Iona students have a special edge on their peers during the fall season with New York City located right in our backyard.

Even on a limited budget, there are plenty of inexpensive and fun activities to partake in all over Manhattan this time of year,

Of course, with Halloween just around the corner there are plenty of themed events to wander into as well. You never know what you may find in the city!

Halloween Harvest Festival:

Located in Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, this festival offers face painting by Agostino Arts, live music, harvest foods from local restaurants, costume making with Socrates artists and the Annual Juried Canine Costume Contest for dogs.

The festival takes place on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go to socratessculpturepark.org.

Thrill the World 2014:

Thrill the World is an annual event that pays tribute to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video. This year will mark the sixth anniversary of the event which takes place at 6 p.m. on Coney Island boardwalk.

The event culminates with the after party and celebration dinner at Ruby’s Bar and Grill.

For more information on how to get involved with the event, go to thrilltheworldnyc.com.

Wall Street Walks Ghost Tour:

Take a guided tour of New York City’s most haunted places. While visiting some of the most historic buildings and spooky grave sites, you’ll learn more about the Financial District’s dark history.

Tours run every Friday and Saturday through the end of October, and tickets are available online at NYCtourist.com for $25.

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade:

Embrace your inner child and dress up for the 41st Annual Village Halloween Parade on Friday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the parade, along with over 50 bands, giant puppets, dancers and thousands of New Yorkers.

This year’s theme is the “Garden of Earthly Delights,” but your costume does not need to be in theme. Show up at 6th Avenue at Canal street for a ghoulishly good time. More information can be found at halloween-nyc.com

Even going into the city and taking a walk through Central Park to see the changing leaves falling from the trees is a priceless experience. The only money required is to purchase your train ticket into the city.

An excellent source when looking for inexpensive things to do in the New York City area is timeout.com. Their events calendars are packed with fun ideas to take advantage of the amazing city that is so close to our college.

Don’t take New York City for granted. After all, it’s only a train ride away.