Celebrate Carnival weekend: 17 things to do in Brooklyn

By Joshua Encinias

Every Labor Day, the massive and joyful West Indian American Day Parade returns to announce the gradual winding down of summer. But there is no shortage of things to do this weekend before the parade on Monday (and before your kids go back to school this week).

Friday brings you Soca Fest at the Brooklyn Museum, Kids in the Hall comedian Kevin McDonald at the Bell House and fireworks in Coney Island. Saturday, you can kick back and enjoy the Brooklyn Oyster Fest. Junior Carnival takes place during the day at the Brooklyn Museum to celebrate all things Caribbean for kids and families, and Saturday night, the museum hosts one of the country’s largest steel-pan competitions this side of Trinidad and Tobago.

Sunday is a little more low key with a Soca Run Festival 5K that morning and Queeribbean Labor Day Carnival at night.

Monday is the weekend’s main event. The West Indian American Day Parade kicks off on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights at 11 a.m., but get there early for a good spot. (Or get there really early for the J’Ouvert celebrations at 6 a.m.)

Here’s your round-up of the best in the borough this Labor Day Weekend.

Friday, September 1

Back to School Fair at Barclays Center
3 to 4 p.m.
The Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson hosts a Back-to-School Fair Giveaway at the Barclays Center with The New York Liberty on Friday afternoon. Get ready for the school year with new supplies, and a few lucky attendees will receive free tickets to Friday night’s New York Liberty game. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Free.

Kevin McDonald Superstar (A Rock Opera)
7 p.m.
Kevin McDonald of the delightfully unhinged Canadian alt-comedy troupe Kids in the Hall will regale fans at the Bellhouse with stories of love and loss and appearing on the Joan Rivers Show still drunk from the night before. Comedian Dave Hill joins a lineup that sold out Thursday night, so move quickly. The Bell House, 149 7th St. Tickets start at $30.57.

Rooftop Shots: Closing Night
7:45 p.m.
The closing night of Rooftop Films’ Summer Series Rooftop Shots happens on Friday night with a program featuring short films in Green-Wood Cemetery. The night opens with live music from Brooklyn-based rock band Tilden, and following the screening, there’s a Q&A with some of the night’s filmmakers. Stick around the screenings for an after-party. 500 25th Street. Tickets are $19.

Soca Fest NYC
8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
A rain-or-shine event featuring a celebration of Soca music in Grand Army Plaza. Headliners Kes the Band will be closing down an evening of music by Bunji, Fay Ann & Asylum Vikings, Skinny Fabulous and more. 200 Eastern Parkway. Tickets start at $70.43.

Fireworks at Coney Island Boardwalk
9:45 p.m.
Kick off Labor Day weekend with Friday night fireworks at the Coney Island Boardwalk. The show begins right at 9:45 p.m. and lasts for 30 minutes. Coney Island Boardwalk at West 12th Street. Free.

Bensonhurst McDonald’s ‘Loki’ takeover
To promote the appearance of a 1982 McDonald’s in season two of Disney+’s Marvel series “Loki,” a McDonald’s in Bensonhurst has been retrofitted to look the way it would have four decades ago. The installation was revealed on Wednesday and closes on Friday. Come see how your parents used to clog their arteries in the ’80s. 6620 Bay Parkway.

Saturday, September 2

New York Junior Carnival 2023
8 a.m.
West Indian American Day Carnival Association hosts the Junior Carnival at the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday. This day of celebrating all things Caribbean includes live performances and the coronation of the Junior King and Queen. The family-friendly event features a back-to-school giveaway, and there’s also a parade that assembles at Kingston Avenue and St. John’s Place. 200 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $12.

Pop-up garage sale at IKEA Brooklyn
Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Do you need a new Skärhamn? Maybe your favorite Poäng doesn’t sit the way it used to? Then you’re in luck: On Saturday and Sunday, IKEA Brooklyn hosts its biggest sale of the season with up to 50 percent off regular-price items. And don’t forget to pick up a Norberg for your kid before they head off to college! 1 Beard Street.

Brooklyn Oyster Fest
3 to 6 p.m.
The Brooklyn Oyster Fest is back on Saturday at Bk Backyard Bar. Tickets include unlimited oysters from local vendors and a complimentary beer. 21+ 86 N 11th Street. Tickets are $55.

New York Carnival Panorama 2023
7 p.m.
The New York Panorama competition takes place on Saturday night at the Brooklyn Museum. Panorama is one of the largest steel-pan competitions in the United States with roots tracing back to Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of the steel-pan. The competition borrows its traditions from the Panorama event that takes place in Trinidad every year during Carnival. 200 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $38.

Charles Phoenix Presents: New York Cityland
9 p.m.
The King of Kitsch Charles Phoenix sets his sights on Coney Island in his new show “New York Cityland.” Phoenix is a mid-century pop culture expert, humorist and author who celebrates classic and kitschy American life and style. On Saturday night, tune in to watch Phoenix give a virtual tour of New York in the 1950s and ’60s using real Kodachrome slides from the era. Tickets are $25.

Bad Bunny Fest
10:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Puerto Rican king of pop all night on Saturday at C’mon Everybody. Featuring drag shows by Lady Quesa, Showponii, Jenn D’Role, Richard, Zavaleta and DJ sets by Ickarus, Hannah Lou and Chata, the fest is all the Benito you need and more. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, September 3

Soca Run Festival 5K
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Soca Run Festival 5K channels the energy and music of the Caribbean carnival into a race. The event is for all ages and families who can walk or run to the finish line where each participant will receive a finish time. Soca runners will enjoy a post-run fete where your all inclusive registration grants you access to sponsored drinks, food and a special appearance by international Soca Artist Lyrikal. 596 Washington Avenue. Registration is $30 to $50.

Steve Martin Presents
Doors at 5 p.m., show at 5:30 p.m.
SNL’s Andrew Dismukes and Michael Good’s long-running variety show of the city’s best comedians made the jump from Manhattan to Union Hall in Brooklyn, and their September show is happening on Sunday night. Guest performers include Kath Barbadoro, Nick Mestad and Ibhan Kulkarni. 21+. 702 Union Street. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

HARD FETE | Queeribbean Labor Day Carnival
10 p.m.
Keep the Caribbean celebrations going late into Monday morning at 3 Dollar Bill’s HARD FETE | Queeribbean Labor Day Carnival. Organizers are declaring Labor Day for “the beautiful queer revelers of the Caribbean and we’re bringing you the HARDEST FETE that you will not forget.” Bring your crew, your flags, and wear the best costume you’ve got to shake ya ass in all night 260 Meserole Street. Tickets are $25.

Monday, September 4

The 56th West Indian American Day Parade
11 a.m.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association throws one the biggest celebrations of the year. On Labor Day, you’ll find thousands of Brooklynites of Caribbean descent celebrating a year’s worth of preparation and practicing in a gorgeous, colorful display of original outfits, costumes and floats. The parade, which attracts upwards of two million attendees, will kick off from Rochester Avenue in Crown Heights and move west along Eastern Parkway. Free.

Elsewhere Labor Day x Electric Zoo After Party
3 p.m.
If you’re not zonked out from Electric Zoo, Elsewhere is keeping the party going on Monday afternoon. Musicians HoneyLuv, Jaden Thompson and EREZ.JPG will perform on the rooftop. 599 Johnson Avenue. Tickets are $29.