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Fri 7
Rock Comic Con followed by BATDANCE littlefield; 8pm; $10
Set your con weekend on fire with this packed night of fan-centric revelry, which kicks off with geek rock performances and ends with a late night of sweaty costumed dancing. While superhero cage dancers start the party, check out bangin’ sets with pop culture references galore from Kirby Krackle, H2Awesome!, Daenarys and the Targaryens and more. Then, Music Video Time Machine DJ Stephen Pitalo serves up comic book-inspired dance hits all night.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in NYC this weekend
The New Yorker Festival various locations and times; $65
The New Yorker is sending its finest staffers around town to talk with fascinating figures in literature, film, TV, music, theatre, tech, activism and beyond. Preview upcoming shows and films, hear concerts from star acts like Andre Bird and Father John Mitsy, one-on-one interviews with Bruce Springsteen and enjoy panel discussions with Mr. Robot with actor Christian Slater. Just be sure to do your research before taking the mic during the Q&A section.
Oktoberfest Under the Manhattan Bridge The Archway in DUMBO; 6pm; free
The Dumbo Business Improvement District is throwing down under the Manhattan Bridge with crafts, food and music for this epic Oktoberfest celebration. Enter a pop-up beer hall replete with lederhosen-clad servers delivering brews, pretzels, sausages and more from the Lighthouse. Get ready to gorge on classic German fare, and jam out to polka music by Melina and the Oompahs and Bavarian pop by DJ Holzmeister. Prost!
Future of Storytelling Fest various locations and times; $75, individual events at various prices
This festival invites you to explore how developments in virtual reality, interactive theater and nonlinear fiction are turning game players into protagonists and audience members into participants. You can try full-sensory narrative experiences like the NASA-inspired Home: VR Spacewalk while wearing an Oculus Rift headset, or head to experiences all over NYC, including Sleep No More, costume campfest 8Players and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Sat 8
Party Like It’s 1999 The Bell House; 10pm; free
Wear your Buddy Holly glasses and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Weezer’s Pinkerton, along with other pop and hip-hop jams from the ’90s.
Autumn Crafts Festival Hearst Plaza (at Lincoln Center); 11am; free
This gathering of artisans brings together a selection of leather, textile and brass crafts from all across the United States as well as Australia and Israel. For two weekends, 250 stalls showcase woodwork, glassware, ceramics and other mediums. Demonstrations in pottery, metal and other crafts are offered on both days.
HUMP! Film Festival Dobbin St; 6:30pm; $30
Dan Savage’s artist-driven indie-porn fest hits NYC with a new batch of wild picks made by filmmakers with no porn experience. Films like “Orgies Happening Tonight” and “Two Boys and Some Rope” push you outside of your comfort zone, but it’s worth it: Featured films embrace free gender expression and a diversity of body types, races and sexual orientations. Prepare for a full-service film experience.
Hocus Pocus Trivia Stone Creek Bar and Lounge; 5pm; free
“Come, little children...” and play several wicked rounds of trivia based on the beloved 1993 camp classic. Grab a drink and show off your knowledge of Thackery Binx, virgin candle spells and Salem superstitions with a team of up to four immortal witches. And with Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker making their stage and screen comebacks, there’s no better time to salute the original NYC sorceresses. Dost thou comprehend?
Kings County Fiber Fest Old Stone House; 10am; free
The city's authorities on knitting, crocheting, dying, weaving, quilting and beyond convene for this arts and crafts fair, where they'll be selling soft and warm winter ware and demonstrating their art. You can finish your Christmas shopping in one day.
Depeche Mode Comeback Party Drom; 10:30pm; $10, at the door $15
DJ Shred curates a night of only Depeche Mode songs to celebrate its forthcoming album, with videos of “Personal Jesus” and “Policy of Truth” onscreen late into the night.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Brooklyn Museum; 8am; $104
Enjoy Prospect Park at its fall peak with this thrilling race. While you run through Flatbush/Ditmas Park and back through the park's lush hills, you'll be encouraged and entertained by live bands and performers. With 13 miles on your plate, you might as well fit in a concert or two to keep it interesting.
Sun 9
Say Their Names: A Black Lives Matter Fund-Raiser The Wild Project 8pm; $20-$50
Burlesque performers and comedians come together for a night of stand-up and striptease in honor of people of color who have lost their lives to police brutality.
Great North River Tugboat Race Competition Hudson River Park, Pier 84; 9am
See tugboats parade from Pier 84 to the 79th Street Boat Basin then race back at the 21st annual iteration of this maritime fest. Participate in an amateur line-toss contest, and witness the Popeye-inspired spinach-eating contest. Those interested in a closer view can board a Circle Line spectator boat at Pier 83 (9am; $25, children $12).
The Freedom Party: 80s vs 90s Le Poisson Rouge; 10pm; $20
If you haven’t experienced this NYC dance-party institution, now’s your chance to jump, grind and shout to hip-hop, pop and rock jams from DJs Cosi, Herbert Holler and Marc Smooth. This week’s ’80s vs. ’90s theme promises to deliver all the Prince, Lauryn Hill, Duran Duran and Madonna you could hope for.
Aviator’s fourth annual Oktoberfest Aviator Sports and Recreation Birthday Parties; 11am; $30
Aviator Sports and Events Center is transforming itself into a German Beer Garden for one day only. Lose your mind to Die Spitzbuam's oompah rhythms with a beer in one hand and a pretzel in another while playing fun recreational games at Aces Patio.