In the heart of New York City, the air crackles with anticipation as autumn descends, ushering in a festive tapestry of orange and gold. As Halloween approaches, neighborhoods transform into whimsical wonderlands, adorned with the cauldron’s brew of creativity and community spirit. The beloved tradition of trick-or-treating takes on an additional twist in the Big Apple, with trunk-or-treating events blooming across various corners. These gatherings unite families and friends, creating a mosaic of joy, laughter, and togetherness. Here are ten enchanting trick-or-trunk events in New York neighborhoods that promise to captivate and delight both the young and the young at heart.
1. Bed-Stuy Trick or Trunk
Address: 300 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Contact: (718) 308-3733
Website: bedstuytrickortreat.org
In the vibrant enclave of Bed-Stuy, families gather in an inviting parking lot transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful decorations. This annual trunk-or-treat extravaganza welcomes little ghouls and goblins to explore elaborately decorated vehicles that echo the flavors of the community. Row after row of trunks tell stories of frightful fantasy, complete with games and treats that dance on the edge of fright and delight.
2. Astoria Park Trunk-or-Treat
Address: 19th St & Shore Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
Contact: (718) 956-8745
Website: astoriafamilyevents.org
Nestled by the East River, Astoria Park turns into a magical setting where fairy lights twinkle like distant stars. This charming trunk-or-treat offers an array of quirky events—from pumpkin decorating contests to live music that fills the air with joyous harmonies. Amid the rustling leaves, children frolic from trunk to trunk, trading their weekly hauls of candy for whimsical tales and one-of-a-kind treats.
3. The Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
Contact: (718) 367-1010
Website: bronxzoo.com
Amid the wildlife and whispers of exotic animals, the Bronx Zoo conjures an enchanting atmosphere with its annual Boo at the Zoo. This trunk-or-treat event is seasoned with a dash of educational treats, offering an astounding adventure where children can not only collect candy but also learn about the spooky adaptations of their fellow creatures. Imagine a trunk decked out like a haunted safari that invites exploration and engagement.
4. Staten Island Botanical Garden Trunk-or-Treat
Address: 1000 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314
Contact: (718) 351-3450
Website: sibg.org
Among the lush foliage of Staten Island’s Botanical Garden, the trunk-or-treat event blooms with creativity. Families weave their way through an aromatic garden path while trick-or-treating at elaborately designed trunks nestled between fragrant blooms. With crafts and storytelling sprinkled amongst the treats, the event fosters an appreciation for nature’s bounty and the sweet joys of togetherness.
5. Harlem’s Community Fun Fest
Address: 2226 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Contact: (212) 222-1234
Website: harlemcommunityfunfest.com
In the rhythmic heart of Harlem, a community fun fest breathes life into the streets. Here, trunk-or-treating evolves into a grand carnival of delights. Colorful booths brim with games, homemade treats, and artisanal crafts, creating a vibrant tapestry of local culture. Children dance to lively music while their parents recapture the spirit of their youth, exploring a potent blend of nostalgia and community.
6. Queens’ Cinnamon-Apple Haven
Address: 170-20 64th Ave, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
Contact: (718) 391-2035
Website: queenscinnamonapplehaven.org
A realm of warmth prevails in Queens as the Cinnamon-Apple Haven transforms into a cozy trunk-or-treat venue. Families meander through a patchwork of car trunks inspired by the sweetness of fall. Here, cider and treats reign supreme, and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, inviting families to indulge in delightful flavors alongside a treasure trove of candies.
7. The Pulse of Downtown Brooklyn
Address: 100 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 522-4860
Website: brooklyncommunityevents.org
Downtown Brooklyn pulsates with energy during its annual trunk-or-treat event, where entrepreneurial spirits turn their car trunks into art installations. Local businesses unleash their creativity, filling the trunks with artisan chocolates, organic treats, and handmade crafts. Strolling through this cityscape of innovation, families delve into the urban rhythm while collecting scrumptious goodies.
8. Greenpoint’s Spooktacular Trunk Fest
Address: 200 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (718) 349-3527
Website: greenpointtrunkfest.com
The hidden gem of Greenpoint boasts a Spooktacular Trunk Fest, where quirky costumes and laughter ensue. Local artists and families concoct a delightfully eerie atmosphere, blending local lore with enchanting decorations. The event features vibrant food stands, face painting stations, and endless opportunities for delightful interactions, culminating in a reverie that echoes long after the night has ended.
9. Prospect Park’s Harvest Fest
Address: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Contact: (718) 965-8999
Website: prospectparkharvestfest.org
In the embrace of Prospect Park’s natural splendor, the Harvest Fest unfolds as a celebration of autumn’s bounty. Families flock to the trunk-or-treat area, alive with vibrant costumes and seasonal delights. Engaging activities abound—hay rides, pumpkin picking, and an exhilarating race for the ultimate candy stash. Children revel in nature’s embrace as the scent of fresh apples fills the crisp air.
10. East Village’s Whimsical Trunk Adventure
Address: 85 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 420-4245
Website: eastvillageadventures.com
As evening falls in the East Village, trunk-or-treating morphs into a whimsical adventure. Delightfully eccentric artistic expressions spill from trunks like a vibrant paint palette, offering sugar-filled surprises and daring encounters. This creative gathering liberates the spirit, allowing both children and adults to embrace their inner child while sharing laughter and sugary bounties.
As the moon hangs low and the streets reverberate with laughter, trick-or-trunking in New York becomes a heartfelt celebration woven into the fabric of community. Each of these carefully curated events illuminates the city’s unwavering spirit of camaraderie and creativity. Embrace this seasonal rite and allow the magic of community to envelop you, transforming an ordinary October evening into an extraordinary tapestry of shared memories.
