NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Halloween Events (Zombie Walks, Parades etc)
Get ready for spooky season, New Jersey: Part 2! Zombie walks, Halloween festivals, pet parades, trick-or-treating, and so much more! It’s time to embrace the Halloween spirit and explore all the thrilling events NJ has to offer this fall. Grab your costumes and candy bags—Halloween fun awaits!
For more events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
If you’d like to submit your event, click here.
For more New Jersey Events and Adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
*We know we’re probably missing something amazing, so please email newjerseyisntboring@gmail.com to add to this list.
Featured!!
Howl-O-Ween Family Fest
October 17, 12 pm – 5 pm
The event is Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing together animal lovers, families, and canine companions for a festive afternoon supporting senior dogs. Highlights include:
– K9 Costume Contest: A main highlight of the afternoon, allowing attending pets to show off their festive outfits. Registration takes place on-site and closes at 2:15 PM, right before resident sanctuary dogs and alumni are introduced to kick off the contest.
– Pie-Eating Contest: Dogs (and their human companions) can compete in speed-eating challenges divided into size categories (Small, Medium, Large/XL).
– Mini Swim Sessions: Hosted in partnership with 4Paws Adrift, dogs can take a splash in the sanctuary pool. Proof of rabies vaccination is required to participate.
Attendees can sample offerings from local food trucks—including Nomad Pizza, Relish the Dog, The Sandwich Shop Mobile, and Swal Family Creamery. Adults aged 21 and older can visit the designated Beer Garden to enjoy beer and wine selections. A vendor fair featuring dozens of local artisans, pet care specialists, and craft makers will offer custom goods, pet treats, and handmade gifts throughout the afternoon.
118 Route 526, Allentown, NJ
Cost: $10, kids under 10 are free
Lunar Faire: Halloweekend at Sussex Fairgrounds
Saturday, October 24 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822
Lunar Faire’s season-closing Halloweekend Faire is the ultimate Halloween event. This event features immersive witchy attractions, including group spellwork with the Lunar Queene, a potions lab, fire wire walking, and bubble magic by Meadow Perry. Attendees can also shop from offbeat craft vendors, sample local food, and experience Halloween-themed entertainment such as a levitating witch performance and “The MF Pumpkin of CHAOS.”
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Boos & Brews & Witches’ Market
October 2, 5 pm – 9 pm
The sixth annual Boos & Brews // Witches’ Market fundraiser takes place on Friday, October 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring food options from Red’s Rolling Restaurant, Dan’s Waffles, The Little Sicilian, The Pasta Truck, and Nifty Sips. Attendees can explore the Witches’ Market, which showcases witchy and occult-themed vendors, tarot readers, and local artisan creations. The event also highlights a costume contest starting with a parade across the main stage around 8:00 PM.
Rancocas Woods, 118 Creek Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
Cost: Free
Merchantville’s Harvest & Haunts Festival
October 3, 10 am – 4 pm
Kicking off the Monsterville season is the return of Merchantville’s Harvest & Haunts Festival on October 3 from 10am-4pm! A family-friendly celebration nestled in the heart of our beautiful Victorian downtown. You’ll be greeted local vendors offering handcrafted goods, unique treasures, and art. Check out downtown food and drink establishments for some seasonal delights. Children can enjoy a craft corner or enjoy classic spooky stories being told. Stop and Listen to music while enjoying a festive drink. Enter the Mr. and Mrs. Monsterville contest! And watch out for some surprise visitors as you enjoy the festivities.
E Chestnut Ave, Merchantville, NJ
Cost: Free
Asbury Park Zombie Walk
October 3, 11 am – 6 pm
The Asbury Park Zombie Walk is consistently one of the Garden State’s largest Halloween-season gatherings. Everyone is invited to join in for a day of thrills, chills and laughter throughout the community. Zombies of all ages participate in this family-friendly event. Best of all, the Zombie Walk is completely FREE!
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: Free
Witches Paddle for a Cause
October 10, 10 am
The witches and warlocks are coming back to Spring Lake! Registration is $35 per paddler, a portion of which will be paid to this year’s recipient – Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, which supports the facility designed to minimize the trauma child victims experience in a physically and psychologically safe environment.
1207 Third Ave, Spring Lake, NJ
Cost: $35 to participate. Free for spectators. Donations accepted!
Pink Witches Night Out
October 16
Pink Witches was started in 2012 after Meg Olenowski lost her mom to cancer. Over the last 12 years the Pink Witches committee has raised over $150,000 for local women going through cancer treatments. This annual celebration combines fun, community spirit, and a vital cause—supporting breast cancer awareness and research. The event is free to attend and welcomes individuals of all ages. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Witches Night Out will once again unite the Denville community in a vibrant display of solidarity with breast cancer survivors and those currently battling the disease. Participants are encouraged to don their best pink witch costumes, with prizes awarded for the most creative and eye-catching outfits. Attendees will enjoy a lively evening filled with entertainment, including: Live music and street performers, Shopping specials from local businesses, offering unique deals and products, Food and drink specials from participating restaurants, Raffles with exciting prizes from local merchants, Pink-themed giveaways, and activities for all.
Broadway, Denville, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend. Donations appreciated
Lunar Faire Night Market: Dark Carnival
October 16, 5 pm – 10 pm
Blending shopping, oddities, and moonlit entertainment, this spooky season-themed gathering features a variety of unique attractions, including a group spell ritual led by the Lunar Queene, a fire wire walker, a levitating witch, a drag show with Cookie Doe & Friends, and a tap-dancing medium. Attendees can explore local artisan vendors offering witchy items and potions, enjoy food trucks, and experience live variety acts and chaotic carnivalesque entertainment designed for an offbeat Friday night out.
Freehold Fairgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Rd, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $15 in advance, $25 day of
Smithville Costume Pet Parade
October 17, 1 pm
Paw Dazzle will host the Annual Costume Pet Parade starting at 1:00 pm. This is, by far, Historic Smithville’s cutest event. Spectators can watch 100+ pets show off their unique Halloween costumes! To enter your pet, you must be pre-registered by calling Paw Dazzle at 609-748-7110. Historic Smithville offers 60 Shops, 7 eateries, a carousel ride, a train ride, paddle boats and an arcade, on-site lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events!615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Free
The Witchery
October 17, 4 pm – 9 pm
A Mystical Night Where Folklore Meets Magick. Shop from 50+ vendors selling natural, holistic, or handmade goods. You’ll find handcrafted art, jewelry, decor, clothing, spell jars, crystals, leatherwork, candles, and more! Experienced practitioners will provide on-site services (many available to pre-book), including mediums, tarot and oracle readers, reiki masters, energy healers, hand-drawn temporary tattoos, a live artist, and more. The evening will have a full schedule of performers and lecturers.
Ayres Knuth Farm, 25 Cooper Rd, Denville, NJ
Cost: $10
Cranford Pumpkin Carve Out
October 17, 5 pm
Cranford’s Annual Pumpkin Carve-Out and Parade of Pumpkins returns to Hanson Park hosted by Jersey Central Art Studios with support from the Cranford Jaycees and Hanson Park Conservancy. This free, family-friendly tradition invites participants to drop off carved pumpkins between 9 AM and 2 PM, then return in the evening from 5 to 8:30 PM to stroll candlelit paths lined with pumpkins on display. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, scariest, and most original carvings in age groups 4–8, 9–16, and 17+, with pumpkins available for pickup after 9 PM.
38 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ
Cost: Free
Boo at the Refuge
October 17 & 18
A spooktacular Halloween weekend will feature a variety of festive activities, including trick-or-treating, crafts, games, animal encounters, and a costume parade and contest. Guests can meet animal ambassadors, while adult attendees age 21 and older can enjoy spooky Halloween cocktails and craft beer served at the event’s Wicked Whispers and Restless Spirits bar.
Popcorn Park 1 Humane Way Forked River, NJ
Cost: $25 – $35
Clinton Road Zombie Run
October 18, 9 am check in
Clinton Road, infamous for its eerie legends and haunted reputation, becomes the ultimate backdrop for a chilling challenge. Runners will test their speed, stamina, and courage as they race through shadowy woods, foggy stretches, and the unsettling silence of one of New Jersey’s most mysterious roads.
Race Distances
– Zombie Crawl: This walk/run is guaranteed to get you moving. Grab your missing limbs and hit the road for a brisk “tour” of Clinton Road. Come costumed and ready to show that the undead don’t stay dead. (This is a 1 mile FUN Run and will not be Timed. Costumes are encouraged. Participants running taking part in the 5k and 10k will be welcome to join in as well)
– 5k: A fast-paced sprint across NJ’s most haunted road, perfect for beginners or thrill-seekers.
– 10k: The full endurance test—only the bravest survive the whispers, shadows, and lurking zombies.
103 Paradise Road, Oak Ridge, NJ
Cost: $20 – $65
Downtown Cranford Little Ghouls Candy Stroll
October 21, 11 am – 1 pm
Celebrate the 2026 Scarecrow Stroll in Downtown Cranford by getting your ticket for the Little Ghouls Candy Stroll geared for ages 5 and under. With each ticket, you will get a tote that will include a map of participating businesses to get your Halloween candy from participating stores as well as a $5 Downtown Cranford gift card. Adults do not need a ticket to accompany their child on the stroll.
Eastman Clock Plaza Park, Cranford, NJ
Cost: $15
Witches Night Out
October 22, 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Tickets for Witches Night Out on October 22nd, sponsored by the Cranford Woman’s Club and Downtown Cranford, are now on sale! This will be a fun evening of gathering, shopping, and more!. Tickets are being sold in two tiers:
Broomstick Ticket: $20 includes special offers at retailers and restaurants, drink specials, a hat-decorating contest, two tickets for the tricky tray, and a scavenger hunt. It will also include a pass for the Witchful Walking Tour, which is new this year! It will include self-care items.
Cauldron Ticket: $40 includes special offers at retailers and restaurants, drink specials, a hat-decorating contest, five tickets for the tricky tray, and a scavenger hunt. It will also include a pass for the Witchful Walking Tour, which is new this year! It will include self-care items. Includes choice of one 10-minute appointment with a tarot reader.
Downtown Cranford, NJ
Cost: $20/$40
Allentown Witches Night Out
October 22, 6 pm – 9 pm
General admission tickets include a souvenir shopping bag, tickets for in-store raffles, refreshments at participating shops, and the chance to enter the grand prize basket after completing the event passport. VIP tickets offer an enhanced experience, including a personal session with a card reader, a souvenir shopping bag, tickets to participate in in-store raffles, refreshments at participating shops, and the opportunity to enter the grand prize basket upon completing the event passport. A limited number of VIP tickets are available, so early reservation is recommended.
Downtown Allentown, NJ
Cost: $20 – $40
Merchantville Zombie Run
October 24, 10 am
Race through historic Monsterviille wearing your favorite costume. Chip timing, text messaging within seconds of finishing and an HD finish line video!
10 East Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ
Cost: $25/$30
Historic Smithville’s Monster Bash
October 24, 10 am – 6 pm
This Halloween event features the areas largest Monster Bash. Vendors, live music, special guests, costume contest with a $100 CASH prize, and more!
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free to Register
Haunted Downtown
October 24, 11 am – 3 pm
Featuring roaming dinosaurs, the Jersey Devil, a costume parade, and a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future. This free event, organized by the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, is not a trick-or-treating event, but a family-friendly celebration with a festive and spooky atmospher
Downtown Metuchen, Metuchen, NJ
Cost: Free
Pumpkin Park & Trick or Treating
October 24, 11 am – 10 pm
Little Washington’s Third Annual Pumpkin Park! Free pumpkin carving for the whole family, trick or treating with downtown businesses, costume contests, and a witches dance.
44 E Washington Ave, Washington, NJ
Cost: Free
HalloWheaton
October 24, 12 pm – 4 pm
Find out why this event has become a local family tradition! Trick-or-Treat in your Halloween costume throughout the WheatonArts campus to meet & take photos with traditional costumed characters played by the talented Mystic Realms actors. Stop by our community partner booths for various activities & games, including Cumberland County Library, Department of Children and Families, Girl Scouts of South Jersey, Holly City Family Success Center of Millville, Ocean City Free Public Library, PRAC of Southern NJ, Seeds of Love Yoga Studio, and SERV.
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ
Cost: Free
Bewitched Keyport
October 24, 12 pm – 5 pm
“Bewitched” in Keyport is an annual Halloween-themed festival that features a variety of spooky and family-friendly activities, including a crafters market, food vendors, live music, children’s activities, and special events.
Keyport Mini Park, 55 West Front St, Keyport, NJ
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
October 24, 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. No one will judge 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
The Zombie Opera
October 24, 6 pm
A thrilling, immersive Halloween-themed outdoor operatic performance featuring live singers, an orchestra, and dancers.
Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free
LSC After Dark: Covens
October 24, 6 pm – 10 pm
A great party, delicious bites and drinks, and a twist of science! Liberty Science Center presents LSC After Dark, exclusively for guests 18 and up, every Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Each event features a fun theme with a menu to match, a dance floor, a live DJ, a full bar (for guests 21+) and planetarium and laser shows. And all of the museum’s exhibits are open, too! When you purchase LSC After Dark tickets, you help the nonprofit Liberty Science Center provide even more programs for our community and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $24
Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festival
October 24, 11 am – 6 pm
Grab your little ghosts and goblins, put on your best costumes, and join us for a fang-tastic family day filled with treats, eats, music and plenty of Halloween surprises! Come dressed to impress—or scare! Cash prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, so get creative and bring your Halloween A-game!
Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd, Sewell, NJ
Cost: $5
Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festival
October 24, 11 am – 6 pm
The festive holiday event combines a gourmet food truck festival with seasonal family activities, featuring a variety of food vendors, live music, craft vendors, and a beer and spirit garden. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes, and children can participate in “truck-or-treating” directly at the food trucks alongside bounce houses, face painting, and other seasonal entertainment.
Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $5
Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival
October 24 & 25, 11 am – 7 pm
Celebrate spooky season at the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival, a two-day family-friendly event across from Convention Hall. Featuring 20 gourmet food trucks, live bands, costume contests for all ages, a vendor shopping village, and an adult beverage garden, this festive fall gathering blends delicious eats with seasonal entertainment in one of New Jersey’s most iconic shore towns.
Bradley Park, 101 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $5, Childen under 10, free
Cranford Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade
October 25, 11 am
The parade will take place at Post Office Plaza starting at 11AM. The Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade is done in partnership with Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Cranford-Westfield and The Barker Lounge – Cranford. Register in advance
Post Office Plaza, Cranford, NJ
Spooky Spiotta
October 25, 11 am – 1 pm
A morning in Spiotta Park with free Halloween fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your Halloween best for our costume contest featuring prizes from local businesses, take on the Halloween obstacle course, enjoy face painting and fairy hair by SOMA Pop Party, visit trick-or-treat stations, and more. All activities are free and open to the community.
Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ
Cost: Free
1830s All Hallow’s Eve Celebration
October 25, 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, $5 Children (age 4-12)
Frenchtown Witches Dance & Zombie Crawl
October 25, 11:30 – 5 pm
Come enjoy all the Halloween Festivities in Frenchtown on Saturday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunbeam Lenape Park, Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ
Cost: Free
Witches Day Out
October 25, 12 pm – 5 pm
Enjoy magical shopping and scary-good deals. Enjoy shop treats and discounts for anyone wearing a witch’s hat. This year, expect activities, specials, and lots of fun all day long, including a scavenger hunt, raffles, and a parade.
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Free
Ocean City Halloween Parade
October 30, 7:15 pm
This long-standing Ocean City tradition features creative costumes, themed floats, marching bands, and plenty of Halloween spirit for the whole family. Bring a chair, wear your best costume, and enjoy one of the most festive nights of the fall season.
Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets, Ocean City, NJ
Cost: Free
Marketfair Halloween Spooktacular featuring Trick Or Treating
October 31, 12 pm – 2 pm
On Saturday, October 31st, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, a family-friendly Halloween celebration will take place throughout the mall, featuring a variety of festive activities, local vendors, and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy complimentary fall-themed photo opportunities, popcorn and cotton candy stations, face painting, and balloon twisters, as well as trick-or-treating at participating retail locations. The afternoon will also showcase live roving entertainment, including a themed stilt walker and character meet-and-greets with Cinderella and Spider-Man.
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Turtle Back Zoo’s Howl-O-Ween
October 31, 4 pm – 8 pm
Come trick-or-treating at the Zoo with Candy Stations throughout the grounds; everyone is sure to have a “sweet” time. Come in costumes and bring your own candy bag. Expect live entertainment, stilt walkers, and more.
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ
Cost: $5; $3 for current zoo members; free for Children Under 2 years old
Halloween on the Avenue
October 31
The event is Highland Park’s annual Jack-O-Lantern Contest & Halloween on the Ave, organized by Main Street Highland Park. Participants carve pumpkins and drop them off for display, and the public casts votes for their favorites. In addition to the contest, festivities include downtown trick-or-treating, free tote bags filled with treats and local business coupons, live music, a costume photo booth, and a screening of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Pumpkins remain on display for public voting, and winners receive small prizes like a Farmers Market tote bag and a Main Street HP coffee mug.
Main St, Highland Park, 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
