Arts and Entertainment Brooklyn Boro

Brooklyn’s Halloween nightlife: Everything you need to know

October 22, 2019 Scott Enman
The Lost Circus at The Cityfox Halloween Festival 2018 at Avant Gardner. Photo by Bryan Kwon
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Long after the Halloween parades have ended and the little ones have been tucked in, stomachs full of sweets, the real debauchery begins.

Between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. is said to be the peak time for supernatural activity — an idea that stems from the fact that the Catholic Church historically didn’t hold prayers or services during that time. Merriam-Webster, on the other hand, says the witching hour begins at midnight.

Regardless, the best time to celebrate the holiday is during the night, when bars, clubs and parties are in full swing. The Brooklyn Eagle selected some of Brooklyn’s top nightlife events for the weekend preceding Oct. 31, plus Halloween itself — which is on a Thursday this year.

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Get those costumes ready.

(Note that some of these events are 21-plus. To see a listing of family-friendly Halloween events, click here.)

The Cityfox Halloween Festival

The Great Hall at The Cityfox Halloween Festival 2018 at Avant Gardner. Photo by Bryan Kwon

Cityfox always brings in the heavy hitters for Halloween, and this year is no exception. English DJ Lee Burridge headlines a massive lineup, which also features Bedouin and Art Department. The likes of Stimming, Rodriguez Jr. and Dance Spirit will also be playing their coveted live sets.

Two city blocks in East Williamsburg will be transformed into an eight-room, five-stage party. Expect hauntingly good techno and house music until 9 a.m.

Saturday Oct. 26 from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. at Avant Gardner. From $60. More info here.

Circoloco Halloween

Circoloco from Halloween 2017. Photo by @aLIVECoverage

The famed Ibiza party Circoloco is once again returning to Brooklyn for Halloween weekend. The star-studded lineup features Seth Troxler, Honey Dijon and a rare U.S. appearance from Jasper James. They’re performing in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and while the exact location has not been announced, if past parties are any indication, it will likely be in the Duggal Greenhouse. The party goes until, 6 a.m., but if it’s true Circoloco fashion, expect this one to go long after that.

Saturday Oct. 26 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. at The Brooklyn Navy Yard. From $45. More info here.

Nightfall

Nightfall. Photo by Maike Schulz

At Green-Wood Cemetery’s Nightfall, attendees will only have moonlight and flickering candles guiding their way through the winding paths of Brooklyn’s most famous graveyard. Expect the unexpected at every turn. This carnival-like affair will feature musicians, performers, moving images and storytellers.

This year’s theme is lovesick, and a conglomerate of institutions are behind the creativity on this one, including Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Death of Classical, Morbid Anatomy, The Moth, Pioneer Works, and Rooftop Films.

Saturday Oct. 26 from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery. $85. More info here.

Halloween at Nitehawk

Nitehawk Cinema. Photo by Todd Maisel

All week leading up to Halloween, Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg and Park Slope will be broadcasting spooky films. In Williamsburg, they’re having a “Halloween” marathon. Be sure to order Nitehawk’s signature popcorn with truffle butter and a beer to wash it down.

Multiple times at Nitehawk Cinema. Prices vary. More info here.

Green-Wood at Night

Green-Wood Cemetery. Photo by Steven Acres

What’s spookier than taking a night tour of a cemetery? Walk at moonlight among the tombs of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and Horace Greeley at Green-Wood.

For Halloween, there will be three tours of the grave yard long after its closed to the public. And do not even think of wearing a 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 event page reads.

Thursday Oct. 31 at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery. $25. More info here.

Haunted Frequencies

A Frequencies party. Photo courtesy of Sleepy & Boo.

Start planning those costumes now and prepare to get mischievous on the dance floor for Sleepy and Boo’s annual Haunted Frequencies party.

With the married house and techno DJ duo sharing the decks with several local table masters, this one is not to be missed.

Thursday Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. at TBA Brooklyn. $8. More info here.

Sofar Halloween special

Sofar Sounds hosts intimate concerts in the living rooms of people’s apartments in more than 350 cities across the world. Photo by Sean McGlynn
A Sofar Sounds concert. Photo by Sean McGlynn

From the top of a ski jump in Norway to the highest floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago, concert series Sofar Sounds is redefining live music events with secret performances in offbeat locations.

On Oct. 31, they’re hosting a special concert in Williamsburg with spooky sounds. In true Halloween fashion, this party will have a cat. No word on whether it’s a black one or not…

And if you’re allergic to felines, you’re in luck, SoFar will transfer your tickets to a different event.

Thursday Oct. 31 at 8:30 p.m. at TBA. From $10. More info here.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.


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