October 31, in Halloween, costumed kids (with their adults) gather at the Soldiers and Sailors monument at 3:30 pm, at Riverside Drive at 88th St, and march (to the sound of bagpipes) to the Hippo Playground at 91st Street inside Riverside Park. There will be cider and donuts at the playground, which is usually decorated with bales of hay and pumpkins. A totally charming event. Over at 5:30pm.

The Soldiers and Sailors monument is located at the intersection of Riverside Drive and W 89th Street. It may be easiest reached by taking the M5 bus or the red subway line to 86th street station and taking a short walk in a westerly direction. The architects were Charles and Arthur Stoughton, and the monument was erected in 1902 to honour the soldiers who defended the Union in the American Civil War. The design of the monument was adapted from the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, and has been used on other civil war monuments, and notable landmarks in the USA. The monument is not accessible, as it is in need of repair, and protected by a perimeter fence. At the top of the monument, there is a message that states,"To the memory of the brave soldiers and sailors who saved the Union". The entrance door to the monument has "In Memoriam", with a sculpture of an eagle overhead. Just before reaching the steps to the monument, are two columnar structures, seemingly guarding the entrance. The names of battles, and famous Union Army generals have been etched on them. In the park nearby, there are three canons which were used in the civil war. It is difficult to view the nearby Hudson River, as the foliage is quite dense, with many trees. This is a great place to relax, with many benches nearby. A short walk north is the Joan of Arc monument. Other attractions nearby include two churches at the intersection of West End Avenue and W 86th Street.