The Weekend: 10.23-10.25

Halloween's nearly one week away, and Brooklyn's getting into the spirit. See what harvest and ghoul-themed events are happening near you, as well as those that will help transport to you someplace else.

Friday, October 23

Cabaret: Paris comes to the Galapagos tonight, when Célia Faussart, of Les Nubians fame, hosts her Paris@Night cabaret, with songs that blend blends jazz, samba, dub, soul, house and hip-hop, and, of course, have nods to greats like Edith Piaf, Nina Simone and Josephine Baker. At Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St.) in DUMBO. Doors at 10 p.m., starting at 10: 30 p.m. Tickets $20.

Saturday, October 24

Hoedown: It's a country harvest fest this Saturday at the Brooklyn Downtown Hoedown, featuring food, dancing art, and fall activities like pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and hay bales, as well as, of course music. Get moving with square dance with the Cozy Shack, an all-star bluegrass extravaganza with Mimi, Melody & Elio, and all-star country with Alex Battles, Sammo, Jessica Rose. Starting at 1 p.m. at the Bond St. Garage (corner of Bond and Livingston streets). Free.

Grand Opening: Two years ago, Jessica Stockton Bagnulo won a $15,000 grant from the Brooklyn Public Library's PowerUp! business competition to open a bookstore. Today, the business has its grand opening in Fort Greene at 686 Fulton St. Peruse the shop's special performing arts section (located just a few blocks from BAM, that's a natural), as well as selections from local authors (of which there are many).

Reading: In other literary news, author Alix Strauss helps get into the macabre spirit this Halloween with a reading from her new book, “Death Becomes Them: Unearthing the Suicides of the Brilliant, the Famous, and the Notorious," held fittingly at the Green-Wood Cemetery (History Chapel, 500 25th St.). At 1 p.m. Free.

Spooky Sideshow: For more ghoulish fun, Coney Island USA hosts a Halloween-themed benefit today, featuring burlesque "boo-ties" and and sideshow thrills. With live music from The Gas House Gorillas. Costumes encouraged, so break out yours early. From 8 p.m. to midnight. At Sideshows By The Seashore (corner of Surf Avenue and West 12th Street). Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of, with all proceeds going towards the organization's arts programming.

Sunday, October 25

Oktoberfest: Bring your weekend fun outdoors as Bavaria comes to Brooklyn with the Greenpoint Oktoberfest at Transmitter Park (1 Greenpoint Ave.), featuring a day of music, food, crafts, spectacle, and of course, beer, on the waterfront. Greenpoint Food Market will be providing the food for the event: think bratwurst, schnitzel, potato cakes, applesauce, pickles, sauerkraut, pretzels, and German chocolate cake. From noon to 8 p.m. Free. (Note: This event was mistakenly noted as occurring last Sunday. We apologize for any confusion.)