Spooky season is officially upon us, and while things are looking a little different this year with restrictions in place due to the pandemic, there are still ways to celebrate Halloween to make it feel like the holiday we all know and love. From Halloween contests to kid-friendly virtual events, we’ve rounded up some of the best Halloween events going on locally this year. Keep reading for the full list of Halloween 2020 happenings in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond.
Hoboken Drive-In Movies Under the Stars
Mayor Bhalla announced that the City of Hoboken will be hosting a Halloween-based drive-in Movies Under the Stars on Thursday, October 29th, Friday, October 30th, and Saturday, October 31st. The times and movies to be shown will be announced in the near future. Get more information and tickets here.
Hoboken Virtual Costume Contest
Hoboken will also be hosting a virtual costume contest for children, where photos of costumes can be submitted electronically, with winning costumes to be announced on or around Halloween on the City of Hoboken Facebook page. For more information see here.
Beloween Costume Party at Belo Bar on October 31st
Nothing says Halloween more than a costume contest and delicious pre-fix menu on Halloween night. There will be two seatings at Belo Bar {6:30PM and 9:30PM} – and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the costume contest will receive Belo gift cards!
Cookie Decorating Party on October 30th
Something spooky and sweet for the kids {ages 5-10} this Halloween. Join Bambino Chef on Friday from 4PM – 5PM to decorate cookies and enjoy some sweet treats before the holiday. Seats are limited, so RSVP online.
Dueling Pianos – Halloween Edition on October 31st
The Dueling Pianos at House of Que are back with a special Halloween edition. On Saturday from 8PM – 10:30PM, there is a 6-person minimum and 8-person maximum at each table plus a $100 min food + beverage spend per person. To celebrate the holiday with good food, drink and music – email njones@houseofque.com to reserve a table.
“Haunting” at the Kolo Klub on October 31st
This Halloween, the Kolo Klub has been taken over by some unwanted guests. Starting at 7:00PM, join the Kolo Klub as it supports actors and local artists to pull off a Halloween night you won’t forget. Everything will remain socially-distant, and you can purchase tickets here.
Read More: Kid-Friendly, Socially Distanced Halloween Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City
HoBOOken Halloween 5K + Scary Scurry Kids Race {Between October 26th and November 2nd}
Give back this Halloween, as the HoBOOken Halloween 5K goes virtual for it’s10th anniversary. Run to end homelessness with the Hoboken Shelter is one of its biggest fundraising events of the year. Get more information and tickets here. And complete your run anytime between October 26th and November 2nd.
Howl-O-Ween Event for Liberty Humane Society
Join the Liberty Humane Society, Cornerstone Pets, and Hoboken Girl for a pet costume contest. Post a photo of your furry friend, tag @liberyhumanejc, and win tons of fun prizes! The deadline to enter is October 31st.
Halloween Dinner Hosted by Chef Tere Fox + Chef Edgar Soto
Join Chef Tere Fox and Chef Edgar Soto on Friday, October, 30th for a four-course Halloween dinner {100% plant-based meal}. In true spooky season fashion, there will be a costume contest with prizes, and both cocktails and mocktails will be served. The exact location in downtown Jersey City will be provided once a ticket is purchased.
Luna Jersey City Halloween Dinner on October 31st
If you’re looking for something safe and fun this Halloween, join Luna in Jersey City for a Halloween Dinner. With drink specials all night – there will also be some spooky glow in the dark cocktails! Reserve your table, and make sure to come prepared for the costume contest and giveaways.
The Spooky Season at Liberty Science Center from October 15th through November 1st
Spooky season is in full swing at the Liberty Science Center. And there is something for everyone this holiday, from the fan-favorite Spider Maze, a Halloween Laser Show, and more. This type of Halloween fun calls for costumes – so make sure to wear your festive and safe Halloween costume. To purchase tickets, and learn more about the event, head to their website.
“AddamsFest” Westfield all throughout October
The event returns to Westfield, NJ {home of Charles Addams}, and has been dubbed this year as “Alt AddamsFest,” “The festivities will be shaped by creative approaches to gatherings that provide a safe environment while maintaining the initial spirit of the celebration” the town stated. Read the full release here and buy your tickets here.
Free Halloween Drive-Thru at Stew’s now through October 31st
Stew Leonard’s in Paramus hosts its first drive-thru Halloween celebration. Cars follow a path through family-friendly Halloween-themed scenes featuring cutout characters and animatronics, located in the parking lot, and just steps from Stew’s pumpkin patch.
Hauntings, History, and Halloween for Kids on October 31st
The Montclair History Center is hosting a Halloween event where kids can learn the historical origins of Halloween. “Learn about its history from the Celtics all the way to the tradition of trick-or-treating, along with how people around the world celebrate” the website states. And of course, Halloween crafts will be involved. You must purchase your tickets in advance here.
See More: Spots for Locally-Made Halloween-Themed Sweets
D&R Greenway Land Trust Masquerade Parade 2020 on October 31st {Rain date: November 1st}
Set on attending a parade this Halloween? This safe parade in Hopewell, NJ boasts a contactless drive-through where “floats” are stationary and your decorated car parades through St. Michaels Farm Preserve. Get your tickets and more info here.
Trunk-or-Treat at West Orange Farmers Market on October 31st
From 11:00AM-2:00PM on Halloween, the West Orange Farmers Market is having a Trunk or Treat. It’s free for cars to enter the contest for the grand prize, and it’s free for the kids to come to collect candy. Cars will be spaced out appropriately, according to the website. Register to enter your vehicle here.
CLM Reveal: Sound Healing with Yoga/Pilates Flow
Not the biggest fan of ghosts and goblins? CLM Reveal: Sound Healing with Yoga/Pilates Flow might be for you. Starting off with a beautiful guided meditation from Alexandria Tava, accompanied by soundscape artist, Max Feinstein. Then followed by an energetic yoga/pilates flow led by fitness instructor Dana Chau for 45-minutes — while ending with Alexandria and Max surrounding sacred space with an electric ambient sound healing experience. Get your tickets here.
