1. Everybody loves a parade! On Monday, the 67th annual Columbus Day Parade runs up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 72nd Street, with performances by American Idol favorite Pia Toscano, marching bands, and more.
2. Show some neighborhood pride at the free Restoration Rocks Music Festival in Bed-Stuy, featuring Idle Warship (Talib Kweli and Res), Pharoahe Monch, and a special appearance by Mos Def with the Brooklyn Philharmonic.
3. Feeling artsy? Head to Queens for the Museum of the Moving Image’s Signal to Noise late night art party with crazed 8-bit rockers (they use an old modified Nintendo) Anamanaguchi headlining a night of visual and aural explosions.
4. Or see the Matthew Barney exhibit that our critic called a “sculptural mystery tour,” at the Gladstone Gallery, ending October 22.
5. Sit back and watch some dangerous ladies shake it to Freddie Mercury and Co. at Killer Queen Burlesque, at the newly renovated Joe’s Pub.
6. Or let a seasoned pro show you how it’s done when sassy dame Elaine Stritch closes out her cabaret run at Café Carlyle.
7. Show off your smarts at Bell House Trivia, a special Columbus Day edition.
8. Or hear some other folks show off theirs at the Franklin Park Reading Series; this installment’s theme is “Nocturnes.”
9. Catch three times the indie-pop twee when Jens Lekman does three shows at the Music Hall, with Geoffrey O’Connor opening on Friday and Sunday.
10. Or stuff your face at the second annual Good Food Fest, held in the meatpacking district and featuring over 50 farmers and chefs. Entrance is free.
11. Looking for a laugh? Sit in the Hot Tub this Monday at Littlefield, hosted by a solo Kristen Schaal and featuring Emily Maya Mills, Sean Crespo, and house band Adira Amram and the Experience.
12. Or get a jump on the Halloween spirit (it’ll be here before you know it!) at the Bronx Zoo’s family friendly Boo at the Zoo, with scary costumes, mazes, hayrides, and creepy critters.