These October traditions offer a fun way to get to know the towns on your list
Halloween in the New Jersey suburbs is so much bigger than trick-or-treating. Throughout October, downtowns, parks, community centers, and neighborhood streets are packed with costume parades, pumpkin festivals, spooky strolls, and plenty of reasons for families to get out and celebrate.
And if you’re already exploring the New Jersey ‘burbs, these popular events can be so much more than a fun fall outing. Town gatherings offer a chance to experience the annual traditions that bring communities together. From local businesses joining in the celebrations to families returning to favorite events year after year, Halloween offers a glimpse into the personality of a town and the kind of experiences that could become part of your family’s own traditions. Plus, before or after these events, it’s easy to continue exploring, whether it’s grabbing a bite at a local restaurant, checking out a nearby park, or snagging a spook-tacular treat downtown.
Here are some of the 2026 Halloween events in the New Jersey suburbs worth adding to your calendar:
Bloomfield
When: Saturday, October 17, 4:00 p.m.
Where: 84 Broad Street (on the historic green across from the Civic Center)
What: Bloomfield kicks off Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, bean bag toss, and a guess how much candy corn game. The festivities wrap up with a screening of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Bring a blanket and settle in for this Halloween classic.
When: Saturday, October 24
Where: Morse Avenue, near Narda’s Kitchen
What: Part race, part Halloween block party, the Boooo-mfield 5K welcomes runners, walkers, and families with strollers. Costumes are encouraged, and the morning includes a kids’ race at 9:00 a.m., a 5K walk/run at 9:15 a.m., and an AfterBOO Party at 10:00 a.m.
When: Saturday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Oakeside Cultural Center
What: Take a stroll through Bloomfield’s Haunted Pumpkin Patch, featuring creatively carved pumpkins submitted by local residents as part of a community contest. This free event is a fun way to see the town’s Halloween spirit on display.
Halloween Party at Bloomfield Farmers Market
When: Tuesday, October 27, 3:30 p.m.
Where: 90 Broad Street
What: The Bloomfield Farmers Market gets into the Halloween spirit with spooky games, treats, prizes, and a costume contest for kids and adults.
When: Throughout October
Where: Corner of Morse Avenue and Lenox Terrace
What: Halloween goes all out at Morse Avenue Manor, where a residential home becomes an elaborate haunted attraction filled with spooky scenes, creative props, and plenty of surprises. It’s a must-see for families who love Halloween decorations.
Chatham
Teeny Tiny Trail Tales & Trail Tales
When: Saturday, October 24, various times throughout the day and evening
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
What: Explore the Great Swamp’s decorated trails while costumed storytellers share nature-themed Halloween tales. Teeny Tiny Trail Tales offers a not-so-spooky guided adventure for little ones, while Trail Tales takes families on a haunted walk after dark. Costumes are encouraged and pre-registration is required.
When: Friday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Library of the Chathams
What: Little ones can show off their costumes during a Halloween parade around the library grounds, followed by a special visit from a Toy Story cowgirl and a princess.
Cranford
When: October 16 – 31
Where: Downtown Cranford
What: More than 100 scarecrows created by local residents, businesses, schools, and organizations line the streets of Downtown Cranford. Take a stroll to check out the creative displays and vote for your favorites in several categories.
When: Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m and 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m each day
Where: Downtown Cranford
What: Kids can trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses, using a special tote and map provided with their ticket. Each ticket also includes a $5 Downtown Cranford gift card, and select stops offer allergy-friendly treats. Advance tickets are required, and the event typically sells out.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m
Where: Downtown Cranford
What: Designed for kids ages 5 and under, this new Halloween event offers a trick-or-treating experience at participating businesses. Each ticket includes a tote, a map of participating stops, and a $5 Downtown Cranford gift card. Select locations also offer allergy-friendly treats. Advance tickets are required.
When: Sunday, October 25, 10:30 a.m. registration; 11:00 a.m. parade
Where: Post Office Plaza
What: Four-legged family members get their turn to celebrate Halloween at Cranford’s annual Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade. Dress up your pup and join fellow dog lovers for this festive downtown tradition. Registration is required.
Glen Rock
When: Saturday, October 24, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m
Where: The Annex
What: Kids ages 3-5 can get creative with pumpkin decorating at this festive Halloween activity. Advance registration is required.
When: Sunday, October 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Glen Rock
What: Glen Rock’s annual Halloween parade brings costumed families together for a morning of festive fun, followed by a community Trunk-or-Treat. Advance registration is required for participation.
Livingston
When: Friday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m
Where: Eastman Building Parking Lot
What: Livingston’s annual Trunk-or-Treat brings families together for an afternoon of Halloween fun, with trick-or-treating from decorated cars, a costume contest, family photo booth, and food trucks. There’s even a contest for the best-decorated trunk!
When: Friday, October 30 & Saturday October 31, 5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m
Where: Livingston Senior/Community Center
What: Livingston’s 16th annual Haunted Walk takes visitors through spooky woods filled with eerie surprises and ghostly encounters. The evening starts with a session for families with special needs individuals (5:00 p.m–5:45 p.m.), followed by a family-friendly walk for ages 7+ (5:45 p.m–7:00 p.m.) and a scarier experience for older kids and adults (7:00 p.m–8:30 p.m.). Admission is $5 per person, cash only.
Millburn / Short Hills
When: Friday, October 30, 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m
Where: Downtown Millburn
What: Downtown Millburn gets into the Halloween spirit with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, games, giveaways, and a live DJ. It’s a fun opportunity for families to celebrate while exploring the downtown shops and businesses.
Montclair
When: Friday, October 16, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m
Where: Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
What: See the gardens light up with artfully carved jack-o’-lanterns created by local high school students. The evening also includes entertainment, activities, a mad science show, and refreshments.
When: Saturday, October 24, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Montclair Police Headquarters (rear parking lot)
What: The Montclair Police Department hosts its 9th annual Trunk-or-Treat, inviting families to dress up and enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun. This community celebration is free to attend.
When: Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m; Sunday, October 25, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m
Where: Montclair Book Center
What: Montclair Book Center transforms into a haunted house for its fourth annual Halloween event, featuring a “Childhood Nightmares” theme with spooky characters and frightening rooms. Friday and Saturday are geared toward adults, while Sunday offers a special experience for preteens.
When: Saturday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Montclair Public Library Children’s Room
What: Celebrate Halloween at the library with spooky storytelling, themed crafts, STEM activities, a Halloween scavenger hunt, and plenty of sweet treats. The festivities include a special Dark, Dark Room storytelling experience, with stories every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
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Morristown
When: Saturday, October 24, 5:00 p.m–7:00 p.m.
Where: Vail Mansion Plaza
What: Bring a carved pumpkin to add to a glowing display around the reflecting pool at Vail Mansion Plaza. This free, family-friendly celebration also features Halloween storytelling, art workshops, music, dancing, and a luminary mask parade before the pumpkins are illuminated at sunset.
Where: Morristown Town Hall Front Lawn
When: Friday, October 30, 2:00 p.m.
What: Morristown Recreation hosts a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring an obstacle course, games, sweet treats, snacks, and a photo booth. Costumes are encouraged for this festive afternoon of fun.
When: Friday, October 30, 3:00 p.m–5:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Morristown
What: For nearly 30 years, Morristown businesses have welcomed costumed kids for an afternoon of downtown trick-or-treating. Families can visit participating shops to collect Halloween treats and enjoy this longstanding community tradition.
When: Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m–11:30 a.m.
Where: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
What: Visit the pumpkin patch at Fosterfields to pick your favorite pumpkin, then get creative decorating it with provided art supplies. Families can also visit the farm animals during this festive fall outing. Tickets are $10/child.
Princeton
Autism Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
When: Wednesday, October 28, 5:00 p.m–7:00 p.m.
Where: Children’s Specialized ABA
What: This free, sensory-friendly Trunk-or-Treat offers a welcoming environment for kids to practice trick-or-treating and enjoy Halloween treats and surprises. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
When: Saturday, October 31, 12:00 p.m–2:00 p.m.
Where: MarketFair
What: Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating throughout the mall, pumpkin decorating, face painting, crafts, and character meet-and-greets with Cinderella and Spider-Man. Families can also enjoy balloon artists, a stilt walker, sweet treats, and festive photo opportunities
Ridgewood
When: Daily through October 31, weekdays 4:00 p.m–9:00 p.m. and weekends 1:00 p.m–9:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: 124 Sheridan Terrace
What: Get ready for twists, turns, dead ends, and plenty of spooky surprises at this 1,000-square-foot backyard maze. Along the way, visitors will encounter hidden passages, creepy animatronics, and even live clowns after dark. Admission is free, and younger children who can’t read yet must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Fridays 6:30 p.m–9:00 p.m. and Saturdays 5:30 p.m–9:00 p.m. through October 31
Where: 294 West End Avenue
What: This Ridgewood home goes all out for Halloween with an outdoor zombie cemetery walkthrough, spooky skeleton displays, and festive light shows. Admission is free, making it a fun neighborhood stop for families who love the Halloween spirit.
Kid’s Community Halloween Party
When: Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m
Where: Ridgewood YMCA
What: The Ridgewood Y hosts a morning of Halloween fun for all ages, featuring a costume parade, sweet treats, storytime, music, games, and crafts. Costumes are encouraged, and advance registration is recommended.
Scotch Plains
When: Saturday, October 24, 3:00 p.m–5:00 p.m.
Where: East 2nd Street
What: Scotch Plains celebrates Halloween with a community Trunk-or-Treat, giving costumed kids a chance to collect candy from decorated vehicles. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the holiday, with local businesses and organizations helping bring the festivities to life.
SOMA (South Orange and Maplewood)
When: Sunday, October 25, 11:00 a.m–1:00 p.m.
Where: Spiotta Park
What: Spiotta Park transforms into a Halloween celebration with a costume contest, prizes from local businesses, trick-or-treat stations, an obstacle course, games, and activities. Costumes are encouraged, and all festivities are free and open to the community.
Maplewood Halloween Celebration
When: Friday, October 30, 3:00 p.m–5:00 p.m.
Where: Maplewood Village
What: Maplewood gets into the Halloween spirit with a festive celebration featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, and dance performances, bringing plenty of entertainment to the community.
Summit
When: Sunday, October 18, 6:00 p.m
Where: Village Green
What: Summit puts a spooky spin on its outdoor movie series with a screening of Halloweentown at dusk. Families can enjoy a Monster Mash dance party, bonfires, and s’mores before settling in for the movie. Bring a blanket or chairs for seating!
When: Saturday, October 24, 3:00 p.m–5:00 p.m.
Where: Parade begins at 25 Deforest Avenue and ends at Village Green
What: Summit’s annual Halloween parade kicks off at 3:00 p.m., with costumed families marching to Village Green for live music, entertainment, snacks, and a costume contest featuring categories like Scariest, Cutest, Most Original, and Best Group.
When: Friday, October 30, 2:30 p.m–4:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Summit
What: Costumed kids are invited to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses during this annual Halloween tradition. It’s a fun opportunity for families to explore Summit’s shops while collecting plenty of treats along the way.
Westfield
Cops & Goblins and Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 25, 12:00 p.m–2:00 p.m. (Cops & Goblins); 2:00 p.m. (parade)
Where: Mindowaskin Park
What: Westfield kicks off the afternoon with Cops & Goblins, featuring an Addams Family-themed police car, face painting, cookie decorating, food trucks, giveaways, and emergency vehicles on display. At 2:00 p.m., the Halloween Parade gets underway, led by Chase from PAW Patrol. Local tip: registration is required for the Halloween Parade, which is open to kids in preK through 5th grade.
When: Addams Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 18, 10:00 a.m–1:00 p.m.; The Addams Family movie screening on Friday, October 23, 7:30 p.m; and other must-see sights throughout October
Where: Various locations throughout Westfield
What: Westfield celebrates its hometown connection to Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, with a month of Halloween festivities. Highlights include Addams Family Fun Day on October 18, featuring character visits, pumpkin decorating, music, and family activities on Quimby Street, and an outdoor screening of the 1991 film The Addams Family at Foundation Park on October 23. Throughout the month, families can also explore lots of must-see sights, including Addams-inspired murals, decorated downtown storefronts, a floating Addams Family house on Mindowaskin Pond, the Be Witched Selfie Stop, and creatively decorated homes throughout Westfield competing in the Haunt Your House Contest. With Halloween surprises around every corner, Westfield is especially fun to explore this time of year.
West Orange
When: Friday, October 30, 5:00 p.m.
Where: O’Connor Park
What: West Orange celebrates Halloween with a costume contest for kids ages 5 and up, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, plus free popcorn! It’s a festive evening of fall fun for the whole family.
When: Saturday, October 31, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: West Orange Recreation Department
What: The West Orange Recreation Department hosts a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, inviting kids and families to celebrate with an afternoon of trick-or-treating.
When: Saturday, October 31, 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
What: Celebrate Halloween at the zoo with trick-or-treating stations throughout the grounds, stilt walkers, and plenty of sweet treats. Costumes are encouraged, and families with younger children can add a special Spooky Storytime experience featuring a Halloween-themed story, game, and craft. Advance tickets are required, starting at $5 per person ($3 for zoo members), with separate pricing for Spooky Storytime.
For more insights, visit Suburban Jungle’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
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