Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which means it's going to be even more fun than usual. Below are our five picks for costumed revelry and debauchery in New York City this weekend. Stay safe, take lots of photos, and have a great time. By Jessica Allen.
The annual Procession of the Ghouls (exactly what it sounds like) includes a screening of a classic silent horror movie with live organ accompaniment (this year it's Nosferatu). The complicated costumes and creepy musical score pay homage to Halloween's serious roots as an opportunity to give evil a chance to come out and play in hopes that it will leave us in peace the rest of the year. Friday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., $20, tickets required.
The most kid-friendly event on this list, the annual Halloween Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History offers the costumed tyke in your life the chance to trick or treat along the museum's hallowed halls. In addition, there will be live music, origami, arts and crafts, a magic show, and appearances by such characters as Llama Llama and Wild Thing. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 to 5 p.m., $14, tickets required.
"Shine a Light" is the theme of this year's Village Halloween Parade, the 42nd such parade, and definitely one of the city's most popular annual events. If you're wearing a costume, you're welcome to join the dancers, puppeteers, musicians, artists, and other folks for a stroll along Sixth -- anyone and everyone can join in. Thousands participate, thousands more observe. Bring an open mind, a free spirit, and your camera. Saturday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., free.
Hosted by nightlife maven Susanne Bartsch, self-proclaimed Queen of the Night, the Halloween Ball at MoMA PS1 promises to thrill, chill, and titillate. The museum is housed in a former school, which is creepy enough. Add in hundreds of folks in costume, live DJs, and adult beverages, and you've got a recipe for a very, very memorable evening. Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., $15, tickets required.
A Nite to Dismember is an all-out, eyeballs-to-the-wall horrorfest. This overnight, 10-hour screening includes five horror classics from the past five decades, including Poltergeist, House on Haunted Hill, and Wes Craven's Scream, -- plus costume contests, horror movie trivia, montages of favorite moments, special cocktails, and free popcorn. If you survive until morning, you'll get coffee and breakfast. Saturday, Oct. 31, fun begins at 12 a.m., $50, tickets required.