Fall Fun (And Frights) For Your Weekend

Celebrate Halloween and the spirit of the season at Bergen’s best events.
Nigel Edelshain,
A Girl With Halloween Pumpkin In Front Of Her Head

The only thing better than celebrating Halloween on a Friday is having family fun all weekend long. And in Bergen County, there’s no shortage of must-see decorations, spooky get-togethers, cozy autumn outings and other can’t-miss happenings.

For instance, here are one dozen events to check out:

Oct. 31

  • Before your kids go trick-or-treating, bring them to the free Halloween Bash at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. From 4 to 6 p.m., little ones can enjoy face painting, balloon art and arts and crafts, while supplies last.
  • The lights are bright in Bergen, but you can see the night stars and other celestial bodies during free public viewings at the Emil Buehler Observatory in Paramus. Head to the Bergen Community College campus from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and use the high-powered telescope to see Saturn, Neptune and other planets and stars.

Oct. 31–Nov. 1

  • If you and your crew are looking for a real fright, head over to Darlington Lake in Mahwah for Pantophobia’s haunted hayride, The Wrath of Cyrus Grain. This event features costumed actors and guaranteed frights. For children and those who scare easily, family-friendly Halloween hayrides also are offered.

Oct. 31–Nov. 2

  • The Bergen County Players in Oradell are staging Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot,” an exciting whodunnit that puts Broadway actors under the microscope during a visit to a Connecticut estate. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and the Sunday performance is at 2 p.m. The Halloween evening show includes a Q&A with the show’s stars. Purchase tickets online.

Nov. 1

  • Burn off some of those candy calories at the Harrington Park 5K Fall Spectacular, which kicks off at Harrington Park School. The day includes a Kiddie Dash at 9 a.m., Mile Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. and 5K Run and Walk at 10 a.m. Refreshments and an awards ceremony will follow the race events. Register now online.
  • Join the folks at Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff for the annual Fallfest & Giant Pumpkin Drop, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will be filled with live music, food (plenty of cider donuts and bratwursts) and drinks (beer for the adults), and it will be highlighted by the pumpkin drop at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
  • Whether you have feline friends or not, you’re invited to Happy Cat Hotel & Spa’s grand opening in Fair Lawn. From noon to 4 p.m., participate in a party with prizes and giveaways, face painting, custom cat sketches (bring a photo of your furry friend), treats and much more.
  • For something different, head to Mrs. Kearney’s Tavern within Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine for Punch & Pie. From 8 to 10:30 p.m., enjoy a candlelit evening with punch and pie (what did you expect?) by the hearth, live music and stories—all inside an authentic 1800s tavern. Tickets are available online.
  • Danny Aiello’s The Italian Chicks Comedy Show returns to Hackensack Performing Arts Center for an 8 p.m. performance. The adults-only show will feature host Theresa Cannistraci and headliner Maryann Maisano, who’ll present casino-style humor. Get your tickets online.

Nov. 2

  • If you’re looking for food, football and fun on a Sunday afternoon, Bergen Town Center’s annual Fall Food Truck Festival is a sure-fire bet for all three. From noon to 5 p.m., the parking lot will have dozens of food trucks, a beer garden, football on big screens, mini golf, henna tattoos, kids’ games and entertainment and more. Purchase your ticket online now.
  • For neighborhood vibes, check out the annual Leonia Fall Festival, schedule from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wood Park. Here, visitors will find food and ice cream trucks, music, games, beer and wine vendors and apple cider donuts from Demarest Farms. Tickets can be purchased online, and proceeds will benefit the students at Leonia’s Anna C. Scott Elementary School.
  • Before the Teaneck International Film Festival kicks off on Nov. 6, take young movie fans to Little Kid Flicks at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck. Starting at 1:30 p.m., the mini festival is a curated collection of award-winning animated films from the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Children are admitted free with an adult admission.

Do you have fun plans with family and friends this weekend? Remember to tag us in your favorite photos @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life