Weekend Guide: Brooklyn Museum’s birthday bash and the Psychedelic Furs

By Joshua Encinias

The Brooklyn Museum is turning 200 and it wants to party with you. The museum — one of the oldest in the nation — will kick off its anniversary celebration with a Birthday Bash weekend, filled with programming and events that will highlight the best of the borough and mark two centuries of doing things “the Brooklyn way.”

Elsewhere in the city — though no less culturally significant — the 22nd Annual New York Burlesque Festival comes to Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night, and various Brooklyn venues all weekend. Slap on your pasties and lace up your corset.

Friday also brings “Love Isn’t Blind,” a comedy/dating show with a catch, to Littlefield. In this dating show, the men aren’t allowed to speak. Sometimes host Allison Goldberg calls the boys’ moms live from the stage, searches their phones, or worse.

Start your Saturday with the East Brooklyn 5K/Walk in the morning, before heading to the Brooklyn Museum for its bash. Then, don’t miss English rock band The Psychedelic Furs at Brooklyn Paramount that evening.

Sunday sees the return of the New York Film Festival to BAM, and that afternoon, you can celebrate Shirley Chisholm State Park’s history while commemorating the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks.

Here’s what to do this weekend in the borough.

Friday, October 4

Oktoberfest in Brooklyn
In our guide to this year’s best Oktoberfest parties in Brooklyn, you’ll find traditional festivities at spots like Williamsburg’s Radegast Hall & Biergarten and Bay Ridge’s Schnitzel Haus. There’s also an Oktoberfest cruise, a fundraiser for the Brooklyn School German — and, for some reason, Brooklyn Crab.

‘Night of the Living Dead’ at The Tom Kane Theatre
Ongoing until Sunday
A stage adaptation of George A. Romero’s classic film, “Night of the Living Dead” comes to The Tom Kane Theatre. When the fallout from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies. This blend of thrilling horror laced with touches of black humor envelops the audience in the action and unfolds into a shocking theatrical ending. 51 35th Street. Tickets are $25.

‘Picture Day’ by Levon Hawke
Ongoing until Sunday
Quick and Dirty Theatre Company, a new group based in Red Hook, presents the world premiere of “Picture Day,” a play by Levon Hawke, at Coffey Street Studios. The play explores the hidden lives we all lead and the unspoken truths that shape us. Set in an ordinary living room, it follows five roommates as they navigate their chosen family dynamics, explore their sexuality and identity, and confront the complexities of modern male friendships. With the arrival of the mysterious “Picture Guy,” each character must face their deepest secrets. 153 Coffey Street. Tickets are $50.

‘The Dreamer Examines His Pillow’ by John Patrick Shanley
Friday through Sunday and the following weekend
John Patrick Shanley, playwright and screenwriter of “Moonstruck” and “Doubt,” has written “The Dreamer Examines His Pillow,” a play about dreamers and lost souls, real people struggling to communicate and discover their reason for existence. They fight, they yell, they laugh, they claw, they drink, they screw, they alternatively cover and confront, they spew themselves onto life, right or wrong. Performances will take place this weekend and the following weekend. 350 Cornelia Street. Tickets are $28.52.

Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Ongoing until October 27
Luna Park switched from summer to fall faster than Joey Chestnut can down a dozen glizzies. Their annual Halloween Harvest is underway with Halloween-themed activities, including pumpkin decorating, balloon twisting, face painting, tractor racing, and trick-or-treating. Oh, and there are plenty of apple cider and pumpkin-spiced treats for sale throughout the park.

Greg’s Great Pumpkin Patch
Ongoing until October 31
Need a pumpkin? Browse Greg’s collection of gourds in all shapes and sizes and tons of Halloween decor. Plus, on Saturday, October 12, Greg’s hosts a Paw-rade for our furry friends. Visit anytime between 2 and 8 p.m. with the kids for pumpkin carving and painting with all supplies included. Located at Greenwood Park beer garden, 555 Seventh Avenue.

Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Someday Bar Brooklyn
October 1 to 31
The acclaimed Halloween pop-up Black Lagoon will open to the public beginning October 1 and run through the 31st at Someday Bar. Black Lagoon is an immersive Halloween bar pop-up where mixology meets the macabre, a dark celebration for those who revel in the mysterious and bizarre, where guests can transport themselves to a world that blurs that line between reality and the supernatural.

Love Isn’t Blind
8 p.m.
Love Isn’t Blind is a comedy/dating show at Littlefield where the men aren’t allowed to speak. Host Allison Goldberg calls the boys’ moms live on stage, searches their phones and more. The show, which has traveled to other cities, even recently had its first marriage proposal! Goldberg tries to make the atmosphere as inclusive as possible: people receive wristbands when they enter based on their relationship status (e.g. red for taken, green for single) and then can also double up with bisexual blue, a rainbow pride wristband and they have poly purple as well. 635 Sackett Street. Tickets are $18.67.

The 22nd Annual New York Burlesque Festival
7 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable four-day weekend as the New York Burlesque Festival celebrates 22 dazzling years! Join the festival for a glitter-filled extravaganza of top-notch performances, sultry glamor, and jaw-dropping talent from all over the world. Brooklyn Bowl plays host to the festival’s premiere party on Friday night. See their website for the complete schedule. 61 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are $30.90.

Saturday, October 5

Create & Cultivate Offsite
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Create & Cultivate, a media company for women in business, will host a 350-person offsite at Industry City. Featuring a full day of engaging programming, keynotes, and breakout sessions designed for ambitious women at every stage of their careers. Speakers include inspiring entrepreneurs and founders like Ally Love, Babba Rivera, Serena Kerrigan, and more. 220 36th Street. Tickets are $79.

CutlureCon
Saturday and Sunday
CultureCon is a two-day community conference that kicks off October 5 where Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and build together. Join them for two days of workshops, activations, networking, a career fair, and conversations with culture-shifters that you won’t find anywhere else. Past speakers have included Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Spike Lee, and more. Duggal Greenhouse. 63 Flushing Avenue. One-day tickets are $145 and weekend passes are $249.

The 10th Annual East Brooklyn 5K Run/Walk
9 a.m., rain or shine
The 10th Annual East Brooklyn 5K Run/Walk happens rain or shine on the morning of October 5. Stick around after for games and fitness activities for the whole family, plus music from DJs and refreshments. The run/walk begins at Spring Creek Park at Gateway Mall. Registration is $25.

Azure Day Oktoberfest Party
11 a.m.
Come celebrate Oktoberfest all day at Azure Day Party on Saturday at ART Williamsburg. Experience NYC views from the Arlo Williamsburg rooftop and enjoy alfresco dining and delicious cocktails while lounging, dancing, and celebrating by the poolside. 96 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are available starting at $75.

The Brooklyn Museum Birthday Bash
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Brooklyn Museum is turning 200 and it’s ready to get down. The museum kicks off a year-long lineup of special events, exhibits, and programming starting with the mother-of-all First Saturdays, its Birthday Bash. A full weekend of programming kicks off on the 5th and highlights the best of the borough and marks two centuries of championing Brooklyn’s artistic communities. Bring the family for music and karaoke, dance and poetry, gallery tours and art-making, piñatas, and so much more. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free with RSVP.

ABCirque Brings the Circus Back to Brooklyn Children’s Museum
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The circus is coming back to town: ABCirque returns to Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Saturday, October 5 for a day of circus performances and hands-on stations. ABCirque (formerly The Muse) is a non-traditional circus that keeps the audience on their toes while breaking the fourth wall with a diverse, dynamic cast that provides top-notch entertainment. ABCirque will present main performances on the museum’s rooftop. Following each performance, attendees can experience interactive circus stations on the second floor of the Museum. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Tickets are $15 and free for children under 1.

CiderFeast NYC 2024
12 p.m.
Sample hard ciders and snacks at Food Karma’s annual CiderFeast in Industry City. The Feast kicks off Cider Week New York with tastings from 20 cider makers, including Brooklyn Gin. The event also features BamuBamu Fire Club, Rocket Fuel Foods and Coney Island Saucery. Enjoy plant-based dishes, Cabot Creamery Grilled Cheese hot off the griddles, cider donuts, Dakota Hams’ 24-month-aged Kentucky ham, and selections from whole-animal butcher and salumeria Ends Meat. Industry City Courtyard ½, 635 2nd Avenue. Tickets are 54.45.

The Psychedelic Furs
7 p.m.
Brooklyn Paramount welcomes The Psychedelic Furs with The Jesus and Mary Chain and Frankie Rose on October 5. Come see the ‘80s hitmakers of “Pretty in Pink” and “Love My Way” for yourself this Saturday. 385 Flatbush Ave Ext. Tickets are $75.50.

Gold Over America Tour
7:30 p.m.
Gold Over America Tour comes to Barclays Center on Saturday night. Superstars from the gymnastics world, including Simone Biles and other competitors will display their talents in a high-flying pop concert-style spectacle. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets begin at $45.

Stetsasonic at Brooklyn Bowl
8:30 p.m.
Seminal Brooklyn hip hop group Stetsasonic returns to talk all that jazz and help Brooklyn Bowl celebrate its 15th anniversary year. 61 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are $38.15.

Sunday, October 6

The New York Film Festival at BAM
The New York Film Festival returns to BAM from October 6 through 10 for another year of cinematic treats on Lafayette Avenue. Among the six movies coming to Brooklyn are “Nickel Boys,” the festival’s opening night film, and “Queer,” director Luca Guadagnino’s second movie this year after “Challengers.”

Shirley Chisholm’s Centennial Birthday Bash
10 a.m.
Honor Shirley Chisholm’s legacy, and learn about her and Shirley Chisholm State Park’s history while commemorating the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks! 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue. Free.

40th Vintage Celebration of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
1 p.m.
In celebration of the 40th vintage of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery’s acclaimed 2021 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Spottswoode will host a rare opportunity to taste their renowned wines at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Palm House. Hosted by the Novak family, including president Beth Novak, the event will include a special selection of Spottswoode’s current-release wines and treasured library wines from the Spottswoode cellar, alongside delicious hors d’oeuvres from Union Square Events. 1000 Washington Avenue. Tickets are $175.

WFMU Listener Meetup & Pinball Tournament
2 p.m.
Join WFMU DJs Dave the Spazz and Amanda Nazario on Sunday for a listener meetup and pinball tournament at Brooklyn’s Transmitter Brewery, located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (dogs & kids are welcome!). All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the station, which is 100 percent listener-supported. Prizes include beer and trophies. Lunch and beer are included in the ticket price. There is a 24-player limit, so register now. 141 Flushing Avenue, Building 77. Tickets are $30.00, plus $10.00 more to play in the tournament.

50th Annual Harvest Festival
4:30 p.m.
Twenty Somethings Productions welcomes the autumn season with its 50th Annual Harvest Festival at Rubulad on Sunday. Putting a Bushwick spin on some classic Americana, they’ll be celebrating well into the night with 6 live performances, folk tunes, a pie eating contest, tarot readings, burgers, franks, and bushels well-roasted corn. Performances by Madeline McQueen, Chrissy, Emily Bloom, Sarah Gross, with Hank Heaven headlining, and a special guest still to be announced! So throw on your denim, your flannel, and some bug spray, and get out of the city for a night! 389 Melrose Street. Tickets are $20.