100 Free or Super Cheap Things to Do in Brooklyn This Fall
So, it’s fall in Brooklyn! (And, we guess, everywhere else too, but for our purposes, we only care about right here, right now.) While there’s never a shortage of things to do in Brooklyn, sifting through the duds to get to the good stuff can be extremely time-consuming, overwhelming, and at times, unrewarding. Like when you think you found an event worthy enough to prep your DVR box so you can go out worry-free, and then you realize that what you wanted to go to actually happened last weekend. Or, far worse: It’s too expensive. We’ve been there. It sucks. That’s why we did the dirty work for you, by making this sort of insanely comprehensive list of all the events in Brooklyn that are either totally free or won’t break your budget (nothing’s more than $30). So whether you’re looking for a truly unique night full of the Destiny’s Child songs reimagined as big Broadway numbers or just want an excuse to put your dog in a costume, we’ve got you covered.
Jean Grae!
MUSIC and PERFORMANCES
1) Reggae Retro 1st Saturdays Party
This monthly reggae party has slowly become a staple event for the Brooklyn reggae scene.
First Saturdays at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Gowanus
2) Jampardy
Are you tired of having to suppress your inner Janet Jackson when the office is bumpin’ 90s R&B music because such actions are deem “not work appropriate”? Do you just wanna dance with somebody? Then a night strictly dedicated to R&B jams and trivia might be the best remedy for you when you’re just having one of them days.
Every second Monday at Trophy Bar on 351 Broadway, Williamsburg
3) Jean Grae & Quelle Chris present The Sequels: The Goonies II
Though it is rumored to be a Goonies sequel, we won’t hold our breath. Instead we’ll let hip-hop artists Jean Grae and Quelle Chris give their own interpretation of what the sequel should be, in this live interactive play. And since it’s interactive, we assume there will be a mandatory truffle shuffle break. We could only hope.
10/12 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
4) HONK NYC
This annual festival is a celebration of contemporary global brass and percussion music performances held in schools, gardens, and other public spaces across New York.
10/12-18 at various locations. For more information, visit honknyc.com
5) Songwriters and Storytellers
This unofficial CMJ show provides an intimate concert inside a Brooklyn apartment that doubles as an art space for film screenings, live theater, and of course, concerts. Space will be extremely limited, since, you know, it’s a loft. So make sure you register beforehand.
10/14 For more information, visit unitjbushwick.com
6) Women of Protest: A Music Salon
Brooklyn-based musicians cover a soundscape of protest music.
10/30 at Skylight Gallery on 1368 Fulton Street, Bed-Stuy
7) International Pop Overthrow Festival
Now in its 15th year, IPO New York will feature more than 40 of the best pop and rock bands that New York has to offer.
11/04-08 at Bar Matchless on 557 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint
8) Wonderfunk: Dedicated To the Music of Stevie Wonder
This all-ages event is DATFunK! way of commemorating Stevie Wonder’s return to Madison Square Garden this fall. The band will perform some Wonder’s greatest hits as well as their own original music.
11/23 at The Hall at MP on 470 Driggs Avenue, Williamsburg
The Goonies!
FILM
9) Habana Outpost Outdoor Movies
I know what you’re thinking, “another outdoor moving listing,” but hear me out. Movie tickets aren’t cheap and for the most part, Habana Outpost is screening the best 80s and 90s movies known to humankind. I mean how can you turn down a free screening of The Lost Boys? You can’t.
6/14-10/25 on Sundays at Habana Outpost on 757 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
10) Monster Mash-ups Movie Series
Lay down your blanket or portable chair at one of Brooklyn’s parks to catch some of the best monster movies all in the spirit of Halloween. As if you really needed an excuse to watch Little Shop of Horrors.
10/11-30 at various locations. For more information, visit nycgovparks.org
11) 8th Imagine Science Film Festival
The theme of the film festival is AIR, in all its forms and meanings. Through feature films and shorts, filmmakers explore the essence of the gaseous substance that makes it possible for us to exist on this giant blue marble.
10/16-24 at various locations. For more information, visit imaginesciencefilms.org
12) The 9th Annual Red Hook International Film and Video Festival
As one of the longest running Film Festivals in NYC, the Red Hook International Film and Video Festival is excited to carry out another year of screening films and documentaries for everyone to enjoy.
10/17-18 at Brooklyn Waterfront Artists on 499 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook
13) Reel Sisters 2015 Film Festival
Since 1997, this film festival has showcased the films written, produced and directed by women of color, providing an enriching cultural experience to the Brooklyn scene.
10/24-25 at various locations. For more information, visit reelsisters2.wordpress.com
14) BRIC FLIX: caribBEING Film Fest
BRIC House is bringing the tropics to Brooklyn with free screenings that showcase Caribbean film, art, and culture.
12/16 at BRIC House Stoop on 647 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
Smorgasburg!
FOOD
15) Smorgasburg
We’re all familiar by now with this spin-off of the Brooklyn Flea, but there’s a new Sunset Park venue which showcases 100+ local and regional food vendors that is well worth checking out!
Weekends at various locations. For more information, visit smorgasburg.com
16) Your Local Greenmarket
Finding locally grown products doesn’t have to be difficult just because you live in New York. Bypass the middleman and buy straight from the growers and producers themselves at one of Brooklyn’s year-round farmers markets. Even if you’re not buying much, it’s worth seeing if you can snag a sample of one of the last heirloom tomatoes of the season. But also, buy some apple cider doughnuts for yourself. You’re worth it.
Sundays on Cortelyou Road; Saturdays at Grand Army Plaza
17) Park Slope’s Sunday Down to Earth Farmers Market
You don’t have to move out of the city in order to bite into a vegetable that has that earthy crunch to it because for all of fall, this farmers market will be supplying nature-starved Brooklynites with produce and other specialty foods, so come winter, we can hibernate with a hearty pantry.
10/05-12/27 4th Street at 5th Avenue, Park Slope
18) NYC Caribbean Food Festival
In its first year, this festival celebrates the many cultures that influences Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy food tastings, cook offs, chef demonstrations and more that encompass the style and taste of the West Indies.
10/17 on 300 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn
19) Food Truck Rally
The food truck rally season is coming to a close, so make sure you end the season by stuffing your face.
10/18 at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
ART
20) Target First Saturdays
Ok, these happen all year, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth reminding Brooklynites about every so often. SO, let this serve as your reminder to head on over and catch free art and entertainment at the Brooklyn Museum on the first Saturday of every month, plus food and drink at the Michelin-starred Saul restaurant or Counter café.
First Saturday of every month at Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Heights
21) 2015 Next Wave Festival
BAM continues to challenge the conventions of the arts this fall with 32 performances of stimulating visuals, collaborations by accomplished artists and an ensemble of musical talents.
9/16-12/20 at various locations. For more information, visit www.bam.org
22) BYO Art
We aren’t saying that one’s art is anymore valuable once on exhibition, but it’s kind of nifty to have a space to display one of your pieces. I mean, if you’re into that type of stuff.
10/12 at The Living Gallery BK on 1094 Broadway, Bushwick
23) Art From the Heart 2015
In its seventh and final year, Art From the Heart is a community movement where storytellers (installed and performing artists) showcase their work, while sharing the evening’s net profits.
10/17 at Gowanus Loft on 61 9th St. #C8, Gowanus
24) Comic Arts Brooklyn
Presented by Desert Island, this annual free festival of comics and cartoon is two days filled with book sales and signings, along with talks and interviews with featured exhibitors. Special guest appearance from graphic novelist Daniel Clowes.
11/07 at Mt. Carmel Gymnasium on 12 Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg; 11/08 at The Wythe Hotel at 80 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg
Jack O’Lanterns!
CHILD-FRIENDLY
25) Marc and the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers
Nothing screams fall like pumpkin carving. I mean honestly, anything pumpkin related would suffice for the season. But pumpkin carving is the ultimate fall activity. However carving will keep you from doing other pumpkin activities like drinking pumpkin spice lattes. So instead watch Marc and the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers etch out some crazy designs, while you stand back and sip your autumn inspired latte.
10/25 at Luna Park 1000 Surf Avenue, Coney Island
26) Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth
Now in it’s ninth year, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents an evening dedicated to the future stars of Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Young performers varying in age, acts, and skill level show off their talents to a Coney Island crowd.
11/15 on Coney Island at 1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island
27) Reindeer Run
Watch your kids gallop this half-mile run decked out in the latest reindeer fashion, so I’m talking antler headbands and jingle bells, just in time to be recruited by Santa Claus.
12/05 For more information, visit nyrr.org
GAMES AND COMPETITION
28) The Williamsburg Spelling Bee
Even though the Scripps National Spelling Bee has passed that doesn’t mean you can’t get your O-R-T-H-O-G-R-A-P-H-Y kick in this monthly spelling bee hosted by Bobby Blue and Jen Dziura. Show your friends and a group of strangers what 12 years of schooling got you. #mamawemadeit
Every first Monday of the month at Pete’s Candy Store on 709 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg
29) Prose Bowl
There’s an undeniable kinship amongst writers that compels us to form writers’ collectives and participate workshops. It’s an understanding of each other’s plight and daily struggles in the literary and publishing world that unites us. But the Prose Bowl takes that affinity away by pitting four fiction writers against each other in a monthly literary showdown. The end goal: a free drink. Ok, it’s no publishing deal or royalty check, but a writer got to drink. Plus, it’s all in good fun, so no hard feelings.
Every third Tuesday at Pete’s Candy Store on 709 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg
30) Beer Geek Trivia
All-female beer bloggers, Beerded Ladies, host a monthly trivia night where brew-enthusiasts knowledge of craft beer can score them more than just a beer belly.
Every second Wednesday at Glorietta Baldy on 502 Franklin Avenue, Bed-Stuy
31) Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz
Not to be confused with a trivia night, this weekly pub quiz is an Anglo-Irish tradition whose aim is to encourage social drinking and competition in eight rounds, each with their own unique theme.
Wednesdays at The Rock Shop on 249 Fourth Avenue, Park Slope
32) Freaks and Geeks Bingo
Videology is bringing back Freaks and Geeks. No, they’re not making a second season but they’re doing what they do best: making a bingo edition. When it comes to TV themed bingo events, Videology knows how to spice up your grandma’s favorite nursing home game. We were obsessed with their Arrested Development edition, so we only assume that this one be a worthy night out. Other themes to expect are Twin Peaks and Strangers with Candy.
Wednesdays at Videology on 308 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg
33) Trivia Night
What’s better than drinking and playing a round of trivia with friends? Winning a $50 bar tab to continue your drinking endeavors. Finally, paying attention in school paid off.
Wednesdays at 706 BAR on 706 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights
34) I Fucked Bingo
Join Brooklyn drag queen Merrie Cherry for a weekly night of booze, bingo and hopefully a lot of shade.
Thursdays at This n’ That on 108 North 6th Street, Williamsburg
35) Dog Fight!
Never let anyone determine your self-worth or abilities, unless it’s a dog. If it’s a dog, you must accept that you might be a horrible person that’s undeserving because really, aren’t we all just living for the unadulterated and unconditional love of man’s best friend? Dog Fight—no, this isn’t a Michael Vick sponsored event—is an improv cage match judged by a dog.
Fridays at Annoyance Theatre NY on 367 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg
36) Punderdome 3000
This highly anticipated monthly pun competition hosted by Jo and Fred Firestone has transformed the cringe-worthy act of punning into a worthy comedic art form. Few may enter the competition, but only pun will leave.
11/03 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Gowanus
Prancercize!
HEALTHY ACTIVITIES
37) Shape Up NYC
Getting in shape for summer has gotten a lot easier and fun thanks to Shape Up NYC offering free fitness classes across all five boroughs. Programs range from yoga to self-defense, so feel free to mix and match your programs. It’s all the freedom of having a gym membership, without the fees, pressure, and permanency.
Various dates and locations for info visit nycgovparks.org
38) Dancorcism
Whip your charkas into alignment with this one-hour dance party for the soul. By working the mind and body, this workout combines stretching, dance routines and meditation that can act as an alternative to therapy. Or you know, just a fun time.
Wednesdays at The Church on McGorlick Park on 129 Russell Street, Greenpoint
39) New York Road Runners Open Run
This weekly open run is all the fun of running in the TCS New York City Marathon without all the rules, restrictions, and training. It’s like enrolling in a community college with TCS being Harvard, at the end of the day you still get a diploma.
Sundays at Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Avenue, Marine Park
40) The 2nd Annual Brooklyn Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk
Help raise awareness and fund research by running or walking in this second annual race hosted by Free to Breathe.
10/25 at Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn Heights
Moon!
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS
41) 13th Annual Autumn Moon Cultural Festival & Lantern Parade
The Better Chinatown USA will be hosting their second event to celebrate the fullest and brightest moon of the season. The holiday features traditional lion and dragon dances, autumn moon cake tasting, an array of cultural performers from all across the world, and a lantern parade.
10/18; Festival is at Leif Ericson Park on 65th-67th St, 8th Ave.; Lantern Parade is at 65th St to 51th St, on 8th Avenue, Sunset Park
42) Harvest Festival
Fall is in full swing, which means it’s time to take the family out for some fall inspired activities, like picking a pumpkin at the 5th Annual Harvest Festival’s makeshift pumpkin patch. You won’t be picking right off of the vine, but it’s next best thing.
10/24 at Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Pier 6 Lawns
Jessica Williams!
COMEDY
43) 2 Dope Queens
When The Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams and Broad City consultant Phoebe Robinson united forces to create 2 Dope Queens, a fitting name for the dynamic duo, we knew that every first and third Wednesday of the rest of our lives (we have high hopes for the longevity of this podcast) would be filled with laughter. This fun live podcast features sardonic storytelling, hysterical stand-up, and special guests.
First Wednesdays is storytelling and third Wednesdays is stand-up at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
44) Comedy at the Knitting Factory
Get prepared to laugh every Sunday at the expense of New York comedians. Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, and Robin Williams have graced the stage in past performances.
10/11-12/27 on Sundays at The Knitting Factory on 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
45) Haunting Renditions Live
What happens when a classically trained vocalist turns comedian? An evening with Eliot Glazer serenading you with ballad-styled versions of pop songs. You never thought you needed a cover of Destiny’s Child, Bug A Boo, but we promise it will give you life.
10/14 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
46) Trivia Night for Cheaters
They say that cheaters never prosper but they probably never attended a trivia night hosted by NPR’s Ask Me Another in-house musician Jonathan Coulton. The rules are simple: the more money you donate to help fund free creative writing programs to NYC public school students, the more cheats you can purchase at the beginning of each round to help you cheat your way to the top.
10/17 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
47) Stand Up and Sing
We cannot imagine would comedians doing karaoke would sound like, but at least you are encouraged to laugh at their expense if it’s a catastrophe.
10/22 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
48) Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction
This live comedy event and Nerdist podcast has been gracing Union Hall since 2012 with it’s hysterical and erotic fictionalized stories of comedians and their favorite pop culture icons. It’s a show that Tina Belcher would approve.
10/25 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
49) Chris Gethard: Career Suicide
Comedian Chris Gethard, host of his own talk show The Chris Gethard Show and who can also be seen in Broad City as Ilana’s boss Todd, performs an “hour of stand up focusing on suicide, alcoholism, and all the other funniest parts of life.”
10/26 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
50) Literati: A Comedy Show About the Greatest American Novels Never Written
Some of America’s finest writers will be reading from their novels, books of poetry, memoirs, collected essays, erotic fiction and other fine works that don’t really exist because this is actually just a comedy show with a literary twist.
10/29 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
51) A Drinking Game NYC Presents: The Princess Bride
Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what brings us together today, that and a live performance/interactive drinking game of this cult classic.
11/19 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Park Slope
The Brooklyn Inn!
LITERARY BROOKLYN
52) Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl
Writing and drinking have are synonymous to each other. It’s what did Edgar Allan Poe in, and probably countless other writers and poets. So it seems fitting that The Greenwich Village combined the two in this tour of Brooklyn’s literary spots and the bars that writers frequented throughout the years.
Sundays at Henry Street Ale House on 62 Henry Street, Brooklyn Heights
53) The Star Reading Series
Now in it’s fifth season, this series continues to celebrate the playwrights in our very own borough by giving them the platform to showoff their work.
10/12 at The Bushwick Starr on 207 Starr Street, Bushwick
54) Kristin Hersh presents Don’t Suck, Don’t Die: Giving Up Vic Chesnutt
Sit down with writer Amanda Petrusich as she chats with founding member of the bands Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave Kristin Hersh about her latest book, Don’t Suck, Don’t Die. Hersh will also be doing a reading of the memoir and a musical performance.
10/21 at St. Joseph’s College, Tuohy Hall on 245 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill
55) Pat in the Hat
Test your knowledge of the “greatest reads of all time” in this trivia night hosted by NY1 anchor and former VH1 The World Series of Pop Culture Pat Kiernan.
10/21 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
56) Brothers & Sisters
Inspired by the legendary literary salons of 1920s Harlem, this forum will host readings and discussions based on a monthly theme that is meant to engage, inform, and challenge the minds of the attendees.
10/22, 11/19 and 12/10 at MoCADA on 80 Hanson Place, Fort Greene
57) How I Learned Series: Everything is a Lie
Creator and host creator Blaise Allysen Kearsley brings together writers, comedians, bloggers, and other storytellers to share personal anecdotes on an all-too-relatable theme that is tied to a specific lesson.
10/28 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
58) Brooklyn Poetry Slam
Brooklyn-based poets take on topics like national issues, life in the borough, the city’s culture, and the art at BRIC House in their work. Poet and visual artist Sandra María Esteves will be the featured poet at the December slam. Esteves is one of the first Dominican Boricua Nuyorican women to have a published volume of poetry recognized in the United States.
11/04 and 12/02 at BRIC House in 647 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
59) The Moth GrandSLAM Championship
Ten winners of previous StorySLAMs face off with brand new stories to become the reigning champ.
11/22 at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 66 North 6th Street, Williamsburg
The Jalopy Theatre!
GET ON STAGE
60) Open Mic Night at The Jalopy
Got the chops to hold a crowd and not get booed off the stage? Try your luck and perform your latest bit, song or poem at The Jalopy.
Tuesdays at Jalopy Theatre and School of Music on 315 Columbia Street, Columbia Street Waterfront District
61) Kings of Karaoke
Kings of Karaoke is like American Idol, except there’s no judges, no pressure and hopefully your inebriated. With a cue of songs that have been growing for more than 10 years, and deejays filling the dead time between each karaoke performance with a mixture of indie, punk, 80’s and other genres, each week is expected to be one giant party.
Saturdays at Alligator Lounge on 600 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Pumpkins!
HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
62) Masters of Social Gastronomy Presents: Foods that Go Bump in the Night
Find out the truth behind monster myths and culinary history by exploring such moments like the connection between the rye fungus, ergot, and mass hallucinations that were misdiagnosed as demonic possession, in this Halloween-themed event.
10/20 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Park Slope
63) Wednesday Night Tours: Haunted Brooklyn Heights
In the spirit of Halloween, Boroughs of the Dead owner and founder Andrea Janes guide you through Brooklyn’s oldest neighborhoods that are riddled with ghastly and horrific tales.
10/21 at Pier 1 Entrance in Brooklyn Bridge Park
64) Zombie Prom
Come dressed in your scariest costume and dance with your fellow deceased Brooklynites to the tortured sounds of local NYC bands.
10/24 at Muchmore’s on 2 Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg
65) Ghouls & Gourds
Dress your entire family in the zaniest costumes for Brooklyn’s Wackiest Costume Parade, and enjoy a day of caterpillar feedings and Brussels sprout bowling.
10/24 at the Brooklyn Botantic Garden
66) Halloween Haunted Walk
Can’t wait to try on your Halloween costume? Want to meet Snoopy from The Peanuts Movie? Test out your costume and try some food truck goodies at this walk and fair. It sure to be an activity the whole family can enjoy.
10/24 on Lookout Hill in Prospect Park
67) Boo at the Zoo
Ever wondered what costume a sea lion would dress in for a Halloween parade? Come find out at Boo at the Zoo the weekend before Halloween.
10/24-25 at Prospect Park Zoo on 450 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
68) TinyRhino: Halloween
UglyRhino Productions commissions six playwrights to write original plays that share five dramatic themes that will then be shared with the audience. And each time a theme appears, you’re required to drink. It’s an interactive night full of theater and (hopefully) large consumptions of alcohol.
10/27 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, park Slope
69) Be Cute Brooklyn
Described as “a queer invasion of the bodysnatchers” this Halloween dance party is where queens, aliens, vampires and, of course, cuties can shake it on the dance floor.
10/31 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Park Slope
70) BlackBox: Bury Y’er Dead
Exquisite Corpse Company presents a Halloween dedicated to the occult, filled fire dancing, rituals, a 20-foot wicker man, and live music for you to shake those skeleton bones. Whatever you do, just don’t drink the Kool-Aid.
10/31 at RedWood Studios New York on 55-C 9th Street, Gowanus
71) Spooky Stories
Fortunately libraries haven’t become obsolete yet or else your kids would’ve missed out on ghostly tales readings and creepy crafting, all while dressed in their cutest or spookiest costumes.
10/31 at Brooklyn Public Library: New Utrecht Branch on 1743 86th Street, Bensonhurst
72) 17th Annual Great PUPkin Festival
Dogs Dressed in Costumes. Enough said.
10/31 at Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park
73) 15th Annual Fort Greene Halloween Festival
Say goodbye to October with this Halloween festival jammed packed with hayrides, pumpkin giveaways, costume parade, and other fall activities.
10/31 at Myrtle Avenue at Washington Park in Fort Greene Park
The Morbid Anatomy Museum!
AND EVERYTHING ELSE
74) Ask Me Another
Hosted by NPR’s Ophira Eisenberg, Ask Me Another is what you’d expect Will Shortz of Puzzlemaster and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal lovechild would be: quick-witted, brilliant and hilarious.
Mondays at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
75) Voices of Brooklyn
Pay homage to the borough by finishing the month off by hearing the stories and sounds of Brooklyn musicians and storytellers. The series seeks to bring together newcomers and natives through Williamsburgs’ cultural scene.
Every last Wednesday at St Paul’s Theater on 334 S 5th Street, Williamsburg
76) The Stoop Series
There’s no denying that BRIC captures the creativity and diversity that is Brooklyn since it’s founding in1979, which is proven again and again through their programs and series, particularly their Stoop Series. The series brings together Brooklyn’s cultural scene from artistic performances to dynamic discussions at the foot of their internal stoop.
Tuesdays until 12/15 at BRIC House on 647 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
77) Bring Your Own Film
Open mic night has long been synonymous to comedians, poets and musicians; a place where a creative can showcase their artistry to a live audience in a receptive space. And thanks to Rachel Garber Cole, the platform has expanded to include filmmakers with a screening series that offers films and video projects a screen to be seen.
Every third Wednesday at Shoestring Press on 663 Classon Avenue, Crown Heights
78) Drink N’ Draw
Drag queens and kings, Burlesque dancers, circus freaks, and other creatures of the night strike a pose as you draw them, preferably like one of your French girls, at this weekly take on wine and canvas.
10/08-12/31 at Lovegun on 617 Grand Street, Williamsburg
79) The Ride Inspector’s Nightmare
Dick Zigun, founder of Coney Island USA and the unofficial mayor of Coney Island, takes audiences on an interactive Halloween Haunt in his month-long show about a retired chief ride inspector’s nightmarish reliving of his disturbing career. The show even comes with warning labels like “dirty language” and “audience abuse”, so basically everything you would experience while walking down a street as a woman.
10/09-11/1 at Sideshows by the Seashore on 1208 Surf Avenue at West 12th Street, Coney Island
80) Bushwick Flea
Featuring 25+ vintage vendors who sell anything from handmade crafts to specialty foods.
10/10-12/20 on the weekends on 52 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick
81) Secret Science Club
Does this sound like you: do you ever find yourself questioning why humans are the only species interested in making art? Are you unconvinced that “dead men tell no tales”? Then being amongst fellow brainiacs and inquisitors at the Not So Secret Science Club is probably where you belong.
10/13 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
82) I’m New Here, Can You Show Me Around?
Native New Yorkers love to remind you that they were born and raised in New York, but everyone had to immigrate from somewhere, right. Unless, you know, you’re a Native American. New York implants, Maeve Higgins and Jon Ronson talk to fellow non-natives who have made New York their home.
10/14 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
83) In Conversation: Mr. Robot Star Rami Malek & Creator Sam Esmail
Sit down with the creator and leading actor of USA Network’s Mr. Robot. In case you’ve barred yourself from the outside world because men in black suits have been following you, the show is about a computer technician/hacker who recruited to an Anonymous-style hacktivists whose aim is to bring down corporate America. We can’t promise that you won’t be put on the government watch list if you attend.
10/15 at St. Francis College, Founders Hall on 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights
84) getgeeked New York 2015
This convention brings passionate geeks from all over New York to check out the latest gadgets and gear from major tech brands and startups.
10/15 at Brooklyn Expo Center on 72 Noble Street, Greenpoint
85) 90s One-Hit Wonders Sing-Along
We are all about paying homage to the 90s, like a white dude covering Oasis’s Wonderwall at a party. It was a decade where anyone who had a shred of musical talent could create a hit, but were sadly never heard from again. Today these one-hit wonders roam the dark and twisted limbo of wedding receptions, school relays, every outdoor event, and Union Hall. Thanks to SecretFormula, you can sing and dance along to the best one-hit wonder music videos of the 90s. Talk about good vibrations.
10/16 at Union Hall on 702 Union Street, Park Slope
86) Vintage Gathering Show
This gathering is aimed to vintage-enthusiasts who are interested in “buying and selling inspiration.” Vintage exhibitors will showcase and sell rare, unique and one of a kind merchandise to those who are passionate about rustic pieces.
10/17 at Brooklyn Expo Center on 72 Noble Street, Greenpoint
87) Party Like it’s 1999: The 5th Anniversary Edition
Come celebrate the event that made it OK to rock frosted tips, one-strapped overalls, and denim on denim outfits again, all while boppin’ to the jams of the 90s.
10/17 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
88) Open House New York Weekend
For two days feel like a VIP in New York as you get an exclusive look behind the locked doors of New York’s most important buildings. This behind the scenes weekend allows natives and tourists to experience the city and meet the people who design, build, and preserve New York.
10/17-18 at various locations. For more information, visit ohny.org
89) Morbid Anatomy Flea Market
With Halloween just around the corner, a bowl filled with antique human teeth or taxidermy kittens dressed for a wedding might help add the bizarre and eerie feel to get you in the spirit. So make sure you stop by before the flea closes up shop this season.
10/18 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
90) Vinyl Revolution Record Show
More than 30 record dealers will bring their rare and collectible vinyls from all music genres.
10/18 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Park Slope
91) Open Elimination Workshop: American Beatbox Championships 2015
From around the globe, beatboxers meet in Brooklyn to find 16 of America’s Top Beatboxers.
10/23 at Littlefield on 622 Degraw Street, Park Slope
92) Hearst Immersive Hack
Join hundreds of your fellow developers, designers, and entrepreneurs as they compete in a 36-hour hackathon to build amazing applications for unique prizes. The grand winner takes home $10,000 and an opportunity to pitch to Chief Technology Officer of Hearst Corporation Phil Wiser and Hearst executives, among other notable prizes.
10/24-25 at Made in NY Media Center on 30 John Street, Vinegar Hill
93) Orionids Meteor Shower
You certainly don’t need to step further from your front door to see this meteor shower, but Owl’s Head Park provides their Urban Park Rangers to help guide you through the display.
10/25 at Owl’s Head Park House in Owl’s Head Park, Bay Ridge
94) Puppies n’ Pints
Hands down the greatest event on this list mainly because it involves kicking it with adoptable dogs from Zani’s Furry Friends while tossing back a few brews. It’s kind of like speed dating in that you get to meet all the pups before picking Mr. or Ms. Right. But no pressure. You won’t be waking up with a pooch tucked in a basket at your door, but I mean, how adorable would that be?
10/26 at Brooklyn Brewery 79 N 11th Street, Williamsburg
95) 2nd Annual Tropical Plant Sale
The sun is setting sooner and the temperature is slowly dipping, which can only mean one thing: Winter is coming. But you can still keep summer alive by decorating your house with tropical plants that will turn your loft into a tropical resort in the Bahamas. Plus, all proceeds will support the year-round efforts to spruce up the neighborhood.
10/30 at Albee Square on the corner of Fulton and Bond Street, Downtown Brooklyn
96) The Rub
The Rub is a monthly party where Brooklynites with good taste in music come together, get wasted and dance until the wee hours of the morning.
10/31 & 11/28 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
97) Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
Catch in-depth interviews with brilliant creators, culture picks from your favorite critics, and original comedy in a live show of Jesse Thorn’s podcast, Bullseye.
11/19 at The Bell House on 149 7th Street, Gowanus
98) CraftBrooklyn
Find unique gifts for loved ones for the upcoming holidays or works to aid flair to your own home at this expo of 100 exhibitors and their collection of some of the best in modern American craftsmanship and design.
12/4-6 at Brooklyn Expo Center on 72 Noble Street, Greenpoint
99) The NYC Arcade
Come play the latest locally-developed games and interactive simulations brought to you by The Sheep’s Meow, a game development community organization and an independent game studio.
12/10 at NYU Game Center, 8th Floor on 2 MetroTech Roadway, Downtown Brooklyn
100) The Geminids Meteor Shower
Come down to Marine Park and gaze up at the dark sky as 120 multi-colored meteors illuminate the sky.
12/13 at Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park
