Isiah Christie 
As Halloween approaches, it’s time to figure out your spooky plans for the holiday. New Jersey is home to plenty of ways to celebrate, from ghost tours to themed parties, and of course, it’s only right you bring a costume along. There are Halloween events happening all over The Garden State in 2026, and The New Jersey Girl has rounded up a list of essentials to check out. Keep reading for a guide to Halloween events in New Jersey for 2026.
Bergen County
Zoo Boo | Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
Friday, October 16th – Sunday, October 18th
This three-day annual event allows visitors to explore a fully decorated zoo with trick-or-treat stations, plus the option to enjoy either a fun daytime train ride or a haunted, spooky ride after dark.
Pantophobia Haunted Trail | Darlington Lake, 600 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah
Select Fridays, Saturdays + Sundays through October 31st
If you’re seeking a thrill, this outdoor haunted trail will take participants on a one-mile walk at Darlington Lake in Mahwah.
Halloween Light Show | Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale
Select dates through October 31st | 6:30PM to 8PM
Stop by Demarest Farms and drive through its 32 acres of Halloween light displays. NJG pro tip: Don’t forget to grab some fresh goodies in the retail farm market after embarking on your spooky journey.
Ridgewood Halloween Maze | 124 Sheridan Terrace, Ridgewood
Through October 31st
The Ridgewood Halloween Maze will be open until the holiday itself. It’s open on weekdays from 4PM to 9PM, and on weekends from 1PM to 9PM.
Waldwick Ragamuffin Parade + Trunk or Treat | Police Officer Christopher Goodell Public Safety Complex, 15 East Prospect Street, Waldwick
Saturday, October 24th | 10AM
This event will include a Trunk-or-Treat setup at 9AM, and a Halloween-themed parade full of festive fun at 10AM.
Halloween in the Park | Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
Saturday, October 24th | 11AM to 2PM
This family-friendly event will have a haunted graveyard to explore, a pumpkin patch, a Kids’ Parade at 12PM, a Pet Parade at 1PM, and live music during the entire day.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-a-Treat | Bierman Autism Centers, 500 North Franklin Turnpike, Suite 203, Ramsey
Saturday, October 24th | 10AM to 12PM
This free Trunk-or-Treat experience will include fun themed games, face painting, and arts + crafts activations. It is sensory-friendly, and a quiet corner will be available for the entire event.
Fall-O-Ween Spooktacular | Hudson Lights Park, 183 Main Street, Fort Lee
Saturday, October 24th | 11AM to 3PM
This Fort Lee Halloween festival will have plenty of free family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon twisters, a magician, a DJ, and plenty of candy.
Paramus Halloween Truck Or Treat Festival | 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
Sunday, October 25th | 11AM to 5PM
Foodies can stop by this event and enjoy its 18 gourmet food trucks, not to mention the trick-or-treating opportunities, costume contest with cash prizes, vendors, and a beer garden.
Haunted Library | Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle Street, Englewood
Thursday, October 29th | 3PM to 8PM
Englewood Public Library will decorate its Children’s Room for Halloween, with treats available. It is open to kids of all ages and costumes are encouraged.
Bear Brook’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween | Bear Brook Pediatric Dentistry, River Vale
Saturday, October 31st | 10:30AM to 12:30PM
This family-friendly event will have face painting, balloons, farm-fresh treats, and other Halloween fun, with costumes encouraged.
Essex County
Newark Ghost Tour | Downtown Newark
Friday, October 23rd | 7PM to 8:30PM
Participants in this tour can explore Newark with experienced local guides to learn about Newark’s spooky history, as well as the art, food, and architecture of today.
Toddler Not So Scary Rave | Branch Brook Park Roller Skating, Clifton Avenue + 7th Avenue, Newark
Saturday, October 24th | 9AM to 11AM
This event is a Halloween-themed party at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating, made for younger audiences. It’ll include a dance party and character pop-ups. Admission is $18, and one adult is admitted for free per paying child.
Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Contest | Brookdale Dog Park, West Circuit Drive, Montclair
Saturday, October 24th | Registration at 9AM; Parade at 9:30AM
Dog owners can join this event to meet other owners, dress up their pup, and participate in the pet costume parade for prizes.
Fall-O-Ween Market Festival | CareOne at Livingston Assisted Living, 76 Passaic Avenue, Livingston
Saturday, October 24th | 12PM to 3PM
This free, family-friendly festival is a chance to dress up in costumes, enjoy fun activities, trick-or-treating, local vendors, and fresh market goodies.
Halloween Fun Fest | Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Avenue, Belleville
Saturday, October 24th | 11AM to 2PM
This Trunk-or-Treat event at Belleville High School will have a pumpkin patch, arts + crafts, a costume contest, food trucks, and other fun seasonal activations.
Maplewood Village Halloween Celebration | Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Friday, October 30th | 3PM to 5PM
Maplewood Village will have a Halloween celebration with dance performers, jugglers, stilt walkers, and more spooky fun.
Spooktacular Halloween Celebration | Nutley Parks + Recreation Department, 44 Park Avenue, Nutley
Friday, October 30th | 6:30PM to 8:30PM
The Nutley Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting this “Spooktacular Celebration” with a Hayride, Halloween music, snacks, drinks, and more. Costumes are encouraged.
Fright Night Dance Party | South Orange Elks Lodge, 220 Prospect Street, South Orange
Friday, October 30th | 8PM
Join this event in costume to enjoy a DJ set by DJ Lou Smith, a packed dance floor, and spooky vibes. Tickets are $30 for non-members and $25 for members.
Howl-O-Ween | Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Saturday, October 31st | 4PM to 8PM
Turtle Back Zoo is hosting this event with candy stations for trick-or-treating, storytime, arts + crafts, and games. This is a family-friendly event recommended for families with children ages 8 and younger.
The Halloween Party of the Year | Porta Montclair, 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, October 31st | 8PM to 2AM
Visit Porta to enjoy this event with entertainment, a live Salsa band, a Halloween-themed menu + cocktails, and to participate in the $1,000 costume contest.
Read More: Things to Do in New Jersey This Fall: Farms, Cider, Foliage + More
Hudson County
Halloween Yappy Hour | 902 Brewing Co., 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
Saturday, October 17th | 2PM to 5PM
Dog owners can come hang out at 902 Brewing Co., grab a beer, and meet other local dog parents at this Halloween-themed meetup. There will be Halloween dog costumes, pet-friendly vendors, and access to the dog-friendly patio.
Spooky Plant Workshop | PLNTD, 16 Erie Street, Jersey City
Thursday, October 22nd
If you’re still in crafty mode this spooky season, join PLNTD for this design + Plant 101 workshop. Participants can design their own planter in a sugar skull style and learn about the spooky plants before planting one and taking it home.
The Ghost of Uncle Joe’s | Historic Jersey City + Harsimus Cemetery, 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Friday, October 23rd + Saturday, October 24th
The Ghost of Uncle Joe’s is back for 2026 at Harsimus Cemetery, with live music from local performers, drinks, food, and after-parties. Proceeds from the event will contribute to preserving the historic site.
Zombie Opera 7 | Hamilton Park, 25 West Hamilton Place, Jersey City
Saturday, October 24th | 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Zombie Opera is entering its 7th year with a free outdoor performance combining opera, theater, and Halloween vibes. The event is free, but be sure to bring your own chairs and blankets.
HoBOOken 5K Halloween Run | Pier A, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Sunday, October 25th | 10AM
All proceeds from this annual run benefit The Hoboken Shelter, a nonprofit providing essential services to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Registration includes a T-shirt, medal, and access to a digital goodie bag.
A Spooky Cocktail Class | Little Bar, 1401 Hudson Street, Hoboken
Tuesday, October 27th | 6:30PM to 7:30PM
Participants in this spooky class can get behind the bar and learn how to mix and craft cocktails with guidance from the Little Bar team. Tickets are $70 per person and include the cocktail class, cocktails and light bites. Costumes are also welcome. This event is for ages 21+.
Annual Library of Shadows Fundraiser | Priscilla Gardner Main Library, 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Friday, October 30th
The night before Halloween, Priscilla Gardner Main Library will transform into the ‘Library of Shadows’, with a DJ dance party, haunted trivia, food + drinks, and a costume contest.
Snack Bar After Dark | Snack Bar, 520 Adams Street, Hoboken
Friday, October 30th | 8PM to 11PM
Snack Bar will be throwing a 21+ Halloween-themed party with themed cocktails, a DJ, and a costume contest.
Hudson County Fall Fest | 902 Brewing Co., 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
Saturday, October 31st | 11AM to 3PM
This free, family-friendly fall festival will have Halloween-themed fun, trick-or-treating, live music, kids’ activities, food, and costume contests.
Historic Downtown Jersey City’s Halloween Family Bash | Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall + Plaza, Jersey City
Saturday, October 31st | 12PM to 8PM
This event in Downtown Jersey City will have games, a corn maze, face painting, pumpkins, a bouncy house, and candy, as well as a Terror Tavern for adults. It is hosted by the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID).
Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade | Washington + 10th Street, Hoboken
Saturday, October 31st | 4:30PM
This longstanding tradition will be on Washington Street in Hoboken, starting at 10th Street and heading down to 5th Street. Expect to enjoy live music from locals, floats, and plenty of costumes.
At the Jersey Shore
Asbury Ghost Tours | The Paranormal Museum, 621 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Select Dates
Taking a ghost tour is an amazing Halloween activity to learn about the haunted lore of the Jersey Shore. The Paranormal Museum in downtown Asbury Park hosts ghost tours that explore the town’s storied past. Choose between its different tour options, including Ghosts and Legends of the Downtown, Ghosts of the Boardwalk, and the Asbury Park Haunted Pub Tour. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to guarantee a spot.
Long Branch Fall Festival + Pooch Parade | Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch
Saturday, October 17th | 12PM to 4PM
Your four-legged friends are welcome to celebrate the season with you at the Long Branch Fall Festival + Pooch Parade. Pier Village transforms for the fall season with live music, pumpkin carving, seasonal treats, activities, and a parade of pups dressed in their best Halloween costumes.
Jenkinson’s Boo at the Boardwalk | Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Saturday, October 17th + Sunday, October 18th | 12PM to 4PM
Saturday, October 24th + Sunday, October 25th | 12PM to 4PM
Boo at the Boardwalk is a fun way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family. The two-weekend event includes trick-or-treating for the little ones, live entertainment, character appearances, and Halloween-themed activities, such as underwater pumpkin carving and slime making. There’s even a Howl-O-Ween Canines + Cocktails event for the adults on Saturday, October 17th.
Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise | The River Queen, 800 Ashley Avenue, Brielle
Friday, October 30th | 7PM to 10PM
While enjoying dinner aboard The River Queen, guests will become part of an interactive murder mystery where they will uncover clues, question suspects, and race against the clock to discover the hidden killer before the night is over. This event is likely to sell out, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
Atlantic City Halloween Bar Crawl | Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 South Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City
Saturday, October 31st | 3PM to 10PM
Every year, locals and visitors dress in their Halloween best for a pub crawl through some of Atlantic City’s bars. Participants will check in at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall before making their way to participating locations throughout the city. The event is for ages 21+.
House of Independents Haunted House Halloween Party | House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Saturday, October 31st | 9PM
If you’re trying to decide what to do on Halloween, consider attending the Haunted House Halloween Party at House of Independents in Asbury Park. The 21+ event will include live DJs all night long, spooky Halloween decorations, and a $1,500 costume contest. Tickets sell out every year, so be sure to purchase them in advance if you plan on attending.
Jenks Club Halloween Party | Jenks Club, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Saturday, October 31st | 8PM
If you regularly frequent Jenks Club during the summer months, you’ll love attending its annual Halloween party. Throughout the night, there will be over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs during the costume contest, plus a DJ and drink specials. The event kicks off at 8PM.
Trick or Treat at the Physick Estate | Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May
Saturday, October 31st | 5PM to 7PM
Bring the kids to the Emlen Physick Estate for a memorable trick-or-treating experience at one of Cape May’s historic landmarks. From 5PM to 7PM, kids can stop by the estate to collect treats. Visitors can also stop by throughout October to check out Cape May MAC’s Halloween happenings at the property.
See More: A Guide to the Most Haunted Places in Northern New Jersey
Follow @thelocalgirlhq on Instagram + TikTok for the latest updates on Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County, and more, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
