Halloween party highlights and cultural high notes.

PhantasmaGorey 2011: An Edward Gorey Halloween Brunch Spectacular
This Halloween Eve, Dances of Vice presents an all-star cast and a special brunch and drink menu in a typically ominous, quirky party that promises to be most elegantly deranged.
Sunday, October 30, 1 p.m.
Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th Street
Tickets: $20-30; $10 minimum at tables

All Hallows Eve Bash at Brooklyn Bridge Park
This year’s theme is Heroes and Villains, with prizes going to best-dressed guests at this catered event with hors d’oeuvres, locally brewed beer from Brooklyn Brewery, wine and a signature Halloween cocktail.
Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
One Brooklyn Bridge Park, 360 Furman Street, Brooklyn
Tickets: $50 in advance / $60 at the door (ticket sales benefit Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy)

Conversation about the Italian Kitchen for The Silver Spoon: New Edition
Frank Bruni, New York Times restaurant critic and best-selling author will moderate what promises to be a spicy, mouth-watering discussion with Mario Batali, Emilia Terragni and Frank Bruni.
Wednesday, October 26, 7-8 p.m.
The Strand, third floor Rare Book Room, 828 Broadway at 12th Street

White Light 2011 Lincoln Center: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) with Adrian Utley and Will Gregory
The Passion of Joan of Arc, the influential 1928 silent masterpiece directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer gets a live score by Utley and Gregory, members of Portishead and Goldfrapp, respectively, in this rare treat, part of the White Light Festival.
Saturday, October 29, 7:30 p.m.
Alice Tully Hall, Starr Theater, Broadway at 65th Street
Tickets: $45-80

Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers at BAM
Part of the 2011 Next Wave Festival, Dutch repertory company Toneelgroep Amsterdam tackles a modern adaptation of Bergman’s unflinching 1972 film about the will to live and the astounding human capacity for empathy amid the worst adversity.
Oct 25-29, 7:30 p.m.
BAM Harvey Theater, 651 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Tickets: $25 and up