16 Events For A Fun-Filled October

From spooky nights to family-friendly festivals, you’ll find all the adventures you want here in Morris and Essex counties.

Fall’s in full swing, and we’ve officially entered our “grab a sweater, and let’s go!” season. There’s the crisp air, the colorful leaves, the pumpkins popping up everywhere—and, of course, plenty of spooky fun for those who like their October with a little extra fright. From Halloween happenings and fall festivals to hayrides, harvest celebrations and good old-fashioned family fun, there’s no shortage of reasons to make some plans.

But don’t let the ghosts and goblins steal the whole show! October is also a great time to explore, support local artisans, craft your own treasures or simply spend a Saturday together somewhere you haven’t been before. We’ve rounded up some of the family-friendly events happening throughout Morris and Essex counties this month, so grab the kids, bring a sweater (and maybe a flashlight) and get ready to make the most of fall.

Morris County

Through October

• Fill your weekends with a little fright at Haunted Hayrides at the Conklin Farm in Montville. Stop by this month on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays for a hayride through the farm’s abandoned lot behind the pumpkin patch. There, ghouls, goblins and monsters will provide seasonal frights. Rides are intended for ages 9 and older. Tickets can be purchased in person.

Through Oct. 25

• At Netcong’s Growing Stage, catch a performance of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Based on the beloved children’s book, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a little girl with wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers who outsmarts the cruel adults in her life (with a little help from kindhearted schoolteacher Miss Honey). Multiple seatings are available, including matinees. Tickets and more details are available online.

Oct. 17

• Raise a glass and toast to the season at Morris Township PBA 133’s Oktoberfest. Head over to The Frog Restaurant and Bar in Morristown from noon to 5 p.m. and enjoy great drinks, food, raffles and fun for all (21+). Proceeds will benefit the PBA. Tickets can be purchased online.
• For a night of magic, mystery and folklore, stop by Ayres Knuth Farm in Denville for The Witchery Night Market. This marketplace will be filled with artisans and craftspeople offering handcrafted goods, curiosities, crystals and spiritual services. You also can enjoy folklore performances, live demonstrations and interactive experiences. The fun starts at 4 p.m. Check online for tickets and more info.

Oct. 18

• Experience the 1984 classic Ghostbusters like you’ve never seen it before. Ghostbusters in Concert takes place at 7 p.m. at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. It will feature a screening of the comedic thriller on large HD screen synced to a live orchestral performance of the movie’s score. Tickets can be purchased online.

Oct. 24

• Join the 4-H of Morris County for its Trunk or Treat event, happening at the County College of Morris in Randolph. The free event takes place from noon to 2 p.m. and will include activities and crafts, a not-so-spooky haunted house, fortune tellers, photo ops and, of course, plenty of candy. Be sure you’re there at 1:30 for the costume parade!

Oct. 30

• Stop by downtown Morris Plains and take part in the Pumpkin Illumination, which kicks off Hallo-weekend at 6 p.m. with hundreds of community-carved pumpkins, delicious food, seasonal vendors, tarot card reading, a professional pumpkin artist and more. Plus, you can vote for your favorite pumpkin on display.

Oct. 31–Nov. 1

• Halloween fun awaits at Boo Bash at Ort Farms in Long Valley. Visit either day (or both!) for activities like hayrides, apple cannons, corn mazes, pick-your-own pumpkins and friendly Halloween characters, goodies and more. The celebration takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Essex County

Oct. 16

• The punk poet laureate Patti Smith returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark for a night of song and stories. The Grammy Award winner’s 8 p.m. performance is part of the Dodge Poetry Festival. Buy your tickets now online.

Oct. 16–25

• The always-buzzy Montclair Film Festival returns for its 15th anniversary. Come see the latest and greatest from established and up-and-coming filmmakers alike. The festival spotlights creatives from around the world, but always gives recognition to New Jersey artists. Enjoy 10 days of independent flicks, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, big name guests and more. Check out the film festival’s website for a full schedule of events.

Oct. 17–18

• Art is in full bloom at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, which is hosting the fall Rose Squared Art Show. More than 150 artists from all over the country will show off their fine arts and crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, wood, painting, photography, mixed media and more. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Oct. 18

• The annual Art Walk and Music Fest returns to downtown Maplewood. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the streets of Maplewood will be filled with professional artists, musicians and bands, merchants and children’s activities. There also will be food and beverage vendors to keep visitors going all day long.

Oct. 24

• Lace up your running sneakers and your favorite costume (optional) for the Booo-mfield 5K, a run and block party in Bloomfield’s Watsessing community. Proceeds will benefit support the Bloomfield High School cross-country and track teams and the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy. A kids’ dash will take place at 9 a.m., and the 5K run will start at 9:15. Sign up online.

Oct. 24–25

• Find your next treasure at Montclair Flea, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Head to Lackawanna Station for the indoor indie market for everything from art to vintage finds. There also will be food vendors and trucks.

Oct. 28–Nov. 1

• Fans of all ages can enjoy the lovable characters of Disney on Ice Presents Spotlight Magic! at Newark’s Prudential Center. The all-new live show will feature more than 30 Disney characters performing to chart-topping hits on the ice. Multiple showtimes are available, and tickets are available online.

Oct. 31

• For a completely non-scary time on Halloween, head to the Turtle Back Zoo’s Safe Howl-O-Ween event at 4 p.m. Kids and their families can enjoy live performances, stilt walkers, festive décor and candy stations throughout the grounds of the West Orange zoo.

Share your favorite fall photos with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.