BP Weekender: 6 things to do in Brooklyn Oct. 24-26

Friday, Oct. 24

Library Lab | Spooky Science: Get into the Halloween spirit with Library Lab: Spooky Science! Kids ages 5–12 are invited to join this hands-on afternoon of bubbling experiments and creepy-cool discoveries. Budding scientists will explore the spooky side of science with themed activities like dry ice fog and pumpkin volcanoes, learning about chemical reactions, states of matter, and more — all in a fun, safe environment.

Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights

Queer Diwali Ball: The Queer Diwali Ball returns for its third year, celebrating the season with the radiant theme Divine Deities. Hosted by Malai, the evening will highlight queer South Asian artistry through drag, dance and live music performances, plus a vibrant Diwali Mela with local vendors. The event benefits Desi Rainbow Parents and Allies, supporting LGBTQIA+ South Asians and their families.

$40. 6-10 p.m. 3 Dollar Bill, 260 Meserole St. in East Williamsburg

Saturday, Oct. 25

The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest: Brooklyn’s biggest Halloween dog costume competition returns for its 26th year in Fort Greene Park, presented by Fort Greene PUPS. Watch a parade of pups dressed in wildly creative costumes as they compete for prizes and neighborhood fame, judged for originality, effort, and canine charisma. Spectators can enjoy the show for free, while dog owners can register their pets in advance to join the contest. The event also welcomes volunteers and sponsors to help keep this beloved community tradition thriving.

$20 to compete (advanced registration only). Free to watch. 12-1 p.m. Fort Greene Park, Dekalb Avenue and South Portland Avenue in Fort Greene. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 26

BBG Fall Harvest Festival: Celebrate autumn amid the golden foliage of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden at this all-ages seasonal festival featuring live folk and world music, hands-on nature activities, a pumpkin patch, and a festive cider and beer garden. Guests can decorate pumpkins, play lawn games, join the costume parade, and enjoy performances from artists including Wifetime, Louie Lou Louis, and Grammy-winning vocalist Susan McKeown. The day also features harvest presentations, cultural performances from the Redhawk Native American Arts Council and Haiti Cultural Exchange, and plenty of cozy fall eats and drinks from local breweries and vendors.

Tickets start at $37, discounted for BBG members. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave. in Prospect Heights

Sunday, Oct. 26

Include Con | A Sensory-Friendly Comic Con: Brooklyn’s first sensory-friendly comic convention invites fans to connect, create, and play in a welcoming environment designed especially for neurodivergent attendees ages 12 and up. Enjoy artist meetups, comics workshops, Dungeons & Dragons, a gaming lounge and quiet sensory spaces.

Free with registration. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights

Halloween Costume Showcase and Mini-Parade: Park Slope Parents’ beloved Halloween tradition returns to the Old Stone House! Kick off the festivities with crafts and photo ops, then join the costume showcase and a spirited mini-parade through Washington Park and up Third Street.

Free, RSVP encouraged. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd St. in Park Slope