Halloween Weekend Events in New York City: Top Ten Picks for 2009

It's finally here. Halloween Weekend is upon us and the kids are already jittery with excitement. We've written about so many Halloween activities, how on earth are you to decide what to do? Plus there's a few events we haven't even mentioned yet. So this week's events post focuses on the most interesting Halloween activities this weekend.

Of course there's way more than ten great things to do this weekend so make sure to check the posts in our Halloween Activities Guide and our events calendar, which has over 50 cool events for this weekend (we even have some non-Halloween events if you're over it).

All Weekend

Pumpkin Chucking—NY Hall of Science, Queens
Pumpkin Chucking is a Halloween staple in the suburbs, but I've never heard of it happening in New York City. But October is Catapult Month at the NY Hall of Science, which means, weekly  demonstrations have been going on all month explaining the mechanics of catapults and how they work. The coolest of these demonstrations, by far, will be Pumpkin Chucking. Bring your own pumpkin to the NY Hall of Science and watch while it is hurled by catapult hundreds of feet in the air to its messy end. Free with museum admission.

Day of the Dead—Manhattan
There are several Day of the Dead festivals this weekend and they all sound really great. I particularly want to go to the one at St Marks Church in the Bowery, cause it sounds pretty funky and I want to make sugar skulls and listen to mariachis. Check out our full post for info on all the Day of the Dead events. FREE

Friday, October 30

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown—Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
The Moxie Spot's Annual Halloween Monster Mash Party is on Halloween Night, but swing by on Friday for a free screening of two animated holiday favorites, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and The Nightmare Before Christmas. FREE

Spooks at Belvedere Castle - Central Park, Manhattan
What better place for a haunted house than a 19th century Gothic castle? All who make it through will enjoy free treats. FREE

Saturday, October 31

Morning of the Gargoyles—UWS, Manhattan
Make Halloween about something more than costumes and candy. The Cathedral of St john the Divine takes different slant on Halloween with a reading of Eve Buntings Night of the Gargoyles, then down to the workshop to assemble gargling, grimacing clay gargoyles, skeleton creatures, and paper gargoyle masks. $8 per child with accompanying adult.

Halloween Block Party—Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Still Hip, the cool second hand boutique, just keeps upping the ante with their events. This year's Halloween celebration will take over the entire block with fun activities all day including performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole, Let's Dance Brooklyn, LIG Funk Band and more. Plus have your child's portrait taken by a professional photographer ($10) or face painted ($8). At 4pm the kids will parade down Grand Avenue in their costumes. First 100 customers get a goodie bag. FREE

Halloween Remixed—Flushing, Queens
At this Halloween celebration you get the best of Halloween, Day of the Dead and All Saints Day, just like Queens does. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, treats and giveaways. FREE

Hudson River Park Halloween Kids Karnival - Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Hudson River Park has replaced their Pier of Fear this year with a more kid-friendly event. Pier 46 will become Halloween Central with face painting, mask decorating, wax hands, cotton candy, rides and more. The Striking Viking Story Pirates will also perform an improv show for the kids. Rides and some activities will require a $2 ticket. FREE

Wonderween at Sony Wonder Technology Lab - Midtown, Manhattan
Catch a monstrous movie, have some hauntingly hands-on fun, and go home with gobs of ghoulish goodies! Screenings include the children’s features Arthur’s Scary Stories, Elmo Says Boo, and Dora The Explorer: Boo. We recommend calling Monday, October 27th to make a reservation to ensure entry. FREE

Prospect Park Haunted Walk and Carnival - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Hike to Lookout Hill to find it haunted with witches, zombies, and other creepy characters then head to the Nethermead for a fun for all carnival with games and treats. Free, but suggested donation $1. And don't forget the haunted carousel (rides $1.50) FREE

Not Too Scary Halloween Party—Staten Island Children's Museum
Decorate pumpkins, make Halloween crafts, march in a costume parade, run through the Haunted House, play games, jump in the Giant Bounce, run races, and eat treats. FREE

Bonus Pick:

Halloween Costume Parade—Various
Make sure to make going to a Halloween Costume Parade for kids part of your Halloween line-up. They're all great. We happen to be going to the Park Slope parade this year, but there are parades in many neighborhoods around the city. FREE

Sunday will be detox day in our house, but if you need to get out, head to Boo at the Zoo, or one of these events.