As Halloween approaches and the autumn chill settles in, New Jersey comes alive with a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, theater, music, and cultural events designed to delight thrill-seekers, families, and arts enthusiasts alike. From Broadway-caliber productions to electrifying concerts and immersive experiences, the state offers a rich tapestry of activities this weekend for residents and visitors ready to make the most of the spooky season. For a full calendar of events and to plan your weekend adventure, check out Explore New Jersey’s Activities & Fun.

Starting on October 31, Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn opens its 2025-2026 season with the brand-new musical Bull Durham. This production promises a seamless mix of high-energy performances, engaging storytelling, and musical craftsmanship, setting the perfect stage for theater lovers looking for a captivating night out. At the same time, George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick presents An Old-Fashioned Family Murder, a suspenseful drama running through November 2 that immerses audiences in a tense, stormy night filled with unexpected twists and dark intrigue. The Broadway Theatre of Pitman continues its acclaimed run of Cats, inviting audiences to revel in the whimsical world of the Jellicle Ball, while Jersey City’s Margaret Williams Theatre brings Assassins to life, delivering a provocative musical exploration of history and morality that runs from October 25 through November 2.

Families seeking holiday-themed fun can head to the Prudential Center in Newark for Disney On Ice – Moana 2 & Classic Disney Favorites, a dazzling spectacle that combines beloved Disney stories with spectacular skating performances, perfect for children and adults alike. In Trenton, Passage Theatre and Mill Hill Playhouse offer the thought-provoking Dutchman and The Slave, a two-act presentation that reinterprets classic works with modern relevance, continuing its run through mid-November.

November 1 brings a wealth of live music options, beginning with the timeless charm of Mrs. Doubtfire at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, and continuing with The Billy Joel Songbook featuring Chris Pinnella at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. Fans of classic rock can revel in the tribute experience of The BSTREETBAND at Drew University, paying homage to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with precision and passion, while Great Balls of Fire!!! at a New Jersey venue brings the legendary rock ‘n’ roll of Jerry Lee Lewis to life with explosive performances that honor his iconic legacy. Michael Jackson fans will not want to miss Who’s Bad? The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience at Newton Theatre, a high-energy celebration of the King of Pop’s expansive catalog. Comedy enthusiasts can catch Anthony Rodia’s Laugh Till It Hurts Tour, blending sharp observations and quick wit for a night of genuine laughter.

The weekend continues on November 2 with a range of options including Cinema Classics & Broadway Favorites at Algonquin Arts Theatre, a heavy metal live experience with Trivium’s Ascend Above The Ashes Tour at Wellmont Theater in Montclair, and another chance to enjoy Mrs. Doubtfire at State Theatre New Jersey. Sports fans can catch the Giants vs. 49ers game, while music fans in Jersey City can experience Will Wood’s Halloween 2025 live at White Eagle Hall, a performance that promises to be as immersive as it is exhilarating. Meanwhile, Luna Stage in West Orange extends its run of Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, a theatrical journey blending historical intrigue with rich character storytelling.

New Jersey’s Halloween weekend offers something for every interest and age group. From theatrical premieres and family-friendly shows to high-energy concerts and live music tributes, the state’s cultural calendar is packed with events designed to entertain, inspire, and provide memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in dramatic performances, rock out to live music, or enjoy a festive family outing, New Jersey’s diverse lineup ensures that the Halloween spirit continues beyond October 31, making it a weekend to remember. For a complete guide to activities and to plan your weekend adventures, visit Explore New Jersey’s Activities & Fun.

There are many events and haunted attractions happening across New Jersey for Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025, and into the weekend. 

Halloween events near Cherry Hill

• “Scary Movie”: Halloween Skate Party @ The Rink: The 2nd Annual Halloween Skate Party is happening at The Rink in Edgewater Park, NJ, on October 31 starting at 10 p.m.. The event is a social event with a Scary Movie theme.
• South Jersey Halloween Bar Crawl (Philadelphia): Just across the river, Wicked Wolf in Philadelphia is hosting a bar crawl on October 31, with registration starting at 6 p.m..
• Haunted Ghost Walk on Main Street in Medford: The Center For Living in nearby Medford is offering a walking ghost tour of Historic Medford Village on November 7, 2025, though other tours may be available. You’ll tour haunted locations with experienced psychic mediums.
• Investigate White Hill Mansion with Dave Juliano (Fieldsboro): Explore the eerie White Hill Mansion in Fieldsboro, just 20 minutes from Cherry Hill, with Dave Juliano from The GhostHunter Store on November 1, 2025, at 7 p.m.. 

Haunted attractions

These top-rated haunted attractions will be open on Halloween night and into the weekend.

• Nightmare at Gravity Hill (Jackson): A walk-through terror-fest featuring animatronics and strobe lights. Open on October 31 and November 1.
• BloodShed Farms Haunted Drive-Thru (Columbus): A haunted drive-thru with themed scenes, actors, and hayrides. It is open October 31 and November 1.
• 13th Hour Haunted House (Wharton): A multi-story, mazelike haunted house with multiple attractions. It is open tonight, October 31.
• Brighton Asylum (Passaic): This haunted house is set in an industrial warehouse and features multiple attractions. It is open tonight, October 31.
• Halloween House Freehold: For a less-scary option, this themed attraction at the Freehold Raceway Mall is open on November 1 and 2, 2025. 

Statewide events

• The Rocky Horror HOBOKEN Show (Hoboken): A live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is happening at the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken on Halloween night, with two showings.
• Atlantic City Official Halloween Booze Cruise: Set sail on a Halloween-themed booze cruise from Atlantic City starting at 9:30 p.m. on October 31.
• Toms River Halloween Parade: The largest Halloween parade in New Jersey (and one of the biggest in the world) takes place in Downtown Toms River on Halloween night. You can view the parade from many spots along the route.
• (K) Halloween Parade and Not So Scary Stories (Voorhees): The Camden County Library in Voorhees has a Halloween parade and indoor trick-or-treating for children aged 2-5, starting at 10:30 a.m. on October 31.
• Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge (Paterson): A Halloween party featuring DJ Joe El Catador is happening in Paterson starting at 11:30 p.m. on October 31.
• The Barn Kitchen & Bar (Rockaway): A 90s alt-rock and grunge band, My Anxiety, will debut at The Barn in Rockaway on Halloween night.
• Grand Avenue Tavern (Hackettstown): This restaurant is holding a Halloween Bash with a $500 cash prize costume contest, starting at 10 p.m..
• Hearth & Tap (Montvale): A Halloween costume party featuring DJ Dennis Ciallela begins at 10 p.m. on October 31.

• Cherry Hill Trick-or-Treating: The designated hours for trick-or-treating in Cherry Hill are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween, October 31.
• Camden County Library System: Several libraries across Camden County may have additional family-friendly Halloween events. Check their website for local events.
• South Jersey Community Events: Many local towns, bars, and community centers throughout South Jersey may have small-scale Halloween parties or events. Check local listings for updates.
• Atlantic City Nightlife: Many of the casinos and clubs in Atlantic City will have their own Halloween parties and events throughout the night. Confirm details with each venue.

Major Parades and Community Events

• Toms River Halloween Parade (Toms River): The official parade takes place tonight in downtown Toms River. It’s one of the largest and most historic Halloween parades in the country.
• Hoboken Halloween Parade (Hoboken): The annual Ragamuffin Parade is a major event in Hoboken, featuring costumes, floats, and community participation.

Haunted Attractions

Most major haunted attractions are open tonight and through the weekend:

• Nightmare at Gravity Hill (Jackson): A multi-attraction haunted trail experience with intricate sets and special effects. Open tonight and tomorrow.
• 13th Hour Haunted House (Wharton): A highly-rated haunted house with multiple themed rooms and escape rooms.
• Brighton Asylum (Passaic): A very intense haunted attraction set in a warehouse environment, consistently ranked as one of NJ’s best.
• BloodShed Farms Haunted Drive-Thru (Columbus): Offers a haunted experience from the safety of your car with actors and special effects. Open tonight and tomorrow.
• The Haunted Scarehouse (Wharton): Features two floors of fear and an escape room.
• ScareFarm (Great Meadows): Offers a haunted hayride, a haunted barn, and a haunted walk-through maze.

Parties and Nightlife

• Atlantic City Official Halloween Booze Cruise (Atlantic City): A popular nightlife event with music, drinks, and costume contests, leaving from the Farley State Marina.
• The Rocky Horror HOBOKEN Show (Hoboken): The Mile Square Theatre is performing a live stage version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with two shows tonight.
• South Jersey Halloween Bar Crawl (Philadelphia/Across River): While technically in Philly, it’s easily accessible from South Jersey and involves multiple bars and costume contests.
• Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge (Paterson): Hosting a DJ party with Latin music and a lively atmosphere.
• Grand Avenue Tavern (Hackettstown): A Halloween Bash with a cash prize costume contest. 

Family-Friendly Activities

• Trick-or-Treating: Most New Jersey municipalities have official trick-or-treating hours, typically running from late afternoon into the evening (e.g., Cherry Hill is 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
• Camden County Library System: Various library branches have family-friendly events, parades, and indoor trick-or-treating for younger children.
• Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson): The theme park’s “Fright Fest” is in full swing tonight, with haunted mazes and thrilling night rides (less intense during the day for younger audiences). 

Here are top things to do and events happening throughout New Jersey for Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025, covering family-friendly activities, haunted attractions, and adult nightlife:

Major Parades and Community Events

• Toms River Halloween Parade (Toms River): One of the largest Halloween parades in the country, this iconic event attracts over 100,000 visitors. It takes place tonight at 7 p.m. in Downtown Toms River.
• Halloween in Hope (Hope Village, Warren County): A community-wide, family-friendly event starting at 5 p.m. with a parade assembly, followed by trick-or-treating throughout the village from 6–8 p.m., a party at the community center, and face painting.
• “Scary Movie”: Halloween Skate Party @ The Rink (Edgewater Park): A social and fun event with a Scary Movie theme, happening from 10 p.m. onwards at The Rink in Edgewater Park, which is close to Cherry Hill. 

Haunted Attractions (Open Tonight)

New Jersey is known for its intense haunted attractions, many of which are open for one of their final nights tonight.

Adult Nightlife & Parties

Many venues across the state are hosting parties with costume contests and drink specials.

• Atlantic City Official Halloween Booze Cruise (Atlantic City): Set sail on a “spooktacular” night of drinks, costumes, and music, starting at 9:30 p.m.
• Sin AC Halloween Party (Atlantic City): A large party at the Island Waterpark at Showboat featuring DJs and a costume contest.
• The Rocky Horror HOBOKEN Show (Hoboken): A live performance of the cult classic with two showings and a costume contest for the best-dressed character.
• PERREO GLOW Halloween: Terror Cirque Party (Plainfield): A 21+ Latin music and reggaeton party with a twisted circus atmosphere, glow-in-the-dark elements, and full bar service.
• Halloween Bash @ Grand Avenue Tavern (Hackettstown): Featuring a $500 cash prize for the costume contest and free parking. 

Family-Friendly Activities

• Local Trick-or-Treating: Most New Jersey towns have designated trick-or-treating hours, such as in Cherry Hill (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
• (K) Halloween Parade and Not So Scary Stories (Voorhees): The Camden County Library in Voorhees hosted this event for young children earlier today (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.).
• Demarest Farms Halloween Light Show (Hillsdale): This is the final night for the light show, a less scary, visual treat for all ages.