Visiting New York? Alternate Side Parking Rules Paused on These October Dates

If you’re driving in New York this October, you might be surprised by how city life adapts around its parking rules. Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is a fact of life here, shaping daily routines for both locals and visitors. But not everyone knows the city suspends these rules on certain holidays, making parking less stressful if you time your trip right.

I’ve consulted the 2025 NYC DOT suspension calendar to confirm every October ASP pause. Whether you’re sightseeing, visiting family, or just trying to avoid a ticket, knowing these dates helps you navigate New York with less parking stress.

1. Yom Kippur: Thursday, October 2

Yom Kippur is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, and New York reflects this in a noticeable way. The usual shuffle of cars across city streets stops, as ASP rules are suspended for the day. For drivers, this means you can leave your car parked without worrying about moving it for street cleaning. However, be careful: meter rules and other standing regulations remain in effect, so you still need to read posted signs.

The city often feels calmer on Yom Kippur. Neighborhoods with large Jewish populations, like Borough Park in Brooklyn or the Upper West Side in Manhattan, are especially quiet. Streets that are normally filled with honking and circling for spaces take on a different pace. For visitors, this creates a rare window to experience New York in a subdued state. Pedestrian traffic increases near synagogues, so it’s wise to drive slowly and respect crowds.

If you happen to be in the city, take a walk through one of these neighborhoods. You’ll notice fewer cars, more foot traffic, and a stronger sense of community rhythm. For one day, the city’s relentless motion pauses, something drivers and pedestrians alike can appreciate.

2. Sukkot: Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7-8

Sukkot is an outdoor-oriented holiday, and in New York it leaves a visible mark on neighborhoods. You’ll often see temporary huts, called sukkahs, set up on sidewalks, in courtyards, or even on apartment balconies. These are places where families eat meals together, and they bring a festive energy to the cityscape.

For drivers, Sukkot brings two days of relief. ASP is suspended on both October 7 and 8, so there’s no need to shuffle cars across the street for cleaning. If you’re traveling by rental car or driving into the city from nearby states, the timing makes parking a little easier. But don’t confuse the pause in ASP with free parking. Meters still run, and “No Standing” zones remain off-limits.

Traffic patterns may also shift. In Brooklyn, especially in Borough Park and Williamsburg, and in parts of Queens, more people are on foot as families walk to synagogue or visit neighbors. That means parking spots fill differently than usual, often near sukkahs or community centers.

Visitors curious about authentic local life can use this time to walk around respectfully. Seeing families gather under decorated sukkahs is a reminder of how tradition blends into everyday New York. Be mindful not to block access with your car or intrude on private celebrations.

From a driver’s perspective, the key takeaway is simple: Sukkot means a break from the city’s strict street-cleaning rules. Plan around it, and you can avoid tickets and enjoy a smoother, less stressful visit.

3. Columbus Day: Monday, October 13

Columbus Day has been celebrated in New York for nearly a century with one of the city’s most prominent parades. Every year, Fifth Avenue fills with floats, marching bands, and community groups. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience one of New York’s longest-running traditions. But beneath the music and flags, there’s also a practical detail: ASP rules are suspended citywide on this day.

This suspension is significant because Columbus Day is classified as a “major legal holiday.” That means not only is ASP off, but meter enforcement is also paused in most areas. For drivers, it’s one of the few times you can park without worrying about feeding the meter or moving your car for a sweeper. It makes the city feel slightly more forgiving to anyone behind the wheel.

That said, parking near the parade route is difficult. Fifth Avenue and many side streets close early in the morning to accommodate crowds and floats. If you want to enjoy the parade, plan to park well outside Midtown and walk or use public transit to reach the event. Crowds are heavy, and subway trains near the route can be packed.

Even if you skip the parade, Columbus Day is a useful holiday for parking relief. If you arrive in the city over the long weekend, you’ll find fewer restrictions and a chance to settle into a spot for hours at a time. Just double-check posted signs, since some closures and security rules may still override the holiday pause.

4. Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah: Tuesday-Wednesday, October 14-15

Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah close out the Jewish fall holiday season. In New York, these two days are marked by synagogue services, outdoor gatherings, and often singing and dancing in the streets. For a visitor, it’s a lively and cultural time to be in the city.

From a parking perspective, both days come with ASP suspensions. This means no street-cleaning shifts, which makes life easier for residents and travelers with cars. However, unlike Columbus Day, meter rules remain in effect, so you’ll still need to pay attention to pay-and-display machines and posted time limits.

In neighborhoods with strong Jewish communities, such as Kew Gardens Hills in Queens or the Upper West Side in Manhattan, you may notice crowds in the evening as Simchas Torah brings celebratory dancing into the streets. This can mean more pedestrian activity around synagogues and fewer available parking spots nearby.

If you’re visiting, it’s a good time to park in one place and explore on foot. The festive mood is unmistakable, and walking gives you a chance to see traditions play out in real time. For drivers, the convenience of leaving your car without worrying about ASP for two straight days is a rare luxury.

The takeaway is that these holidays combine cultural vibrancy with parking relief. Use the pause in rules to your advantage, but remember that the city still enforces meters and other restrictions. Planning ahead makes these days smoother and more rewarding, whether you’re behind the wheel or just exploring.

5. Diwali: Monday, October 20

In 2025, New York officially recognizes Diwali with an ASP suspension. The holiday, celebrated widely by Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, has grown in visibility across the city, especially in Queens neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill. Streets light up with decorations, and shops sell traditional sweets and colorful lanterns.

For drivers, the pause in ASP rules provides a rare break. On October 20, you don’t need to move your car for street cleaning. However, unlike Columbus Day, meters are still in effect, so be ready to pay where required. Demand for parking near celebrations can be high, especially in neighborhoods with concentrated festivities.

Walking through these areas offers a special glimpse into New York’s diversity. Families decorate homes, set out lamps, and gather in temples and community centers. Even as a visitor, you can experience the joy of Diwali by observing respectfully or sampling traditional snacks from local shops. The holiday theme of light overcoming darkness resonates in the colorful displays and community spirit.

If you’re planning your trip, note that Diwali celebrations can last into the evening. This means parking near event hubs may be more competitive than usual. Arriving early and securing a spot away from the busiest streets is wise.

For travelers unfamiliar with New York’s parking system, Diwali illustrates how the city adapts to reflect its cultural mosaic. The ASP suspension is a small gesture, but for anyone driving, it makes the day less stressful. For visitors, it’s a reminder that New York celebrates its many communities openly, and that sometimes, even the parking rules bend in recognition.