There’s something magnetic about New York City in October. The air turns crisp, streets glow with autumn hues, and a peculiar thrill pulses through the city. For horror lovers, this month transforms NYC into an immersive playground for chills, scares, and cinematic magic. Among the city’s many autumn events, one stands out as a must-attend: the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025. If you’re looking for the best tourist things to do in NYC during fall, this is it!
This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, making it more special than ever. From Thursday, October 16, to Saturday, October 25, 2025, Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg will transform into the ultimate hub for horror fans.
The festival will feature world premieres, indie gems, chilling late-night events, and tributes to horror legends. Expect immersive experiences, live podcasts, artisan markets, and unforgettable screenings.
Whether you’re a longtime devotee or curious about the genre, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival offers something extraordinary. In this Brooklyn horror movie festival guide, we’ll reveal the must-see screenings, hidden highlights, and insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.
What Makes the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival Unique
Since its debut, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival has carved its niche as one of the most exciting horror showcases in the world. Launched a decade ago, the festival celebrates horror in all its forms, from indie storytelling to cult classics and genre-bending experiments. It’s more than a film festival; it’s a celebration of the horror community.
The festival focuses on indie horror films, giving filmmakers a platform to present bold and innovative visions. Attendees can expect world premieres, NYC horror screenings 2025, and special programs that you won’t see anywhere else.
It’s this unique combination of indie spirit and cinematic scope that makes BHFF special. It’s intimate yet ambitious, a place where emerging talent meets seasoned creators. Panels, filmmaker Q&As, and immersive events invite the audience into the heart of the horror genre.
The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025 also stands out for its late-night screenings and immersive experiences. Whether it’s shorts marathons, themed events, or live performances, the festival creates an atmosphere where horror is celebrated in every form.
Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025 — Event Highlights
The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival schedule is packed with films, events, and experiences that horror fans crave. Here are the standout highlights:
Opening Night: Queens of the Dead — October 16
The festival kicks off with a bang. Directed by Tina Romero, Queens of the Dead is a vibrant, chaotic, and thrilling mix of drag, zombies, and mayhem. Set in Brooklyn, it’s the perfect way to start the festival. The film captures the spirit of the borough: unafraid, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
Special Screening — Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight (30th Anniversary)
One of the year’s most anticipated events is this special screening honoring a horror classic. Alongside, the festival will host the Leviathan Award Ceremony, celebrating director Ernest Dickerson. Dickerson will introduce Def by Temptation, a landmark in Black horror cinema.
Indie Premieres to Watch
- Boorman and the Devil (East Coast Premiere)— David Kittredge delivers a provocative blend of myth and horror.
- Dust Bunny (New York City Premiere)— Bryan Fuller’s fantastical yet chilling tale about a girl confronting the monster under her bed.
- Mother of Flies (East Coast Premiere)— A tense indie exploration of witchcraft, illness, and moral choices.
Late-Night Madness
For those who crave chills after dark, BHFF delivers. From midnight screenings to curated shorts programs (Death Grip, Head Trip, Home Invasion, Nightmare Fuel), there’s something for every horror appetite. Immersive programs like Miskatonic Institute Presents blend storytelling and spectacle for unforgettable nights.
Closing Night Gala
The festival closes with a celebration: exclusive screenings, award ceremonies, and recognition of the year’s horror highlights. It’s an immersive finale that reflects the festival’s spirit and creativity.
Spotlight on the Top Indie Horror Films at BHFF 2025
One of the best things about the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival is its dedication to indie creators. These films often push the boundaries of horror storytelling, offering something truly unique.
Boorman and the Devil
Directed by David Kittredge, this East Coast premiere blends horror with existential inquiry. A captivating mix of myth, morality, and visual storytelling, it promises to be one of BHFF’s standout features.
Dust Bunny
Bryan Fuller’s New York City premiere delivers a mix of fantasy, terror, and tender emotion. A young girl enlists her neighbor to fight a monster that took her parents. A story both whimsical and unsettling.
Mother of Flies
Created by indie horror stalwarts the Adams family, this film blends intimate storytelling with eerie visuals. It’s a meditation on illness, belief, and horror that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The Creep Tapes, Season 2
A chilling episodic experience by Patrick Brice, blending the serialized narrative of television with the tension of a horror film. This screening is a must-see for festival attendees.
Through films like these, BHFF champions originality and creativity in horror cinema, making it a central part of Brooklyn horror films in October.
Insider Tips for Attending BHFF 2025
Want to make the most of your festival experience? Here are some insider tips:
- Book Early— The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival sells out fast, especially for late-night screenings and premieres.
- Arrive Early— Screenings often sell out, and arriving early gets you the best seats and time to enjoy pre-show activities.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing— You’ll be sitting through multiple screenings, so dress comfortably.
- Plan Your Schedule— BHFF is packed; prioritize the events you most want to see and give yourself breathing room.
- Nearby Eats— Williamsburg is full of great restaurants and bars. Grab a meal before or after screenings. Spots like Roberta’s and Pies ‘n’ Thighs are local favorites.
- Transportation— Nitehawk Cinema is accessible via subway and bus. Consider rideshare if traveling late at night.
Immersive Brooklyn Horror Experiences Beyond Screenings
The festival is more than just screenings; it’s a full horror cultural experience.
Blerdy Massacre Podcast
A live recording that adds a layer of interaction and community to the festival experience. Fans can engage directly with hosts and special guests.
BHFF Artists and Artisans Market
This is the first of BHFF’s events, celebrating horror creativity, from handmade art to horror-themed merchandise. The event creates an opportunity for vendors to demonstrate their work.
The sale items will feature ceramics, handmade crafts, 3D and 2D fine art, metalwork, woodwork, and more, making them perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
The Slayed Sidebar Presented by Horror Press
A recurring, dynamic event series offering deeper dives into LGBTQ horror shorts. This sidebar features queer nightmares and perspectives to the festival. It highlights boundary-pushing and genre-bending short forms.
These immersive experiences enrich the festival, making it not just a viewing event but a celebration of horror as culture, art, and community.
Why Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025 is a Must for Horror Fans
For horror fans, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival is the highlight of the year. It’s where innovation meets tradition, indie artistry meets mainstream recognition, and a community gathers to celebrate the genre.
BHFF isn’t just a film festival; it’s a living celebration of horror. Whether you’re there for the premieres, late-night marathons, or immersive events, it’s an experience like no other. And there’s no better time to experience it than in October, when NYC’s atmosphere adds extra magic to the mix.
For those looking for horror film events happening in NYC in October, BHFF is a standout. It’s the festival that embodies the spirit of horror: bold, boundary-pushing, and unforgettable.
Maximize BHFF Experience with These Horror Shows
Wondering how you can make the most of your stay in NYC during the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025? Get tickets for these top shows on Broadway as part of your fun tourist things to do in NYC.
· Catch Little Shop of Horrors While in NYC for BHFF
If you’re planning to be in New York City for the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025, why not extend your spooky season experience with one of the best Broadway shows to see in New York?
Little Shop of Horrors, running at the Westside Theatre, offers a hilarious and thrilling night out. This acclaimed musical revival, winner of the 2020 Drama League and Drama Desk Awards, brings laughter, chills, and unforgettable performances to the stage.
Starring Madeline Brewer, Thomas Doherty, and Jeremy Kushnier, the show delivers a perfect mix of comedy and horror that pairs beautifully with your BHFF adventure. It’s a must-see for theatre lovers and horror fans alike, and the perfect way to round out your NYC trip.
· Experience Wicked: One of the Best New York Broadway Shows for Families
If you’re visiting New York City for the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025 and looking for a family-friendly theatre experience, Wicked is a must-see.
Playing at the Gershwin Theatre, this Broadway sensation reimagines the Land of Oz before Dorothy arrived, telling a magical tale of friendship, rivalry, and destiny.
With its unforgettable score, including hits like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good,” Wicked has been hailed as “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times. It offers stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Perfect for families and first-time Broadway-goers, it’s an enchanting experience that adds a magical touch to your NYC trip.
Don’t Miss the Horror Event of the Year!
The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2025 is more than an event. It’s an annual celebration of storytelling, culture, and the art of horror. From October 16–25, Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg becomes a haunted haven for film lovers.
With world premieres, special tributes, immersive events, and fan-driven experiences, BHFF offers an unparalleled entry into the world of horror cinema. It’s a must-attend for any horror aficionado or curious cinephile visiting NYC.
Make your NYC city trip unforgettable! VisitNYC.com offers insider tips for the best tourist things to do in NYC, Brooklyn horror films in October, and the city’s hidden places.
