ARTS
If you’re tired of conventional cabaret, “Blunderland” is for you. Promising a night unlike any other you’ve experienced, the show is a scandalous mix of circus acts, comedy, burlesque and queer art with the tagline “Please come prepared for anything.” Sept. 1, 8 p.m., House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn, $20 CONVENTION
New York gets its own Trekkie convention this weekend, with a massive roster of stars to mark the franchise’s 50th anniversary. Bringing together the best of the original series and today’s reboots, appearances will include William Shatner, Walter Koenig, Bruce Greenwood, Alice Eve and Karl Urban. In addition to photos and signings, there will be panels, screenings, interactive exhibits, a gaming zone and plenty of swag on sale. Sept. 2-4, Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., $55-$135 TRIP
Get out of the city this weekend and explore the ruins of an eccentric immigrant’s weapons arsenal on an island in the Hudson River. Atlas Obscura whisks you out of Manhattan for a ferry ride to Bannermans Castle on Polepell Island. As the sun sets, an art installation made of lights (Melissa McGill’s “Constellation”) will reveal itself to explorers. Part history, part art, part travel, it’s the perfect day Labor Day escape from NYC. Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m., Grand Central Station, 89 E. 42nd St., $78 OFFBEAT
Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition
Get yourself into a bit of a hairy situation this Saturday when men — and women — bring their best facial hair to be judged in Coney Island, in categories like Brass Ring (best in show), Hokum and Hoodwinked (best fakes), Come Out to Play (team participation) and Carny Trash (worst in show). While the judges debate, Serpentina and the Flying Kavadlo Brothers will entertain. Sept. 3, 8 p.m., Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, $20 FAIR
You don’t have to leave Manhattan to find that down-home, apple-pie, county-fair feeling. Sunday’s West Side County Fair is a free day of carnival rides, games, animal shows and some of your favorite fair food all in Riverside Park. There will also be plenty of performers, from stilt-walkers and aerialists to musicians and sideshow acts, and we’ve got high expectations, considering the talent we’ve got around the corner. Sept. 4, 1-6 p.m., 66th to 70th sts., free ARTS
Broadway’s top names take a trip to Coney for Elsie Fest, an all-day, outdoor showtune festival benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year’s performers include Megan Hilty (“Smash”), Titus Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) and Darren Criss (“Glee”). There will also be a special number by 2016 Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo (“The Color Purple”). Sept. 5, 1 p.m., Ford Amphitheater, 3052 W. 21st St., Brooklyn, $30-$125 MUSIC
Sessions at the Circle: Leslie Odom Jr.
We were all sad when Leslie Odom Jr. packed up his Tony and left “Hamilton,” but that means you can see him for free next Tuesday at the Shops at Columbus Circle. A recently announced surprise, the singer — who also just released his first solo album this summer — will be closing out the free Sessions at the Circle jazz series. Obviously, you’re going to want to get there super early; Odom would be the first to tell you that you could lose out if you wait for it. Sept. 6, 6 p.m., 10 Columbus Circle, second floor, free TALK
‘The Newest Dish on Jewish Fish’
If you’ve been out to brunch lately you’ve probably noticed a lot of fish that you’re more used to seeing on the menus at Jewish delis. Where did this trend come from? A talk at the Center for Jewish History examines the topic with authors like Ina Yalof (“Food and the City”) and Ezra Glinter (“Modern Jewish Cooking”). Tickets include a special tour of the current exhibit, “Nourishing Tradition: Jewish Cookbooks and the Stories They Tell.” Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., $15 BOOKS
‘John Lennon vs. the USA’ book talk
Immigration is a hot topic right now, but who is and isn’t allowed to stay in the U.S. is a debate that’s been going on since the country’s founding. And sometimes, the “offender” is not who you’d think. This new book revisits the time the government tried to deport John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who will discuss the ordeal at the book’s launch on Wednesday, followed by a reception and signing, at the Jacob Burn Court Room at the Cardozo Law School. Pianist Alfio will perform a special rendition of Lennon’s “Imagine.” Sept. 7, 7 p.m., 55 Fifth Ave. ARTS
Picture this mind trip: Cirque du Soleil meets “Avatar.” Yes, James Cameron’s 2009 hit has indeed been reimagined as an aerial and acrobatic spectacular by one of the world’s most well-known and talented troupes. “Toruk – The First Flight” is coming to Barclays Center next week as part of its current tour, featuring light projections, soundscapes and immersive staging that help bring the story about blue alien tree-huggers to life. Sept. 7-11, Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, $50-$125
‘Avatar’ musical, beard contest and more things to do in NYC on Labor Day weekend
Krys Fox
