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Weekend Guide
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-Mar 25, 2026
Weekend Guide: Meshell Ndegeocello, CupCakKe, Opening Day in Coney Island, and More
These next few nights are all about experimentation—in jazz, in rap, in electronics, in egg creams, in enriching (and depriving) the senses
Opening Day finally happened this week, so baseball fans (and all you degenerate gamblers ready to vote on allegedly rigged pitches) can rejoice. But that’s not the only opening of note this week. Two local institutions will be open for business this weekend: the borough’s favorite classic roller coaster and one of our top two carousels.
In addition to all that, as always, we’ve got tons of unique ways to spend your time off work, from a game show with a very special prize to a chance to watch burlesque while doing some good for the world. Check it all out in the Weekend Guide below.
Courtesy of Pitchblack Playback
Thursday, March 26
CupcakKe @ Brooklyn Steel
8 p.m.
CupcakKe is funny, raunchy, and unpredictable, all of which will surely make for a great live show. And could you really resist the opportunity to be in the room for a live performance of “One Of My Bedbugs Ate My Pussy”? Her new album The BakKery is out now.
The Donor: A Live Game Show to Find the Perfect Sperm Donor @ Littlefield
8 p.m.
The title here pretty much tells it all. Four male comedians will engage in a series of challenges to find out who will turn out to be Sami Schwaeber’s ideal sperm donor. It’s hosted by Brooke Finegold.
Pitchblack Playback: J Dilla’s Donuts 20th Anniversary @ Public Records
8:15 p.m.
This year somehow marks 20 earthly rotations since the release of Donuts, the brilliant and celebrated final dispatch from producer J Dilla, who passed just days after it dropped. Here’s a chance to hyper-focus on the instrumental album’s intricate stitches, in (eye-mask-assisted) darkness, and through a Devon Ojas-designed sound system in the comfy attic of the Gowanus club complex.
HighSchool @ Baby’s All Right
10 p.m.
The Australian post-punk trio has no small bit of The Strokes influence, and combines that with the ‘80s goth of Joy Division and the Sisters of Mercy. It adds up to something both familiar and new, and they are super-fun to watch live.
Courtesy of Lalin’s
Friday, March 27
Haunted Bay Ridge Walking Tour @ The Gingerbread House
6 p.m.
Spooky stories of ghosts, murder, and mayhem await on this tour led by NYC historian James Scully, creator of The Bay Ridge Digest podcast. Not only will you have a great time, but after you finish the tour, you’ll be the best subway companion imaginable for those long R train rides.
Culture worker and Nuyorico Art Club founder Christian Mártir is putting one up for the late salsa giant Willie “El Malo” Colón, discussing the luminary Latin musician’s work and impact with writer and archivist Carina del Valle Schorske on the southernmost edges of Los Sures. In proper honor of Colón, the talk will be followed by an all-vinyl salsa party.
Bloom with Shaunie and Chuk Ezeanya @ Rodeo
8 p.m.
A pair of Detroit imports are bringing the organic machinery of The Motor City’s techno and house legacy to Crown Heights this evening. It’s free to enter, and pairs well with a natural orange from the bar.
Robyn Album Sexistential Release Party @ 3 Dollar Bill
10 p.m.
The Swedish pop icon has a new LP coming. What better way to celebrate than at this amazing queer bar, with drag shows (by Mariyea and ShowPonii) and tunes by DJ Larry Peace?
Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary at the Zoo! @ The Rosemont
10 p.m.
Robyn isn’t the only pop princess with a significant moment this weekend. Miley Cyrus’ alter ego is turning 20, and the folks at Zoo in Bushwick are pulling out all the stops to celebrate. Vera Lee Westwood will host, music will be provided by Mack Mackey and Luca Drelli, and there will be a special performance by Reese Havoc.
This is a SOCA Party: Women’s History Month Edition @ Aura Cocina
11 p.m.
The title does not lie: this event promises only soca, from start to finish. And appropriately for Women’s History Month, there will be a cast of all-female DJs. Tickets are exclusively available ahead of the show, so don’t pull up hoping to grab one at the door.
Courtesy of Elsewhere
Saturday, March 28
Opening Day at the Carousel @ Prospect Park
12 p.m.
Prospect Park’s carousel is one of Brooklyn’s greatest and most underutilized treasures. Think about it: when was the last time you were actually there? Whatever your age, you can experience child-like wonder on the very first day it’ll be open this season.
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, SD 19 Easter Egg Hunt @ Canarsie Park
1 p.m.
Yes, we know Easter doesn’t happen until next month. But it’s never too early to bring the kids in your life to an Easter Egg Hunt. Games, activities, snacks, and giveaways are on deck, as well as an actual, in-person visit from the Easter Bunny.
Black Girl Art Show Brooklyn @ Brooklyn Storehouse
2 p.m.
The work of Black women visual artists stands front and center in this traveling exhibition. It has a ton of amazing art, is affordable, and children under 13 get in free.
Light up the night with some electric locals in far East Williamsburg (basically Ridgewood if we’re honest), at this Perfectly Imperfect takeover of two rooms and stages at the Elsewhere compound.
Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble @ BAM
2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The Morris Group is celebrating its 45th anniversary by presenting a New York premiere. The piece, Via Dolorosa, will have the dancers performing to solo harp music composed by Nico Mulhy and performed by Parker Ramsay. Also on the agenda is V, a 2001 piece set to Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat.
Courtesy of The Bell House
Sunday, March 29
Coney Island Cyclone Egg Cream Christening ceremony @ Luna Park
11 a.m.
Yes, it’s that time of year: Luna Park officially opens this weekend! To celebrate, on Sunday morning, your favorite oldest wooden roller coaster in the country is going to celebrate turning 99 in a very special way. The Cyclone’s first 99 riders get on for free and receive a gratis egg cream as well.
Cabaret for a Cause: ICE OUT NYC @ Friends and Lovers
5 p.m.
Proof of donation to the Immigrant Defense Project is your ticket in for this party on the Crown/Prospect Heights border, with DJs, burlesque, an auction, and performances from Painted Ladies, Cabaret Burlesque, and DJ X2Sea.
Joel Kim Booster: Chose This Way @ The Bell House
7 p.m.
Booster is best known for writing and starring in the 2022 rom-com Fire Island (shoutout to my fellow Conrad Ricamora hive members!) But he’s also, as anyone who has seen his special, or ever heard him on Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, a hilarious and sharp stand-up. You’ll get that side of him in full force tonight.
Meshell Ndegeocello @ Pioneer Works
8 p.m.
Yes, we include a lot of Pioneer Works events here at Weekend Guide. But it’s not our fault that they put on so much amazing stuff. Here, the low-end theorist hits the Red Hook warehouse’s stage at a rescheduled event put on with Winter Jazz Fest. Justin Hicks opens.
