10 Events For A Fun-Filled October

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

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 Monmouth this month, so grab the kids, bring a sweater (and maybe a flashlight) and get ready to make the most of fall.

Weekends through October

• Leave the kids at home and walk the long, winding trail at Conover’s Farm in Wall to experience the story of The Conover Killings come to life. Daring visitors will be immersed in the fright, named the top-rated haunted attraction by New Jersey Haunted Houses. Guests under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Multiple weekend shows are available; check online for tickets.
• C. Casola Farms Haunted Attractions in Marlboro offers scares for all fright levels. This farm has four options: Haunted Hayride of Terror, 3D Haunted Barn, The Living Maze and Marlboro Zombie Breakout (which is suitable for ages 5 and older). Multiple weekend shows are offered. Tickets are available at the box office window only; cash only.

Oct. 16–25

• Relive the heart-warming story of Oliver!, which comes to Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, the musical follows a young orphan in London as he tries to find people to be his family. Multiple seatings are available, including matinees. Reserve your seats online.

Oct. 17

• In Ocean Grove, join Mary’s Place by the Sea, a wellness retreat for women going through cancer treatment, for its 15th Annual Walk-A-Thon and 8th Annual 5K Run. In addition to the run and walk, you’ll also find a market with local vendors and craftspeople, live music and dancing, food and a celebration of the women who heal at Mary’s Place. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony is at 9:30.

Oct. 18

• Monmouth Parks System hosts Thompson Park Day in Lincroft. This seasonal celebration features pumpkin painting, a scarecrow contest, wagon rides, food vendors, crafts, entertainment and more, all in a beautiful park setting. The fun starts at 11 a.m., and admission and parking are free. (Some activities require an additional fee.)

Oct. 18 & 25

• Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Historic Village at Allaire’s Ghost Tours in Wall always provide a fun fright. Dive deep into the spookier history of the village, learn tales of ghostly experiences and hear about what may or may not have gone bump in the night. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up. Two tour times are available, one leaving at 6 p.m. and one leaving at 8 p.m. For tickets and more, see allairevillage.org.

Oct. 23

• Get ready for Halloween and the Day of the Dead with Monmouth Arts, which is hosting a Dia de Muertos: DIY Skull Makeup Workshop. Stop by ArtSpace in Red Bank from 6 to 8 p.m. for the free session, which includes art and makeup supplies as well as light bites and refreshments. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance.

Oct. 24–25

• Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival! Here, you’ll find 20 gourmet food trucks, an adult beverage garden, costume contests for kids and adults alike, live music, a themed vendor shopping village, kids’ activities—and that’s just the start. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the fun goes all day.

Oct. 31

• Spend Halloween watching one of the scariest movies of all time when The Blair Witch Project comes to Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Relive this iconic flick about three film students who enter the woods to find an urban legend. Plus, then take part in a Q&A with the three lead actors, Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams. The movie starts at 8 p.m., and you can find more at thebasie.org.
• Halloween isn’t the only thing happening on Oct. 31. Swing by Monmouth Park in Oceanport for a 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships Viewing Party. The annual thoroughbred racing championships take place in Lexington, Kentucky, but you can watch from the comfort of the park’s Private Turf Club. Admission to the party includes betting vouchers, racing program, breakfast buffet (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), lunch buffet (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.) and dessert (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.). Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

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