Halloween Happenings
Edited by Lydia Boubendir
Westfield
Addamsfest - throughout October
Did you know the creator of The Addams Family is a Westfield native? This festival - hosted every year - is dedicated to Charles Addams, including lots of activities like downtown window displays, haunted house contest, movies, and more.
Tamaques Haunted Trail - October 24 + 25
Located in Tamaques Park, this drive-through trail has a family-friendly option during the day and a haunted Trail of Terror at night. The family-friendly “Trick or Trail” will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, with reserved time slots. The “Trail of Terror” drive-through, recommended for ages 12 and older, will run Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 11:30 p.m.
Dudley’s Drive-In - October 23 + 30 - at the South Avenue train station lot
Showings of The Addams Family movie, Psycho, Hotel Transylvania, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Westfield Trick or Treating is ON, but follow these guidelines:
Summit
Summit Scream on the Green - October 23 - across from the Broad Street Train Station
Enjoy a free family-friendly dance party, bonfire, and outdoor showing of “The Addams Family”.
Summit PAL Halloween Parade - October 24, 3-5pm
Free, but registration required! The event will be held in the Summit Village Green, beginning 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a rain date of Oct. 25. Children and families can register to participate in 30-minute increments, each limited to 100 participants. Those registered receive a number when they arrive, which will be called when it’s their turn to take the stage and walk in front of the panel of judges.
Summit Trick or Treating is ON. Follow these guidelines:
https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/4939/SPD-Halloween-Guidance-2020-ENGLISH
The Summit Downtown Inc. has cancelled its downtown trick-or-treating event this year.
Madison
Pumpkin Painting in the Park - October 23, 4-5 pm - Summerhill Park
Ages 2-12, $25/child.
Halloween Craft Party - October 31, 10-11am - Summerhill Park
$35/child. Wear your Halloween costume, make Halloween-themed crafts, and go on a candy hunt in the park.
Madison Trick-or-Treating is ON. Follow these guidelines:
Florham Park
Trunk-or-Treat - October 24, 1-4 pm - Emmit Park Parking Lot
Free, registration required. Parking will be at the pool parking lot, and trunk-or-treaters will walk in a predetermined circle around the Rec Center parking lot so they will be able to see all the decorated trunks. At the end of the walk, each child will be given a pre-filled treat bag. Families will also have the opportunity to take pictures at a designated area by a professional photographer. The free pictures will be available to download. There will also be prizes for best decorated trunk.
Halloween Parade and Costume Contest - October 31, 10am-12pm - Imagine That!!! Museum
Enjoy a parade and costume contest, and play all day in your costume.
Chatham
Trick or Treating is ON. Follow these important guidelines:
Berkeley Heights
Trunk-or-Treat - October 24, 11:30 am - 100 Connell Drive Parking Lot
Sponsored by Berkeley Heights PBA #144. Come in costume and trick-or-treat trunk to trunk. Arrive at 11:30 to decorate, and then trunk or treating will start around 12 pm. Cars must park with at least one parking space between, trunk or treaters will all walk in the same direction. Sanitize hand after each trunk visit and wear COVID-appropriate masks.
Trick or Treating- Oct. 31, 3-8 pm
Trick or treating is ON. Follow these city guidelines: https://www.berkeleyheights.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=251
New Providence
Trick or Treating is ON - Hours are 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents are advised to place a table at the end of their driveway or walkway with treats placed in individual bags. There will be no door-to-door trick or treating this year. Trick or treaters are instructed have family members only in their group. All participants should wear a mask. Those who do not want to participate should turn off their lights. For more information follow these guidelines:
https://www.newprov.org/2020/10/np-halloween-trick-or-treating-guidelines/
Pumpkin Carving Contest
A pumpkin carving contest is also taking place this year. Anyone who wants to participate in the contest may drop off their pumpkins on Saturday, Oct. 31 between 5:30-6 pm. The judging of the pumpkins will take place virtually. The pumpkins will be displayed at the Centennial Park.
Short Hills / Millburn
The Millburn Fire Department has canceled its annual Fire Trick-or-Treat this year “in the hopes of keeping our community safe, healthy and socially distant”.
Hogwarts Sorting Hat Feast - October 25, 10 am-12 pm - Kings Cooking Studio
Ages 8-14, $60/child. Chef Diane Marino leads wizards in preparing Hogwarts Shepherd's Pie, Buckbeak's Favorite Chicken Legs, Professor Snape's Garlic Rolls, Sorting Hat Cupcakes. All food prepared in class will be packaged as "Make and Take" to enjoy at home!
Trick-or-Treating is ON but follow these important guidelines:
https://www.twp.millburn.nj.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=972
Other spooky events close by:
A Spooky Story: Hunt on the Farm - Fosterfields, Morris Township
October 30 + 31, times vary, $10/person
Explore Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in a new way with a fun, Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. See your favorite animals and see what’s growing in the gardens as you search for your scavenger hunt items. Complete all the activities to receive a prize.
Ghost Tour at Liberty Hall Museum - Union, NJ
October 30, 7pm, ages 10+, $14/child
A “spine-tingling" tour of Liberty Hall Museum, after hours! Museum staff will share their own paranormal experiences with you, and then you will go on a candlelit guided tour of the museum. Light refreshments will be served.
Halloween Spooktacular Livingston NJ
October 31, 11am-12:30pm, $35/child
Fun activities like a creepy-crawly obstacle course, spooky scavenger hunt, fall-tastic bucket decorating, and more! Kids will have full access to the indoor playground and collect prizes and candy.
*** Please note that, while most cities have their own guidelines, statewide guidelines for trick-or-treating can be found here: