45 Free Halloween Events in New Jersey

Goblins and ghouls and witches, oh my! From Friday, October 26,  to the Big Day itself, New Jersey has an array of free events like parades, pumpkin carvings, spooky storytimes, glowing gardens, trick-or-treating (at the mall), even a reenactment of Michael Jackson's Thriller!  Check out the FREE events below for a (pumpkin-)smashing good time! 

Friday, October 26
Halloween Storytime! (Princeton, NJ) The Princeton Barnes and Noble will host a story time and celebration for all things Halloween. This event begins at 11:30 a.m.

Gardens Aglow (Montclair, NJ) Free jack-o-lantern exhibit held at Montclair’s Presby Memorial Iris Gardens from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, October 27.

Thriller Night! (Voorhees, NJ) Thrill Night will feature a reenactment of Michael Jackson’s Thriller at the Voorhees Special Events Plaza, along with free screenings of Ghost Busters and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Halloween Parade with Trick or Treat Trunk & Movie (Sayreville, NJ) This event, for residents only, is a combination of a Halloween parade with Trick or Treat Trunk and a movie. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. 

Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade (Princeton, NJ) A 45 minute walk through Princeton Cemetery, followed by a parade at Palmer Square Green. Attendees are also are invited to the YMCA on Paul Robeson Place where the fun continues with trunk-or-treat, a spooky trail, carnival games and a bounce houses. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. 

After Hours Halloween Party (Egg Harbor Township) Held at the Egg Harbor Public Library, this event for 8-12 years old will spooky stories and fun activities. Advanced registration is required. The event will run 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Great Pumpkin Carve-out (Chester, NJ) Local artists will display their carved pumpkins will be illuminated and displayed on the grounds of the Spooky Pole Garden and the Spooky Barn. This event will be held both Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

4th Annual Halloween Happenings (Randolph, NJ) Held at the County College of Morris, this event includes trick-or-treating and spooky stories. Activities will take place 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 27
Nutley’s Spooktacular Celebration (Nutley, NJ) Families can enjoy a hayride, Halloween music, candy apples, and snack the Recreation Center. Free to Nutley residents, attendees are asked to donate non-perishable food items. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. 

Alloway Halloween Parade (Alloway, NJ) The 44th Annual Alloway Halloween Parade will hosts its family friendly celebration on Saturday, October 27. The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. Rain date October 28 at 6:00 p.m.

A Miller’s Halloween (Chester, NJ) At Cooper Gristmill, families can enjoy spooky storytelling, create corn husk dolls, and color pumpkins. Storytelling will be held at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Halloween Kids Movie (Brigantine) The Brigantine Public Library will host an afternoon movie screening of Monster House for the first 60 attendees. Event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Northfield Halloween Parade and Party (Northfield, NJ) Visit the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield for its Halloween parade and party. This event starts at 11:00 a.m.

Monster Mash Dance Party (Paramus, NJ) Free family fun at the Paramus Park Mall! Stop by from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to join the fun with Halloween activities, games, music and a children’s costume contest with prizes.

The Monsters’ Monster Storytime (Moorestown, NJ) Stop by the Moorestown Barnes & Noble  at 11:00 a.m. to enjoy a fun Halloween story, The Monsters' Monster, by Patrick McDonnell, author and illustrator.

Halloween Family Fun Day (Ridgewood, NJ) The Ridgewood YMCA is hosting a free family fun day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event is BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin).

Halloween ComicFest 2012 (Madison, NJ) Free candy and comic books for all ages! Wear your costume and you can be entered into a drawing for prizes. Free goody bags for first 50 visitors.  Open all day 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional free Halloween events include the following local parades: Downtown Summit Parade (3:00 p.m.), Franklin Borough Parade (1:00 p.m.), Lakehurst Parade (11:00 a.m.), Glen Rock Parade (9:00 a.m.), Dumont Parade & Party (3:15 p.m.) and Greenwich Township Parade (1:00 p.m.).

Sunday, October 28
Halloween Parade and HarvestFest (Clifton, NJ) The annual parade will be held on October 28, rain or shine. Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m., but pre-registration is required by 12:15 p.m. for those who wish to march!

Halloween Spooktacular (South Brunswick, NJ) South Brunswick Department of Parks and Recreation will host the 2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular from12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be a costume contest, bounces and various other Halloween activities.

Additional free Halloween events include the following local parades: Westfield Parade (3:00 p.m.), Absecon Halloween Parade (12;45 p.m.), Cranford Parade (1:00 p.m.), Phillipsburg Parade (3:00 p.m.), Brigantine Parade (12:30 p.m.), Bordentown Parade, (2:00 p.m.), Lambertville Parade (3:00 p.m.), Bloomsbury Parade (2:00 p.m.), Hampton Borough Parade (1:00 p.m.), Green Township Parade (3:00 p.m.), Linden Parade (2:00 p.m.) and Mullica Township Parade (1:00 p.m.).
 
Tuesday, October 30
Verona Recreation Pumpkin Carving Contest (Verona, NJ) Children, grades 5-8, are invited to participate in this pumpkin competition at the Verona Community Center. The event starts at 3:30 p.m.

Halloween Costume Party (Ridgefield Park, NJ) The Ridgefield Park Public Library will host a Halloween Costume Party from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registration is required for this event.

Bradley Beach Halloween Parade (Bradley Beach, NJ) This annual Halloween parade will start at 6:00 p.m. down Main Street in Bradley Beach.

Wednesday, October 31
Raritan Halloween Parade (Raritan, NJ) This annual parade, held in the Municipal Building parking lot, will also include costume content. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.

75th Halloween Parade (Toms River, NJ) Hosted by the Toms River Fire Company #1, this annual parade is one of the largest in the area. This year’s event starts at 7:00 p.m. Rain date is Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat at the Mall (Bridgewater, NJ) Bridgewater Commons will host a trick-or-treating event, while supplies last. This Halloween event starts at 3:00 p.m.

Annual Halloween Costume Parade (Mahwah, NJ) The annual Halloween Costume Parade, sponsored by the Recreation Committee, will be held rain or shine at 6:00 p.m. at Commodore Perry Field.