New Jersey Events Halloween Weekend 2023
It’s Halloween Weekend! It’s time for cooler weather, apple cider donuts, pumpkin picking and so much more. New Jersey has a lot of great festivals and events this weekend including Halloween Festivals, Dia De Los Muertos Celebrations, foodie events, free activities, and much more. Check out our list of the top New Jersey events from October 26 – 31, 2023.
Always check the weather and the event links before you attend in case of cancellations and rescheduling.
For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
New Jersey Events Halloween Weekend 2023:
Featured Event!
Boo at the Boardwalk
October 28 & 29, 12 pm – 4 pm
There will be crafts, face painting, beach maze, underwater pumpkin carving, limited kiddie rides & more!
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ
For a full list of Halloween Events, be sure to check out New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide.
Dia De Lost Muertos: Day of the Dead Celebration 2023
October 26, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Dia De Lost Muertos: Day of the Dead Celebration returns to Downtown Washington on Thursday October 26th, 2023, from 5:30pm-8:30pm! Celebrate with a traditional Mariachi Band, free sugar skull face painting, artisan and local vendors, sending a message to your deceased loved ones in the fire pit and more! Free parking, rain or shine.
Veteran’s Park, Downtown Washington Borough, NJ
Cost: Free
Ocean City Halloween Parade
October 26, 7:15 pm
This Ocean City nighttime tradition remains one of longest-running Halloween parades in the tri-state area. The parade will march along Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets.
Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street, Ocean City, NJ
Cost: Free
All Barracks Eve at the Old Barracks Museum
October 27, 5 pm
On Friday, October 27th, attendees can enjoy cider and donuts around a bonfire while listening to chilling tales told by historically outfitted storytellers. Festivities commence at 5 pm and will include living history demonstrations and kids’ activities. Spooky stories will commence at 6 pm. All proceeds from this event support the mission of preservation and education. The Old Barracks Museum, known as a touchstone for colonial and revolutionary history in New Jersey, strives to bring the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation efforts. Their goal is to help visitors appreciate New Jersey’s history, the diverse people who shaped it, and its enduring significance.
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ
Cost: $5 per person, children 5 and under are free.
Stangl Witch Walk and Moon Market
October 27, 5 pm – 10 pm
Stangl Road will be decorated on the theme of…..cemetery…this year! Join for open container, food vendors, DJ Lawless, the “traditional witches’ dance”, adult costume contest and so much more! This year they are hosting a new “Moon Market!” With approximately 25-30 vendors with all things Halloween, Witchy, Woo-woo, Wonderous and the beat goes on…
Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ
Cost: Free
Princeton’s Hometown Halloween Parade
October 27, 5:15 pm
Don your best costume for the Arts Council of Princeton’s Hometown Halloween Parade! Gather with your friends and neighbors on Palmer Square Green to enjoy a Halloween-themed performance by Jeff (of fan-favorite Storytime with Jeff!) before we depart promptly at 5:45pm. The festivities will continue at the YMCA with circus entertainment and free family fun!
Palmer Square Green, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Lambertville Halloween Film Festival
October 27 – 29
Welcome to the first annual Lambertville Halloween Film Festival! In addition to showcasing filmmakers and other talented artists, the goal of this year’s festival is to give you an unforgettable Halloween experience. This year’s festival spans 4 days of events, including a masquerade party, a selection of creepy thrillers and horror films, a demonstration of Hollywood monster makeup by SFX artist Bec Johnson, and a Ghost Tour. At the film festival, the best of the best will be awarded a Golden Pumpkin. As an audience member, you have the power to make sure your favorite receives the Audience Selection Award.
25 South Union St, Lambertville, NJ
Hillsborough Howl-O-Ween
October 28, 9 am
Pups are the stars of this Halloween parade at Ann Van Middlesworth Dog Park. Cheer on costumed dogs as they compete for prizes. Vendors round out the fun.
Ann Van Middlesworth Park. 17 Pleasant View Rd, Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: Free
Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest
October 28, 9 am
The annual Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest lets local dog owners show off their creative talents, celebrate their pets, and share a happy occasion with other dog owners. Bring the entire family to this fun event, and let your dog prove its star power. Registration starts at 9am; the parade steps off at 9:30am.
Brookdale Park Dog Park, Grove Street, Montclair, NJ
Cost: Free
Merchantville Zombie Run
October 28, 10 am
Race through historic Monsterviille wearing your favorite costume. Chip timing, text messaging within seconds of finishing and an HD finish line video! Shirt size and availability through Saturday, October 14th. Shirts for those registering after 10/16 will be on an as-available race day morning. Awards top overall male and female, age groups top 3 male and female, 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
10 East Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ
Cost: $25 – $30
Historic Smithville’s Monster Bash
October 28, 10 am – 6 pm
This Halloween event features the areas largest Zombie Walk. That’s not the undead walking the streets of Galloway Twp.. it’s Smithville’s annual Zombie Walk!, People from south Jersey and the surrounding areas find their way to Smithville either in full zombie gear or ready to be painted to look like a zombie (for a small fee)
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
1830s All Hallow’s Eve Celebration
October 28, 11 am – 4 pm
Step back in time and celebrate Halloween with our villagers as they would have in the 19th century! Learn about Halloween’s long rich history and the origin of the traditions we know of today! Participate in the “Allaire Scare Pumpkin Dare” – a carved pumpkin contest! Contestants need to have a pre-purchased ticket for All Hallow’s Eve and bring a carved pumpkin to the Event (Day Of) where it will be entered into a “scare” category and judged! Winner gets a trophy and a gift bag
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $10 Adults, $4 Children (age 4-12)
Boo & Brews
October 28, 11 am – 6 pm
This FANG-TASTIC festival is SCREAMIN’ with FUN!!, This event will be Featuring a beer garden with some of NJ’s BEST Craft Breweries serving beer by the glass, NJ food trucks to feed your MONSTER-like appetite, WICKED crafters and GHOSTLY tunes from Charlie Boucher. It’s sure to be a HAUNTINGLY amazing event! So gather your family and friends, bring a cozy blanket or lounge chair and make a day of it at BOO & BREWS, happening on October 28.
Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, NJ
Cost: $5 – $10
Randolph Halloween Food Truck and Treat Fest
October 28, 11 am – 6 pm
Food! Beer! Music! Fun! It’s a fun filled family day. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pop ups and blankets.
County College of Morris, Lot #1, 214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Movern Museum and Garden’s Harvest Festival
October 28, 12 pm – 3 pm
This festive program will feature ensembles and musicians performing music of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Early American eras. Experience historic music celebrating the autumn harvest with performances scheduled throughout the day. Attendees can visit Morven’s gardens to help harvest vegetables and take part in hands-on activities including “spooky season” crafts, and an instrument “Petting Zoo” with the Guild for Early Music. Dress in your Halloween costume to enter to win special prizes.
Movern Museum, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
HalloWheaton
October 28, 1 pm to 4pm
MFind out why this event has become a local family tradition! Trick-or-Treat in a Halloween costume throughout WheatonArts campus to meet & take photos with costumed characters played by talented Mystic Realms actors, and enjoy free family art activities. In the Glass Studio, watch as artists manipulate molten glass with unconventional tools, such as pumpkins & gourds! The Youth Scarecrow Contest, presented by Rutgers Master Gardeners of Cumberland County, will be on display in WheatonArts Discovery Garden. HalloWheaton takes place on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event is scare-free and family-friendly. Admission is FREE for the day, part of the “WheatonArts Family Days! Presented by PNC Arts Alive!” program. In case of inclement weather, trick or treating will be inside the Event Center. Learn more at wheatonarts.org.
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ
Cost: Free
Zombie Walk Montclair
October 28, 2 pm
The event kicks off at 2 pm where they’ll have make-up artists on hand to help give you a good gash, slash or some general damage to “zombify” you and get you ready for the walk around Montclair! At 4 pm, the zombies hit the streets! As a giant Zombie horde, you’ll walk around Montclair and spread the spooky spirit to patrons, businesses, looky-loos and casual walkers. The event concludes at East Side Mags where you’ll rock out with a rendition of the Monster Mash followed by a Zombie/Costume contest with prizes for: Best Baby Costume, Best Kids/Youth Costume, and Best Adult Costume.
491 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ
Cost: Free
Maple Shade Halloween Parade
October 28, 2:15 pm
Maple Shade Parade invites attendees to partake in an afternoon of scares and celebration. The event’s schedule includes a Costume Contest at Steinhauer Elementary at 1:15 PM, where participants are encouraged to unleash their creative spirits, with on-site registration for those eager to display their costume prowess. At 2:15 PM, the excitement reaches its peak as the Parade commences from Main Street at Columbia Bank and concluding at N. Lippincott.
Main St, Maple Shade, NJ
Cost: Free
6th Annual Howl-O-Ween
October 28, 3 pm
Join the 6th Annual Howl-O-Ween, at the Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., Highlands, NJ, 07732, Saturday, October 28th at 3pm! There will be a free costume contest for dogs and their humans, prizes for scariest, most original and funniest costumes. Discounted drinks for dog owners and Trivia Contests. Judging begins promptly at 4pm! Register online at https://highlandsnj.wufoo.com/forms/mkqbsn20pbj463/
Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
October 28, 5:30 pm
The annual family fun event! features Music, Magic, Balloon Twisting and more! Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated for Halloween. Children will come in costume and visit each car where families will provide treats from the trunks of their cars. There will be no judging of the children’s costumes, but prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated vehicles. Registration is free and forms are available at 900 Central Avenue in North Wildwood or at City Hall.
Olde NJ Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Storybook Land Trick or Treat Weekends
October 28 & 29
Dress up in your Halloween best and get ready to collect treats throughout the park. Littles will love hopping on the fun rides in their costumes and gathering goodies with special Trick or Treat bags (included with admission).
6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: Price of Admission
Clifton Halloween Parade & Harvest Fest
October 29, 11:30 am
Halloween Parade followed by costume judging and then the Harvest fest featuring rides, games, vendors and more!
Van Houten Ave. to Clifton City Hall Municipal Complex, 900 Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ
Cost: Free
The Bazaar Fall Festival
October 29, 12 pm – 5 pm
The annual Long Branch Fall Bazaar will take place at Whitechapel Projects, a beautiful arts, food and cultural venue in Long Branch, NJ. There is plenty of outdoor space to social distance and enjoy shopping from local vendors and makers, a kids costume parade, trick or treating, kids workshops, costume contest for pets and adults, and fun Fall and Halloween-themed activities for families, friends and all ages.
Whitechapel Projects, 15 Second Ave, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Witches Day Out
October 29, 12 pm – 5 pm
Enjoy some magical shopping and scary good deals. Enjoy shop treats and discounts for anyone wearing a witches hat. This year expect activities, specials, and lots of fun will be going on all day long including a scavenger hunt, raffles and parade.
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Free
Freehold Spooktacular Halloween Parade
October 29, 1 pm
Guests are encouraged to don their favorite costumes, participate in the costume contest, and join the parade, or simply enjoy the spectacle from the sidewalk as the procession winds through town. Exciting prizes await the winners of the costume contest.
Main St, Freehold, NJ
Cost: Free
Mays Landing 68th Annual Halloween Parade
October 30, 6:30 pm
On the 30th of October 2023, join or participate in the parade. Be among thousands entertained by the array of costumes, floats, and performances. The parade has something for everyone of all ages. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mays Landing-Egg Harbor City. The parade usually runs from 6:30 pm – 9 pm.
Main St, Mays Landing, NJ
Cost: Free
Turtle Back Zoo Howl-O-Ween
October 31, 4 pm
Come trick-or-treating at the Zoo. With candy stations throughout the grounds, everyone is sure to have a “sweet” time. What to Expect: Candy Stations for Trick or Treating, Stilt walkers, and shows. Come in your Halloween costume and bring your own reusable candy bag
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ
Cost: $5
Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade and Costume Contest
October 31, 4 pm
The Hoboken Parade features local live music, floats, lots of great costumes and so much more. Wear your Halloween best!
Washington Street. between 13th & 14th Street, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: Free
Annual Toms River Halloween Parade
October 31, 7 pm
Reported to be the 2nd largest Parade of its type in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records! It’s a parade with plenty of floats and decorative Halloween-themed attractions. Arrive early. It is recommended you arrive about 2 hours prior to the start of the parade. This allows time to get settled and comfortable so the parade can begin on time. In the past, people have put chairs out even earlier. The parade starts at 7:00 pm, from the Toms River Center located at Main Street and Route 37, proceeding South on Main Street, then east on Washington Street, and concludes at Hooper Avenue. Most trophies will be distributed at 101 Hooper Avenue, Ocean County Administration Building.
Toms River Center, Main Street and Route 37, Toms River, NJ
Cost: Free
