Brooklyn Horror Film Fest, plus 12 other things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

By Mags Chmielarczyk

This weekend Queer Soup Night heads to Fort Greene Park, horror takes over Brooklyn theaters, and hundreds of Gowanus artists open their doors.

Also: Brasswick returns to 3 Dollar Bill. Check out our deep dive into the borough’s thriving brass scene.

Here’s the rundown:

Friday, October 15

House of Yes: Blunderland Variety Show
6:30 p.m.
International Sensation Blunderland returns to its home club House of Yes with the finest burlesque, circus, cabaret, and performance art talent around. This night is not for the meek-—Blunderland is “as naughty as it is wholesome and as raunchy as it is sweet.” Tickets start at $25

Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco
7 to 10 p.m.
Each Friday night through October 22, LeFrak Center at Lakeside hosts Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco, an immersive roller skating experience with retro DJs spinning the hottest dance floor grooves. The theme for this weekend? Mean Girls vs Clueless – 90s and 00s Pop. This event is 21+ and tickets are $24

Through the Looking Glass
8 p.m.
Pop down the rabbit hole at the Brick Theater to catch eight different Brooklyn drag artists dazzle with their interpretations of classic Alice in Wonderland characters. This mystical evening is hosted by Chevy Lace and Cetait BonTemps. Free with RSVP!

Saturday, October 16

8th Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Need we say more that … unlimited free (with admission) hot sauce tasting from around the country? Enjoy the best food vendors serving up the spiciest creations with plenty of craft beers and specialty cocktails and food from BBQ to vegan. Brooklyn Expo Center, 79 Franklin St. General admission $15.

Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On the hunt for some nightmare fuel? This weekend Brooklyn Horror Film Festival presents the best new horror in venues throughout the borough. On Saturday, screenings will take place at Nitehawk Cinema, Williamsburg Cinemas and Stuart Cinema. Featured films include “EGO,” Alfonso Cortés-Cavanillas’ quarantine-inspired psychological thriller, and “Night Teeth,” a vampiric piece of neon-noir pop cinema featuring Megan Fox.

Gowanus Open Studios
12 to 6 p.m.
Gowanus Open Studios, a project of Arts Gowanus, returns for its 25th rendition. More than 400 artists and venues in the greater Gowanus neighborhood will open their doors to the public. Check out the full map of locations, and make sure to stop by the closing party at the Gowanus Dredger’s Boathouse on Sunday night starting at 6:30.

Hrvst House Presents Sway And Swoon In Brooklyn
3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Seattle based production company Hrvst House is back in the borough at hotspot Cafe Erzulie. Party into the night with groovy sets from Adair, DJ Luna Ròsa, Stas THEE Boss, JusMoni, DJ Yaddy, and JADALAREIGN. Tickets are $25 and going fast.

Queer Soup Night
3 to 5 p.m.
Queer Soup Night is a Brooklyn Based comunity group that hosts soup-centered gatherings. Head over to Fort Greene Park on Saturday for a picnic-style QSN with soups and treats for all. Bring your friends, some drinks, and a blanket and arrive early to snag a spot (meet on top of the hill between the monument and the bathrooms).

Brasswick 2021
4 to 10 p.m.
Brass band music is having a moment in the borough. The L Train Brass Band presents their third annual brass celebration in the yard at 3 Dollar Bill. Hosted by two comedians, this concert features live music from Dingonek Street Band, No Small Money Brass Band, Nation Beat, and Guerrilla Fanfare. Proceeds will be donated to Feed the Second Line, which helps to support the culture bearers and artists of New Orleans. A $10 donation is encouraged with RSVP.

D. Woods Live in Brooklyn
8 p.m.
Widely known as one-fifth of the record-breaking, multi-platinum pop group, Danity Kane, D. Woods has also released original music and continues to work across television, film and theatre. She brings her soulful blend of alternative, electronic, and classic R&B to the Brooklyn Music Kitchen this Saturday. Tickets start at $15

Sunday, October 17

Costume Closet Halloween Get Ready Party
12 to 6 p.m.
Enter the communal Costume Closet, located at 83 Starr St in Bushwick, for a night of spooky styling, drinks, and backyard music. The Costume Closet is stocked with unique, festival-inspired takes on classic Halloween looks available to rent or buy, and a lineup of vendors will drop in to help style the community.

Orchard Hill Cider Tasting at Pixie Scout Canteen
2 to 5 p.m.
In honor of New York Cider Week, Pixie Scout Canteen is serving up an expanded menu of craft ciders from local distilleries. Visit their Battery kiosk to sample from Brooklyn Cider House, Orchard Hill Cider, and South Hill Cider.

Please Give a F$%k!
7 to 9 p.m.
Peer Pressure Comedy presents a monthly comedy show at Crystal Lake Brooklyn to ​​raise funds for local NYC charities and good causes. This month’s showcase is stacked with A-list comedians, hosted by Meg Felling and John Fox, and benefits The Audre Lorde Project. This is a donation based event with reserved tickets required!