5 things to do this weekend, including MassQ Ball and a special 'Hocus Pocus' screening

It’s only the start of October, but we’re feeling the energy of Halloween in the air already. This weekend brings a few events that foreshadow the impending spookiness, from a production of the haunting “Macbeth” to a screening of “Hocus Pocus” with actors live and on the scene. And more options, below.

Shakespeare’s classic tale of ambition and treachery takes the stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown through Oct. 26. Directed by Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s Christopher V. Edwards, this production of “Macbeth” will grip audiences with a new interpretation set during the Cold War, a time of intrigue and conspiracy, when manipulation and psychological warfare determined outcomes of conflict. Actor Omar Robinson stars as the doomed titular character, aspiring to seize the throne of Scotland at all costs. Watch personas unravel and power struggles play out in this dramatic narrative. Tickets start at $71 including fees, not including special discounts.

Talking Heads’ charismatic vocalist and guitarist David Byrne visits the Wang Theatre for a three-night concert. During this short engagement, he’ll showcase songs from his new album “Who is the Sky?,” released on Sept. 5. The 12 songs on his album, which was produced by Kid Harpoon, feature orchestral arrangements by members of chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Highlights include “Everybody Laughs,” a tune about the joint experience of humanity, and “The Avant Garde,” an inquiry into the meaning of art. The tour promises the expected dosage of absurdism and cerebralism. Tickets start at $79.50.

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A celebration of Boston’s communities of color is brought to the public through a free event, made possible by artist Daniel Callahan, Castle of Our Skins and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the MassQ Ball will be held at the Arboretum’s Conifer Collection and will feature MassQing, the ceremonial usage of the face as a canvas for painted art, and a slate of performances. Anjali Nath presents North Indian Kathak Dance, while Christopher Robinson will shine as an ASL spoken word artist. crystal bi, a 2025 Maker, will also be on site. Come for a day of ritualistic cultural exchange and community engagement.

To get into the Halloween spirit, watch “Hocus Pocus” at The Cabot in Beverly. Set in Salem, the movie centers around a brother and sister who, along with their new friend and a talking black cat, accidentally resurrect a trio of evil witches. Actors Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Larry Bagby and Jason Marsden will be at the screening, offering a pre-show Q&A and a meet and greet after the show. With this kind of magic happening, the crew is sure to “put a spell on you.” Tickets start at $67, including a service charge.

The Boston Festival of New Jewish Music is a monthly concert series that brings audiences music from Jewish culture, and this weekend marks opening night. During the day, BFNJM will hold workshops from 1-4:30 p.m. at Tufts University’s Granoff Music Center, exploring klezmer music. During the evening, the opening night concert will take place at Cambridge’s Multicultural Arts Center, featuring musicians behind the upcoming album “Two Strings,” Abigale Reisman and Jake Shulman-Ment. In addition, the ensemble Fleytmusik will perform. General admission tickets for the workshop start at $53.24 and $38.69 for the concert, both including processing fees.