Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Spooktacular Events in Essex County, NJ: Your Guide to Halloween 2024

Spooktacular Events in Essex County, NJ: Your Guide to Halloween 2024
 

As the leaves turn and the air cools, Essex County, NJ, is gearing up for a hauntingly good Halloween season in 2024. Whether you’re a resident or considering a move to this vibrant area, there's no shortage of thrilling events, family-friendly activities, and ghostly gatherings to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening this Halloween in Essex County!

1. Cedar Grove’s Annual Pumpkin Fest

Kicking off the festivities is Cedar Grove’s beloved Pumpkin Fest, happening on October 19th at the Cedar Grove Community Center. This family-friendly event features pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, and a maze of pumpkins to explore. Kids can enjoy face painting and seasonal crafts, while adults can sample local treats from nearby vendors. Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring your best pumpkin for the contest!

2. West Orange's Haunted History Tours

For those interested in the darker side of history, the West Orange Haunted History Tours are a must. Running every weekend in October, these guided walking tours take you through the eeriest locations in town, where you’ll hear spine-chilling stories of the area’s haunted past. Tours start at 6 PM, and advanced tickets are recommended as they tend to sell out quickly.

3. Montclair’s Halloween Parade

Montclair will host its annual Halloween Parade on October 27th, featuring costumes of all kinds, from spooky to whimsical. The parade starts at 11 AM, winding through the downtown area. Expect live music, local vendors, and plenty of treats for the little ones. This year, there will also be a costume contest, so get creative with your outfits!

4. Maplewood Halloween Parade and Costume Contest

Maplewood is also getting in on the Halloween fun with its annual Halloween Parade. The parade includes a festive procession through the town. Children and families are encouraged to come dressed in their best costumes, as the contest following the parade offers prizes for various categories. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and enjoy the community spirit!

5. Verona Park’s “Fright Night”

On October 26th, Verona Park transforms into a Halloween wonderland for “Fright Night.” With spooky decorations, a haunted house, and themed activities, it’s perfect for those looking for a fun evening out. Families can enjoy movie screenings in the park, showcasing classic Halloween films. Bring your blankets and get ready for a frightfully good time under the stars!

6. Bloomfield’s Scarecrow Contest

Bloomfield is inviting residents to get creative with its Scarecrow Contest, which runs through October. Participants can place their scarecrows in their front yards, and a community vote will determine the winner. This event encourages neighborhood participation and is a great way to celebrate the fall season. Plus, it’s a fun reason to stroll through the charming streets of Bloomfield.

7. Millburn’s Halloween Celebration

Millburn will host a Halloween celebration on October 31st, featuring a community trick-or-treat event that runs from 4 PM to 7 PM. Local businesses will participate by handing out treats, creating a festive atmosphere for families. Additionally, there will be a family costume contest at Millburn Town Hall, where prizes will be awarded for the most creative and best group costumes.

8. South Orange’s Spooktacular Soiree

South Orange is set to hold its annual Spooktacular Soiree on October 30th, a night filled with games, music, and plenty of treats for kids and adults alike. The event takes place at the South Orange Performing Arts Center and includes face painting, a DJ, and a costume contest. Don’t miss the festive atmosphere and the chance to meet fellow community members!

9. The Great Pumpkin Carve in Nutley

Finally, Nutley will hold its Great Pumpkin Carve on October 20th, where talented carvers showcase their skills. This year’s event will include live music, food trucks, and activities for the kids, making it an ideal family outing. Watch as pumpkins come to life with intricate designs, and don’t miss the evening lighting ceremony that illuminates the carved masterpieces.

10. The Montclair Film Festival's Halloween Screening

For movie buffs, the Montclair Film Festival is hosting a special Halloween screening on October 31st. This year’s feature is a cult classic that’s sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. The event promises a festive atmosphere with themed refreshments and giveaways. Tickets can be purchased through the festival’s website, and it’s advisable to book early.

Why Essex County?

With its mix of suburban charm and vibrant community spirit, Essex County is an ideal place for families and individuals looking for a welcoming neighborhood. These Halloween events not only highlight the area's festive spirit but also the close-knit communities that make living here so special.

As you celebrate this spooky season, consider exploring Essex County’s real estate market. With a variety of homes available, you might just find the perfect place to call home—just in time for next Halloween!

Recent Blog Posts

Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

In many cases, selling first doesn’t just give you clarity, it gives you options. It helps you buy with more confidence, more financial power, and less pressure.

Think No One’s Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

The market hasn’t stopped. Buyers are still buying. Life is still happening. And if selling your home is part of your next chapter, you can make it happen.

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one … Read more

Reading the Fed Tea Leaves: How Expectations Are Shaping Mortgage Rates

If you're watching mortgage rates, don’t just focus on what the Fed does—pay close attention to what they say. Markets tend to move on forward guidance, not just head… Read more

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging c… Read more

Your Home Looks Amazing,But Buyers Are Walking Away. Here's Why.

You’ve decluttered. You’ve deep cleaned. You’ve even repainted the walls that one perfect shade of neutral. So why aren’t buyers falling in love the moment they walk t… Read more

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, her… Read more

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Some Highlights Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you. Mortgage rates a… Read more

📈 Real Estate: #1 Investment for 12 Years Straight

In a recent Gallup poll, real estate was once again voted the best long-term investment in America — for the 12th year in a row.

Hey, before you go!

Want to stay one step ahead of the market? Sign up to be on Dyanna's VIP mailing list to receive exclusive listings, real estate news and a lot more.