Village Halloween Costume Ball

More a full-fledged festival than a mere ball, this spirited event has been a tradition at Theater for the New City since 1976. Costumes are highly encouraged, and live performances and music contribute to this monster bash. The outdoor events, from 3pm to 8pm, include sets by swing and Latin bands, a "Monsters and Miracles Costume Parade" with a costume competition, and The Red and Black Masque a short Medieval ritual show performed by torchlight. The action moves indoors from 8pm through midnight with a succession of free 10-minute performances by artists including Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham, downtown fixtures Phoebe Legere and Penny Arcade, composer Peter Dizzoza, flamenco singer-dancer Inma Heredia, belly dancer Carol Tandava, the all-female Japanese drum-and-dance troupe Cobu and the 97-year-old stage treasure Vinie Burrows (performing Poe's short story "The Tell-Tale Heart").