Our very own Caroline Voagen Nelson headed to Radio City this morning for a behind-the-scenes look at the Rockettes. “I was so impressed by  [choreographer] Linda Haberman and Karen [Keeler, assistant choreographer and dance captain].  They both held such a commanding presence and their strength and experience in dance was really evident. ”

Asked if going to a special, media-only rehearsal of the Rockettes was a life dream come true, Caroline told me, “Well, my favorite part of  the rehearsal was one of the dancers who wore some very hip boots that were actually dance shoes! It was nice to see something edgy in a show where everyone is meant to look uniform.” We’ll take that as a yes.—-Sophie Friedman

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starts November 13 and runs through December 31 (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave at 50th St). Tickets are $42–$105 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (212-307-1000, radiocitychristmas.com).

Photographs by Caroline Voagen Nelson

Just dying to see Zombieland? Would you practically kill for a chance to get into the movie for free? Then get your gray-like-century-old-roast-beef self to The Mean Fiddler, where your fellow zombie lovers will be meeting from 6 to 8pm to feast on flesh—er, pub grub and drink specials—and get dolled up by zombie technicians (it’s free, but tips are appreciated).

Look out for ringleader Doug Sakmann, who will be decked out in a red and white striped jacket and ready to lead a spirited march of the living dead. The ghastly group will head over to the AMC Empire 25 theater (234 W 42nd St between Broadway and Eighth Ave, 212- 398-3939) at 9pm for the gratis screening. Leave the kiddies at home, though: The flick is rated R, and exceptions will not be made for under-17s, human or zombie.

While the get-together at the Mean Fiddler will help you get presentable, be prepared for some serious costumes. Sakmann suggests shredding up and bloodying old suits and dresses from thrift stores. “Our zombies are very creative, so a lot of people show up as a theme zombie. Zombie priests, pizza chefs and bunnies are just a few of the many great zombies we’ve seen over the years!”

As an added incentive to get zombified, crawl sponsor Halloween Adventure (104 Fourth Ave at 11th St; 212- 673-4546; newyorkcostumes.com) is offering 10 percent off makeup and prop purchases all year if you mention “Zombie Crawl.”—Sophie Friedman

Photo by Nate “Igor” Smith

Retro gaming at The Loom

On Saturday afternoon, New Yorkers flowed in from across the boroughs to celebrate the completion of Bushwick’s up-and-coming Loom Arts and Commerce complex (1087 Flushing Ave between Knickerbocker and Porter Aves), a massive 25,000-foot Chelsea Market–esque space that promises to emerge as Flushing Avenue’s newest see-and-be-scenester spot. Since most of the retail spaces remain up for grabs, they were invaded by installation artists for the occasion: Skateboarders, DJs and drag queens took them over, each “room” providing ogling visitors with a unique experience. Whether one required karaoke or cupcakes, double-dutch or dress-up, there it was for the partaking. We particularly enjoyed the old-school video-game lounge (pictured)—and watching drag queen sensation Shaquanda dole out prizes, such as “Best Crackhead Walk,” to runway-strutting partygoers. Now to see if the retail shops (once they materialize) live up to their artsy beginnings.—Lauren Otis

Photo: Erica Beckman

See the big winners (Slumdog, we’re looking at you) and totally bizarre moments (will Mickey Rourke bring one of his dogs?) at these rockin’ Oscar fests.

Remember to thank the Academy when you win big during the trivia round at Murray Hill’s 8th Annual Oscar Party at Joe’s Pub. Prizes (including a Babeland gift bag and Hannah Montana pencil sets!) will be awarded for outstanding costumes, while comedians perform during commercial breaks. The demented trio of Neal Medlyn, Bridget Everett and Kenny Mellman—stars of Our Hit Parade—will even perform Oscar-nominated tunes. Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (212-539-8778, mrmurrayhill.com). $20, advance $15. Sun 22 at 7:30pm.

At (Le) Poisson Rouge’s first ever Oscars screening, you can throw back Oscar-nominee-themed cocktails (like the Harvey WALL-E-Banger) or munch on Revolutionary RockyRoad Popcorn Balls and Harvey Milk and Cookies. (Get it? Get it?!?) The awards will be projected on a ginormous 12-foot screen, and attendees can participate in Oscar bingo and a trivia crossword to win free drinks. FREE (Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St at Thompson St (212-796-0741, lepossionrouge.com). Sun 22 at 7pm.

Schmancy comedy venue Comix hosts an Academy Awards Viewing Party in its plush bar and showroom. Arrive early to see red-carpet coverage, and prepare to have your Oscar knowledge tested during a trivia contest. And yes, there are cocktails with cutesy names: the Tropic Thunder and the Frosty/Nixon are among the themed food and drink options. FREE Comix, 353 W 14th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-524-2500, comixny.com). Sun 22 at 6:30pm. E-mail kcrews@comixny.com to R.S.V.P.

Instead of shoving bar snacks into your piehole, class things up at Monkey Town’s annual Oscar Bash, featuring a special Deep Sea Prix Fixe menu ($40, with wine pairing $65), which includes  seared scallops with corn pudding and a caramelized eel and eggplant terrine. The show, meanwhile, will be broadcast on four big screens. FREE Monkey Town, 58 North 3rd St between Kent and Wythe Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-1369, monkeytownhq.com). Sun 22 7pm–midnight, $30 minimum. R.S.V.P. recommended.

So what if all you care about is the celebrities? At the Village Pourhouse’s Oscars Viewing Party, you can watch the awards on 19 HD plasma-screen TVs, three HD projection TVs or two HD LCD screens. With freakishly clear pictures like this, you can practically touch Kate Winslet. Alas. FREE Village Pourhouse, 64 Third Ave at 11th St (212-979-2337, pourhousenyc.com). Sun 22 at 7pm. R.S.V.P. required.