Greenwich Village Halloween Parade Photo: Dave Fletcher

There's never a shortage of things going on in New York, but the cultural calendar really heats up in the fall, as New Yorkers who fled the summer heat return to the city and demand to be entertained. Starting in September, a host of eclectic festivals and events highlight the various subcultures of the city and provide a public spectacle to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. From an ethnic celebration on the Lower East Side to a test of grit and determination that encompasses all five boroughs, below are my picks for autumn events in the Big Apple.