Halloween arrives this Saturday, and you know what that means! We’ve selected three of what are sure to be some of the best spooky shindigs that the city has to offer, but to read about the many other amazing Halloween events happening this weekend, check out our complete roundup. Additionally, although we’ve still got awhile to go until winter arrives, holiday season favorites such as the Winter Village in Bryant Park and the “Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection” exhibit at the New-York Historical Society will open this Friday. Happy Halloween!
Beginning Friday, October 30
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
New Victory Theater
Various times
Benjamin Britten’s operatic staging of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is coming to the New Victory Theater! Starting this Friday, South Africa’s Isango Ensemble will perform the bard’s comedy with a twist of South African music. Ages 9 and up will be enchanted by this magical musical of love, merrymaking, and mischief. This production has a running time of two hours with intermission. Runs weekends through Sunday, November 8. Tickets start at $15.
Saturday, October 31
LC Trick-Or-Treat: Monsters and Music
Lincoln Center
11am
This Saturday, join Lincoln Center for a Halloween extravaganza unlike any other. All ages are invited to dress in their best costumes and go trick-or-treating, create terrifyingly terrific crafts, and strike a spooky pose in the photo booth. At noon, a stilt walker from the Big Apple Circus and jazz band Sammy Miller and the Congregation will lead a costume parade. Plus, authors R.L. Stine and Marc Brown will discuss, read, and sign copies of their new book Little Shop of Monsters (recommended for ages 3-6). Finally, ages 8 and up can enjoy a screening of 1931’s “Frankenstein” presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. This event is free.
BAMboo!
Brooklyn Academy of Music
2pm-5pm
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) will be the happenin’ place to be this Halloween when it hosts BAMboo! for the 14th year. This year’s theme, Monster Mash, will feature costumed characters such as Frankenstein and Dracula, and festivities will include carnival games, stilt walkers, arts and crafts, a candy giveaway, a costume contest, live DJ music, and more. This event is free and will take place in front of the Peter Jay Sharp Building.
Halloween Celebration
American Museum of Natural History
2pm-5pm
Spend the afternoon of All Hallows’ Eve at the American Museum of Natural History during its Halloween Celebration. Children can go trick-or-treating in many of the museum’s halls, enjoy live entertainment, participate in arts and crafts, and take photos with cartoon characters such as Peter Rabbit, Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Miffy. Free with museum admission.
Sunday, November 1
“Goodnight Moon” & “The Runaway Bunny”
NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
10am & 2pm
Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved children’s books Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny will be brought to the stage by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia this Sunday. This enthralling production for ages 2 through 5 will feature larger-than-life puppets, stunning backgrounds, and delightful music. Runs one hour. Tickets start at $25.
