do in NYC in October 2021 Week 40
October 4-10, 2021
New York City Ballet fall season continues Tuesday – Sunday.
Monday, October 4
Celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the blessing of the animals
The Redhawk Indigenous People Day Pow Wow opens. TBC
Dance salsa at Latin Mondays at Taj with Talia Castro-Pozo from 7pm to 1am (5pm doors). From $10
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Tuesday, October 5
Remember Ismael Rivera (“Las Caras Lindas,” “El Nazareno,” “El Bombón de Elena”). The salsa legend was born in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 5, 1931. In Puerto Rico, today is the Día Conmemorativo del Natalicio de Ismael Rivera. 🇵🇷
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 7:30pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Wednesday, October 6
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 7:30pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Thursday, October 7
OPENING DAY
Greater New York 2021 opens at MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, Queens from 10:30am – 5:30pm. $25
Talia Castro-Pozo’s Sunset Salsa dance party is at Pier 45 in Hudson River Park in the West Village, from 6:30-9pm. Free 🇵🇪.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 7:30pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Dance Argentine Tango at Tango La Nacional at La Nacional in Chelsea, Manhattan. Intermediate class at 7pm. Gets busy around 9pm. Performances at 11pm. Dancing until around 2am. 🇦🇷
It’s New York Comic Con through Sunday.
Saturday, October 9
The 25th Panamanian Parade is a virtual livestream at 12 noon. FREE 🇵🇦
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 2pm & 8pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
New York City Ballet presents the Ask La Cour Farewell. TBC
The 77th Columbus Day Parade Gala is tonight. 🇮🇹
Sunday, October 10
The 77th Columbus Day Parade Wreath Laying is at Columbus Circle in Manhattan. 🇮🇹
The Hispanic Day Parade is officially cancelled. It returns next year.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 2pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Things to do in NYC in October 2021 Week 41
October 11-17, 2021
New York City Ballet fall season continues Tuesday – Sunday.
Monday, October 11
Celebrate Indigenous People Day and the First Nations of the Americas!
The Redhawk Indigenous People Day Pow Wow greets the day with a sunrise ceremony. TBC
Celebrate Columbus Day, a holiday created to stop the lynching of Italian Americans. 🇮🇹
The 77th Columbus Day Parade Mass is at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown East at 9:30am. 🇮🇹
LAST CHANCE
The Medici: Portraits & Politics 1512-1570 closes at The Met Fifth Avenue from 10am-5pm. $25. 🇮🇹
Surrealism Beyond Borders is at The Met Fifth Avenue through Jan 30, 2022. 🇫🇷
The 77th Columbus Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue at 11:30am. 🇮🇹
Dance salsa at Latin Mondays at Taj with Talia Castro-Pozo from 7pm to 1am (5pm doors). From $10
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Tuesday, October 12
Celebrate Spain’s National Day 🇪🇸
Tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (Dec 1-19) go on sale at New York City Center at 12 noon.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 7:30pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Thursday, October 14
OPENING NIGHT
The 14th NYCWFF – New York City Wine & Food Festival runs through Sunday.
Talia Castro-Pozo’s Sunset Salsa dance party is at Pier 45 in Hudson River Park in the West Village, from 6:30-9pm. Free 🇵🇪.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 8pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Colombian jazz harp virtuoso Edmar Castaneda celebrates the release of his new album “Family” at Dizzy’s Club in Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle at 7:30 & 9:30pm ET. $40 🇨🇴
Dance Argentine Tango at Tango La Nacional at La Nacional in Chelsea, Manhattan. Intermediate class at 7pm. Gets busy around 9pm. Performances at 11pm. Dancing until around 2am. 🇦🇷
Friday, October 15
It’s the end of Hispanic Heritage Month 🇺🇸
The 14th NYCWFF – New York City Wine & Food Festival continues.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 8pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
Saturday, October 16
It’s Open House New York weekend through Sunday.
The 14th NYCWFF – New York City Wine & Food Festival continues.
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 2pm & 8pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
La India sings Puerto Rican salsa at Sabor Latino in Elmhurst, Queens at 9pm. From $50. 🇵🇷
The Red Bull Batalla Spanish freestyle rap championship of the Dominican Republic is on redbull.com at time TBD. 🇩🇴
Sunday, October 17
Caleb Teicher presents “Swing Out” lindy hop with live music at The Joyce in Chelsea at 7:30pm. From $26. 🇺🇸
New York City Ballet presents the Maria Kowroski Farewell. TBC
It’s Open House New York weekend.
LAST CHANCE
The 14th NYCWFF – New York City Wine & Food Festival ends.
Things to do in NYC in October 2021 Week 42
October 18-24, 2021
Monday, October 18
Dance salsa at Latin Mondays at Taj with Talia Castro-Pozo from 7pm to 1am (5pm doors). From $10
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Tuesday, October 19
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Thursday, October 21
Talia Castro-Pozo’s Sunset Salsa dance party is at Pier 45 in Hudson River Park in the West Village, from 6:30-9pm. Free 🇵🇪.
Dance Argentine Tango at Tango La Nacional at La Nacional in Chelsea, Manhattan. Intermediate class at 7pm. Gets busy around 9pm. Performances at 11pm. Dancing until around 2am. 🇦🇷
Things to do in NYC in October 2021 Week 43
October 25-31, 2021
Monday, October 25
Dance salsa at Latin Mondays at Taj with Talia Castro-Pozo from 7pm to 1am (5pm doors). From $10
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Tuesday, October 29
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks play Hot Jazz for Swing dancing at Bond 45 Downstairs in the Times Square Theater District, from 8-11pm. $25 + $25 minimum 🇮🇹
Thursday, October 28
LAST CHANCE
Talia Castro-Pozo’s Sunset Salsa dance party is at Pier 45 in Hudson River Park in the West Village, from 6:30-9pm. Free 🇵🇪.
Dance Argentine Tango at Tango La Nacional at La Nacional in Chelsea, Manhattan. Intermediate class at 7pm. Gets busy around 9pm. Performances at 11pm. Dancing until around 2am. 🇦🇷
Celebrate the Feast of St Jude Thaddeus patron saint of lost causes.
Friday, October 29
From Surface to Space: Max Bill and Concrete Sculpture in Buenos Aires is at the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art in the Upper East Side through Oct 30. islaa.org 🇦🇷
Gilberto Santa Rosa sings Puerto Rican salsa romantica at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. From $49 🇵🇷
Saturday, October 30
The Red Bull Batalla Spanish freestyle rap championship of Argentina is on redbull.com at time TBD. 🇦🇷
Sunday, October 31
Alex Da Corte, As Long as the Sun Lasts closes on the roof garden at The Met Fifth Avenue from 10am-5pm. $25. 🇻🇪
The Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade is at Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan’s East Village. TBC
The Village Halloween Parade marches up Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village. TBC
The Jackson Heights Children’s Halloween Parade marches down 37th Ave in Jackson Heights, Queens. TBC
Day of the Dead (Día de muertos) celebrations begin with the building of ofrendas (altars) to invite deceased family members to visit.
October 2021 Planner
October is a peak month for Latin culture in New York City. The COVID-19 Pandemic adds a bit of uncertainty to things this year.
OCTOBER HOLIDAYS
- Columbus Day / Indigenous People Day Monday, October 11, 2021
- Columbus Day/Indigenous People Day Weekend October 8-11, 2021
OCTOBER INDEPENDENCE DAYS
- Spain National Day is October 12 🇪🇸
OCTOBER FESTIVALS
- Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15 🇺🇸
- Medieval Festival is cancelled this year, but returns Sunday, October 2, 2022.
- St. Francis of Assisi Blessing of the Animals is October 4
- Celebrate Mexico Now (2019: October 7-13, 2020: Nov 1-2) TBD 🇲🇽
- Redhawk Indigenous People Day Pow Wow Sunday-Monday, October 10-11, 2021
- St Jude Thaddeus October 28
- Halloween October 31
- Day of the Dead / Día de Muertos October 31 – November 2
OCTOBER PARADES
- 25th Panamanian Parade TBD (2020: Saturday, October 3) 🇵🇦
- Hispanic Day Parade Sunday, October 10, 2021
- Columbus Day Parade Monday, October 11, 2021 🇮🇹
- Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade October 31
- Jackson Heights Children’s Halloween Parade October 31
- Village Halloween Parade October 31
OCTOBER STREET FAIRS
- Panamanian Street Fair TBD (2020: Saturday, October 3)
OCTOBER ART
- Open House New York October 16-17, 2021
- TEFAF New York Cancelled
OCTOBER DANCE
- American Ballet Theatre fall TBD
- Fall For Dance festival TBD (2020: October 21 & 26)
- New York City Ballet all season September 21 – October 17, 2021, Tue-Sun
OCTOBER FILM
- 59th New York Film Festival TBD (2020: Last Fri of Sep – oct 11)
OCTOBER FOOD
- 14th NYCWFF – New York City Wine & Food Festival October 14-17, 2021
OCTOBER LITERATURE
- Brooklyn Book Festival September 26 – October 4, 2021
- The New Yorker Festival is live and virtual October 4-10, 2021.
- New York Comic Con is at Javits Center, Fri-Sun, Oct 7-10, 2021.
OCTOBER MUSIC
- Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin, Prudential Center, Saturday, October 16, 2021 🇪🇸🇵🇷
- Global Music Month TBD (2020: August 29 – October 1)
- Billboard Latin Music Awards Telemundo , moved to April 15, 2021 at 7pm
- Metropolitan Opera September 27, 2021 – June 11, 2022
- New York Philharmonic TBD
OCTOBER SPORTS
- New York Mets baseball, April 1 – October 3, 2021
- New York Yankees baseball, April 1 – October 3, 2021
- NYCFC soccer, April 3 – November 7, 2021
- NY Red Bulls soccer, April 3 – November 7, 2021
- Sky Blue FC women’s soccer TBD (April to October)
OCTOBER THEATRE
- Broadway TBD
OCTOBER NATIONAL DAYS
- International Coffee Day is October 1 🇪🇹
- National Coming Out Day is October 11 🏳️🌈
- Indigenous People Day is October 12 🇺🇸
- National Pasta Day is October 17 🇮🇹
- National Mezcal Day is October 21 🇲🇽
- International Creole Day is October 28 (last Friday) 🇭🇹
- National Chocolate Day is October 28 🇲🇽
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
It’s strange that Celia Cruz and Dizzy Gillespie were born on the same day of the year, and that Bebo and Chucho Valdés (father and son) were also born on the same day of the year.
- Gerardo Ortiz, regional Mexican star, “The King of Corrido”, October 5, 1989 🇲🇽
- Ismael Rivera, salsa legend, October 5, 1931 🇵🇷
- Bebo Valdés, Tropicana Music Director, October 9, 1918 🇨🇺
- Chucho Valdés, timba and Latin jazz, October 9, 1941 🇨🇺
- Vinicius de Moraes bossa nova, October 19, 1933 🇧🇷
- Celia Cruz Queen of Salsa, October 21, 1925 🇨🇺
- Dizzy Gillespie Bebop jazz & Latin jazz, October 21, 1917 🇺🇸
- Miguel Calo tango composer, October 28, 1907 🇦🇷
- Espinoza Paz regional Mexican star, October 29, 1981 🇲🇽
- Omara Portuondo, Buena Vista Social Club singer, October 29, 1930 🇨🇺
- Diego Maradona, soccer legend, October 30, 1960 🇦🇷