What’s Happening: Halloween at the Bronx Zoo, Comedy Nights at Clinton Hall, and the Tour De Bronx is back

Indulge in all of the festive events taking place in the Bronx.
Indulge in all of the festive events taking place in the Bronx this Halloween season.
Photo courtesy The New York Botanical Garden

Bronx Zoo

Enjoy Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo

Sept. 28-Oct. 29, 6-10:30 p.m

Embrace the dark month. Learn the habits of animals after dark, indulge in Halloween treats and food trucks, participate in themed games, and follow a half-mile trail of more than 5,000 jack-o’-lanterns and watch how these pumpkins are made through live demonstrations.

Tickets start at $24.95 for children and $34.95 for adults, with a 40% discount for members of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Walk through the half-mile trail of pumpkins carved expertly into animals. Photo courtesy Bronx Zoo

Local Farmers’ Markets

BxPE Farmers’ Market at Bronx Park East

Every Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Immerse yourself through bustling markets and pick out the freshest produce to your heart’s content. From fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers and locally baked goods and condiments, there is certainly something for everyone in the local community.

Learn more about the local farmers and produce here.

The Bronx Vegan Bazaar at 1125 Grand Concourse

Every Wednesday, 4-9 p.m.

With more than 20 vegan vendors available every Wednesday, the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is the first vegan food expo for and by the local community. Shop fresh and delicious vegan food and natural juices, and learn of the great benefits of the vegan lifestyle through friendly staff.

Learn more about the local vegan bazaar here.

Artistic Appreciation

Book Launch at the Lit. Bar: “The Bronx Is My Home” by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.

Witness the release of a children’s book, a love letter to the bustling life of the Bronx. Immerse yourself in an interactive reading of Reynoso-Morris’ book and get your copy signed by the author herself.

Tickets start at no cost to $30.93 for a signed copy of the new book.

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris latest book is a love letter to the beauty and bustle of the Bronx.
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris’ latest book is a love letter to the beauty and bustle of the Bronx. Photo courtesy Christy Ottaviana Books

Tito Nieves and Friends are coming to Lehman Center

Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.

Do not dare miss the grand return of Puerto Rican singer Tito Nieves, who will be accompanied by talents such as Kevin Ceballo, Rumberos del Callejon and special guest Daniela Darcourt. Be a part of an unforgettable night of timeless salsa mixed with contemporary artistry.

Tickets start at $58 to $133 depending on seating.

Community Services

DiVA Spa at the Bronx Borough Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

In an unexpected but welcoming twist, the Veteran’s Memorial Hall will be receiving a makeover this late October, being converted into a fully-functional salon. Come get yourself a makeover too with free services offering manicures, facials and professional massages. This event is not only of giving to Bronx members, but educating members on the prevailing issues of domestic violence and where resources are available in the city.

Schedule a free appointment.

 

Tour de Bronx 2023

Sunday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m.

There is no need to head all the way to France to get a taste of competitive cycling with a free event here in New York state; with more than 4,000 riders from across the county, city and country. There will now be three designated routes: the regular 25-mile route, the returning 40-mile route, and the new family-friendly 10-mile route. All routes will begin at 161st Street and Grand Concourse, tour through the South Bronx, Wakefield, Riverdale, Orchard Beach and waterfront parks and close at The New York Botanical Garden.

Register to ride or volunteer to help.

Ready, set, GO! Join the thousands of riders or support on the sidelines as volunteers.
Ready, set, go! Join the thousands of riders or support on the sidelines as volunteers. Photo courtesy The Bronx Tourism Council

The New York Botanical Garden

Great Pumpkin Commonwealth Q&A

Oct. 21-22, 1-2 p.m.

After racing in the highly anticipated Tour de Bronx, take a moment at the garden to meet the growers of this year’s winning giant pumpkin. These absolute units will be displayed at the garden, with growers taking questions and demonstrating their carvings on the giant.

This is no cave, this is an unimaginably large pumpkin capable of enveloping an entire person.
This is no cave, this is an unimaginably large pumpkin capable of enveloping an entire person. Photo courtesy The New York Botanical Garden

Spooky Garden Nights

Oct. 21-28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Dress up in your most harrowing costume and don’t miss the several events taking over the garden nights. Adam Bierton, a professional sculptor, will be demonstrating his prowess and creativity on giant pumpkins. Brought to you by local puppeteer, Lucrecia Novoa, experience the otherworldliness of seeing a parade of life-sized, life-like skeletons. Another live performance will be held by Hit the Lights! Theater: A Live Shadow Puppet Performance, with special attention in maintaining the vintage aesthetic, using classic overhead projectors, shadow puppetry and on-the-spot music to set the mood.

Tickets are $30 for non-members and $25 for members.

All admissions for events on the garden can be found here.

Family Night

Arthur Avenue Comedy at Clinton Hall

Every Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.

Organized by well respected comedian Ben Asher, the Bronx welcomes amazing long sets of stand-up comedy with past performers coming from Colbert, SNL, the Daily Show, Letterman, the Tonight Show and Comedy Central. Clinton Hall provides an experience like no other: with talented comedians performing live and to a close audience to completely entertain and immerse almost anybody. Delicious craft food and drinks are of course available for purchase.

Tickets start at no cost to $17.47 (with a free drink) depending on how much you desire to support live stand-up. There is also the option to donate a custom amount to really support comedy nights.

Photo courtesy Arthur Avenue Comedy 

Family Art Night at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center

Nov. 16, 6-7:30 p.m.

With fall upon us, the Family Art Night event is one of many occasions spreading the festive spirit. All families are invited to savor music while they draw and paint. Express your creative side and see the artistry you never knew your family had.

The event is absolutely free.

Muslim Festival

Bronx Muslim Festival held at Unionport Road

Friday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Muslim Media Corporation is hosting a celebration for the diverse Muslim community in the Bronx and for those seeking community. Importantly, this festival seeks to eradicate the myths about Islam and condemn the evil extremism doctrine, intolerance and hatred.

Entry is free to all, but reservations are highly encouraged.


For more things to do in the Bronx, visit our Bronx Times Events page.