The Best Free Pumpkin Patch in New York City for a Perfect Fall Day
Many fall events in New York charge steep entry fees, require timed tickets, and crowd visitors into small, noisy spaces. Pumpkin Point on Governors Island avoids all of that. It’s a free pumpkin patch held in Nolan Park, where individuals can pick out real pumpkins, join in simple activities, and enjoy open space without waiting in lines or following a schedule. There’s trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, live music, and food—all set up without heavy branding or pressure to spend.
Free Entry and Real Pumpkins
Image via iStockphoto/Dmitrij Galacewicz
Pumpkin Point turns Nolan Park into an open lawn filled with thousands of pumpkins. There’s no entrance booth, ticket line, or crowd control barriers. Visitors are free to pick a pumpkin, carry it out, and stay as long as they like. Organizers keep it simple by asking everyone to take only one and to bring a reusable bag, since no supplies are handed out on-site.
The patch runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the final weekend of October and stays open even in light rain. A sign near the entrance mentions a suggested donation, but no one keeps track. Without loud announcements or scheduled rotations, the space stays calm and easy to navigate. Historic houses and trees surround the area, which gives it an open feel that never turns into a bottleneck, even during busy hours.
Crafts, Costumes, and Candy without Added Fees
Pumpkin Point keeps things interesting with several low-pressure activities that don’t require registration or wristbands. The craft stations include pumpkin painting and basic fall-themed art projects aimed at young children. There’s also a costume design area where kids can get creative with fabric and accessories. On October 26, trick-or-treating happens throughout the afternoon across Nolan Park’s historic houses. In addition to this, dozens of arts and education groups open their doors and hand out candy until supplies run out.
You can also bring your own costume or just show up and join in. People often walk between the houses, and if there’s a line, they wait a minute and move on. The activities are all optional, and there isn’t a requirement to sign up for time slots or pay for extras. Everything is first-come, and nothing is overly complicated.
Live Music and Performances
Image via Pexels/Jonathan Borba
Another part of the event that keeps attendees engaged throughout the day is the live entertainment spaced throughout Nolan Park. Instead of a central stage or scheduled headliners, small performances take place in different areas of the park. There is an entire lineup of folk and acoustic musicians who play at a relaxed volume that complements the setting.
Hopalong Andrew performs daily with a kid-focused set that uses simple songs and storytelling, not loud effects or oversized props. Meanwhile, Cara’s Caterpillars runs a puppet theater nearby and offers short shows that younger children can easily follow without needing to sit for long stretches.
There aren’t any designated roped-off areas here either, which means you can stop by for a few minutes or enjoy the entire event.