What’s happening | Spooky events and fun at the parks

Community Paddling

Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Starlight Docks in Starlight Park

Free

Take part in this fun and simple paddling event at Starlight Park. This is the perfect and fun thing to do for families, as well as beginners in paddling. Canoes will be available for groups and kayaks for individuals. Those under the age of 18 who wish to participate must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2024/10/25/free-community-paddling-in-starlight-park.

39th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade

Saturday, Oct. 26, 12-4 p.m.

Simpson Street, between East 163rd Street and Westchester Avenue

Free

Take part in or enjoy watching this annual parade, which is sure to be a ghoulishly fun time for people of all ages. The theme around this year’s parade is the zombie apocalypse. Be sure to dress as a zombie if you are dying to march with the rest of the undead. An artist showcase will take place at Bill Rainey Park following the parade’s conclusion. In addition to candies and treats, costume contests with cash prizes will be held there.

For more information, visit https://www.bxcb2.events/.

Halloween: Wags to Witches

Sunday, Oct. 27, 12-4 p.m.

Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway at West 246th Street

Free

The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Van Cortlandt House Museum invite Bronx residents to bring their families and dogs for this fun-filled afternoon. There will be creepy crafts, face painting, scary stories and more. There will also be a dog costume contest at 2 p.m., with the chance to win fun prizes. Registration for the dog costume contest is $20 in advance of the event, or $25 on the day of the event.

For more information, visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2024/10/27/halloween-wags-to-witches.

Bronx History and Activism Project: A Haunted History

Monday, Oct. 28, 3-4 p.m.

Soundview Library, 660 Soundview Ave.

Free

Learn about the history of spooky places and events in the Bronx through this history program. Uncover the haunted past of old estates, mysterious mansions and tragic sites across the borough that have a supernatural feel to them. Hear the chilling stories about each location and the spirits that may haunt them to this day.

For more information, visit https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2024/10/28/bronx-history-and-activism-project-haunted-history.

Flip Circus 2024

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.

The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave.

$30-$70

The circus will be coming to town at the Mall at Bay Plaza. Catch gleeful and fun clowns, thrill seeking motorcycle stunts and much more at the Flip Circus, created by the imagination of the Circus Vazquez family.

For more information, visit https://www.flipcircus.com/.

Citywide Nursery Gardening

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Arthur Ross Citywide Nursery, 4488 Van Cortlandt Park E.

Free

Join the Citywide Nursery’s Stewardship team and staff in maintaining the plant hoop houses and potting up perennials into larger grow pots there. The staff there will be able to help you improve your green thumb. Experience is not necessary for this event. Be sure to dress appropriately for the event by coming in sturdy boots or shoes, long pants and clothes that you are not worried about getting dirty.

For more information, visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2024/10/30/citywide-nursery-gardening.

Tim Burton’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail

Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-10 p.m.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd.

$39-$49

Join Jack Skellington and his Halloween friends from the classic Tim Burton film “A Nightmare Before Christmas” for a walk of wonders at New York’s most treasured garden. See the characters, scenes and songs from the film come to life at this spectacle illuminating the film’s art with botanical beauty.

For more information, visit https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com/.