Oktoberfest and odd couplings: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

October 3, 2019 Scott Enman

Oktoberfest at the DUMBO Archway. Photo by Noemie Trusty

1. See some art (for free)

The Plaza at 300 Ashland. Photos courtesy of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

The Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival is returning this weekend with free performances from the area’s art organizations. The event, a collaboration between BRIC, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Brooklyn Public Library, among others, will feature a dance party, a treasure hunt and film screenings. We selected some highlights to look out for.

Multiple times at The Plaza at 300 Ashland. Free. More info here.

2. Take a fall stroll

South Slope streets are inviting if you've got an eye for old houses. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan — South Slope streets are inviting if you’ve got an eye for old houses. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

Discover a new neighborhood with a curated tour from our real estate reporter. She recently visited South Slope, which is filled with lots of architectural eye candy, like an armory built in the 1890s and wonderful wooden houses. Plus, there’s a Nitehawk Cinema.

South Slope. Free. More info here.

3. Have a slice (or two, or three)

The New York Pizza Festival is in the Bronx this year, but Brooklyn’s pizzerias will be the stars of the show. Hop on the train to drink Italian beers and eat delicious pizza from the likes of Di Fara, Forcella, Speedy Romeo, Brooklyn Pizza Crew and Fornino.

Saturday and Sunday at noon on Crescent Avenue. From $25. More info here.

4. Head to Germany

The DUMBO archway will be transformed into a traditional German Beer Hall this weekend for the fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration. The gathering will be complete with oom-pah bands (think tubas), Bavarian beer and, of course, German food like pretzels, brats and sauerkraut. Prost!

Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. at the DUMBO Archway. Free. More info here.

5. Spend a morning at the graveyard

A bird in Green-Wood Cemetery. Image courtesy of Jennifer Kepler.

Before the gates open to the public at Green-Wood Cemetery, roam the grounds undisturbed with birding expert Rob Jett, who leads Sunday morning walking tours. During October, waterfowl are expected to return to the cemetery, and you might see some raptors heading south.

Sunday at 7:15 a.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St. From $15. More info here.

6. Or, spend a night at the graveyard

Green-Wood Cemetery. Photo by Steve Acres.

With Halloween on the horizon, spend an evening exploring Green-Wood Cemetery in the dark long after the gates have closed to the public.

But do not even think about coming in costume. “We know it’s Halloween season, but please do not arrive in costume. Attendees in costume, face-paint or masks will not be admitted,” the cemetery’s website says.

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St. From $25. More info here.

7. Or, spend a night at the museum

The Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Richard Barnes

The Brooklyn Museum hosts free art and entertainment on the first Saturday of every month. This weekend’s theme is Latinx Pride. Tour the new exhibition “JR: Chronicles” exhibit, listen to guitarist Edna Vazquez perform and take part in a salsa party, among other activities.

Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway. Free. More info here.

8. Listen to music

"Sometimes you'll walk in and it will be neo-classical. Somebody might have a rare honkytonk collection from the '50s. Maybe it's '60s or African psychedelic music," Harris said of the music offerings. Eagle photo by Via Wohl. — Public Records. Eagle photo by Via Wohl.

Public Records, Gowanus’ newest music venue, bar and vegan café, opened earlier this year. Since then, the venue has been packed week in and week out. Built in a former ASPCA building, you can go for a drink, a coffee or just a dance. We recommend going on Thursday night when French DJ, Janaret, will be taking over the turntables. (If you can’t make it Thursday, go for a casual drink whenever.)

Thursday at 11 p.m. at Public Records, 234 Butler St. $17.25. More info here.

9. Watch films in Bushwick

Bushwick Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Bushwick Film Festival

Panels, films and special events will all come together at the 12th annual Bushwick Film Festival. Expect narratives, documentaries and short films from Brooklyn directors. Plus, there will be panels and a Karaoke night.

Multiple times in Bushwick. Prices vary. More info here.

10. Expand your taste

A panel at National Sawdust. Eagle photo by Andy Katz

Resonator Festival, happening at National Sawdust in Williamsburg, started with the question: “What if?” The gathering hosts concerts featuring unusual pairings like an MC and an orchestra, or a singer and a jazz band.

“Resonator Festival is what happens when our wildest musical daydreams get a chance to come to fruition,” the event page reads. “Once-in-a-lifetime sets where two acts come together on stage to exchange ideas through performance.”

Saturday at 4 p.m. at National Sawdust at 80 N. 6th St.. From $10. More info here.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.