Fall in New Jersey is the best—and these free-to-attend events will help you and your crew get your candy, Halloween and autumn fix this season!
October 1-29
Scarecrow Festival
Hillsborough Twp.
Residents, organizations and businesses will decorate their buildings with scarecrows, which you can view in the streets during Halloween time.
October 1-31
Monsterville
Merchantville
Halloween activities include holiday markets, a costume swap, a haunted house, a mystery fair, the Monster Mash, a Zombie Run, a haunted walking tour, and Halloween night trick-or-treating.
October 1 – November 3
Hoboken Art Month
Throughout Hoboken
Highlights include a storefront art walk with a docent-led tour, Jazz on the Hudson, a public print event where families can squeegee their own hand-cut print on paper, storytelling, a lace exhibit, a screening of “Hocus Pocus,” a walking tour of Hoboken art studios, pop-up markets, musical performances, an improv workshop, hat making and pottery building.
October 1 – December 7
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.
October 2
Barkyard Bash
George Street, New Brunswick
George Street becomes a pup paradise, featuring a mini dog park, a paw printing station, photo opportunities, a splash zone, a pet costume contest, and more.
October 3
Oktoberfest
Municipal Building, Spotswood
There will be food, drinks, music, games, crafts, contests and a sensory table. The event will recognize the town’s emergency service professionals. Race for the Cure will have a special table set up in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Movie Night: Coco
Hall of Records, Freehold Borough
After watching Disney Pixar’s “Coco” there will be a Thriller Community Dance party.
Storefront Art Walk & Chalkfest
Throughout Hoboken
The opening night party includes Chalkfest, where participating businesses will have snacks and activities for kids. Urban Arts and other local artists will create custom works of art using chalk. This is part of Hoboken Art Month.
October 3 – 4
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
October 4
Hunterdon Harvest Fest
Main Street, Flemington
There will be live music, local vendors, a kids’ area, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, and a DJ playing music.
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Westfield
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Longmeadow Farm Harvest Festival
Longmeadow Farm, Hope
There will be apple picking, pumpkin picking, live music, hayrides, food trucks, permanent jewelry, flash tattoos, face painting, artisans and kids’ activities.
Tapas, Taps & Tunes
Friends Village, Woodstown
Outta Toon will provide the background music for pumpkin picking, face painting, a petting zoo, a build-your-own-bouquet station, small bites and brews.
Collingswood Book Festival
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
Reading lovers will meet over 60 presenting authors and an additional 275 authors and exhibitors; there will also be music, food, and literary games and activities.
Rockin’ on the River
Riverwalk Village, Hackettstown
While you wait for EPICSOUL to take the stage, get some food, go by the beer and wine garden, enter a raffle, warm up by the fire pit, walk along the scenic trail, play some classic yard games, strike a pose in the photo booth, or bring your kids to paint pumpkins – or their face.
Salem NJ 350th Anniversary Celebration
Salem
Lenape guests, Quaker and Underground Railroad reenactors are a large part of this 350th anniversary party, plus live music indoors and outdoors, kids’ activities, artisan vendors, glass blowing, a fire performance, carriage rides, and a grand finale drone show.
Applewood Village Apple Fest
Applewood Village, Freehold
The Smokin’ Mayhacks provide the music as you enjoy food truck fare and apple-inspired beverages and treats. Shop for goodies from Battleview Orchards, a family-owned business founded by Applewood Village residents Norman and Betty Lou Applegate. They will offer samples of different apples, apple-themed fun facts, and apple trivia.
Blessing of the Autos & Car Show
Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold Twp.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles will line the church parking lot. There will be food, music, games, a trophy presentation and family activities prior to a blessing of all the vehicles.
Hamm-O-Ween: A Night of Art and Mischief
Horton Street, Hammonton
There will be a pop-up vendor market, a performance by Allegory Dance Theatre, mesmerizing acts from Mary Macabre and the Lady White Rat, an epic costume contest, freaky photo ops, games, and interactive art installations.
Stonybrook Swim Club’s 2nd Annual Car Show
Stonybrook Swim Club, Hillsdale
Cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Stay for live classic music, food trucks and trophies.
Bottle Hill Day
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Members of the 3rd New Jersey Regiment will be cooking on the front lawn and performing militia drills on the back lawn. Makerspace and crafts will be open inside the Education Annex. There is free admission to the museum all day.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
New Providence PBA 132 Car Show
Community Pool, New Providence
Aside from all the cool cars, there will be a vendor showcase, food trucks, 50/50 raffle, auctions, a DJ and door prizes.
Basket & Broom Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Take a close-up look at the craftsmanship that goes into making a basket and a broom when the artisans preserving these trades visit the farm for a day of demonstrations and teaching. There will also be opportunities to try your hand at some of the steps involved.
October 4-5
Festival of Fine Craft
WheatonArts, Millville
There will be 150 juried artists, unique artist demos, a Beer & Wine Garden, family art activities, the signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser, food trucks, and music by South Jersey’s Chris Lax and the Package Goods Orchestra.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
The Dog Market: Barktoberfest Dog Adoption Event & Market
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Saturday – Sunday
Along with your babies and furbabies, browse a market of dog-themed vendors and businesses, meet adoptable dogs and puppies, participate in family-friendly pet crafts, and enter your dog into the Dog Trick Show Contest and Dog Costume Contest.
Oktoberfest
Historic Smithville, Galloway
There will be over 150 juried crafters, an international food court, kids’ activities, and non-profit organization booths set up for the festival; plus the village’s 50 shops, the train, the carousel, paddle boats and arcades.
Saturdays – Sundays, October 4-12
Plus Monday, October 13
Funtober Festival
The Funplex, Mt. Laurel and East Hanover
Rides, pumpkin decorating, entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, and activities are open to the whole family.
October 5
Oktoberfest
West Main Street, Freehold Borough
The street from Court Street to Throckmorton Street in Downtown Freehold will be closed off to traffic so a huge beer garden can be set up, with vendors, food, live music and activities.
Cranford Fall Street Fest
North Union Avenue and Alden Street, Cranford
More than 100+ artisans and businesses will place their booths along the streets, in addition to food trucks and live music set up in the fire department parking lot next to the gazebo.
Sirens & Smiles
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Fire safety fun includes a touch-a-truck in front of the arcade, where kids can explore multiple first responder vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and more.
Somerville Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Somerville
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
A Celebration of Pets
Verona Town Hall Center, Verona
Whether or not you have a pet, spend the afternoon celebrating your favorite animals. There will be a variety of pet-oriented businesses that create things for and about pets; plus music, food, activities for kids, a pet parade (costumes optional) and pet blessings.
Joey’s Fund Charity Classic Car Show
Closter Plaza, Closter
The 11th annual car show benefits Joey’s Fund, to help families who have a child suffering from a life-threatening illness.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids can choose to make a variety of crafts inspired by history, art, and the season.
Fall Festival
West Windsor History Museum, West Windsor
Kids can pick mini pumpkins or visit the petting zoo. There will be music, plus museum tours.
Mission Gratitude Touch-a-Truck
Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, Randolph
This is a free event to honor first responders, military personnel and service dogs. Kids can climb into fire trucks, rescue vehicles and military trucks and meet puppies being raised to become Guide Dogs. There will also be face painting, balloon twisting, music and food.
Harvest Fest Fair
Veterans Park, Westwood
Take your time strolling through the park, as 125 booths will be set up with all sorts of arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, handmade items and vintage treasures.
October 9
Cruisin’ to Cure MS Car Show / Costume Contest / Trunk-or-Treat
Adventure Crossing USA – The Dome, Jackson Twp.
This month’s car show theme is Halloween Havoc, with hearses and spooky rides parked outside. Dress up for the costume contest and trunk-or-treating. There will also be live music, entertainment, and food and drinks inside the golf, video game and entertainment complex.
Khaṅkhaṇā: The Sound of Dancing Feet
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble brings the ancient tradition of Odissi, which blends classic and contemporary dance with movement and meditation.
South Orange Downtown Fashion Show
Spiotta Park, South Orange
The fashion show kicks off Disability Employment Awareness Month, with models from JESPY House showcasing the latest looks from Sadie’s and creations by Artistry by Ampy Salon. Three Daughters Baking Co. and Miti Miti will provide snacks.
October 9-16
Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration
Camden and Philadelphia
The 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps will be celebrated with dozens of events, including a parade of ships, a veterans reunion picnic, concerts, museum exhibits, the Rocky Steps Run at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, an Army-Navy soccer match, Navy-Temple football game, galas, weapons demos, flyovers, and fireworks. Note: Some events are free, others require tickets.
October 10-11
Morristown Festival of Books & KidFest
Morristown
The festival includes in-person talks by authors, meet-and-greets with award-winning writers and illustrators, special events for book lovers, and the day-long KidFest for young readers.
October 11
Oktoberfest
Edmund Wilson Plaza, Red Bank
Set up between Triumph Brewing and The Two River Theater will be beer and liquor samplings, plus live music, food, a kids zone, and a vendor market curated by Fresh Markets. Admission is free, but you have to pay for the alcohol.
Meet Harriet Tubman’s Great-Great-Great-Grandniece
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Celebrate African American history and heritage with Michele Jones Galvin, Harriet Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece and co-author of Beyond the Underground—Aunt Harriet, Moses of Her People. The free, family-friendly event will include storytelling, live demos, children’s crafts, food, and hands-on activities celebrating African American culture and history.
Harvest Celebration
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
The winery will be open to everyone to celebrate the end of the grape harvesting season. There will be live music by Free Soil, food available from Antimo’s Italian Kitchen Food Truck, vineyard walks, and lots of wine.
Falling for Local Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
This free local craft and vendor market is hosted by Jenn Zazzara of Shore Crafted, who wants to bring together local makers, artisans and small businesses. Shop for one-of-a-kind items while sipping on craft drinks.
Little Shepherds Early Learning Community Fall Festival
Little Shepherds ELC, Washington Twp.
Come for games, local vendors, arts & crafts, pumpkin decorating, face painting and a photo booth.
Boots on the Ground
South Orange
Love You Girl Boutique, Events & More will hold this event in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Put on your cowboy boots; fans and bandanas will be provided. There will be shopping deals, line dancing with a DJ, free food and drinks, and a themed outfit contest.
Fall Festival
Main Street, Allentown
Aside from visiting the cute shops in the historic downtown, you can walk along the street for crafters, food trucks, kid zones, street music and a beer & wine garden.
Diwali Celebration
MarketFair, Princeton
The Festival of Lights will include cultural music, dance performances, photo moments, crafts, snacks and vendor shopping.
Small Explorers Program: Spooky Season
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Families with kids ages 1-5 can meet in the Discovery Den for storytime, themed activities and crafts. This month’s program focuses on New Jersey wildlife like owls, bats and foxes that come out at night. The kids will learn about animal tracks, and pretend to go camping. Also available on Thursday, October 16.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Oktoberfest
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
Seven Tribesmen Brewery will bring beer samples. Plus, there will be Hungarian food and pastries.
Family Saturday: Halloween
Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice, Mt. Laurel
The not-so-spooky Halloween event will include historical fortune telling games, make Halloween-themed crafts, and presentation on the history and traditions of tarot cards.
Neshanic Station Car Show
Neshanic Station Bridge, Branchburg
The car show runs at the same time as the farmers market, so you can shop for fresh foods you can eat while walking through the car displays. Trophies are usually awarded for Best Original, Best Customized, and Best of Show.
Haddon Twp. Music Festival
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
Haddon Avenue will be lined with two music stages, food trucks, local artisans, beer gardens, a kid-zone, and a 70-foot Ferris wheel.
Bloomfield HarvestFest
Washington Street and Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield
There will be food, vendors, live music, games and family activities.
Forging and Fences
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
See how the ironworkers keep the fields protected at this living history farm that dates back to the 1800s.
Art in the Park
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
The outside art exhibit and concert will showcase 100+ visual artists that represent Bergen County – with a music performance by Dean Shot with special guest saxophonist Greg Piccolo – as part of the Bergen250 historical series.
Multiple Dates, Starting October 11
Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
October 11, October 19, November 2, November 15, November 19, December 6, December 14
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.
October 11-12
Somerset County Journey Through the Past
Throughout Somerset County
This passport program gives you access to 32 historic sites throughout the county, which will be open for free during the weekend. Join a tour of a historic house, participate in family-friendly activities, listen to live music, see blacksmithing demonstrations, etc.
OctoberFeast
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The autumn festival features live music by Polkadelphia, Philadelphia German Brass Band and Galena Brass Band; an outdoor beer garden; Oktoberfest-inspired food from six restaurant tents and food trucks; axe-throwing, moonbounces, pumpkin painting, sand art, a petting zoo, hay piles and lawn games; plus the final weekend of Scarecrows in the Village.
October 12
Fall Fest
Palmer Square, Princeton
The festive afternoon will be filled with live music, food, and cozy autumn vibes out on the Green.
Diwali Gala
North Brunswick Veterans Park, North Brunswick
There will be food, entertainment, music by the NBTHS marching band and orchestra, and lots of Indian-themed décor at the Festival of Lights holiday celebration.
Califon Street Fair
Main Street, Califon
Stroll through the downtown area, where artisans and crafters, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden and music stages will be set up. Sign up for the pie-eating contest.
Viva Rahway: Italian Heritage
Main Street, Rahway
The town’s first-ever celebration of Italian culture will transform Main Street into a lively piazza with offerings from local restaurants, a classic Italian car show, an Italian-inspired art alley, DJ music, games, giveaways, and activities designed for families.
HungaRhythm
Magyar Reformed Church, New Brunswick
Fészer Band brings authentic folk music, while Csűrdöngölő Folk Ensemble puts on a dance performance.
Art Together: Indigenous Identities
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
This month’s free drop-in family art workshop series is based on the museum’s exhibitions on indigenous peoples.
October 16
Diwali
Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, Lawrenceville
Guru “Kalashree” Sukanya Mahadevan and her Shishya School dancers will present a dance based on the Indian Festival of Lights.
Cultural Storytime Event
Newport Centre Mall, Jersey City
Storytime and related activities will teach your kids the culture behind Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for Mexican culture, Filipino American Month, and Diwali for Indian culture.
HarvestFest
Middlesex College, Edison
The college campus will be filled with hayrides, music, inflatable games, food trucks, a classic car show, a performance of Haunting Melodies, a corn maze, a mental health fair and a pumpkin patch.
October 16-18
Jersey Fresh Jersey@The Point Festival
Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar / Gateway Playhouse, Somers Point
Only New Jersey-born or -based artists will perform, including headliners John Pizzarelli and The Benedetto All-Stars featuring Howard Paul and Friends. Certain concerts are free, while others have an admission fee.
October 17
Mystery on High
Village on High, Millville
The game of Clue starts at Glasstown Plaza. Other activities include ghost stories, crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, a costume contest, henna tattoos, hair tinseling, tarot card readings, games and music.
Haunted Halloween: Gangsters, Bootleggers, Mafia, Oh My!
Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery, Hammonton
The family-friendly ghost tour takes you and the kids to four stops around town. The Prohibition Era-themed event shares tales of Al Capone and Nucky Johnson. There will be period-inspired music, roaming performers, and free snacks at each of the stops.
Evesham Twp. Police Department Trunk-or-Treat
Savich Field, Marlton
There will be a trunk contest, candy, music, a bonfire, and trick-or-treating around the parking lot.
Pink Witches Night Out
Broadway, Denville
The evening will feature live music, shopping, specialty cocktails, raffles and a tricky tray to benefit the Kathy Olenowski Foundation for breast cancer awareness.
October 17-19
Halloween Playfest
West Windsor Branch of Mercer County Library System, Princeton Jct.
Four original short plays were written by librarian Michael Kerr: “The Student of the Year;” “The House of Haunted;” “Andrew;” and “The Strange Misadventures of Miss Anna Logg.”
October 18
Sussex County Harvest, Honey, & Garlic Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
More than just a food fest, this fair celebrates agritourism, ecotourism and arts & heritage tourism. But, when it comes to the food – there will be a farmers market, beekeeping displays with honey products, and tons of food made with garlic. There will also be craft and vendor setups, a hayride, pumpkin painting and face painting.
Brunswick Eruption
North Brunswick Twp. High School, North Brunswick
Three dozen robotics teams from NJ, NY and PA will compete in a themed game where they have 2.5 minutes to remove algae balls and place tubes representing “coral” onto a “reef” structure for points.
Heartstrings Fall Festival
Colts Neck Firehouse, Colts Neck
Families are invited to enjoy face painting, bracelet making, a petting zoo, inflatables, live music, vendor shopping, and food and drinks.
Costume Pet Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
More than 100 pets will show off their unique Halloween costumes as they walk around the village.
Costume Pet Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Dress up your pup, or see all the cuteness walking around the village shops.
Rahway Day
Rahway Recreation Center, Rahway
Rahway Day will feature local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, pumpkin painting, pickleball classes, karate demos, yoga sessions, performances by Rahway High School students and local dance troupes, hourly door prizes, a selfie station, a 360° photo booth, a touch-a-truck, an antique police car, and food trucks.
Small Explorers Storytime
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Kids ages 2 to 8 are invited to a reading of “Lawrence in the Fall” inside the Discovery Den. After making a craft to take home, explore the museum galleries.
Terror in the Junkyard: Sensory-Friendly Hayride
Fleming’s Junkyard, Egg Harbor Twp.
Scullville Volunteer Fire Company hosts a haunted hayride and maze during the season, but on October 18, it will be a free, sensory-friendly hayride with shorter lines, no pop-outs, and no startling noises or flashing lights.
Tice’s Corner Fall Festival
Tice’s Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake
There will be trick-or-treating, a bounce house, face painting, games, balloon art and a costume contest.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
Bierman Autism Centers, Berkeley Heights and Ramsey
Kids ages 2–9 who have autism can come dressed in costume (along with their siblings and parents) to collect candy at decorated car trunks. There will be crowd, noise and blinking light control; along with sensory-aware spaces for kids and their families to take a break. Face painting, games and crafts will also be available.
Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade
Pier Village, Long Branch
Dress up your dog for the costume parade. Then stay for lots of music all day, a pumpkin carving demo, bracelet making, face painting and henna, inflatable rides, trick-or-treating around the shops and vendor tables, pet massages, seasonal treats, psychic readings, and a photo with Sparky from the Long Branch Fire Department.
Plowing & Corn Shocking
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
With more than 120,000 ears to pick, farmers could use your hand to fill a horse-drawn wagon with field corn that will be ground into flour and donated to local food banks as part of Howell Farm’s Share the Harvest Program. Next, head to the barn to help shell and grind corn for Howell Farm’s animals, or to the farmhouse to make a batch of cornbread from freshly-ground cornmeal.
Haunted Hopewell
Woolsey Park, Titusville
There will be trick-or-treating, games, crafts, a photo spot, a DJ, and tons of Halloween fun for kids.
October 18-19
Diwali @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The two-day celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights will include a devotional dance, instrumental and dance performances, a sari walk, a Bollywood flash mob, a cancer awareness walk, mehndi stations and vendor shopping.
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
Main Street, Chatsworth
There will be lots of cranberry-themed items; plus a juried craft show with up to 150 vendors, more than two dozen food vendors, live music; and a car show on Sunday.
M&M’s Halloween
Saturday: Boylan Rec Center, Newark
Sunday: JFK Rec Center, Newark
Activities include face painting, a candy cornhole station, a candy potion station (to make candy to take home), karaoke, and art stations. Everyone will receive Halloween tote bags filled Mars Wrigley candy. There will be a designated sensory/quiet zone for anyone with neurodivergence.
October 18 to October 26
Celebrating Diwali
BAPS Swaminaryan Akshardham North America, Robbinsville
There will be all-day festivities, including Shayona Café, special mahaprasad and a family unity abishek ceremony. Nighttime festivities include Diwali Diya experience, live traditional Indian music and Diwali Maha Arti in Nikanth Plaza. October 20 will include a fireworks display.
October 19
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show
Fair Lawn
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Corvette Show
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Walk around the village shops and see about 100 Corvettes lined up.
BlueClaws Flea Market
Jersey Shore Ballpark, Lakewood
Shop for treasures outside of the baseball stadium.
Chuseok K-Fest
City Hall Plaza, Jersey City
Jersey City’s first official Korean festival will include traditional music and dance, a live showcase of martial arts, a Daegum solo performance on the Korean bamboo flute, a K-hip-hop showcase, a K-Pop dance finale, K-food, K-beauty and kids’ activities.
Country Living Fair
Batsto Village, Hammonton
Take a fall hike through the Pine Barrens. Then, browse the vendor booths, see the historical exhibits, listen to live music, check out old-time engines and cars, have some food, shop for antiques and take a pony ride.
18th Century Field Day & Fall Harvest Festival
Red Bank Battlefield Park, National Park
Watch history unfold before your eyes during a battle reenactment from colonial times. The festival portion includes kids’ games and crafts, friendly farm animals, food vendors, local crafts, music, and a live magic show.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
This is an easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands.
Rose Squared Art Show
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
More than 150 artisans will sell works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Cape May’s Annual Halloween Parade
The Mall on Carpenters Lane, Cape May
Everyone will be dressed in their Halloween best, and either walk around, drive decorated antique autos or roll around in a golf cart.
Tenafly Fall Festival
Hulyer Park, Tenafly
There will be a curated artisan market, bubble fun, a slime bar, face painting, hair braiding, a pumpkin carving demo, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, a fall planting project, an animal encounter from Tenafly Nature Center, carnival rides, a petting zoo, art projects, craft projects, a costume contest, the Monster Mash DJ Dance Party, a football game viewing truck, live music and performances all day, and PSE&G’s new mobile escape room experience.
Kids Hike for Fun
Cushetunk Mountain Preserve, Lebanon
Kids 5 and up (through teens) are encouraged to discover the great outdoors for some fresh air and exercise.
Haunted Hayride
Wells Fargo Bank, Freehold Borough
Take a hayride through the streets of town and watch for spooky haunters along the way as live Halloween-inspired scenes are performed during your route.
October 22
Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark
TD Ballpark, Bridgewater
Bring the kids for trick-or-treating, festive decorations, and plenty of candy.
October 23
Witches Night Out
Allentown
This bewitching evening will focus on spectacularly decorated hats – plus strolling and shopping through the village.
Witches Night Out
Downtown Red Bank
The pre-Halloween party kicks off at Amanda Jean NYC featuring 20 percent off the entire store, a free gift with purchase, Halloween snacks, and a DJ. Then, head over to Riverside Gardens Park for the Witch Dance lead by Hedy Perna.
October 24
Hometown Halloween Parade
Palmer Square, Princeton
After the parade around the green, you can trunk-or-treat when you reach the YMCA; inside, there will be a screening of Monsters, Inc.
Screening of Hocus Pocus
ResilienCity Park, Hoboken
Bundle up for an outdoor screening of the 1993 movie, and enter your already decorated pumpkin in the “Best Pumpkin Art” contest.
Stangl Witch Walk
Stangl Arts and Cultural District, Flemington
The event includes a Witch Walk, authentic German witches dance, a spooky dance party with an “Open Cauldron,” food trucks, a haunted house, costume contests, and the Within Spirit’s Moon Market.
Baby Walk
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
The purpose is for you to get outside with your baby and explore your local trails. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then you can enjoy the company of other parents. Older siblings are welcome, but the group will walk at the pace of the adults.
Haunted Student Center
Chamberlain Student Center, Rowan University, Glassboro
The kids can go on a Halloween adventure led by Rowan University students during this annual spooktacular, which includes trick-or-treating, Halloween activities, and decorated rooms.
iPlay America’s Trick-or-Treat Around the Park Family Halloween Bash
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
The Witch Sisters will be part of the candy-grabbing fun, as kids in costumes can trick-or-treat around the park, then snap a photo inside The Bistro. The free event also includes an epic costume contest, a spooky candy trail, a free bag of candy and free Halloween photos.
Pumpkin Fest
Main Street, Clinton
Work together as a family to paint, carve and illuminate a pumpkin. Then there will be a night of magic with Wanda the Wacky Witch, Tomas the Pumpkin Carver and more.
October 24-26
West Windsor’s Martian Weekend
West Windsor
In 1938, Orson Welles made Grover’s Mill famous with his “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast that claimed Martians landed. Weekend activities include a scavenger hunt in the park, a trunk-or-treat, a historic bike ride, ham radio transmission, and a new play based on the broadcast’s legacy.
October 24-26, October 31 to November 2
Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
There will be pumpkins, wagon rides to the farm fields, seasonal treats, interactive living history interpreters, tours of the historic buildings, live music by the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band, children’s crafts, goodies inside the gift shop, and BBQ fusion-inspired cuisine from Beastro. You can also explore the nearby Cornelius Low House Museum.
October 25
Monster Bash Zombie Walk
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Join the area’s largest Zombie Walk. Vendors and music will be available throughout the day. The “walk” begins at night – show up ready in full costume or there will be makeup artists on site.
Fall Foliage Hayrides & Baseball
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Take a hayride around the farm pulled by the workhorses, then cheer on the players during a vintage game of baseball.
Halloween Costume Skate
Ocean City Skate Park, Ocean City
At dusk, skateboarders are invited to skate in costume. There will be contests for best costume and best trick, plus candy for all skaters.
Humane Society of Ocean City Howl-O-Ween Parade
Sports & Civic Center, Ocean City
Dress up yourself and your pooch in fun Halloween costumes and march down the boardwalk.
Brew a Potion Day
ArtWorks, Trenton
Mark the end of National Chemistry Week by mixing garden ingredients and bubbles in a cauldron. Bring a wand or wizard gear.
Halloween Trunk-or-Treat
Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove
Each kid will be given a Halloween craft trick-or-treat bag so they can visit each of 20 candy-filled trunks. There will be a Halloween display for photo ops.
Haunted Downtown
Downtown Metuchen
To mark the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future, there will be roaming dinosaurs, a costume parade, DJ music, the DeLorean car and beloved Back to the Future characters.
Spooktacular Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Fun and spooky activities include slime making, spooky puzzles, games and a trick-or-treat costume parade.
Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
There will be a balloon artist, bounce house, basket raffle, carnival games, The Batmobile, a pumpkin patch and trick-or-treating.
Touch-a-Truck
Gloucester Premium Outlets, Blackwood
The vehicle showcase includes emergency vehicles, construction machinery, utility trucks, fire trucks, police cruisers, excavators and bulldozers – with opportunities to climb in, activate lights, honk horns, and even operate some of the controls. Meet local heroes from the Gloucester Township Fire and Police Department, and grab something to eat at the Food Truck Experience.
Storytime with Adama Wiggan: The Crayon That Cried
The Book House, Millburn
Children’s book author Adama Wiggan will lead storytime. Kids will meet a crayon who learns big lessons about feelings, self-expression, and friendship. There will be a short activity to spark creativity.
Halloween Spooktacular
Pier Village, Long Branch
Start by trick-or-treating around Pier Village. Other spooky but friendly activities include a spooky bubble show, Boogie Down with DJ JoJo, psychic and tarot card readings, and a Spooky Makers artisan market.
Beyond Pink Gallery
MarketFair, Princeton
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the art show pop-up will benefit the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). The gallery features original works inspired by survivors, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed media pieces.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
Kids ages 2–9 who have autism can come dressed in costume (along with their siblings and parents) to collect candy at decorated car trunks. There will be crowd, noise and blinking light control; along with sensory-aware spaces for kids and their families to take a break. Face painting, games and crafts will also be available.
Monster Mash & Jack-o’Lantern Contest
Hall of Records, Freehold Borough
The night includes games, prizes, music, face painting and a jack-o’-lantern contest.
Ocean Grove Halloween Event
Main Avenue, Ocean Grove
Trick-or-treat at local businesses downtown, stop by the Main Avenue Galleria for craft making, and pop into the photo booth. Dogs are welcome in costume, too.
Trunk-or-Treat in Cranford
Gray Funeral Home, Cranford
First Presbyterian Church of Cranford will set up the event in the neighboring parking lot, geared toward preschool-aged kids, with tons of free candy, music and bubbles.
HalloWheaton
WheatonArts, Millville
As you explore the arts campus in costume, you can trick-or-treat, watch the Mystic Realms actors perform, visit the Museum of American Glass, stop into the Down Jersey Folklife Center, watch live demos in the Artist Studios, and compete in a campus-wide scavenger hunt.
Pumpkin Extravaganza
Pine Street, Millville
There will be a trunk-or-treat, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, hair tinseling, games, music, and food discounts.
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Decorate your car for Halloween so you can hand out candy to trick-or-treaters – and let your kids go from car to car, too. There will also be music, magic shows, balloon twisting.
Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House
Greater Wildwoods Elks Lodge 1896, North Wildwood
As you walk through the haunted house experience your kids will be able to trick-or-treat.
October 25-26
Dog Days
Ocean City
Leashed dogs are allowed to walk the boardwalk. Saturday activities include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” Announcement.
October 26
Witches Day Out
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Wear your witch’s hat and enter the hat contest at the Smithville Inn. Stop into the 50 shops with your hat for extra promos.
Villains’ Halloween Costume Party
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
The most “mischievous” villains are taking over as judges for the ultimate costume contest, after you go trick-or-treating through the arcade.
Haunting in the Pines
Batsto Theatre inside Batsto Village, Hammonton
Wear your costume for a variety of Halloween treats, games and pony rides.
Share the Warmth: Halloween Extravaganza
MarketFair, Princeton
Donate a coat and then the kids can join in pumpkin decorating, face painting, arts & crafts, music and treats.
Downtown Does Broadway
Main Street, Downtown Metuchen
Broadway performers from shows such as Hamilton, Wicked, Merrily We Roll Along, and others will be performing, signing autographs and mingling with fans. Several local businesses will offer specials throughout the day.
Halloween Parade
Hopewell Train Station, Hopewell
The Hopewell Fire Co. sponsors the yearly Halloween parade. After, members of the Hopewell Public Library will host a Halloween-themed extravaganza in Hopewell Park Gazebo. Come in costume for a spooky read-aloud.
Halloween Parade, Costume Contest & Pumpkin Chunkin’
Cranford Community Center, Cranford
After the costume contest is broken down by age group, the parade travels through Downtown Cranford, followed by the Pumpkin Chunkin if the weather holds out.
Spooky Spiotta
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Bring the kids for a costume contest, an interactive obstacle course, themed games, trick-or-treat stations, plus face painting and fairy hair from SOMA Pop Party.
Costume Parade
Downtown Freehold
Dress up in your favorite costume and come to the Freehold Raceway parking lot on Manalapan Avenue to enter the costume contest and march in the parade. Everyone else can line the streets and watch the marchers go by.
The Cider Barn Band
Wortendyke Barn Museum, Park Ridge
The final performance of the Music at the Barn 2025 series features local bluegrass legends Kenny Kosek, Barry Mitterhof, Joe Selly, Marty Cutler, and Marty Confurius.
Ultimo Domingo: Dia de los Muertos
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The “Last Sunday” festival will celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday through bilingual activities.
October 27
Local Celebrity Softball Tournament
Mercer County Park, Softball Field 3, West Windsor
Cheer on your friends and neighbors during the softball game, whose players will be well-known residents of Mercer County. Breast cancer awareness merch will be for sale.
October 29
Kiwana’s Halloween Parade
Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton
Wear your best costume and wait for the parade to bring spooky fun to the streets. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club.
October 30
Halloween Parade
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate Halloween by walking in the parade or lining the avenue.
October 31
Hoboken’s Legendary Ragamuffin Parade
Washington Street, Hoboken
Marchers will start at the Elks Club and walk along Washington Street in their costumes.
Byrne Community Center Haunted Gym
Byrne Community Center, Wildwood
Walk through the haunted gym and receive tricks – or treats – along the way.
Toms River’s Halloween Parade
Toms River Shopping Center / Highland Parkway, Toms River
Hosted by Toms River Fire Co. No. 1, this annual parade is one of the biggest in the state.
Pokeween
Progress CCG, West Milford
This free Pokémon-sanctioned event includes themed activities, cake from the Cake Boss, and trick-or-treating in costume.
Ongoing Through 2026
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and artifacts – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Events are subject to change. Please check websites before heading out to check on event or weather updates.
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