The Ultimate Guide to NYC’s October Food Festivals: Where and What to Eat?
As autumn arrives, the summer festival season comes to a close, but food lovers in New York City still have plenty to look forward to in October. With temperatures dropping, you might need to bundle up, but the delicious food awaiting you at these festivals will make it worth braving the chill.
Here’s a rundown of the best NYC food festivals happening in October, where you can indulge in dishes from around the globe.
NYC Halal Fest – October 5
Kicking off the month, the inaugural NYC Halal Fest will take place at the Culture Lab LIC at The Plaxall Gallery. This unique event will feature 27 food vendors, all serving halal-certified dishes prepared under strict guidelines.
The festival runs from noon to 8 p.m., with early access available through Priority Hours Admission. If you’re not worried about being first in line, general admission is free after 2 p.m. Remember to have your Eventbrite scan code ready to get in.
Thai Fest – October 5 and 13
Next up, Thai Fest brings a taste of Thailand to NYC. Offering an authentic culinary experience, you can enjoy a range of popular Thai dishes like Crab Fried Rice, spicy KraPow, sweet Mango Sticky Rice, Garlic Noodles, and Tom Yum Ramen. The festival takes place at two different locations:
- October 5: 4th Avenue from 12th to 14th Street
- October 13: Broadway from 80th to 82nd Street
With its wide selection of delicious options, Thai Fest is a must for anyone who loves Thai food.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao’s Soup Dumpling Festival – October 6
For dumpling lovers, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is hosting the first-ever NYC Soup Dumpling Festival. Located on Sixth Avenue between 31st and 32nd Streets, this event offers the opportunity to not only eat dumplings but also learn how to make them.
Dumpling-making sessions will run at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. If you’re up for the challenge, you can register for $68, which includes an apron and a box of dumplings to take home.
Taste of Sunnyside 2024 – October 13
For those looking for a broader array of flavors, the Taste of Sunnyside festival offers over 60 food and drink vendors. Featuring cuisine from countries like Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, and Romania, this event is a foodie’s dream.
The festival stretches across several areas, including Lowery Plaza, 40th Street & Queens Boulevard, Bliss Plaza, and 46th Street & Queens Boulevard. You can experience the world’s cuisine all in one day, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Manhattan West Food Fest – October 16-17
Head to 385 Ninth Avenue at Manhattan West Plaza on October 16 and 17 for a taste of top-notch delicacies from popular NYC eateries. From 4 p.m. onwards, enjoy food from restaurants like Ci Siamo, Daily Provisions, Zou Zou’s, and more.
Live DJ performances throughout the event will add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a feast for both ears and stomach.
New York City Wine and Food Festival – October 17-20
The New York City Wine and Food Festival is one of the biggest culinary events of the year. It features hundreds of chefs and food personalities from around the world and is a four-day extravaganza that includes tastings, cocktail parties, and cooking classes.
It’s not just about food and drinks—this event supports God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that provides meals and nutrition counseling to New Yorkers with serious illnesses. Since its inception, over $14.8 million has been raised for charitable causes.
Anime Food NYC Festival – October 25
If you’re an anime fan, the Anime Food NYC Festival is a can’t-miss event. Meet voice actors like Emily Cramer, Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, and Laurie Hymes while enjoying anime-inspired foods such as Pikachu Pineapple cakes, Nami’s Fruit sandwiches, and Tanjiro’s Onigiri.
Tickets are available for two sessions: from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. The festival will be held at 26 Bridge Street in Brooklyn and offers a fun mashup of anime and delicious treats.
Dragon Fest – October 5, 6, 13
Craving more Chinese cuisine? Dragon Fest is the place to be. Enjoy a variety of dishes like soup dumplings and roasted crispy Peking duck buns while soaking in Chinese culture, art, and traditions. This festival is held across multiple days and locations:
- October 5: 4th Avenue from 12th to 14th Street
- October 6: Sixth Avenue from 30th to 32nd Street
- October 13: Broadway from 80th to 82nd Street
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Japan Fes – October 5, 6, 13, 27
Japan Fes offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes and unique takes on traditional favorites, from Grade A wagyu steaks to dog-shaped taiyaki. Vendors come from all over New York City and beyond to share their culinary talents. The festival will be held at the following locations:
- October 5: East Village (4th Avenue from 9th to 11th Street)
- October 6: Chelsea (Sixth Avenue from 24th to 25th Street)
- October 13: Upper West Side (Broadway, 75th to 76th Street)
- October 27: Upper West Side (Broadway, 96th to 97th Street)
Night Markets NYC – October 5, 10, 18, 28
If you’re a night owl, check out Night Markets NYC, where you can explore a variety of food vendors offering savory treats. These events run from 4 to 10 p.m. at various locations:
- October 5: Fordham Plaza
- October 10: West Harlem (West 133rd Street & 12th Avenue)
- October 18: Latin Night Market at Quisqueya Plaza (247 Dyckman Street)
- October 28: Industry City (220 36th Street)
Queens Night Market – October 5, 12, 19, 26
The Queens Night Market is a must for adventurous eaters. You’ll find an impressive variety of cuisines, including Brazilian, Cambodian, Ethiopian, Peruvian, Sudanese, Tibetan, and Venezuelan. With 72 food vendors, live performances, and artisan vendors, this market has something for everyone. The event takes place behind the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadow Corona Park from 4 p.m. to midnight.
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Smorgasburg – Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
If you can’t make it to a specific festival, Smorgasburg is a year-round event offering a rotating selection of food vendors. Held at the World Trade Center on Fridays, Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays, Smorgasburg provides a weekly opportunity to enjoy delicious food from all over the world.