October is almost over — which means Halloween is here. From spooky costumes to trick-or-treating and lots of candy, North Jersey is a wonderful place to spend Halloween. We’ve rounded up lots of parties + events in the North Jersey area to help celebrate Halloween. Read on for a list of things to do for Halloween in Essex County + the North Jersey area 2022.
Halloween Events at Montclair Public Library | 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Ongoing
Enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed events for all ages, including fall drop-in crafts; spooky storytime; a fall movie series featuring horror and monster movies; a teen pumpkin painting party; an interactive study about The Twilight Zone; an adult class about the effects of music in horror movies, and more. Browse the full list of events here.
Haunt O’ Ween: Immersive Halloween Experience | 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Now through October 30th
This immersive Halloween experience was brought over from LA and is truly a one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration. From trick-or-treating to pumpkins, games, rides, face painting, food and drinks, and more, this is a fun family-friendly Halloween experience. Click here to learn more.
Read More: We Compiled A List of New Jersey-Inspired Halloween Costumes
Scarecrows in the Garden at Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
October 17th – 31st
An exhibit of handcrafted scarecrows created by scout troops, nonprofits, local businesses, families, classes, and individuals on display in the gardens. You can also cast your vote for the best scarecrow in each category. Learn more about this event here.
Pumpkin Sip + Paint at Casa de Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Friday, October 28th | 6PM, 9PM
Glam our your pumpkin at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Spooky SZN Cinema + Halloween Party + Costume Contest at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Saturday, October 29th
Enjoy beers, Halloween movies for all ages, dancing, a costume contest, and more at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Montclair Zombie Walk Hosted by East Side Mags | 491 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, October 29th | 3PM
Have a makeup artist “zombify” you, then take a stroll around Montclair. This event will be held at 491 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Halloween Dance Party + Costume Contest + Furbaby Costume Contest at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Saturday, October 29 + Sunday, October 30th
Enjoy two events at this local brewery on the days leading up to Halloween. The Furbaby Costume Contest will be held every hour on Sunday, October 30th from 2PM – 6PM — and every winner gets a free pint of beer. Learn more about both events here.
Falloween Festival at Verona Public Library | 17 Gould Street, Verona
Saturday, October 29th | 11AM – 2PM
Activities at this event include pumpkin painting, a petting zoo + pony rides, inflatables, tarot card readings, crafts, a costume parade, music, food trucks + food vendors, and more. Learn more about this festival here.
Trunk or Treat | 647 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, October 29th | 1PM
The Montclair Police Department and the Montclair Police Foundation are once again hosting the 5th annual Trunk or Treat event. The event is free, aimed at children, and everyone is encouraged to wear a costume. Learn more here.
Halloween Skate Jam | Montclair Skate Park
Saturday, October 29th | 10AM – 12PM and 2PM – 4PM
This day is split into 2 different sessions. From 10AM-12PM, there are family-friendly activities, contests, and lessons. The afternoon portion is an advanced skate contest. Learn more here.
Teen Night: Fright Night at Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
Saturday, October 29th | 4PM-7PM
Enjoy horror films and spooky tours for teens ages 13-18. Free entry and food are included, and costumes are welcome, but no Halloween masks are allowed. Learn more about this Halloween-themed teen night here.
Monster Bawl at South Orange Performing Arts Center | One SOPAC Way, South Orange
Saturday, October 29th | 7:30PM
This event is a 21+ Halloween costume party in the SOPAC Loft that includes live music by Emotional Rex, light refreshments + beverages, dancing, and more. Tickets are $30 and one complimentary drink is included. Learn more about Monster Bawl here.
Spooky Night Moves at the Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Saturday, October 29th | 6:15PM, 6:30PM, 6:45PM, 7PM
Come in spooky attire for a Halloween-inspired, guided trip through the zoo at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Halloween Party with New Power Soul at Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
Saturday, October 29th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
New Power Soul is one of the most sought-after live bands in the tri-state area, singing Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Learn more about this live music event here.
Doggy Costume Contest at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Sunday, October 30th | 2PM – 6PM
This pet costume contest will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Monday Scaries at Ride It Fitness | 50 Upper Montclair Plaza, Montclair
Monday, October 31st | 7PM – 7:45PM
This Halloween-themed ride will be held with Matthew. Learn more about this class here.
Trick or Treat at the BOO-tique Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Monday, October 31st | 12PM – 7PM
This boutique is handing out free non-candy prizes to trick-or-treaters of all ages — including teens and adults — who are in costume or no costume. Learn more about this event here.
Halloween Parade in Maplewood Village | Maplewood Village, Maplewood
Monday, October 31st | 2PM – 5:30PM
This Halloween parade is hosted by the SOMA Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about this event here.
See More: Festive Fall Cocktails to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City This Season
Safe Howl-O-Ween at Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Monday, October 31st | 4PM – 8PM
Come trick-or-treating at the zoo — where there will be candy stations throughout the grounds. Learn more about this trick-or-treating event here.
Halloween Drag Show Hosted by Out Montclair + Vanguard Theater Company | 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Second Floor, Montclair
Monday, October 31st | 6PM – 9PM
This Montclair Drag Halloween Show is hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam, and features fabulous and hilarious high-profile queens, as well as a costume parade, prizes, food, and drinks. Doors open at 6PM, and the show starts at 7PM. Learn more about this drag show here.
