Courtesy Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival 2021
13 Brooklyn things do this last weekend of September
From a Downtown arts festival to a BDSM party at a buzzy East Williamsburg queer bar, there's a little something for everyone
The borough is cooling off, but our weekend plans are heating up. On this, the final weekend of September, you can check out the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival, the Brooklyn Book Festival, Brooklyn Comes Alive … or something a little less safe for work.
What more? Be sure to check out our recommendations for the 2021 New York Film Festival, which is coming to the BAM Cinema in Fort Greene for the very first time, and the vintage motorcycle stunt “Wall of Death,” which is in Williamsburg this weekend only.
Here’s the rundown:
Friday, September 24
Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival 2021
6 p.m.
Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival, an annual celebration showcasing acclaimed local arts organizations and artists, returns to the neighborhood this week. DBAF 2021 will feature a hybrid of virtual and in-person performances, classes, screenings, and exhibitions across the district, as well as a lineup of free outdoor events at The Plaza at 300 Ashland. On Friday evening, Arturo O’Farrill and the 18-piece Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra will take the stage with a special repertoire celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and Mexican Independence Day. Free and open to the public.
Trampoline Comedy Hour
7 p.m.
Join CW Headley (PBS), Coby Chafets (Chris Gethard Show) and Dan Wickes (Roast Battle) for a curated lineup of comedians every Friday night at 167 Graham Avenue in East Williamsburg. Tickets are $5
Art Of The Trap
7 p.m.
Head to Mika Bushwick for an artistic, comedic, and mixed media exploration of the thirst trap. The Interactive Gallery opens at 7, performances begin at 8, and the party kicks off at 9. Tickets are $15.
KINDLING gallery opening and book launch
7 to 10 p.m.
Join the new Underland Gallery in Bay Ridge as they celebrate the release of KINDLING by poet Linnea Ryshke, with readings, conversation, and an artwork exhibition. Free event, registration required.
Wonderville presents Nintendo Dreamworld
8 p.m.
Head over to happy hour at Indie arcade bar Wonderville to grab a $6 Narragansett + whiskey shot and play their experimental video games. In these four NYC developers’ reimaginings of a past era of Nintendo, Mario has retired from plumbing, Luigi searches for his brother, and Marin from Legend of Zelda sings again. Free entry with RSVP.
NSFW @ 3 Dollar Bill
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Make sure you’re dressed to impress this Friday at 3 Dollar Bill for the return of NSFW, a BDSM themed party with pop-up shows from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Winner Jaida Essence Hall. Sets from DJ Papito Suave and more. Tickets are $35.
Saturday, September 25
Frances Forever and Claud at Elsewhere
6 p.m.
Eminent bedroom pop singer-songwriter Claud and TikTok viral Frances Forever are pairing up for a concert in Elsewhere’s Hall. This event is 16+ and tickets are $25.
Last Taste of Summer benefit concert
7 to 11:30 p.m.
Humbler.co, Chelsea Records & Sustainable United Neighborhoods (S.U.N.) are hosting an outdoor benefit concert at Bushwick Generator. Headliner Fiona Silver is joined by David Russell, Ok Cowgirl, Almost Sex, Dreamphone, Matty Frank, and MC Chase Runaway. A Portion of every ticket sold will go to S.U.N, who helps feed Brooklyn through the North Brooklyn Food Relief Coalition. Tickets are $25.
Sunday, September 26
Celebrate Books in Bed-Stuy
11 a.m.
The Brooklyn Book Festival kicks off this weekend. Join Brooklyn Book Bodega, READ 718, and House of SpeakEasy for a back-to-school celebration for young readers. Featuring children’s book illustrator Daniel J. O’Brien and YA author Torrey Maldonado, interactive mural by Bed-Stuy artist Michela Martello, craft workshops led by Community-Word Project’s Nichelle Ryan, and free coloring books courtesy Pen + Brush. Free to attend with registration.
Coney Island Brewery vinyl record fair
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the first time since 2019, Coney Island Brewery is hosting their Vinyl Record Fair. Enjoy 20 tables of vinyl and music collectibles and 10 varieties of delicious craft beer. Admission is free!
Brooklyn Comes Alive, featuring the Disco Biscuits
1:45 p.m.
The beloved all-day music marathon Brooklyn Comes Alive is back for its fifth edition, and this year it’s moving to The Brooklyn Mirage. Influenced by the vibrant musical communities of Brooklyn and New Orleans, Brooklyn Comes Alive is a blend of the best jam, funk, and jazz artists, with an emphasis on collaboration, improvisation, and special one-off performances. Tickets start at $90 and are selling fast.
Ty Sunderland’s ‘Ty Tea’
3 to 10 p.m.
NY Based DJ and promoter Ty Sunderland presents a proprietary blend of house and disco in the yard at 3 Dollar Bill. Joined by Matt Suave and Erik Izquierdo. Tickets are $25 before 4pm and $30 after at the door.
Hot Damn! at Bushwick Public House
8 to 10 p.m.
There’s a new comedy show in town at Bushwick Public House on Myrtle Ave. Hosted by Leo C from Pinky’s Space with sets by Ishmael Gaynor, Tom Delgado, Valarie Vernale, Phil Rizdon, Youjean Chang, Alex Grubard, and Natalie Cuomo. Tickets are $12.
