A Hyperallergic Halloween at Oberon in Brooklyn, October 28

Hyperallergic, the New York art publication, is throwing its Halloween party again this year. It takes place on Wednesday, October 28, starting at 7pm, at Oberon, 196 N 10th St in Brooklyn, which the outlet describes as the borough's newest queer haven. Members, contributors and staff will all be in the room.

The centerpiece is the Art Costume Competition. Guests dress as artworks, artists or ideas from the art world, with Hyperallergic's Hrag Vartanian as emcee and a panel of special guests judging. Last year's standouts included a committed reenactment of René Magritte's "Lovers" and a conceptual nod to Relational Aesthetics, so the bar for clever, art-literate outfits is set high.

Drinks come from an open bar serving spooky cocktails, along with snacks and what the invitation calls devilish delights. Tickets are $40 for the general public and include the open bar. Paid Hyperallergic members pay $20; members can sign in on the site to reach the discounted tickets, and anyone can join to qualify. Tickets are sold through the event's ticketing link.

For Japanese-speaking readers curious about New York's art world, this is a relaxed way to meet people who write about and work in it. Part of the fun is the costume itself: choosing a piece of art history to wear is half the evening's conversation.