ENTERTAINMENT

Things to do for Halloween in Central Jersey

Angela Wyatt
@AngelaWyatt8
  • Jack-O-Lantern Carving and Campfire from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at Valley Crest Farm & Preserve in Lebanon.
  • Spectrum for Living will host a 5K Spooky Sprint at 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at Johnson Park in Piscataway.
  • Ghosts of the Sourlands will be presented from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at Montgomery United Methodist Church.

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls will be out in full force to celebrate Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween.

But you don't have to wait until Oct. 31 to put on your  favorite Halloween costume. Holiday-related events are running through the end of the month.

To help you plan, we've compiled the following list of Central Jersey-based Halloween events for your family and friends to enjoy. More events will be included as they become available; look for the continuously updated list on MyCentralJersey.com.

To  have any upcoming Halloween events included, forward information to awyatt@mycentraljersey.com.

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Halloween safety tips

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Spring Run School (SRS) in Flemington will host its 3rd annual “Spring Run Ghoul” on Wednesday, October 21st from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The event is free and open to 7th to 12th grade special needs students from any school and SRS alumni. Shown here are two students and Brian Gary, SRS’s physical education teacher, enjoying last year’s party. To make a reservation, or for more information about Spring Run School, please contact Paul Semegran at 908-782-1480 x226 or psemegran@springrunschool.org.

Schaefer's Frightfest: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays, throughout October, 1051 Route 523, Whitehouse Road. Includes Hair-Raising Hayride through 200 acres of fright; a journey through a trail of terror, Mass-Acre Maize; and Carnival of Chaos. Admission covers all features. Visit www.schaefersfrightfest.com. On weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the farm is also open for pumpkin picking, tractor-drawn hayrides, farm animal visits and more. Visit www.schaeferfarms.com.

Halloween Fun at Liberty Village Premium Outlets: 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31.  Celebrate Halloween at Simon’s Liberty Village Premium Outlets as it hosts its annual Trick-or-Treat. The center will offer special holiday festivities including trick-or-treating for costumed children aged 12 and under. Trick-or-treating will begin promptly at 3 p.m., at the center’s main entrance next to Carter’s. Participating retailers will distribute goodies and treats to children, while supplies last.

Before trick-or-treating kicks off, Rogers Dance Studio will provide a holiday performance near Michael Kors. At 4 p.m., there will be additional children’s entertainment, including a magic show that will take place in the Courtyard near Coach.  Furthermore, Halloween themed balloons will be distributed; while supplies last. For more information about Halloween events or Liberty Village Premium Outlets, visit www.premiumoutlets.com/libertyvillage or facebook.com/LibertyVillagePremiumOutlets

Frenchtown

Zombies will be crawling around Frenchtown on Oct. 24. They will gather from 2 to 4 p.m. for makeup and events and then start crawling around town. Here's a scene from last year.

Halloween Paranormal Event at The National Hotel: The National Hotel will be the venue for Unknown Origins Radio paranormal show on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 8 to 10 p.m. Area residents are invited to participate and share paranormal experiences at The National Hotel as well as in Hunterdon County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Its weekly Thursday Open Mic Night (9 p.m. to closing) in its cellar tavern, The Rathskeller Pub, will also have a ghoulish theme.

Then, on Saturday, Oct. 31, The National Hotel will host its annual Halloween Celebration, featuring live music by an area favorite, Rainbow Fresh. The celebrations will begin at 4 pm and music will start after 8 pm, along with costume contests and prizes awarded throughout the night.

For more information, call 908-996-3200 or email marie@thenationalhotelnj.com.

Lambertville

Lebanon

Jack-O-Lantern Carving and Campfire: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30, Valley Crest Farm & Preserve, 14 Allerton Road. Valley Crest Farm & Preserve will be hosting a fun family program, “Jack-O-Lantern Carving and Campfire.” Children and their families will get to choose a Valley Crest pumpkin and carve it in a festively decorated room. Valley Crest supplies the carving tools and tracing materials and takes care of all the preparation and cleanup. Led by Jenna Tomiello, the farm’s naturalist, the pumpkin party then moves outside to the campfire ring where the personally designed jack-o-lanterns are illuminated! The kids will roast marshmallows as they listen to scary (and not-so-scary) stories in the firelight. This program fee is $5 per child and $10 per pumpkin. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.valleycrestfarmnj.org or email Jenna at education@valleycrestfarmnj.org or call 908-238-9696.

Whitehouse Station

Halloween party with ghost: The Ryland Inn is hosting their first ever Halloween party from 9:30 p,m. Oct. 31 to 1 a.m. Nov. 1 in honor of their resident ghost — we swear! She reportedly resides in the stairway and several staff members have felt her "catch them" as they tripped going down the stairs. Others have seen her in the Washington Room where she is thought of as a helping hand.

"It is a woman who is quite benign," says Thomas McAteer, general manager of The Ryland Inn. "This will be the first Halloween event at The Ryland and it is in her honor. We call her, 'The Lady of The Ryland.'”

The $20 entry gets you DJ, Dancing, Tapas and a Costume Contest with a prize of dinner for 2.

The Ryland Inn is at 111 Old Hwy 28. Call 908-534-4011 or visit www.rylandinnnj.com.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

East Brunswick

4-H Teens Turn Halloween Screams into Good Deeds: 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturday through October, except Oct. 31, 4-H Center 645 Cranbury Road. If you are looking for a good scare this Halloween season, the 4-H Teen Council in Middlesex County invites you to its Haunted House and Haunted Hayride fundraiser. There is a $5 admission fee for each activity or $8 for both activities. The proceeds fund 4-H’s next big event, Project GIFT, a charitable holiday shopping event that takes place in December. Proceeds from the Halloween events enable the 4-H teens to buy presents and supplies needed for Project GIFT. At this year’s event, 4-H will host 200 limited-resource families, who can choose from the presents and “shop” for gifts for their children at no cost. Along with the Haunted House and Hayride there will be less spooky activities for younger guests, such as pumpkin decorating and remote control car demonstrations. The 4-H Tiki Hut will also be open for snacks and Halloween treats. For directions to the Haunted House and the 4-H Center, visit www.co.middlesex.nj.us and use search word “4-H”.

Mall-wide Trick-or-Treating: noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 31, Brunswick Square Mall, 755 State Highway 18. Calling all junior superheroes, magical monsters, pint-sized pirates and picture-perfect princesses. Local children are invited to show-off their most creative, spookiest and spectacular costumes during Brunswick Square’s annual sweets stroll this Halloween. This event will offer free trick-or-treating and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Participating retailers will have a pumpkin sticker in their window. Free. For information, call 732-238-3600 or visit www.shopbrunswicksquare.com.

East Brunswick Ghost Walk: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Participants should meet at the pocket park at Kossman Street and Old Bridge Turnpike. From murders in 1727 to 1906, Civil War soldiers, ships captains, from men, women and children who have gone before, hear of ghostly happenings and perhaps experience one yourself. The fee is $8 (a portion of the proceeds goes to the local fire department). The event is conducted rain or shine; wheelchair and stroller friendly. Bring a flashlight. For information, visit http://www.njghostorg.com/
Sponsored by the NJ Ghost Organization.

Halloween Party: 7 p.m. Oct. 31, East Brunswick Elks Lodge, 21 Oakmont Ave. Enjoy food, fun and dancing. Help support Elks charities. Tickets are $15. 732-821-9527.

Edison

Halloween Cupcake Decorating Roadshow Attempts Guinness World Record: Oct. 31, Menlo Park Mall, Talmage Road. Fourth-generation baker Sandy Long, founder of International Dessert Group Inc., will present Gone Cupcaking!, a hands-on experience where people participate in a 70-minute cupcake decorating class that teaches the fundamentals of designing gourmet cupcakes. Designed to be family-oriented, participants can choose from four different sessions as the team of decorators will teach techniques for decorating Halloween-style cupcakes. The sessions will take place at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. in the Nordstrom Wing Lower Level.  Cost to participate in the event is $19 per person or $75 for a group of four.  Pre-registration is required. Tickets are available for purchase through http://www.gonecupcaking.com

Highland Park

Trick-or-Treat: 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Highland Park is the place to be on Halloween! Grab your free Main Street Highland Park trick-or-treat tote bag, and then at 2 p.m. visit all of our downtown businesses giving out treats to Highland Park's scariest ghosts and goblins. Listen to live music along the way, and then catch a free kids' movie in the Outdoor Movie Theater before heading out to the neighborhoods for house-to-house trick-or-treating at night!

Trick or Treating for Kids 3 to 6 p.m. Raritan Avenue businesses and at Highland Park's Friday Farmers Market.

Live Music from "Bruce Frankensteen & The Fun Ghouls!" Jersey Boy Dennis MC DoNoUgh! of the band JUNG WOMBATS! will be "out on the street" performing his imitable "Songs From The Far Side" in a special Halloween show in front of the Farmers Market and Main Street Highland Park offices at 212 Raritan Avenue: 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Free Outdoor Children's Movie (The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown) 5:30 p.m. in Highland Park Outdoor Movie Theater (in the lot next to the Main Street office at 212 Raritan Avenue).

Free Dance Performance:   6:30 p.m. from Lustig Dance Theatre's Luna Mexicana. This dance celebrates the Mexican holiday, El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with colorful costumes, vibrant music and festive dancing. Performance will be on Raritan Avenue at the intersection of North 4th.

Free Outdoor Scary Adult Movie (John Carpenter's Halloween) 7 p.m., Highland Park Outdoor Movie Theater (in the lot next to the Main Street office at 212 Raritan Avenue).

Iselin

Steppin’ Out Singles Saturday Night Halloween Dance: 8 p.m. Oct. 31, Woodbridge Hotel, 120 Wood Ave., Steppin' Out Singles Halloween Dance Party, Prizes for Best Costumes, Great DJ Music. No Jeans/Shorts/T-Shirts/Sneakers.  $15 Admission. For directions call 732-494-6200. For information call 24 Hour Hotline 973-343-6994 or visit www.steppinoutsingles.com; email: info@steppinoutsingles.com

Metuchen

The War of the Worlds: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Metuchen Public Library, 480 Middlesex Ave. Raconteur Radio will present a staged radio production of Orson Welles's 1938 broadcast of the "War of the Worlds." The original radio play, a Halloween hoax featuring a series of news bulletins about a Martian invasion in Grovers Mill, sent much of the Northeast into a panic when listeners tuned in mid-show and believed the story was describing actual, live events. The radio play at the library includes costumes, lighting and sound effects. This is a free family event; all ages are welcome. Seating begins at 7:15 p.m. The radio play is sponsored by the Friends of the Metuchen Library. After the show, there will be a Q & A with the audience and refreshments will be served. Questions? Write KLiss@Lmxac.org.

Monroe

A series of Halloween events are planned at Monroe Library, 4 Municipal Plaza. For more information or to register for any of the events, call Youth Services at 732-521-5000 or visit www.monroetwplibrary.org:

Halloween Crafters: 3 to 8 p.m., Oct. 26 and Oct. 29. All ages welcome. Stop by the Youth Services Department and make a craft.

M is for Monster: 11 a.m., Oct. 26. For ages 3-5. Halloween science for preschoolers.

Happy Haunted Halloween: 7 p.m., Oct. 26. For ages 6-8. Stories, games, a craft and lots of fun. Registration required.

Halloween Parade and Shadow Show: 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., Oct. 29. All ages welcome. Come in costume and trick-or-treat around the Library. No registration required.

Pumpkin Carving + LED Lights:  5 p.m., Oct. 29. For ages 9 and up. Carve your own pumpkin and then light it up with LED lights instead of candles.

Halloween Parade and Costume Contest: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31, Monroe Township Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road. Register for costume contest at 10:30 a.m. Judging begins at 10:45 a.m.; Halloween Parade begins at 11 a.m. You must register to enter costume competition. Held rain or shine. Trophy presentation and refreshments served after the parade. 732-723-5000.

New Brunswick

Hallowe'en Spooktakular: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Christ Church New Brunswick, 5 Paterson St. F. W. Murnau's 1922 silent-film masterpiece of horror, "Nosferatu," will be presented. Doctor Horribilis* accompanies on the Richard-Fowkes pipe organ. ( *also known as John Sheridan, director of music and organist at Christ Church). All proceeds support on-going programs at Christ Church. Admission is $10; $1 for children age 12 and younger. For information, call 732-545-6262 or email music@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.

North Brunswick

Halloween Track or Treat: registration opens at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31, North Brunswick Township High School Track, 86 Raider Road. Run/walk a path and get free candy. $5 entrance fee, $3 if you bring 2 non-perishable food items. Enjoy free candy, guest speaker and food. Money and food collected with benefit Community Food Bank of New Jersey. For information email Julian Maceren at itg11.maceren@gmail.com.

Old Bridge

Ghost Hunting session and movies: 7 p.m. Oct. 29. This event at the library will be hosted by L’Aura, from the NJ Ghost Hunting Society, the largest paranormal investigation organization in NJ and NY City. The lecture will highlight haunted locations in New Jersey and New York City. During October, the Library’s Friday night film series will feature frightful films at 6:30 p.m, beginning with Poltergeist (PG) on Oct. 9; Insidious (PG-13) on Oct. 16; Ghostbusters (PG) on Oct. 23 and Psycho (R) on Oct. 30.  In addition, the Library will screen the classic “House on Haunted Hill” at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Perth Amboy

Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween Costume Contest: 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31, Community Center at 56 Brighton Ave., Perth Amboy. For ages 5 to 11 and adults. Includes ghostly music and bouncy houses, dj and games and goodie bags; costume contest with four categories (prettiest, scariest, funniest and adult), starts at 3 p.m. Call the Perth Amboy Department of Recreation at 732-826-1690, ext. 4036.

Ghost Tours: 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31, Proprietary House, 149 Kearny Ave. Ghost tours will be led by renowned psychic, Jane Doherty. Tours will be offered every hour on the hour.  You will learn about some of the ghostly happenings at the house and may even experience one yourself. Doherty will also explain how to get in touch with your own psychic abilities.  For information call 732-826-5527 or info@ theproprietaryhouse.org.

Storytelling Sessions 
Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway

Piscataway

East Jersey Old Town Village at 1050 River Road. The Middlesex County Office of Cultural and Heritage invites everyone to experience this year’s fun and slightly spooky Halloween themed programs. These free programs will take place at the Indian Queen Tavern. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. The different sessions are:

5K Run & Walk:  9 a.m. Oct. 31. Spectrum for Living will host a 5K Spooky Sprint at Johnson Park. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in Grove 4. The race will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the Walk. Since this event is taking place on Halloween morning, participants of all ages are encouraged to run, walk or stroll and roll in their costumes. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:  1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-place runners for men, women and children under 15; Top Fundraising Team; and Best Costumes. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/spooky5k.

Proceeds from this event largely impact the quality of services Spectrum for Living is able to provide to adults with developmental disabilities throughout New Jersey. All questions can be directed to the Development Team at 201-358-8000.

Sayreville

Annual Halloween Trick or Trunk Parade: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29. The Sayreville Recreation Department will host its annual Halloween Trick or Trunk Parade at the Borough of Sayreville Football Field on Dolan Avenue. All are welcome. Prizes to be awarded for Best Costume per age group; Kids are invited to trick or treat on the track. In an effort to collect food for the Sayreville Food Bank we are asking all participants bring two current non-perishable food items to the Trick or Trunk as an entry fee.

Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare & Adoption Center Holds Halloween Event: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31, Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare & Adoption Center, 989 Main St. To celebrate Halloween and help find forever homes for homeless animals, Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare & Adoption Center is holding a Halloween Holiday event, featuring music, refreshments, and a raffle for two LED TVs and a Kindle Fire HD6. More importantly, there will be all manner of dogs, cats and kittens to see, play with and adopt as your very own. For information visit Visit us at www.sammyshope.org.

South Amboy

Celebrity Storytime: 3:45 p.m. Oct. 26. Drop in the Dowdell Library of South Amboy for Mickey Gross’ fun Celebrity Storytime and the spooky Halloween party. Come in costume.  There will be refreshments and prizes. The library is adjacent to the South Amboy High School on O’Leary Boulevard. Contact the library at 732-721-6060 or comments@dowdell.org.

Woodbridge

Halloween Hay Ride and Family Fun Festival: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Parker Press, 400 Rahway Ave. Enjoy an old-fashiond hay ride but beware of the ghosts and goblins along the way.

For information on events in Woodbridge Township and weather updates, call 732-602-6045.

Beetlejuice: 2 p.m. Oct. 30, Woodbridge Main Library, 1 George Frederick Plaza. A special Halloween treat, free screening of the cult classic Beetlejuice. For information call 732-634-4450, ext. 7128 (VOICE) or vist http://www.woodbridgelibrary.org.

Woodbridge High School “Haunted House”: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, n the old “haunted” building at 1500 Rahway Ave. (across from the prison). Experience your worst “fears, phobias and superstitions” at the “Haunted House.” A “Happy Haunted House” (with lights on) for youngsters is open from 7 to 8 .m. The real scary “Haunted House” is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for children under 12 years of age; proceeds benefit the Woodbridge High School Chorus.

Note: The Woodbridge Police Department will enforce a special Halloween curfew on  Friday Oct. 30 (Mischief Night) and Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween night).  The curfew is in place from 7 p.m. to sunrise on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, and applies to everyone under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult). Police will issue a warning and instructions to return home to first-time violators; second offense violators will be taken into custody and held until picked up by a parent or guardian.

MORRIS COUNTY

Suzanne Jones with pumpkin at Stony Hill Farms in Chester

A Miller’s Halloween: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Cooper Gristmill, 66 Route 24. Visit Cooper Gristmill for an afternoon of free Halloween festivities. Create corn husk dolls and play old-time games. Come in costume and tour the Gristmill; look for surprises around every corner. A special spooky storytelling is at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 908-879-5463.

Morristown

Many Dreadful Tales: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30. Historic Speedwell: Enter the Vail House to hear haunted tales old and new in a particularly atmospheric setting. A costumed interpreter regales you with horror stories from the Victorian period while, across the hall, your ears are filled with reports of modern day insistences of things going ‘bump’ in the night at museums all over the country.For information, call 973.285.6550.

Historic Haunting: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. A scary and fun afternoon awaits at Historic Speedwell in Morristown. Listen to terrifying ghost stories and participate in a variety of Halloween fun and games. For information, call 973-285-6550.

Historic Halloween Happenings: 1 p.m. Oct. 31, Forsterfields, 73 Kahdena Road. Play special Halloween games, decorate cookies, and try on old-fashion costumes. At 3:30 p.m. take a guided walk to discover the many pumpkins hiding in the nearby woods. Top off the afternoon with horse-drawn wagon ride led by Calvin and Hobbs, the Belgium Draft Horses. For information, call 973-326-7645.

SOMERSET COUNTY

Bernards

Frankenstein’s Fate: 8 p.m. Oct. 29-30. The Lord Stirling Theater Company will perform the 1823 gothic horror classic "Frankenstein’s Fate" in the English Barn Theater at the Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road. A special Halloween matinee will be at 2 p.m. Oct.  31. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $10 for Farmstead members, seniors and children under 12. To purchase tickets in advance, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/frankensteins-fate-tickets-18340676457?ref=ebtnebtckt or www.farmsteadartscenter.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Branchburg

Halloween Shows at RVCC Planetarium: Raritan Valley Community College, Lamington Road. Spooky Skies will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3 and 7 p.m. Fright Light (family friendly), will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Fright Light, PG-13 (recommended for ages 13 and older) will be shows on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. The Skies over Hogwarts will be presented on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 and 8 p.m. Call 908-526-1200, ext. 8328, or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg is offering a variety of Halloween-themed shows starting Oct. 24.

Far Hills

Halloween Spooktacular: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 31, Far Hills Country Day School, 697 US-202. The event includes campus hayrides, a fall and Halloween themed sing-along with Far Hills Conservatory Director, Amy Burns, and pumpkin decorating. Donuts and cider will be served. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in various locations throughout the school campus. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume to celebrate Halloween. In addition, science teacher, Alex Marcoulides, will be conducting a “Monster Phase Change,” where children will get the opportunity to explore how energy and matter collide in a creepy exploration of matter shape shifting. Smoke, light, and ooze will fascinate their senses as they dive deep into the world of electrons and chemical changes. Call 908-766-0622, Ext. 455 or visit www.fhcds.org.

Franklin

Halloween Dance Party: 6:45 p.m. Hustle Dance Instruction, Oct. 31,  Soho Lounge at LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 60 Cottontail Lane. Dance party 8 p.m. to midnight. Live Entertainment by Black Rose.  $18 admission. Mix, Mingle and Dance.  Singles and Couples, all are welcome; expected median age 55. Sponsored by Professional and Business Social Network. Information 610-348-5544 or www.PBSNinfo.com. Costume optional or sharp casual attire. Membership is not required.

Hillsborough

Scare Farm at Norz Hill Farm: Friday and Saturdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m.. through Oct. 31 and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 25, Norz Hill Farm, 116 South Branch Road. The farm offers a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including a haunted hay ride, "Slay Ride," two walking trails, "Paranoia" and "Creepy Hollow." a corn maize and other activities. Any one attraction is $14, any two attractions are $24, and any three attractions are $30. No advance ticket sales (first-come, first-served and no refunds.) These attractions are not recommended for those under 13; children under 13 are not permitted without an adult. Visit www.scarefarm.com. The farm also offers tours, pumpkin picking and a corn maze. Visit http://norzhillfarm.com.

Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough offers a corn maze as part of its many family-friendly activities. The more adventuresome can also visit Norz Hill's Scare Farm.

Montgomery

Ghosts of the Sourlands: 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31, Montgomery United Methodist Church, 117 Sunset Road. Neshanic Garden Club, member of National Garden Clubs Inc., Central Atlantic Region, Garden Club of New Jersey, District IV, will present a Standard Flower Show, “Ghosts of the Sourlands”. The judged show will be open and free to the public. For further information regarding the Standard Flower Show contact Barbara Devitt at 908-782-6595. For information about Neshanic Garden Club’s upcoming programs contact Marion Nation at 908-359-6317.

North Plainfield

31st Annual New Jersey Creative Halloween Costume Contest and Parade: 10 30 a.m.Saturday, Oct. 31 – rain or shine, Fabricland, 855 Route 22 W., North Plainfield. The store will offer more than $1,000 in gift certificate prizes awarded to winners in every age group including infants to preschool, kindergarten to second grade, thirrd grade to eighth grade, high school, adults and a special family group category. In addition, everyone attending will receive an honorable mention ribbon and a ‘goodie bag” of candy and small toys.

In order to participate,contestants may enter with an original hand or machine-stitched costume, an exact pattern or any variations or combinations of patterns using fabrics and materials from any local fabric store in New Jersey. Ready-made costumes, however, are not eligible. There is no advance registration necessary – but to enter, contestants must arrive at Fabricland by 10:15 a.m. Oct. 31 to attach fabric receipts to the entry form. Visit www.fabricland.com to obtain an entry form or call 908-755-4700 for more information.

Somerville

Trick-or-Treating: 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30, downtown Somerville. Local businesses will be participating. Halloween Boo-Gie on Division Street. Featuring DJ dance party, passport adventure, photo booth, good bags and more. For information visit www.downtownsomerville.com.

Halloween Pub Crawl: 8:45 p.m. Oct. 31, downtown Somerville, Participating bars include Mannion's Pub & Restaurant, Tapastre and Verve Restaurant. There will be drink specials, Halloween themed cocktails and Midnight party.

“Pandemic: Condemned:” 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31, in the parking garage at 92 E. Main St., Somerville  The latest interactive theater endeavor of Interactive Outdoor Theatre Productions will force ticketholders to figure out how to outlast waves of zombie attacks to prove that their genes are fit to contribute to the diversity the Ministry of Reason maintains. Imagine “Night of the Living Dead” meets “1984.” Tickets are $65 for the two-hour adventure. Several important details also are available at https://iotheatre.com.

UNION COUNTY

Plainfield

The City of Plainfield is sponsoring its 2nd annual ‘Trunk or Treat’, for children ages 12 and under from 6 to 8 p.m Friday, Oct. 30. There will be a costume parade. Awards will be given at 6:30 p.m. for ‘Best Family Costume’ and ‘Best Trunk.’

The city is also sponsoring  ‘Doggy Howl’  at the Plainfield City Hall Parking lot from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Bring your furry friends in their finest costumes. There will be a parade and awards for best dressed duos (pet and pet owner).

For either event, residents can use Community Pass to register their automobiles to participate in ‘Trunk or Treat’ or ti take part in the Doggy Howl. You can find the link to Community Pass (https://register.communitypass.net/reg/index.cfm) on the city’s web site, PlainfieldNJ.gov. Those without Internet access, can still register and enroll at the Division of Parks and Recreation between the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at Recreation@Plainfieldnj.gov or 908-753-3097.

Rahway's Halloween Lineup: This year, Rahway is THE place to be on Halloween, Oct. 31! With a full day of events that cater to all ages and audiences, there is something happening for YOU in Rahway.

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the “Ugly Parlor”: make-up artists set up on Cherry Street for those who would like to have professionals work on their ghoulish appearances. Over a dozen make-up artists will be on scene until 4 p.m. for those coming later in the day. There will be fees for this service depending on the level of make-up desired.

At 11 a.m., Halloween-enthusiasts of all ages will be judged at the Train Station Plaza (Corner of E. Milton Ave. and Irving St.) for the City of Rahway’s annual Halloween Costume Contest. There will be 1st Place trophies in the following categories: up to age 3, 4 – 6, 7 – 10, 11 – 14, Family or Group, Senior Citizen and Adult Funniest, Scariest, and Most Original. Register for the costume contest in person at the Recreation Center or online at cityofrahway.com/Halloween. The registration deadline is 3 p.m. Oct. 30. Only those who have pre-registered will be judged.

Promptly at noon the massive Rahway Halloween Parade will start at the Train Station Plaza and head down Irving St. towards the Hamilton Stage parking lot. Led by the Rahway High School Marching Band, the parade will feature about a dozen floats, Halloween music and thousands of people of all ages marching, and onlookers cheering on their favorite costume-wearers. At the end of the parade route, Rahway’s annual Trunk-or-Treat awaits the trick-or-treaters.

Simultaneously at noon, the second annual Rahway Zombie and Vampire Apocalypse Scavenger Hunts will get underway. This hunt is an epic real life adventure game that is expected to have zombies and vampires wandering the City. Participants, dressed as zombies and vampires, will be given a story that leads to a series of clues. Clues are hidden in everyday places around the City and while the answers to some may be obvious, others may leave participants stumped and wandering around. Not for the faint hearted, this is a mentally challenging journey that can be completed entirely on foot and must be completed before sundown (5:54 p.m.). Not everyone who begins is expected to complete the challenge - 30% failed last year - but those who do will be entered to win one of three $150 gift cards. Visit cityofrahway.com/Halloween for more information and registration.

At 2 p.m. the Union County Performing Arts Center, a 1,400 seat theater, will be transformed into The Devil’s Theater - New Jersey’s newest and hottest haunted attraction! You are hereby warned that the professional actors have only one mission – to scare you beyond belief.

Throughout the day the New Jersey Mobile Hall of Fame will be on display and you can also visit the mobile Blood Drive to donate! Starve a Vampire, save a life! Schedule your appointment by calling 888-71-BLOOD or just stop by during the day. For the art enthusiasts, Arts Guild New Jersey presents Views From The Dark World, a special Halloween art exhibit open from 1 to 4 p.m. for free!

At 6 p.m. the City will host its first edition of Zombie vs. Vampires Walk! This is an attempt at determining what the most popular undead creature is. Participants will come dressed as either a zombie or a vampire and march through Rahway’s downtown.

At 6:45 p.m. all eyes will turn to the sky as we launch Fear Works! A Haunted Halloween display of fireworks from City Hall (Corner of Main St. and E. Milton Ave.) Fear Works will be followed by a dance party featuring live DJ music, lights and prizes for best zombies and vampires.

At 8 p.m. one of Rahway’s most popular resident theater companies – Fearless Productions – will be presenting Jekyll & Hyde the musical at the Hamilton Stage (360 Hamilton St.).

To wrap up the night, plenty of restaurants in Rahway’s downtown will be having Halloween parties and specials. Here are some examples (more to be announced).

  • Liberty Harley will have a Halloween Spooooktacular featuring famous voodoo chili and special discounts. (12 W. Milton Ave.)
  • Rocky’s Bar and Grill:  Zombie Ball (710 W Grand Ave.)
  • The Rail House Bar: 4 Bands performing and Drink Specials. (1449 Irving St.)
  • The Firehouse Pub: Halloween Party from the start of their evening service until close with costume contest at 9 p.m. (455 St. George Ave.)
  • The Waiting Room:  Halloween Party with the band Off the Wagon; costume contests and other activities will be ongoing through the night. (66 E Cherry St.)
  • Butch Kowal’s: Hearse will be on display for Halloween party; 2 bands will perform. (950 St Georges Ave.)
  • Meatballs and Brews: Costume Contest, Entertainment, Food and Drink Specials. (1482 Main St.)
  • Cubanu: Food and Drink specials (1467 Main St.)
  • Nancy’s Townhouse: Pizza and Beer Combo Specials; Drink and Shot Specials All Night. (1453 Main St.).

For information visit www.Cityofrahway.com/Halloween #RahwayIsHappening 

www.Cityofrahway.com www.Facebook.com/CityofRahwayNJ www.twitter.com/CityofRahway

Summit

Halloween and Holiday Items Sought by SAGE Resale Shop: 31B Chatham Road. SAGE Resale Shop is looking for Halloween costumes, adult and child sizes, as well as new items that someone else may be interested in giving as a holiday gift this year. If you have unwanted costumes or merchandise that you cannot use, preferably gently used or brand new with a tag still attached, please consider donating it to the store. Items for holiday giving should be brought in before Oct. 31.  The Resale Shop is planning a one-day sale to the public of those items prior to the holiday season. For more information, call 908-273-5564 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.

ELSEWHERE

Jackson

Fright Fest: Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari, 1 Six Flags Blvd. It's Thrills by Day, Fright by Night! Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS is in its 24th and biggest year at the world’s largest scream park. Fright Fest is open weekends through Nov. 1 plus Fridays in October. The event features family-friendly “thrills by day,” while an amped-up “fright by night” will deliver more scare zones, terror trails and haunted mazes plus nearly 200 zombies and Halloween-themed shows and attractions.

For more information visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/special-events/festival/fright-fest#sthash.oKqTZVma.dpuf.