If you want to enjoy Halloween with a beautiful waterfront and a fun community vibe, Halloween on the Waterfront in Long Island City is the perfect place to visit. Imagine the cool October air, kids in costumes running around, and families relaxing on picnic blankets while watching a movie under the stars. Every year, Hunters Point Parks Conservancy turns the park into a lively Halloween village with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, local food, and a movie night. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fall and see how friendly, fun, and full of life the Long Island City community really is.
Why Everyone’s Excited About This Halloween Festival
Halloween on the Waterfront is a community event hosted by Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC). It’s back for its third year on Saturday, October 25, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Oval in Hunters Point South Park.
The festival is co-hosted by Frank Ottomanelli’s on the Water, the PS/IS 78Q PTA, PS 384Q PTA, and other local businesses. Over 2,000 visitors attended the event last year, and this year's celebration promises to be even larger and more enjoyable.
This event brings people together to celebrate everything great about fall in Queens. It’s all about community, creativity, and connection.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Trick-or-treating stations throughout the park
A costume contest and parade showing off local creativity
Pumpkin decorating sessions sponsored by Foodcellar Market
An outdoor movie screening of Beetlejuice
Halloween cocktails and fall snacks from Ottomanelli’s
For many locals, this has become a special fall tradition filled with fun, nostalgia, and community pride.
All You Need to Know for a Fun Fall Night
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 25, and head to The Oval at Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City. This free event is packed with family-friendly activities, Halloween fun, and a movie under the stars.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Schedule of Activities:
4:00 to 6:00 PM: Family games and trick-or-treating
5:30 PM: Costume parade and contest
6:30 PM: Outdoor movie screening of Beetlejuice
8:00 PM: Event ends
How to Get There:
By Subway: Take the 7 train and just a short walk from the park.
By Ferry: Stop at Hunter’s Point South on the NYC Ferry.
Parking: Street parking is limited, so public transit is recommended.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or low chair to get comfy before the movie starts. The grass fills up quickly, and you’ll want a great spot to relax and enjoy the show.
How to Make the Most of It (and Avoid the Crowds)
Arrive early. Family activities fill the first two hours, so arriving at 4:00 PM allows you to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
Bring a tote bag. Between candy stations, pumpkin crafts, and small giveaways from local businesses, you’ll have more to carry than you expect.
Dress in layers. The waterfront breeze picks up after sunset, so costumes that pair easily with sweaters or jackets are your best bet.
Plan dinner at Ottomanelli’s. Their Halloween-themed menu and cocktails make it easy to keep the night going while still staying close to the park.
Stay for the movie. Beetlejuice at dusk against the skyline is one of those quintessential NYC experiences—fun, cinematic, and completely worth the chill.
The Neighborhood Connection (What This Event Says About Long Island City)
Events like Halloween on the Waterfront highlight what makes Long Island City (LIC) one of Queens’ most desirable places to live. Beyond the skyline views and modern buildings, there’s a sense of belonging—a community that shows up for each other.
Here’s what this event reveals about the neighborhood:
Family-first design. LIC’s parks, schools, and walkways are built for families.
Local collaboration. From schools to restaurants, the event’s partnerships reflect a community that values teamwork and shared spaces.
Active lifestyle. Residents here walk, bike, and ferry their way to events. Accessibility and green space are part of everyday life.
Strong neighborhood pride. The energy of this festival—neighbors volunteering, kids performing, small businesses engaging—shows the kind of civic spirit that defines this pocket of Queens.
If you’re exploring where to live in Queens, events like this one can give you a real-world “test drive” of the community vibe.
Why People Love Living Here
If you enjoy local events, you’ll love the energy of parks like Hunters Point South and Gantry Plaza, where you can find outdoor movies, yoga sessions, and seasonal markets just a short walk away.
Families appreciate being close to schools, where there’s a strong sense of community and parent involvement.
For daily travel, the area offers easy access to subways, ferries, and bike lanes, making commuting simple.
You’ll also enjoy a friendly neighborhood with year-round events like concerts and light-ups. Every day here feels balanced, active, and full of local charm.
A Little Reminder Before You Go
Halloween on the Waterfront is more than just a fun event; it shows what makes Queens special. Families come together, local shops join in, and everyone enjoys a safe and delightful time by the water. It’s a celebration that feels close to home.
If you’re new or thinking of moving here, events like this show how friendly, lively, and welcoming the community is. And if you already live in Queens, it’s a sweet reminder of why you love it here. Ready to find a home that fits your lifestyle?
Let’s make it happen together.