There’s nothing like fall in New York City! Whether it’s back-to-school, festive celebrations, election season, or the beauty of the changing leaves, there’s a lot going on.
Here’s what you need to know to help you navigate and make the most of the season.
Back-to-School
Public school is officially in session! We know the back-to-school season can be overwhelming. Here are some tips and to-dos to get off to a great start this school year.
- Check out the official back-to-school checklist for tips on setting a healthy bedtime, getting your child ready to read, language access, and more.
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2024 General Election
Voting Dates and Deadlines
October 26
Early Mail or Absentee Ballot Request Deadline (mail and electronic)
Your online, mail, email, or fax request for an early mail or absentee ballot must be received by this date. Requests can be made in person until November 4th. Learn how to vote by early mail or absentee ballot.
October 26 – November 3
Early Voting
You can vote before Election Day at your assigned early voting poll site. Make sure to check the hours and location before you go. Find your early voting poll site.
November 4
Early Mail or Absentee Ballot Request Deadline (in person)
This is the last day you can request an early mail or absentee ballot at your borough’s Board of Elections office.
November 5
Early Mail or Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
If you’re mailing your ballot, it must be postmarked by this date. This is also the last day to drop off a ballot at the Board of Elections office or a poll site.
Voting Resources
Elections and Voting Overview
Learn about elections and voting in NYC.
Get started
Voter Registration
Your vote matters—register to vote! You can also check and update your registration.
Learn more
Poll Sites
Search for your assigned poll site for both early voting and Election Day.
Find your poll site
Voter Guide
Vote smart—get ready for Election Day with NYC Vote’s official voter guide. Learn about the voting process, read candidate profiles, and view ballot proposals.
Explore the guide
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Events
Brooklyn Book Festival
September 22-29
Bookworms unite! Get ready for a week of book readings, signings, panels, and markets for readers of all ages.
GreenThumb Harvest Festival
September 28
Join community gardeners as they showcase the bounty of the season with cooking demos, live entertainment, and contests.
Atlantic Antic
September 29
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Brooklyn’s largest street festival.
Queens Agricultural Fair
October 5 - 6
Enjoy a day of hayrides, carnival games, local craft and food vendors, and the Amazing Maize Maze.
Open House New York Weekend
October 18 - 20
Unlock the city's secrets with behind-the-scenes tours and special access at over 250 historic buildings, public works facilities, and other sites.
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Holiday Service Changes
| Holiday | ASP🔗 | Schools🔗 | Collections🔗 |
|---|
| Rosh Hashanah (October 3 - 4) | Suspended | Closed | On Schedule |
| Yom Kippur (October 12) | Suspended | Not in Session | On Schedule |
| Italian Heritage Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 14) | Suspended | Closed | Suspended |
| Succoth (October 17 - 18) | Suspended | Open | On Schedule |
| Shemini Atzereth (October 24) | Suspended | Open | On Schedule |
| Simchas Torah (October 25) | Suspended | Open | On Schedule |
| Diwali and All Saints' Day (November 1) | Suspended | Closed | On Schedule |
| Election Day (November 5) | Suspended | Closed | Suspended |
| Veterans Day (November 11) | Suspended | Closed | Suspended |
| Thanksgiving Day (November 28) | Suspended | Closed | Suspended |
Rosh Hashanah (October 3 - 4)
Italian Heritage Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 14)
Succoth (October 17 - 18)
Shemini Atzereth (October 24)
Simchas Torah (October 25)
Diwali and All Saints' Day (November 1)
Election Day (November 5)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (November 28)
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Harvest Activities
Greenmarkets and Farmers Markets
Harvest fresh local produce and support regional farmers at farmers markets and stands.
Find a market near youAnnual Harvest Festival at Carl Schurz Park
Visit the annual harvest fest, featuring arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, spooky trails, and more. Oct. 13 1 PM – 3 PM
Learn morePumpkin Picking at Decker Farm
Enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, fall food favorites, and more. October weekends and Mon. Oct. 14 12 PM – 5 PM
Learn more
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Fall Weather Resources
Residential Heat Complaints
From October 1st through May 31st, residential building owners must provide tenants with heat.
Learn more or file a complaint
Commercial Heat Complaints
From October 1st through May 31st, commercial building owners must provide tenants with heat.
Learn more or file a complaint
Help With Heating Bills
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for heat.
Learn more and apply
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th. Are you ready? Learn how to make an emergency plan and find out if you are in an evacuation zone.
Learn how to prepare
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Give Thanks, Give Back
Fall is a great time to lend a hand to those in need. Here are ways you can give back to your community and support our fellow New Yorkers this season.
Donate Food
Donate Goods
- New York Cares runs a yearly coat drive. Drop off a coat to help a New Yorker keep warm this season.
- DonateNYC can help you find places to donate gently used goods, such as clothing and electronics.
Donate Your Time
- NYCService can help you find ways to serve your community. From writing grants and mentoring youth, to supporting asylum seekers, you can make a difference!
- New York Cares connects volunteers to projects to support older adults, veterans, youth, and others.
- NYC Parks' volunteer programs enhance our city's green spaces through cleanups, planting, and tree care.
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Fall Foliage
There's no better time to explore the city’s urban forest than autumn, when leaves transform into a breathtaking display of fall colors.
Where to See Fall Foliage
Whether you’re on a guided tour, hiking solo, or just enjoying street trees in your neighborhood, there are many places to take in the beauty of the city’s seasonal landscape.
Top places to see fall colors include:
Discover more leaf-peeping locations.
Fall Foliage Tracker
Peak fall foliage in NYC usually begins in early to mid-November, but timing varies each year. Check out NYC Parks’ Fall Foliage Tracker to monitor the arrival of fall foliage on maples, oaks, ginkgoes, and more in city parks.
Check the Fall Foliage Tracker.
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