Halsey on stage during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)
Weekend Guide: André 3000 at BAM and Halsey at the Paramount
Plus, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at Kings Theatre and the Criterion Mobile Closet comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park
November begins next weekend, so let’s see what Brooklyn has cooked up for October’s grand send-off.
Reformed rapper André 3000 kicks things off in style with a live performance of his spiritual jazz album “New Blue Sun.” St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church will also show “The Phantom of the Opera” with a live orchestral score on Friday night. Later, Luis Fernando & Jon Ali will transform Market Hotel into Haunted Hotel for a sexy LGBTQ spin on the holiday.
The Criterion Collection brings their Criterion Mobile Closet to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Saturday and Sunday for your art house film shopping pleasure. The 26th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest returns to Fort Greene Park to show off your pup in style. In the evening, The Red Pavilion presents Studio Ghibli + Anime Jazz (Halloween Special), a seasonal take on their popular anime jazz show.
You can bring the kids to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Sunday for a full day of Halloween fun. The Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade is at noon, and PawPaw Rod brings his Doobie Mouth Tour to Xanadu to wrap up the weekend.
Meanwhile, here’s a special offer for our readers: Solid Gold, a new exhibition at Brooklyn Museum, opens on November 16. In honor of the New York Liberty’s historic WNBA championship, the first 1,000 people to book tickets will get 20 percent off — just use code LIBERTY24. And if you have a stub from the championship game or either of Thursday’s ticketed celebrations, bring it in before November 13 for a free ticket to Solid Gold.
Basically, it’s all treats and no tricks in this Weekend Guide.
Friday, October 25
André 3000: ‘New Blue Sun’ Live In Concert
Friday and Saturday
After 17 years, André 3000’s hiatus from recording came to an end — with a twist. Last year, the Atlanta-based musician, rapper and half of Outkast released an ethereal tapestry of spiritual jazz and transcendental flute music. He’ll be joined on the opera house stage Friday by Carlos Niño, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau, and Deantoni Parks, as he brings his shimmering “New Blue Sun” to BAM for a reflective sonic odyssey. 30 Lafayette Avenue. Tickets start at $35.
City of Gods 2024
Friday and Saturday
City of Gods comes alive every Halloween with an extravagant music and art festival spanning two nights. The party is an invitation to express your extravagance: come dressed as a deity, demigod, demon, goddexx, creature of creation or those devoted to hedonism beyond the human realm. As such, this pagan bacchanal is not really for kids. City of Gods is a creation of House of Yes and ZERO and is hosted at Industry City. 571 2nd Avenue. Single day tickets begin at $99 and go up from there.
United Sounds NYC Festival
Friday and Saturday
Founded in the spirit of the indie-focused fall music fests of NYC’s days of yore — like CMJ and New Music Seminar — the United Sounds NYC Festival was created to fill the gap for independent music in New York City’s fall cultural calendar. Taking place over two days at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, feature performers include Blonde Redhead, The Dismemberment Plan, Sunflower Bean, Les Savy Fav, Model/Actriz, Man Man, Monobloc and Peel Dream Magazine, alongside additional artists, DJs and neighborhood events. 159 Pioneer Street. Single day tickets are $56.65 and two-day passes are $84.98.
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 plenty of apple cider and pumpkin-spiced treats are for sale throughout the park. 100 Surf Avenue.
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.
Disney’s ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail
Ongoing until November 30
Okay, this one’s in the Bronx, but you can’t miss this one. The New York Botanical Garden is alive this month and next with the magic of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail. Join Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero on a walk of wonders, as your favorite characters, scenes and songs from the immortal film come to life among the fall foliage of New York’s treasured garden. You’ll marvel at this first-ever spectacle that illuminates the art of the classic film against a backdrop of botanical beauty — a must-see New York event for anyone who loves all things seasonal, festive, and fun. 2900 Southern Boulevard, 10458. Ticket prices vary on the day and time of entry.
Halsey at Brooklyn Paramount
7 p.m.
Halsey‘s new album “The Great Impersonator” comes out later this month and in anticipation of its release, the singer will perform an intimate release show at Brooklyn Paramount on Friday night. 385 Flatbush Ave Ext. There’s a lottery to buy tickets here.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony w/ Immortal Technique & Talib Kweli
8 p.m.
Celebrate 30 years of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, their melodic flow and impactful lyrics, as they take you on a journey through their chart-topping hits. From “Tha Crossroads” to “1st of tha Month,” the group’s energy and stage presence will have the crowd on their feet. 1027 Flatbush Avenue. Tickets start at $33.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Silent Film with Live Score
8 and 11 p.m.
St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church will present two showings of the 1925 silent film ‘The Phantom of the Opera” with a live and historically accurate orchestral score on October 25. The performance will feature a small ensemble of six musicians plus the Peabody Memorial Organ — exactly how the film would have been accompanied in theaters during the silent era. The organ, with its 4,718 pipes, will add a haunting depth to the evening. The score, arranged by Rodney Sauer, draws from a collection of music once used in silent film theaters, ensuring an authentic experience. 157 Montague Street. Tickets are $10.
Heaven’s Gate Halloween
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
To kick off Hallo-week, Rose Gold presents a five-room takeover of Moxy Williamsburg on Friday night. One ticket for the biggest Halloween party in Williamsburg grants access to LilliStar, Jolene Soundroom, Mesiba, The Garden and Bar Bedford. Guests are encouraged to wear their best costumes and prepare for a night of DJs and seven hours of nonstop dancing. 353 Bedford Avenue. Tickets are $33.80.
Luis Fernando Presents: Haunted Hotel
11 p.m. to 4 am.
Luis Fernando & Jon Ali welcome you to their Haunted Hotel on Friday night, the only Halloween party you will need during LGBTQ Halloween weekend. Prepare for a night of haunting terror as they transform Market Hotel into a true Haunted Hotel. Expect demonic bellboys, a terrorizing concierge, some unwanted guests, and a night full of sexy eerie encounters and heart-pounding beats. Special guests include Yvie Oddly and Megami. 1140 Myrtle Avenue. Tickets are $28.52.
Saturday, October 26
Criterion Mobile Closet comes to Brooklyn
Saturday and Sunday
The Criterion Closet, the internet’s favorite film geek locale, is taking the show on the road, and they’re setting up shop in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday and Sunday. The pop-up is taking place in collaboration with the performing arts organization St. Ann’s Warehouse.
Ascarium
Saturday and Sunday
Ascarium is returning to the New York Aquarium on Coney Island this weekend. Ascarium takes over the Aquarium during the last two weekends of October and this year’s new activities include face painting, revamped Aquatheater and storytelling. Other festivities include a costume parade, magic shows, Halloween crafts, a spooky scavenger hunt through the Aquarium, and more. 602 Surf Avenue. Various prices, free for members.
The 26th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
12 to 1 p.m.
The Great PUPkin is Brooklyn’s largest and most delightful dog costume contest every Halloween. Neighborhood dogs are invited to Fort Greene Park to compete for the coveted Great PUPkin rosettes with lewks to keep us happy until the next spooky season. Fort Greene Park Stairs, Washington Park Street, 11205. Free.
Sparkles and Steps: Diwali 2024 x Aalokam
4 to 8 p.m.
Join for this spectacular Diwali celebration with Aalokam. This Diwali, they’re lighting up the night with an event on the Brooklyn Children’s Museum Rooftop that’s perfect for everyone. Come and enjoy sparklers, delicious food and sweets to savor by Imlee Kitchen, a vibrant marketplace featuring South Asian vendors, a thrilling DJ night to dance the night away by DJ Tauba, Henna by Nidha, and a dance workshop with Ankita Chachra. Celebrate the Festival of Lights together with joy, laughter, and lots of fun! 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Tickets are $39.19.
Dust & Grooves Volume 2 launch party
4 to 10 p.m.
Calling all crate diggers and music lovers: Photographer and publisher Eilon Paz returns with “Dust & Grooves Volume 2: Further Adventures In Record Collecting,” a sequel to his 2014 best-selling book, highlighting over 150 of the world’s most fascinating and accomplished vinyl collectors. Dust & Grooves selectors will be spinning deep cuts and rare gems all afternoon to celebrate the release. This isn’t just a book launch — it’s a decade-long tribute to the vinyl community and culture. Upstairs at Public Records. 233 Butler Street. Free.
Company XIV’s ‘Off With Your Head’ Halloween Fêtes
5 and 10 p.m., and October 31 at 8 p.m.
Company XIV dares patrons to fall down its erotic adventure through Wonderland this Halloween. After an initial run in 2019, Queen of Hearts, the interdisciplinary troupe’s “outrageous,” “dazzling” and “sublime” (Time Out) ode to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, reopened to delighted audiences at Théâtre XIV in March and was extended by ravenous demand through the end of October. The run culminates in a series of positively mad Off With Your Head Halloween parties. Audiences are invited to step through Company XIV’s rosé-colored looking glass and let loose their creativity at each blowout bash; the best-dressed guests at these climactic parties will win a royal prize. 383 Troutman Street. Ticket prices vary by seating.
Studio Ghibli + Anime Jazz (Halloween Special)
6 p.m.
Victor Lin and friends will bring Studio Ghibli and other classic anime covers to The Red Pavilion on Saturday night for a special Halloween edition of their popular anime jazz sets. Hear your favorite themes from many beloved movies live in concert and prepare to be Spirited Away. 1241 Flushing Avenue. Tickets begin at $27.58.
An Improvised Episode of ‘Family Guy’
7 p.m.
Improvised Family Guy is a Brooklyn-based comedy duo featuring comedians Jared Palmer Kirsch and Jay Reed. The show is a sketch and improv show featuring a full 30-minute episode of “Family Guy” made up based on the audience’s suggestions. Improvised Family Guy sold out Brooklyn Comedy Collective’s main stage in September and is back for another one-night run on Saturday. Halloween bonus: come dressed in your Halloween best for a surprise costume contest. 67 Graham Avenue. Tickets are $15.
Rubulad Proudly Presents Z is for Zombie!
Doors at 8 p.m.
A legendary Halloween party befitting a legendary club and community space, with live music from headliner Funkrust Brass Band as well as the Art Gray Noizz Quintet, Las Conspiraciones and more. Emcee Zero Boy will oversee the proceedings which also include DJs, visuals, debauchery, costumes, vendors and more. 389 Melrose Street. $27 in advance, $35 at the door.
Susanne Bartsch Presents: The Witches of Bushwick
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Susanne Bartsch presents: The Witches of Bushwick, a classic Bartschland Halloween happening in the heart of Brooklyn this Saturday night. This is an evening calling all punk, fetish, showgirl, techno, drag witches and more with special guests including Amanda Lepore, a performance by The Bad Manners, and a show by Opera Gaga. Get witchy with Susanne Bartsch at Xanadu this weekend. 262 Starr Street. Tickets are $23.18.
Sunday, October 27
Halloween at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Halloween is back at BCM! Join in the spooky fun on Sunday for a day of costumed fun and trick-or-treating around the Museum’s exhibits and a special anime-themed celebration curated by AniTOMO Con. Due to this event’s popularity, the museum is encouraging visitors to attend only one session (please see the schedule on their website) so that there is ample space for all. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Tickets are $15 and free for children under one.
Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade
Noon
Calling all princes and princesses, heroes and villains, witches and wizards! Head over to Town Square BK for the popular Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade and Spooktacular Party. The party is a ticketed event but the parade is free for everyone and will step off in McCarren Park (Manhattan Avenue and Driggs Avenue). Costumed kids of all ages will march up Manhattan Avenue to Greenpoint Avenue and back to the park. The parade is free and see their website for tickets to the party.
Lady Bunny’s Disco Tea Dance
3 p.m.
In the early ’80s, Lady Bunny moved from Atlanta to New York City with her friend and fellow go-go dancer RuPaul. But unlike RuPaul, Bunny stayed in the club scene, throwing her legendary Disco Tea Dances every Sunday. You can experience the Lady Bunny’s tea dance for yourself on Sunday afternoon at C’mon Everybody. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $17.
PawPaw Rod: Doobie Mouth Tour
6 p.m.
PawPaw Rod is a singer and rapper hailing from Oklahoma City who blends 60s soul with the cadence of hip-hop. You can see Rod live at Xanadu on Sunday night on his Doobie Mouth Tour. It’s a non-skating concert at Xanadu with openers Topaz Jones and Cool Company. 262 Starr Street. Tickets are $26.28.