Pop-up stores are a staple for New York City residents looking for something unique to do on the weekends. With the holiday season (fall and winter) comes more pop-up experiences for University students to enjoy. As we step into October and Halloween takes over, more companies are introducing creepy pop-ups around the city. Here are a few worth checking out for the 2019 Halloween season.
Spooky Pumpkin Garden — New York Botanical Garden
From now until Halloween, the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden will be filled with pumpkins. Guests will be able to tour the garden, filled with pumpkins and skeletons. For weekend visitors, the Garden will be showcasing certain “spooky” animals like snakes and bats! 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; $20 for students with ID.
“All of Them Witches” Movie Series — Nitehawk Theaters
Calling all witches: Nitehawk’s two locations (Park Slope & Williamsburg) will be featuring several witch-themed movies throughout the month of October during their “All of Them Witches” film series. See Halloween favorites such as “The Craft,” “Bell, Book and Candle,” “The Witches of Eastwick” (with Cher!), “Practical Magic,” and everyone’s favorite sister-led film, “Hocus Pocus.” 188 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn / 136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn; $13.
Haunted Morris-Jumel Mansion Tours — Morris-Jumel Mansion
Have you ever wanted to meet George Washington? Built in 1765, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan. Some of its former residents include former U.S. president George Washington, politician Aaron Burr, and infamous actress Eliza Jumel. The tour is conducted by paranormal investigators Vincent Carbone and Christopher Davalos. 65 Jumel Terrace, Manhattan; $35.
BangOn!NYC: Warehouse of Horrors — Knockdown Center
This Halloween, New York’s hottest club is BangOn!NYC. Held in a century-old warehouse in Queens, BangOn!NYC’s Halloween dates (Oct. 25–26) boast a warehouse-scale art installation, a silent disco, “ethereal interactions,” and performances by The Glitch Mob, San Holo, Claude VonStroke, Ekali, and more. 52-19 Flushing Ave, Queens; 1-Day $50, 2-Day $90.
Every year, the Bronx Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, a month-long Halloween festival full of frightening fun for all ages. Featuring a corn maze, costume parade, pumpkin carving demos, and more, guests can get into the spirit of the season. For those 21 and up, the Zoo also offers a Spooktacular Night Walk. Boo at the Zoo will be open on weekends throughout October. 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx; Prices vary.
Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel — Voorhees Theatre
Students at City Tech Theatreworks have built high-tech scares inside of the “Gravesend Inn” for a fright-filled haunted house. Design, construction, and operating support is provided by students and faculty of City Tech’s Entertainment Technology Department. The attraction will be open from Oct. 25–31. 186 Jay St, Brooklyn; $5 for students with ID.
I Can’t See — Downtown Marriott Hotel
The production designers of “I Can’t See” are very clear: this is NOT a haunted house. It is an immersive and interactive sensory experience. Guests will be blindfolded and will be led through the exhibit as a character in the story being told. The narrative will unfold in front of you using the other four senses. It is inspired by the W.W. Jacobs classic ghost story “The Toll House.” The show runs roughly 45 minutes and is meant to terrify. 133 Greenwich St, Manhattan; $20 student rush 30 minutes before each show, or tickets from $45-$50 online.
