About
Boat tours past the skyline, a climb inside St. John the Divine and a Prospect Park waterways walk — Archtober's month of design is in full swing.
Archtober turns October into a citywide open door: AIANY boat tours along the waterfront, vertical tours up into the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, a Prospect Park walk on how its waterways were made, and a Building of the Day at the New York Historical's Tang Wing. The 2026 theme, In Our Hands, leans into handcraft, resilient structures and climate. If you like seeing the city from the inside, pick one tour this weekend and build a day around it.
What to expect
There is no single gate. You browse the Archtober calendar, register for individual tours, talks or workshops, then meet at each partner site. Formats range from walking and boat tours to hybrid talks, and self-guided options live on the Bloomberg Connects app and the Archtober map.
Good to know
- Most tours need advance registration and cap group sizes, so book early.
- Pricing differs by partner; some programs are free and others are ticketed.
- Self-guided Anytime Activities and the Archtober map work if you cannot commit to a set tour.
- Some tours, including certain Building of the Day visits, are not wheelchair accessible; check each listing.
- Wear comfortable shoes; many programs are walking tours or involve stairs.
- Partner sites span the boroughs, so plan subway time between back-to-back programs.
Common questions
What exactly is Archtober?
Archtober is a New York City architecture and design platform whose annual month-long festival presents tours, lectures, workshops, panels and exhibitions with partner organizations.
When does the 2026 festival run?
The 2026 festival calendar runs from Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 31.
What kinds of events are on the calendar?
Partner programs include building and boat tours, lectures, workshops, family activities, exhibitions and professional-development events.
Are there options for families?
Yes, the calendar identifies family programs, and the Anytime Activities collection includes kid-friendly lessons, printables, videos and exhibition guides.
Can I participate without attending a timed event?
Yes, Archtober’s Anytime Activities are self-led resources designed to be used at your own pace.
What is Building of the Day?
It is Archtober’s series of tours through notable contemporary and historic buildings, traditionally led by architects.