Weekend Guide: Kehlani, Salsa, 250 Years of Brooklyn

By Shawn Setaro

Thursday, August 27, marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, the Revolutionary War battle that the colonists lost, but which proved pivotal regardless due to a strategic retreat by that guy we named a bridge after. 

There are a ton of events to commemorate that battle happening this weekend, and we get into many of them below. But if 18th-century history is not your thing, you can celebrate another way: by dancing. There are a ton of amazing dance nights, festivals, and performances going on this weekend—everything from salsa to chutney to EDM. And if you’d rather cut through bad arguments than cut a rug, we’ve got plenty of other options: panels about how to respond to AI slop, book clubs, even a problematic-but-influential horror movie. Check it all out in the latest Weekend Guide.

Thursday, August 20

What Is the Socialist Approach to AI? @ Chilo’s
6:30 p.m.

Angry at AI slop or the oligarchs who are forcing it into your workplace or school? Confused about what to do? This panel discussion, put on NYC-DSA’s Tech Action working group, will feature author and artist Molly Crabapple (she of the incredible new book about the Bund), Jeremy Bearer-Friend, Kyle DeAngelis, and Katherine Jin.

Radical Attention & Economies of Care @ Strother School of Radical Attention
7 p.m.

The founders of Portland’s Simone Weil House come through to discuss what it might look like to have an economy based around actually taking care of each other. Exchanging goods instead of buying? Extending credit in small, manageable amounts instead of huge, unpayable “loans”? Emma Coley Fitzgerald and Bert Fitzgerald will work through all of this and a lot more.

Book is Better Book Club: Fences @ Liz’s Book Bar
7 p.m.

You may be one of those “the book is better” types (cough—The Odyssey—cough). If so, then this is for you. This book club not only discusses the text at issue, in this case August Wilson’s magnificent play Fences; they also host a screening of the adaptation. Here, the latter is the 2016 movie starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Thot Daughter Tour: BbyMutha, Sha Ray & DJ Haram, Archangel, Nappy Nina & JWords @ Baby’s All Right
10 p.m.

If you only go to one show this week, make it this one. It’s an amazing amount of talent (as well as political courage) on a single bill.

Friday, August 21

Salsa Night @ Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
6 p.m.

A free outdoor dance party at Brooklyn Bridge Park? Sign us up! The event begins with free dance lessons, and then you can boogie the rest of the night away to a live band. 

Kehlani @ Barclays Center
7 p.m.

Despite being just 31, Kehlani has been in the public eye for a decade and a half, since appearing on America’s Got Talent back in 2011. She has gone all sorts of places artistically in the years since, but her latest self-titled album is maybe her best: a superbly crafted, expertly sung R&B record. See the results for yourself at the arena tonight.

Sasha Velour’s NightGowns @ Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park
7 p.m.

Superstar drag queen Sasha Velour is putting on this drag variety show. It features performances from a dozen memorable acts, at the best outdoor stage in the borough.

Sleepaway Camp @ Nitehawk Cinema, Williamsburg
11:55 p.m.

Now that Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is finally out there in the world, it’s time to watch (or re-watch) one of the films it’s in dialogue with, the 1983 slasher Sleepaway Camp. A veritable library has been written both for and against the film’s portrayal of its killer in the ensuing decades (don’t click on those links if you don’t want any four-decade-old spoilers), and you can jump into the conversation for yourself at this midnight screening.

Saturday, August 22

Chutney World 2026 @ 101-01 Foster Ave.
3 p.m.

The biggest chutney music event of the year is here. There will be a ton of artists, with new names being released all the time on the festival’s IG feed. Three DJs, and dancers means there will be plenty to keep you busy at this all-ages event. Among the performers are Lady Lava, Ravi B, Nishard M, and more.

Alesso @ Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 4
3 p.m.

The superstar DJ will be doing his thing in front of an absolutely spectacular waterfront backdrop. The tickets are expensive, but it’ll be worth it to dance for hours in full view of the city skyline.

TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing: a benefit screening @ Millennium Fil Workshop
7 p.m.

Come through to watch a documentary about Bambara, the legendary writer, filmmaker, and cultural worker. All proceeds from ticket sales will, appropriately, go towards building a new artist residency in Trinidad and Tobago.

SG Lewis and friends @ Elsewhere
10:30 p.m.

Lewis is your favorite artist’s favorite collaborator. The dance-pop musician and producer has worked with everyone from Elton John and Nile Rodgers to Dua Lipa and Clairo. Check him out at this massive event that goes until 4 in the morning.

Sunday, August 23

The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom @ Green-Wood Cemetery
10 a.m.

As mentioned, this weekend marks the (closest weekend to the) 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, and there are a ton of things planned to commemorate it from exhibits to a full-on reenactment. This event at Green-Wood will have costumed interpreters, stories of the battle from a variety of perspectives, and even a parade. 

Brooklyn Ice Cream Takedown 2026 @ Threes Brewing
1 p.m.

We all scream for this local frozen treats competition. And not only scream, but vote: You’ll have a say in the outcome. 

Wickedfest X The Carnival and Dancehall Edition @ The Ivory on the Park Rooftop
3:30 p.m.

You’ll get all the soca, reggae, and dancehall you can handle at this anniversary party. The rooftop location will also ensure that the views are second to none. 

Read To Filth Presents The 48 Laws of Power @ Brooklyn Comedy Collective
7 p.m.

Your humble author may have read a Robert Greene book or two in his time, but I had an excuse—I was interviewing him. At this “modern book club” hosted by comedian Tom Pastor, the host and three featured guests will take the book beloved by the worst dudes you know down a peg or eight.