There’s less than a week left until Halloween, so while you’re eating candy before the big day (we know you’ve gotten into your trick-or-treater stash already) or shopping for a last-minute costume, take the kids to a Diwali dance party, monster mash and more on this super fun weekend in NJ!
WEEKEND
Beyond Pink Art Show
MarketFair, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
The YWCA’s Breast Cancer Resource Center presents an inspiring showcase of art illustrating the journeys of breast cancer survivors and caregivers. While the exhibit is free to view, Opening Night on Thursday is a ticketed fundraising event.
Bronx Zoo Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Thursday – Sunday
Follow an animal-themed illuminated pumpkin trail (we’re talking 5,000 gourds!) and learn about animal behavior after dark, plus enjoy live pumpkin carving, games, treats, costumed characters, fog and bubbles, and bioluminescent bays.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Thursday – Sunday
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Friday with live music, plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of. This is the last festival weekend before the grounds revamp for the winter holiday season.
Circus Vazquez
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Thursday – Monday
If your kids love Cirque de Soleil, get ready for the next high-energy, all-human, international circus coming to NJ. After the show, you can meet some of the circus stars, which include clowns, acrobats, the Bone Breakers, daredevils, Olympians, gymnasts and jugglers.
Haunted Labyrinth
Montclair Book Center, Montclair
Friday – Saturday
The endless maze of bookshelves will have scares and twists at every turn.
Haunted Historical Candlelight Tour
Long Pond, Hewitt (West Milford)
Friday – Saturday
Witches, ghosts, mad scientists and creepy nurses are scary stories – but what happens when you step back in time when they were real people of the 1800s? Take a guided candlelit tour through the woods of the ponds; earlier times are less scary and are for families, while later times are more haunted.
Freehold Ghost Tours
Downtown Freehold
Friday – Saturday
Rebecca Gruber, author of “Dark History & Hauntings of Freehold: Ghostly Stories From a Historic New Jersey Town,” will lead a series of walking tours around Freehold Boro to discuss its haunted history. There is no age requirement, though some stories may be unsettling.
Haunted Red Mill: Unidentified Flying Objects
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Friday – Saturday
Only the brave get lost in mazes, flee through trails and take an agonizingly slow hayride along the river before wandering through the most haunted building in Clinton, which has over 200 years of haunted history. If you want something less scary, the Lights On! Backstage Tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the volunteers put together this attraction; the last tour is scheduled for October 24.
Scare Farm
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Friday – Sunday
This year’s three horror-filled attractions include Creepy Hollow, Paranoia Walking Trails, and The Slayride – Hayride.
Haunted Theater
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Friday – Sunday
Known as one of the scariest and most immersive Halloween attractions in Monmouth County, this year’s title and theme, Haunted Theater 2024: Out of Time!, takes you on a horrifying journey through time travel. You’ll experience intricate mazes, pitch-black zones and haunting special effects as you go through the haunted houses. If you’re young or faint of heart, try the special Scaredy Cat tours that don’t have all the scares. There’s also a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” night on October 18, with a drag pre-show and prop sales.
Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Friday – Sunday
Ride, walk then run for your life at New Jersey’s original Halloween-themed haunted attraction.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
The smash-hit Broadway musical follows The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Zoo Boo
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Friday – Sunday
Zoo Boo features trick-or-treating, Mad Science shows, music, and train rides as a fundraiser for the zoo.
Hill Creek Farms Fall Season
Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill
Friday – Sunday
As you pick pumpkins and apples, listen to lively music, take part in activities, and relax with wine from Auburn Road Wine Garden.
The C Word
Mill Ballet, New Hope, PA
Friday – Sunday
The stage play examines breast cancer and the meaning of life through a multimedia blend of music, dance and spoken word.
Lentini Farms Fall Festival
Lentini Farms, Newton
Friday – Sunday
There will be a different live band and food trucks each weekend, along with a 10-acre corn maze, scenic hayrides, the sunflower field, a beer tent, a pumpkin patch and haunted hayrides.
Fall Farm Fun
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Experience the autumn season in an old-fashioned way. Watch apples being pressed into cider, take a wagon ride and pick your own pumpkins.
Boo Fest Makers Market
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
There will be more than 40 vendors, plus face painting and kids activities.
Oktoberfest
Readington Brewery & Hop Farm, Neshanic Station
Saturday – Sunday
On Saturday, watch talented farriers from the Garden State Horseshoers Association create works of art from iron in the morning, then watch the talented Diamond Eye Jack but on a Grateful Dead tribute show at night. Sunday is the Brakes & Briskets Meat Meet BBQ Car Show, where you can order some BBQ, smoke a cigar and check out the impressive rides.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturday – Sunday
Take in the breathtaking scenery of southern New Jersey. When you get to Fenwick Grove you’ll have 30 minutes for pumpkin picking, a free cider and donut, and fall-themed activities.
Unicorn World
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds, Oaks, PA
Saturday – Sunday
This unique experience brings animatronic unicorns to an enchanted forest in Philly. There will be carnival-style games, face painting, storytime, bounce houses and a dance party.
A Taste of New Jersey
Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus
Saturday – Sunday
There will be more than 100 food vendors, a sports lounge, face painting, balloon twisting, and music. Presented by Jersey Eats.
Family Fright Night II: They’re Back!
The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, Maplewood
Saturday – Sunday
Join The Maplewood Strollers for family-friendly spooktacular songs, skits, a costume contest and more.
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
Saturday – Sunday
There will be kiddie rides, trick-or-treating, games, crafts and underwater pumpkin carving.
Civil War History Weekend
West Jersey Train Depot, Glassboro
Dress up with Aunt Corrine as you step back in time. Meet members of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Soldiers. Look at Civil War artifacts and exhibits. Listen to an “Old Baldy” Civil War roundtable, as well as the Libby Prison Minstrels.
Tricks and Treats
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Fun at the theme park includes a fall festival, Halloween activities, live entertainment, Patch’s Pumpkin Party, the Mask Maker’s Mash, a trick-or-treat trail and a costume contest.
DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Saturday – Sunday
Your admission includes a train ride through a little-goblin-friendly Halloween Town, entrance to the Halloween corn maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, the giant slide, an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, five trick-or-treat spots, a meet-and-greet and photos with a local witch, entrance to The Toy Market with its Pop-Up Snack & Toy Cottage, and one free game of bowling plus shoe rental per person.
Pumpkin Train
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturday – Sunday
Take a train ride to Everitt Farms, and when you stop at Pumpkin Junction there will be various autumn attractions, including pumpkin picking, a wagon ride, a corn box, and other activities.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturday – Sunday
New this year, chills and thrills include a Trick of Truth Maze, face painting, a Creepy Mystery Wall and the Halloween Mashup. Returning favorites include the costume parade, live pumpkin carvings, Halloween crafts, magic shows, mind rinding, pumpkin trails, and an extinct animal graveyard.
Seaside Spookfest
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Saturday – Sunday
The highlights include a RED Spooky Brunch and Villians Sing-Along on October 19; Gru’s Workshop and Wildlife World of Animals show on October 20; Swiftie Costume Party for Taylor Swift fans on October 26; and an Insectropolis bug show and Witch Sisters meet-and-greet on October 27.
Storybook Land Trick-or-Treat Weekends
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
Come in costume and collect treats throughout the park. Your kids can also take hay rides and play in the hay maze.
Fall Feels & Vineyard Vibes
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, Rio Grande
Saturday – Sunday
The weekends are filled with wine tastings, live music and food trucks.
Maple Leaf Farms Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Saturday – Sunday
There will be live bull riding and country music, plus more than 30 activities, including a wooden train, pumpkin village, hay ride, corn maze, animal barnyard, pig races, hay maze, backhoe play yard, corn tunnel, rubber duck races, pillow jump, and candy corn toss.
Halloween Weekends
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp & Resort, Williamstown
Saturday – Sunday
Camp out in a tent, cabin or trailer for the weekend. Activities will include trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, and haunted hot cocoa, among sports, lakeside activities, a hayride, gem mining, candy bar bingo, and visits from Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo and Cindy Bear.
FRIDAY
Sarah McLachlan
The Event Center at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is bringing her “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour” to Atlantic City.
Diwali Mela
Edison YMCA, Edison
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Indian foods and desserts, clothing, jewelry, Diwali gifts, candles, a Bollywood dance class, and Diwali crafts for kids.
Haunted Illusions with David Caserta
BergenPAC, Englewood
The master illusionist presents a show of magic and comedy with a Halloween twist.
Haddonfield Halloween Night Market: Part III
Kings Highway and Kings Court, Haddonfield
More than 50 vendors will be lined up along the streets, in addition to entertainment and activities for the entire family.
Diwali Bonanza
Jashan by Dhaba, Parsippany
There will be 50 dishes on the grand buffet before you dance and then watch fireworks light up the sky.
Hometown Halloween Parade
Palmer Square Green, YMCA, Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
The event starts with the music of the Princeton University Band. The parade kicks off from Palmer Square and makes it way to the YMCA. After, there will be a trunk-or-treat and more family fun. At night, stop by the Arts Council of Princeton for an all-ages Halloween Dance Party.
Halloween Glow Party & Night Market
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Asbury Park Bazaar is throwing a Halloween party for adults only, with food, drinks, dancing, shopping and glow-in-the-dark fun.
Haunted Bound Brook: Mischief Night Madness
Main Street, Bound Brook
Take a 55-minute haunted walking tour along Main Street in the heart of Downtown Bound Brook. You’ll hear about legends like Bloody Mary and the Jersey Devil.
Salem Ghost Train
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Legends from the past come alive as you ride the train from South Woodstown Station to Pederson Park in Salem City. Once you get to Salem you’ll listen to haunted tales from storytellers from the Salem County Historical Society; then you’ll get a goodie bag of treats to eat on the way back.
Trick-or-Treat Around the Park
iPlay America, Freehold
The free night of spooktacular fun includes a trick-or-treat trail, trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, a raffle and giveaways. Kids eat free at The Bistro.
“You Better Watch Out” Book Signing
Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, Princeton
James “Murr” Murray of “Impractical Jokers” fame is releasing another book, this time a holiday thriller, and he’ll hold a meet-and-greet and book signing to celebrate.
All Barracks Eve
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton
Snack on cider and donuts around a bonfire while listening to chilling tales told by historically outfitted storytellers. Activities include living history demos, kids’ activities and spooky stories.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats. This is the last event of the season.
Halloween Glow Party + Night Market
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, Asbury Park
The event will feature food, music, shopping and a glow-in-the-dark party. Bring glow sticks and LED accessories. Halloween costumes are encouraged, especially if they glow under blacklight. You can get your facepainted in neon colors.
SATURDAY
Haunted Downtown
Downtown Metuchen
The Brainy Borough becomes the Spooky Borough, filled with Halloween tricks and treats for everyone.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Buy an official prop bag so you can take part in the screening of this cult classic movie.
Manalapan Monster Mania
Manalapan Rec Center, Manalapan
Come for the Trunk-or-Treat, stay for the Haunted Trail at dusk, and listen to music by The Misfits.
New Brunswick Harvest Festival
Youth Sports Complex, New Brunswick
There will be a pumpkin patch, Halloween candy, pony rides, a petting zoo and other amusements.
Pumpkin Palooza
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
The Molecular Biology Outreach Program of Princeton University adds a layer of science to Halloween. Watch in awe during a Halloween-themed science experiment as household items are used to extract DNA from pumpkin cells.
Harvest Festival
Downtown Cape May Court House (Middle Twp.)
There will be craft vendors, food vendors, hayrides, entertainment, a costume contest, fairy hair, face painting, balloon animals, live music, Dinosaur Rock, gelly ball and pony rides.
HalloWheaton and The Multiverse of African Cultural Heritage
WheatonArts, Millville
Trick-or-treat in your Halloween costume throughout the WheatonArts campus, and take photos with costumed characters played by Mystic Realms actors. Stop by community partner booths for various activities and games. There will be glassmaking demos, make-your-own fused glass, a Witch’s Spell Activity Sheet, and performances by the Down Jersey FolkLife Center.
Diwali: Festival of Lights
Papaianni Park, Edison
Early in the afternoon, there will be 100,000 lights on display, plus free henna, a Kids Zone, musical performances, food vendors and retail vendors. After dark (around 7 pm) look for the drone show and a diya lighting ceremony.
Halloween Spooktacular & Ghostly Gala
Pier Village, Long Branch
Halloween activities include photos with Freddy Krueger, Mike Myers and Jason; a Boogie Down party with DJ JoJo; psychic and tarot card readings; pottery painting and bracelet making; ghoulish carousel rides; The Spooky Makers & Artisan Market; s’mores at Carousel Bar; trick-or-treating throughout Pier Village; a mad science show; a spooky bubble show; an author event; and the Ghostly Gala Halloween Party.
Halloween With the Hawks
Monmouth University, West Long Branch
Monmouth University Football team members will hold a free trunk-or-treat for kids prior to a Halloween-themed football game. Wear your favorite costume. Trunk-or-treat is free, but tickets are on sale for the game.
Haunted Red Mill: Happy Haunts
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Designed for kids (and squeamish adults), this event is scare-free, and includes a guided tour of a portion of the Haunted Red Mill, a hayride, cider, donuts, face painting and a pumpkin. Categories for the costume contest include scariest, most colorful, funniest, most heroic, best homemade, most original, wackiest, most creative, cutest, and best movie character.
Recovery Centers of America Trunk-or-Treat
Recovery Centers of America, South Amboy
Families, friends, RCA alumni can decorate their cars, or trick-or-treat around the parking lot.
Fall Festival & Trunk & Treat
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
Kids can dress in costume and trunk-or-treat around the parking lot. The fall fest includes a bounce house, balloon artist, games, a basket raffle and an appearance by the Batmobile. Scouts will prepare food available for purchase. You can also buy a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch.
Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
Town Center Gazebo, Robbinsville
Register your pet to walk along Lake Drive, and enter them into the costume contest.
Brunswick Eruption
North Brunswick Township High School, North Brunswick
Thirty-six high school teams from the NJ/NY/PA area will compete in the annual robotics event. Large-scale robots are designed, built and controlled by high school students. During the game, the robots will race to place rings representing “notes” into a “speaker” and “amp” for points by picking up and shooting the ring.
Trunk-or-Treat
Cranbury Inn, Cranbury
There will be prizes awarded for the best decorated cars. Trick-or-treaters can ask about food and drink specials inside the restaurant.
Origins of Halloween Night Hike
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
This is a family-friendly hike so you can explore the history and traditions of Halloween through storytelling and nature.
Greater Wildwoods Elks Halloween Haunted House
Elks Lodge, North Wildwood
Trick-or-treat through a “haunted house” so you can get treats.
New Jersey Oyster Festival
Bivalve, Port Norris
Each ticket includes a sampling of all the oysters (approximately 2 dozen per person) and a souvenir glass. For the speaker series, Gary McCready, oyster enthusiast, will speak; in addition to a State of the Oyster Industry by Barney Hollinger, Melissa Harabedian presenting on her career in the oyster industry, and Sam Ratcliff talking about the Rutgers Shellfish Breeding Program. Food trucks, as well as offerings from The Oyster Cracker Café, AJ’s Pub, and Missions Spirits, are available for additional purchase. Andy Dimacale entertains throughout the day.
Boo at the Zoo
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Courthouse
Take part in activities like a craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, an inflatable obstacle course, a pirate ship, and more. Wear a costume for the contest. The Cape May Dancers will perform, and there will be a live animal presentation in the boneyard throughout the day. Master DJ & Sound will be rocking special Halloween tunes.
Supernatural Soiree
Battleship NJ, Camden
The lineup includes a midnight seance, vendor tables, side show acts and celebrity guests.
Monster Bash
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Horror Queen Genoveva Rossi will be signing autographs all day in an event organized by Mike Spagnola, owner of Underground, Smithville’s punk rock headquarters. Vendors will be on site, in addition to live bands. There will be pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting and costume contests.
Tice’s Corner Fall Harvest Festival
Tice’s Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake
Put on your favorite costume for a fun-filled day of fall festivities. There will be trick-or-treating, games, face painting, balloon artists and more.
Halloween Outdoor Crafts & Collectibles Show
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Feel free to come in costume to the open-air show featuring local vendors and crafters. You can stroll through Scarecrow Alley, where scarecrows were created and decorated by people in the community.
“Howl-O-Ween” Parade
Boardwalk, Ocean City
Owners who like to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes can parade their pup on the boardwalk from 6th to 14th streets.
Halloween Kids Brunch, Costume Contest & Parade
The Shannon Rose, Clifton
During the themed brunch there will be raffle prizes, trick-or-treating, spooky crafts, a dance party with a DJ, a costume contest and a parade – all to support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Bierman Autism Centers Trunk-or-Treat
Bierman Autism Center, Berkeley Heights and Ramsey
This event is designed to be sensory-friendly, with safe vehicle trunks and sensory-friendly treats. There will be ring toss, bean bag toss and balloon pop, tailored for all abilities. Make your own crafts. Face painting will be available.
Spooky Dance Party
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Join a Spooky Dance Party with Wednesday from The Addams Family.
Orange Family Festival
Orange High School, Orange
First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Family Festivals connect families with state, county and local resources, including healthcare, childcare, pediatric services, food, energy and housing assistance programs, and more. Children can enjoy free food, music, activities, and more while their parents sign up for services, get direct answers from providers, and learn more about the programs and resources available.
Strutt Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest
Essex County Brookdale Dog Park, Montclair
Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond House, Caldwell/Essex Falls
Celebrate your pet’s style with other dog owners. Prizes will be awarded.
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Decorate your car so that kids in costume can trick-or-treat from vehicle to vehicle. The best decorated car will win a prize! There will also be magic and balloon twisting.
Fall Foliage Hayrides
Howell Living History Museum, Hopewell Twp.
Climb onboard a carriage pulled by two working horses so you can see the fields in all their fall glory. There will be activities related to life in the 1800s on this living history farm.
Monsterville Zombie Run
Merchantville
As part of the Halloween celebrations all month long, today is a 5K run and 1-mile walk – all while dressed in your favorite costume.
Hoboken Pizza Fest
Hoboken
Try a half-slice sample from almost a dozen different pizzerias throughout Hoboken.
Diwali Celebration
Parsippany Library
Watch a dance performance by Thillai Fine Arts.
Trunk-or-Treat
McDonald’s, Neptune
Come in costume to trick-or-treat around the parking lot. There will be a live DJ, raffles, and more.
Halloween Watch Party: The Twilight Zone
Former First Aid Building, Allentown
Come in costume to TAVI’s Halloween watch party of the classic TV series.
“Hocus Pocus”
McDonald’s, South Amboy
The Halloween afternoon movie screening includes free candy, face painting, discounted Happy Meals, and a visit from McDonald’s character Hamburglar.
Trunk-or-Treat
New Brunswick Middle School
Kids in costume will be treated to candy, games, treats and more.
Halloween Masquerade & Haunted Marketplace
Pino’s Gift Basket Shoppe and Wine Cellar, Highland Park
Sign up for the costume contest, shop ’til you drop at the haunted marketplace, watch a performance by the Tap Dancing Medium and stick around for the Halloween Ball.
Spiritual Diwali Mela
The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, Perth Amboy
Tap into the more spiritual side of the holiday through meditation, a rangoli and diya painting competition, and a cultural program followed by a free dinner.
Stella Farms Fall Festival
Stella Farms, Berlin
Get ready for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, handmade crafts and live music.
SUNDAY
YMCA Tot Trot & Fall Festival
St. Joseph’s High School, Metuchen
Kids and families are invited to a fun day of games, arts and crafts, a bounce house, food and more.
Haunted House Tour
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Take a spooky tour of the museum’s haunted house, and then treat yourself to s’mores, hot chocolate and popcorn.
Diwali Gala
North Brunswick Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with food, entertainment, performances, music and games.
Freehold Borough Spooktacular
Downtown Freehold
Halloween events in the borough conclude with a costume parade down Main Street.
Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership’s Fall Festival
Main Street, Bound Brook
The festival includes pumpkin painting, food, games, live entertainment, music by the M Pack Band, trunk-or-treating and a costume contest.
The Bazaar Fall Festival
White Chapel Projects, Long Branch
There will be a curated vendor market, s’mores kits, a fall photo wall, tarot and oracle readings, face painting, music, food and drinks, activities, and a tote bag giveaway. Kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at vendor tables. There will also be a pet costume contest. Join a Paint and Sip with Boozy Brushes NJ or Skeleton Cookie Decorating workshop.
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse Fall Events
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Milford
Spend the afternoon on the lawn of the farmhouse, listening to music by Maribyrd with Joe Cirotti and Pete Lister; and eating farm-to-fork dishes, including roast whey-fed pork sandwiches, 100% grass-fed burgers, cheese plates made with 100% grass-fed cheeses, house-made local grain breads, and produce from the garden. Dessert will include Bent Spoon ice cream and house-made cookies.
Halloween Bash
MarketFair, Princeton
Get dressed up in costume so you can decorate pumpkins, get your face painted, do arts and crafts, listen to music by mr. RAY, and ask for giveaways. The first 500 kids to check in will get a goodie bag and a ticket for the pumpkin decorating station.
Diwali Fest NJ
Memorial Park’s Amphitheatre, Maplewood
The Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture and SOMA Cross Cultural Works present a day of dance performances, Bollywood lessons a lamp lighting, food, vendors, sparklers and children’s activities.
Brakes & Briskets Meat Meet BBQ Car Show
Readington Brewery & Hop Farm, Neshanic Station
As part of Oktoberfest weekend, you can order BBQ, smoke a cigar and check out the impressive rides.
Witches Day Out
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Wear your best witch outfit and hat as you do some magical shopping around the Village Greene. There will be shop treats and discounts for anyone wearing a witch’s hat. This year there will be a scavenger hunt, raffles and a parade.
Deal Trick-or-Trot
Deal Casino, Deal
Deal Fire Company and Jersey Shore Running Club present a 4-mile road race, Harry Drazin Memorial Racewalk, a costumed pet walk and kids dashes.
Monmouth Moms Fall Fest
Bell Works, Holmdel
Join The Monmouth Moms organization for arts and crafts, giveaways, face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo, a fall cocktail bar, touch-a-truck, Halloween activities, storytime, a DJ, games, local food, vendor shopping, an indoor Kids Zone, character visits, picture opportunities and a pumpkin sticker hunt.
Ultimo Domingo: Dia de los Muertos
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Celebrate life, culture and the beauty of the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition.
NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM / Halloween Spooktacular
Halloween Spooktacular
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Play Halloween-themed games and crafts in the museum’s Riverview Court. Bring the kids in costume to participate in trick-or-treating and a parade on the museum’s front lawn. Free planetarium shows will be offered at two showtimes.
Making Strides of Central New Jersey
Middlesex County College, Edison
Wear your brightest shade of pink and not only join the walk, but stay for activities, live entertainment, giveaways, snacks and survivor recognition.
Halloween Character Meet & Greet
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Meet Halloween dress up characters, and have your face painted.
Creepy Crawlers
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
There will be live bugs and creepy crawlers from Insectropolis – and you can touch them! Kids will gain an understanding of the structure, characteristics, and basic needs of these often misunderstood tiny animals.
Spooky Strides for Strength: 5K & Walk for Domestic Violence
South Mountain Reservation, West Orange
Choose from a 5K run, Scary Scurry Kids Run and easy walk. You are encouraged to wear your spookiest Halloween costume. Proceeds benefit domestic violence awareness and support programs.
1778 Reenactment Party
Hillside Farm, Hopewell
To kick off the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, D&R Greenway Land Trust is hosting a reenactment party at the location of the Continental Army’s three-day encampment.
Trunk-or-Treat 2024
United Methodist Church of Red Bank, Red Bank
Decorate the trunk of your car for trick-or-treaters; if you don’t have a trunk, come to get some candy anyway. There will also be games, a costume parade and the Best Trunk contest.
The Cider Barn Band
Wortendyke Barn Museum, Park Ridge
Bring chairs, blankets and food so you can hear the band perform as part of the 14th annual Bluegrass & Cider.
Halloween Spooktacular Costume Parade
Main Street, Freehold Borough
Get into costume with your kids or pets and march down Main Street. Or, sit on the sidelines and try and catch some candy thrown in your direction.
Halloween Parade, Costume Contest and Harvest Fest
City Hall Municipal Complex, Clifton
The parade route goes from Van Houten Avenue to the City Hall Municipal Complex. Kids, teens, adults and pets will be judged in the costume contest. Then stick around for a post-parade festival featuring a hayride, arts and crafts, carnival booths, rides and food.
Linden Halloween Parade
Wood Avenue, Linden
The annual parade lineup begins on Wood Avenue. Floats, bands, marching groups, ghouls and goblins will parade down the street.
Diwali Celebration & Elysian Pumpkin Patch
Under the viaduct, Hoboken
The Diwali party includes live urban sitar with Shiv, crafts, songs, Bollywood dancing and readings. There will also be pumpkin picking, vendor shopping, live music and outdoor games. Hosted by Main Street Pops.
Halloween Party
Carnegie Diner & Cafe, Secaucus
The family-friendly party includes face painting and a pumpkin patch fundraiser.
American Ballet Theatre’s Family-Friendly Matinees
David H. Koch Theatre, New York, NY
These programs are geared towards families, offering kids a shorter afternoon at the ballet. ABT Principal Dancer Misty Copeland will host today’s matinee.
City Hall-oween
City Hall, New Brunswick
Come dressed up and trick-or-treat for candy.
Main Street Donuts Cider & Donut Run
Boardwalk, Belmar
After you complete the 5K run you’ll be treated to sweet fall treats.
ONGOING
Feed at Reed’s
Reed’s Farm, Egg Harbor Twp.
Every Saturday
Every Saturday at 1 pm, you can help feed the animals on the farm, plus learn about the behavior and care of chickens, pigs, sheep and more, plus their roles on a regenerative farm.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours
Downtown Red Bank
Fridays in October
Explore the borough’s haunted history with guide Genevieve Revenant.
Dinosaurs: After Dark
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Fridays and Saturdays in October
In Halloween spirit, the trails are dark and a hungry T-Rex is lurking in the shadows. A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead a Tyrannosaurus Hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails with a stop at every dinosaur with surprises along the way. At the end of every night, everyone gathers around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-along, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Screamline Haunted Car Wash
Streamline Car Wash, Rockaway
Fridays and Saturdays in October
For October, the car wash transforms into a haunted car wash on Friday and Saturday nights.
Haunted House & Hayride
Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Saturdays and Sundays in October
You are invited to experience a night of thrills and fun at this family-friendly event, which features a haunted house and a hayride.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
AddamsFest
Westfield
Throughout October
Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, was a Westfield resident, so every year the town goes all out to celebrate Halloween with events like a heritage trail tour, Ouija fun, Family Fun Day, tours of the Addams house, a full moon gathering and a house decorating contest.
“Halloween Capital of the World”
Cranford
Throughout October
A Cameo video by actor David Arquette is getting a lot of attention, because he calls Cranford the Halloween Capital of the World. Events this month include Monster Mash, a candy stroll, Ghostbusters day, horror movies, Witches Night Out, movie trivia and a pet parade.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Under the 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken
Select Sundays, through December
Local makers and creators from the area sell their unique handmade creations, ranging from fashion and jewelry to art and photography to home decor and vintage finds to artisanal foods and pet products to kids stuff. There is also live music and outdoor games. Special holiday markets are planned for December 8, 15 and 22.
Book Signings by James “Murr” Murray of “Impractical Jokers”
October 24: Books and Greetings, Northvale
October 25: Barnes & Noble, Princeton
October 26: 13th Hour Haunted House, Wharton
Murr’s new thriller novel, “You Better Watch Out,” is coming out this month. He’ll be holding a series of book signings and meet-and-greets with fans.
Clean & Scream
Hopewell Valley Car Wash, Pennington
October 18-19, 24-27, 31
The Ghostbusters of NJ will try to take down some of the ghosts lurking around the car wash.
Haunted Car Wash
Team Car Wash, Westfield
October 25-26, 29-30
Teens from Play Theater, a performing arts program for kids in Union County, will dress up in creepy costumed characters and spook you while you wait in line. You’ll listen to Halloween-themed audio while your car gets washed.
Halloween in Haddon Twp.
Haddon Square
October 25-30
Activities include a showing of “The Addams Family,” the Haunted Haddon Market, the Boos + Brews Crawl O’Ween Pub Crawl, a Halloween magic show, and the annual Halloween parade.
Legends & Lore Halloween Boat Tours
Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton
October 25-27, November 1-3
The special Halloween-themed and family-friendly boat rides along the Tuckerton Creek are fully narrated, so you’ll hear stories about the legends and lores of the Jersey Shore and the Pinelands. You may even see Mrs. Leed’s 13th child (aka The Jersey Devil).
Newark Restaurant Week
Newark
October 25 – November 3
This is the week to visit your faves or try out new spots. If you visit 10 or more restaurants around the city during the week, scan the special QR Code at each restaurant and you could win a prize.
Nature Game Nights
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, October 25 and November 29
Inside the nature center, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Middlesex County Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
October 25-27 and November 1-3
Autumn activities for the whole family include hot cider, wagon rides, seasonal crafts, pumpkin picking, and live performances by the Young American Serenaders and Robert Mouland. There will be an expanded General Store with extended hours, offering pies, cider, donuts, homemade jelly, and more.
Dia de Muertos Altars
New Brunswick
October 26 – November 1
Various locations in the city will have beautiful altars set up to mark Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). If you visit two or more and get your passport stamped, you will be entered into a raffle.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through October 31
Pack everyone into your car for a guided tour through 32 acres of Halloween light displays. There will be farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, fire pits, make-your-own s’mores, and hot cocoa.
Halloween Happenings
Throughout Cape May
Through October 31
In one of the most haunted cities in the country, Halloween activities include specially-themed tours and events daily, including Murder Mystery Dinner: Bumped Off & Bottoms Up!; Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Living Library; Historic Haunts House Tour; Historic Haunts Combo Tour; Voices from Beyond House Tour; Cherry House Haunting Tales Tour; Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour; Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour; Spirits, Oddities & Obsessions Combo Tour; Graveyard Ghosts & Mansions Combo Tour; and a Ghost Walk with Craig McManus.
Fall Festival Weekends
Von Thun’s, South Brunswick and Washington Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
The weekend festivals feature hayrides, access to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, and more than 20 games and attractions for kids and adults. The corn maze is open daily through Halloween.
Fall Fun Harvest Weekends
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
During the apple and pumpkin harvest season, the 500+ acre family-owned and -operated farm market and activity area includes a 9-acre corn maze. This year, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farm, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, through November 1
After conquering the corn maze, relax on a leisurely hayride through the starlit fields, warm up by the cozy bonfires, and listen to local music. Try locally crafted hard ciders, apple cider donut ice cream or pumpkin ice cream, or food from the food trucks in the FarmHouse District.
Glow! The Spooky Speedway
Glow!, Sicklerville
Through November 2
Drive along an illuminated version of Route 66 – look for the glowing pumpkins, friendly ghosts and whimsical witches that are brought to life by thousands of synchronized lights in a non-jump scare environment.
Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking
Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff and Hillsborough
Through November 2
Visit the farms to hop on a hayride through the scenic fields, pick the perfect pumpkin to take home, and meet the friendly barnyard animals. There’s a corn maze at the Hillsborough location.
Jack ‘O Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through November 3
Festival-like activities include seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting, a beer garden, live music, and a 45-minute stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
Jacks & Lights
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3; plus Monday, October 14
Aside from the fall festival activities at Argos Farm, you can return at night for Jacks & Lights. The main hit is a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns. There is also a lighted pumpkin trail, pumpkin patch, flashlight maze, Spook-Easy, and tons of photo ops.
Fall Fun Weekends
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, through November 3
Take in the breathtaking fall foliage on a sky ride in the mountains, race down the Mountain Coaster, enjoy live music, and bring the kids to bounce houses, a hay maze and lawn games.
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 3
During this fall festival, look for carved pumpkins that glow on land or in the water. New this year is a nearly 10-foot underwater octopus shaped out of pumpkins, and a snorkeling scarecrow that’s overlooking an underwater pumpkin patch. There will be seasonal sensory tables set up, with pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences. You can pay to paint a pumpkin, or buy pumpkin-themed souvenirs from the gift shop. You can also tune into the aquarium’s “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which focuses on animals that live in the depths of the ocean.
Fright Fest Extreme
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select nights, through November 3
There will be haunted houses, scare zones, rides in the dark and special shows specially tailored for Halloween inside the theme park. Themes include Stranger Things, The Conjuring, SAW’s 20th anniversary, Army of the Dead and Texas Chain Saw.
Great Adventure’s Oktoberfest Food Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
Explore German-inspired cuisine, brews and desserts all around the theme park.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through November 3
Activities include the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission.
Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through November 3
The next few months, celebrate everything Fall with various dates for the scarecrow display and festival, pet photo contest, Food Truck Thursdays, a murder mystery dinner, an outdoor screening of “The Wizard of Oz,” a wedding show, a Peddler’s Village Book Club, a terrarium-making workshop, the annual OctoberFeast weekend, Halloween parties, and the Peddler’s Village Apple Festival.
Fall Fest at LSC
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through November 3
Stop by daily for trick-or-treating, Halloween dance parties, the new Haunted Universe planetarium show, a Potions Lab and spooky science demos. On fall weekends, there is more added: a petting zoo, a 3D spooky movie double feature, the Terror Lab walk-through haunted house and Boo! A Halloween Laser Show.
The Red Barn Farm Sunflower & Fall Festival
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Fridays – Sundays, through November 3
Take a hayride to the sunflower fields for photo memories and a sunflower each. Get lost in nearly 10 acres of the giant corn maze, this year dedicated to country music star Luke Bryan. When you escape, head to the fairgrounds and bounce around on the Jumbo Air Pillow, try your hand at lassoing the bull targets and other activities at the fairgrounds.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
The Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Select dates, through November 3
Included with admission are 35+ family fun outdoor activities, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, “The Big Top” themed corn maze, farm animals, pig races, Canine Dog Show, pedal cars, touring cars, giant slingshot, giant straw pyramid, boo barn, Baseball Speed Throw, and more activities for the entire family. For an additional fee, there are carnival rides, apple cannon, paintball range, gem mining, wine tasting, food vendors, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, pumpkins and gourds, and mums.
Fall Festival
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3
Walk through the Snoopy-shaped corn maze, take photos in the pumpkin field and listen to live music. There are tons of fun activities such as the Pumpkin Bounce Pad, Hayrides, Double Hay Slide, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Bee Zip Line and Cow Train. There’s also a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved pumpkins called Jacks & Lights.
Kids Boo Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
The daytime Halloween event is family-friendly, with trick-or-treating, unique fall festivities, fun character photo opportunities and treats.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 3
Family fun on the farm includes pumpkin painting, apple picking, pony rides, a corn stalk and hay bale maze, the Adventure Story Barn, farm animals, the sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt and live music.
The Count’s Spooktacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 3
The theme park will be transformed for Halloween. Activities include Halloween-themed shows and parades, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, pumpkin decorating with Abby Cadabby, and a Halloween costume contest (October 27).
A Haunted and Hilarious Dinosaur Halloween
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Weekends, through November 10
The dino theme park puts a haunted Halloween spin on paleontology with ghostly and funny versions of dinosaur-themed shows, games and activities, along with the return of Dinosaurs After Dark, the popular spooky nighttime adventure.
Bear Mountain Fall Cruise
Pier 83, New York, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 10
The Floating Oktoberfest Cruise travels 50 miles through the fall foliage of the Hudson River Valley. On board you’ll eat pork schnitzel, bratwursts and Bavarian pretzels and drink Warsteiner and Spaten beer. When you get to Bear Mountain you’ll have at least two hours to explore trails, the lake, the zoo, the Merry-Go-Round and more before heading back to Manhattan.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through November 23
Enjoy a quiet morning walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. You’ll learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that are natural wonders of the area.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville; or virtual
Saturdays, through November 23
Teens and adults can join a 75-minute yoga practice that will help you relax and stretch while immersed in nature.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
Monmouth Museum, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Tuesdays – Sundays, through January 2, 2025
This interactive exhibit explores the bones and fossils of the giant creatures that once roamed the Earth. See full-size T-Rex and velociraptor models, footprints and eggs. Special events will be announced during the duration of the exhibit, including guided tours, a special museum fundraiser, a Christmas tree lighting and Noon Year’s Eve.
New Jersey Arts Annual: Exploring Our Connections
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition showcases contemporary art from across the Garden State, based on the themes of family, community, and belonging, expressed through different mediums of art.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The Duke Theater at New 42 Studios, New York, NY
Through January 5, 2025
The show returns to NYC to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This production will feature two tales from Eric Carle: The Artist That Painted a Blue Horse and Mr. Seahorse. You will also see The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar during the 50-minute show. During the holiday season, Dream Snow will be added to the story rotation for the first time in New York City.
New Jersey/New Sculpture
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through February 2, 2025
Eleven sculptors who worked with malleable aluminum, cold-worked glass, and industrial robotics join the more traditional media of ceramics, forged iron, and steel in this exhibit that showcases 40 works based on The Garden State.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31, 2025
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present,and more.
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