Looking for spook-tacular fun without spending a dime? All across New Jersey, towns and communities are hosting free family Halloween events filled with costumes, candy, games, and festive activities. From parades and pumpkin patches to haunted markets and trick-or-treat trails, these celebrations make it easy to enjoy the magic of the season without breaking the bank.

Scarecrow Festival – A Community Tradition
October 1–29, residents, organizations, and businesses in Hillsborough Township will decorate their buildings with festive scarecrows. Stroll through the streets during Halloween season to enjoy the creativity and community spirit on display. Hillsborough Township

Hamm-O-Ween – A Night of Art & Mischief
October 4, from 6:00–10:00pm, it’s time for a Halloween celebration. Enjoy a pop-up vendor market, a performance by Allegory Dance Theatre, mesmerizing acts from Mary Macabre and the Lady White Rat, plus an epic costume contest, freaky photo ops, games, and interactive art installations. Horton Street, Hammonton

Asbury Park Zombie Walk
October 4, Asbury Park kicks off the Halloween season with the 16th Annual Zombie Walk. This all-ages celebration brings brains to the Boardwalk and throughout the city for a fun and spooky start to Halloween! Asbury Park

Kids Craft Drop-In Days
October 5, from 2:30–3:30 pm, families are invited to enjoy hands-on craft stations inspired by history, art, and the season. Projects are easy, fun, and open to all ages, with all supplies provided. No registration needed—come anytime during the hour and take your creations home! Wicoff House Museum

Witches Paddle For A Cause
October 11, watch over 100 “witches and warlocks” paddleboarding Snap photos, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and see who has the best costume. Lake Drive-Spring Lake near Divine Park.

Gardens Aglow – A Night of Pumpkins & Glow!
October 17, 2025, from 6:00 pm–9:00 pm, enjoy the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully carved jack-o-lanterns created by local high school art departments. Sip cider at sunset while watching the gardens glow, and take part in activities, entertainment, a mad science show, and refreshments throughout the evening.  Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

Halloween Parade & Dance Party
October 17, 2025, Sea Isle City hosts a festive Halloween celebration. The parade begins at 7:00 pm from 45th to 40th Streets along Landis Avenue, with line-up starting at 6:30 pm. After the parade, join the Dance Party at Excursion Park from 7:00–9:00 pm for music, fun, and Halloween festivities. Excursion Park, Sea Isle City

Costume Pet Parade
October 18, Paw Dazzle hosts the Annual Costume Pet Parade at 1:00 pm, one of Historic Smithville’s cutest events. Watch 100+ pets show off their unique Halloween costumes! To enter your pet, pre-registration is required by calling 609-748-7110. Historic Smithville

Spookfest Market 2.0
October 18 from 4:00–8:00pm, enjoy a spooky, family-friendly community experience at Arbor Hose Co. #1 Fire Department (1780 West 7th Street, Piscataway). Spookfest Market 2.0 promises Halloween fun for all ages—it’s going to be a scream! Piscataway

Pumpkin Patch at Carnegie Diner & Cafe – Benefitting Secaucus High School
October 20th from 7:00am–11:00pm, Carnegie Diner & Cafe transforms its outdoor space into a festive fall pumpkin patch. Browse a photo-worthy display of pumpkins big and small, surrounded by hay bales and autumn décor. All pumpkin sales benefit Secaucus High School’s Class of 2025 Project Graduation, supporting safe, substance-free celebrations for local seniors.  700 Plaza Dr, Secaucus

Witches Night Out!
October 23, spooktacular times as this small town transforms into a bewitching evening filled with fun, laughter, and fabulous hats. Gather your friends, show off your most spectacular witchy attire, and enjoy a night of festive community spirit. Downtown Allentown

Monster Bash
October 25, spend the day and night in the Village enjoying vendors, music, and the area’s largest Zombie Walk! The walk begins at 6:00 pm—come in full costume and makeup, or take advantage of on-site makeup artists. Historic Smithville, Galloway

Halloween Parade & Spooktacular – Rahway
October 25 from 1:00–4:00pm, celebrate the season with Rahway’s biggest Halloween tradition. Kick things off with a festive parade departing from the Hamilton Stage parking lot at 360 Hamilton Street, marching down Irving Street to the Train Station Plaza. Then stick around for the Spooktacular—an afternoon of carnival-style games, face painting, stilt walkers, strolling characters, Halloween music, goody bags, and a costume contest with exciting prizes. Hamilton St, Rahway

Boo at the Zoo – Cape May County Park & Zoo
October 25 from 10:00am–2:00pm, come celebrate Halloween with family fun at Cape May County Park, Cape May Court House. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy kid-friendly activities including games, candy, live entertainment, a craft station, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship, animal presentations, and more. Costume contest starts at 11:00am (register between 10:00–10:45), with awards to follow. Free and open to the public.  Cape May County Park & Zoo

Villains’ Halloween Costume Party
October 26, the most mischievous villains take over as judges for the ultimate costume contest. Before the contest, enjoy trick-or-treating through the arcade and join in the Halloween fun! Casino Pier, Seaside Heights

Halloween in Downtown Jersey City – Family Bash
October 31 from 3:00–9:00pm, head to historic downtown Jersey City for a ghoulishly good time. Enjoy a festive afternoon and evening filled with games, a corn maze, face painting, pumpkins, a bouncy house, candy, and more Halloween fun for the whole family. Newark Ave Pedestrian Mall & Grove Street

Whether you’re strolling through a pumpkin patch, marching in a parade, or dancing to spooky tunes, New Jersey’s free Halloween events offer something for every ghost, goblin, and ghoul. Mark your calendars, gather your costumes, and get ready to make magical fall memories with the whole family—without spending a cent.

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