Halloween may be on a Tuesday this year, but Essex County is celebrating this upcoming weekend with a variety of fun local happenings. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with Sip ‘n’ Sing: Little Shop of Horrors at Vanguard Theatre, Beneficial Bats at Van Vleck House + Gardens, a Kids Donut Decorating Class with Montclair Bread Company at The MC Hotel, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, October 26th – October 29th, 2023.
Disclaimer: These events are included editorially as a community resource, and The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated. For the most up-to-date and accurate info including inclement weather cancellations, please contact the host directly.
The Local Girl Real Estate Listings
Live Now | BROWSE THE DIRECTORY
To make home hunting that much simpler, our parent brand The Local Girl has a Real Estate Listings Directory. The directory is an ever-growing, curated list of 70+ real estate properties throughout New Jersey and New York, from Montclair + Essex County to Hoboken and Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking for a new house, condo, rental, or you’re looking to list your property as a realtor or owner, we’re here to help you find your way home.
Click here to browse The Local Girl’s real estate listings directory and click here to learn more about how it works.
Halloween Movie Classics at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, October 28th + Sunday, October 29th | Various times
Guests can watch Halloween classic movies play on Montclair Brewery’s screen TV screen. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest at Various Locations
Saturday, October 28th | Various times
Dog owners can come out to celebrate their pets by dressing them up while bonding with other dog owners. This event will be held at different locations in Essex County. Learn more here.
Howlloween Spooktacular at The Verona Inn
Saturday, October 28th
Come in costume and compete for a $500 cash prize and bragging rights. This event will be held at 626 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona. Learn more here.
Fall-O-Ween in Verona
Saturday, October 28th | 11AM – 2PM
The Saturday before Halloween is when Verona celebrates the holiday. There will be fall-related activities such as pumpkin painting, costume parade, and goodie bags. This event will be held at 600 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona. Learn more here.
Trunk or Trick at Montclair Police Headquarters
Saturday, October 28th | 1PM
Children are welcome to join a free alternative to the traditional trick or treating. This event will be held at 647 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Zombie Walk 2023 at East Side Mags
Saturday, October 28th | 2PM
Enjoy a day of spooky fun, zombie walking, ghostly parties, and treats. This event will be held at 491 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Halloween Ghosts + Glamour at Envy Bar + Grille
Saturday, October 28th | 8PM
A Halloween celebration featuring a costume contest and grand prizes. This event will be held at 51-53 Newark Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Kids Donut Decorating Class with Montclair Bread Company at The MC Hotel
Sunday, October 29th | 10AM – 11AM
Kids are welcome to participate in a Halloween-themed donut decorating class with Montclair Bread Company. This event will be held at 690 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Spooky Spiotta at Spiotta Park
Sunday, October 29th | 11AM – 1PM
Join this annual Halloween event featuring a costume contest with prizes, interactive games, entertainment by Wanda the Witch, and other activities. This event will be held at 20-32 Village Plaza in South Orange. Learn more here.
Doggy Costume Contest at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, October 29th | 1PM – 5PM
Montclair Brewery will be hosting its Annual Doggy Costume Contest, looking to see which pooch out there has the most frighteningly adorable fit. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Halloween Glow Skate at Branch Brook Park
Sunday, October 28th | 5PM – 7PM
Enjoy an afternoon of skating with your family. This event will be held at 7th Avenue in Newark. Learn more here.
Trick or Treat at The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Tuesday, October 31st | 12PM – 7PM
Trick-or-treaters of all ages can receive non-candy prizes. This event will be held at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Winter Lantern Festival at American Dream Mall
Thursday, October 26th | Various times
Guests will be able to experience a traditional Chinese lantern festival. This event will be held at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford. Learn more here.
Tiny Gallery Exhibit at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Thursday, October 26th | Various times
Tiny Gallery is expanding to a second location in collaboration with Van Vleck. This event will be held at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Full Circle Exhibit at SOPAC
Thursday, October 26th | Various times
Ben Nile’s new exhibition in The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, showcases a mix of acrylic, ink, and more. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Fall Themed Wood Wick Candle Making Workshop with The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Thursday, October 26th | 6PM – 7:30PM
Learn how to make your own scented fall candles using soy wax and wood wicks. This event will be held virtually or in person at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Supper Club at Ryland Inn
Thursday, October 26th | 6:30PM
Join Executive Chef, Christopher Albrecht, and others for the launch of the Supper Club featuring a new menu. This event will be held at 115 Old Highway 28 in Whitehouse Station. Learn more here.
Apple Cider Bomb Making at The MC Hotel
Thursday, October 26th | 6:30PM – 8PM
Learn how to make your own apple cider bombs with The Eclectic Chic Boutique. This event will be held at 690 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Jazz Ensemble at Rock ‘n’ Joes
Thursday, October 26th | 7PM
This musical event will be held at 339 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell. Learn more here.
KBS Immortal Songs: Live Concert at Prudential Center
Thursday, October 26th | 7PM
A K-Pop live concert featuring performers like PSY and ATEEZ. This event will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Bob Woodward + Carl Bernstein at NJPAC
Thursday, October 26th | 7:30PM
A discussion featuring Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the Washington Post journalists who broke the Watergate news story. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Soundcheck Series at Jazz House Kids
Thursday, October 26th | 7:30PM – 10:30PM
This monthly jazz gig features a performance of some regional artists followed by a two-hour jam session where all musicians are welcome. This event will be held at 347 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ
Thursday, October 26th | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Pink Party in Bloomfield
Thursday, October 26th | 8PM – 10:30PM
Come dressed in pink, ready to mix and mingle with other young professionals, entrepreneurs, content creators, and more. This event will be held at 72 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
SVPA Fall Showcase at Montclair High School
Friday, October 27th + Saturday, October 28th | 7:30PM
Montclair High School students in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) will present its annual five-show showcase, “Put Another Dime! Hits from the Jukebox.” This event will be held at 141 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
2023 Montclair Film Festival at Various Locations
Ongoing until Sunday, October 29th | Various times
Celebrate ten days of independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, and work by emerging artists. This event will be held at various locations in Montclair and Newark. Learn more here.