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The Best Unconventional Halloween Events in NJ

The latest update for NJ’s Most Unconventional Halloween Events is written by Lindsay Podolak.

While trick-or-treating and costume parades are traditional Halloween favorites, there are many unique holiday events throughout New Jersey; all of them offer Halloween enthusiasts the chance for outside-the-box celebrations. Zombies, ghosts and even the family dog are spicing up this year’s unconventional Halloween roster.

If you’re ready for something a little different this Halloween, check out these unconventional festivities.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find an Unconventional Halloween Event near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |


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North Jersey

Brighton Asylum

Brighton Asylum

Where: Brighton Asylum, 2 Brighton Avenue, Passaic
When: Friday – Sunday all October
Details: For a limited time each year, the Brighton Asylum opens its doors to give you the scariest experience of your life! Tour the grounds and interact with scare actors or attend their limited engagement “Slasher Thursdays,” if you dare. The Asylum offers 60-minute escape rooms, axe throwing, a horror museum, and more. Tickets routinely sell out, so purchase yours online before making the trip there.
Why I like it: They mix up their haunted happenings every year to keep fans coming back for more.
More info: Look for Brighton Asylum online to learn more.


Don’t Look!

Where: Historic John Fell House, 475 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale
When: October 29 & 30
Details: This is not your typical theater experience, but rather an immersive “moving horror play,” where you interact with performers. This year’s production is based on a 1950s family during a crisis in the style of Invaders from Mars.
Why I like it: You get to watch a fun performance and also tour the historic John Fell House!
More info: Look for it online to learn more.


Central Jersey

Woodbridge Ghost Walk Girls Dressed as Ghosts

Woodbridge Haunted Ghost Tours

Where: Tanzman Park, Pearl St, Woodbridge
When: October 9
Details: Take a 50-minute walk on the haunted side of Woodbridge. This spooky night out on the town includes some facts, some fiction, and a lot of fun. Haunted History Productions takes participants through the streets of downtown Woodbridge to meet the town’s most “spirited” denizens. The tour will stop at certain spots to hear stories from the ghosts themselves. Vendors, food trucks, and local entertainment from the Woodbridge School of Dance are also on tap.
Why I like it: Haunted History Productions also has other NJ activities like Haunted Somerville and Mischief Night Madness.
More info: Visit Haunted History Productions online to learn more.


The Great Pumpkin Sail

Where: Echo Lake Park, Park Drive, Mountainside
When: November 1 from 5:15 pm – 9:30 pm (Rain Date: November 3)
Details: Wondering what to do with all those leftover jack-o-lanterns? Have some unconventional fun and let them set sail at Echo Lake Park the day after Halloween. This event is quite a spectacle, as the glowing jack-o-lanterns float on the lake. Of course, you do have to bring your own pumpkin to this event.
Why I like it: One ticket ($12 for Union County residents) covers up to six family members.
More info: Visit the Union County NJ website to learn more.


Jersey Shore

Dog in Bride of Frankenstein Halloween Costume for unconventional event

Boo-Tastic & Boo at the Boardwalk

Where: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
When: October 23, 24, 30 and 31 from Noon to 4:00 pm
Details: Get two for one at this Jenkinson’s Boardwalk annual event. First, the Boo-Tastic package lets guests play mini-golf, visit the aquarium, and get treats from the sweet shop. (This also includes a light-up pumpkin necklace.) Then, Boo at the Boardwalk offers crafts, arm painting, trick-or-treating and live entertainment. Don’t miss the underwater pumpkin carving (which requires a ticket to the aquarium.)
Why I like it: The best time to stroll the boardwalk is during cooler weather with fewer tourists.
More info: Visit the Jenkinson’s website to learn more.


Howl-O-Ween Family Fest

Where: Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, Upper Freehold
When: October 23 from Noon to 4:00 pm
Details: This family fun event raises money for the senior dogs at Marty’s Place. Adults, children, and dogs are all welcome to wear a costume to the Howl-o-Ween party. Marty’s Place will give out prizes for the best and scariest costumes, dog/owner duo costume, and best overall. This dog-friendly festival also features hayrides, K-9 dog demonstrations, and live music from the SunDog Band.
Why I like it: This event is great fun for families and their pets, and all for a good cause.
More info: Visit the Marty’s Place website to learn more.


Legends & Lore Boat Tours

Where: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: October 16 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Details: The normally peaceful seaport has plenty of tales to tell during spooky season. The Legends & Lore Boat Tour will regale guests during a 50-minute fully narrated journey. Riders will learn the local legends of the Jersey Devil and the shark that inspired the hit film, Jaws. Kids will receive a goody bag with a Halloween coloring book and crayons.
Why I like it: The kids’ activity area lets little ones decorate a pumpkin and enjoy their Halloween treats.
More info: Visit the Tuckerton Seaport website to learn more.


South Jersey

Halloween Event at Saraha Sams

Monster Splash

Where: Sahara Sam’s Oasis, 535 North Route 73, West Berlin
When: N/A 2021
Details: Groove along to your favorite Halloween tunes as you enjoy all the splashtastic fun that Sahara Sam’s has to offer! Contests and giveaways as well as a foam party are all included in the price of admission. Note: Sahara Sam’s Oasis is not hosting Monster Splash this year as a health and safety precaution.
Why I like it: Families get one last day of unconventional post-summer pool time.
More info: Visit the Sahara Sam’s website to learn more.


Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
Brighton Asylum / Facebook
Woodbridge Ghost Walk / Facebook
Marty’s Place / Facebook
Sahara Sam’s / Website

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