Fall Fun, Frights And Fundraisers Await!

Check out the best autumn adventures and Halloween happenings in Morris and Essex counties.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Fall Events

A few 80-degree days earlier this month might’ve fooled some of us, but rest assured it’s really autumn. Leaves are turning red, pumpkin spice drinks are being served and fall fun is happening everywhere.

Whether you’re into haunted hayrides, family-friendly festivals or just looking for the best place to pick the perfect pumpkin, Morris and Essex counties are packed with festive events to get all ages into the autumn spirit. Check out the following happenings:

For Everyone

  • The Morristown Festival of Books returns Oct. 10 and 11 with programs for all ages and interests. Highlights include a keynote event with Pulitzer Prize-winner Rick Atkins at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10, KidsFest with David Ezra Stein at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 and a closing program with CNN’s Jake Tapper at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11. Find out more and purchase tickets online.
  • The Livingston Kiwanis Oktoberfest and Family Fun Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Livingston Oval. Kids can enjoy inflatables, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, a touch-a-truck and more while adults can hang out at a beer garden and compete in a stein holding competition, pretzel toss and keg roll. Food trucks, live music and more are also on the agenda. There is a $5 donation, children under age 2 are free. All kids under age 10 will receive a free pumpkin to paint.
  • Celebrate your pets at Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Parade Contest, happening at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Branch Brook Park’s dog park (near Heller Parkway) in Newark. Can’t make it on this date? Additional Strut Your Mutt events are on Oct. 25 (Brookdale Park near Grove Street entrance in Bloomfield) and Oct. 25 (Grover Cleveland Park near Pond House in Caldwell).
  • Your furry family member will love the Dog Market: Howl-o-ween dog event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Maplewood’s Memorial Park. Stop by for a dog costume contest, vendors, specialty pet crafts and more. Admission is free for all.

For Kids

  • Save candy for Halloween and enjoy a Mommy & Me Monster Cupcake Decorating Class on Oct. 19. Kitchen a la Mode in South Orange is hosting the event for parents and children ages 3 to 7. This hands-on class teaches you how to decorate cupcakes using piping tips and buttercream frosting with your little one. Reserve your spot online.
  • Head to Verona Park in Verona on Oct. 24 for Bella Princess Party’s Spooktacular Carnival, an evening of trick-or-treating, stage performances, food and amusements. All your favorite princesses, princes, superheroes and villains will be on hand to entertain all ages. The party takes place from 4 to 6 p.m., and tickets are available online.
  • The Verona Library is hosting its free Fall-O-Ween Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Verona Civic Center. Kids can participate in pumpkin painting, inflatables, a costume parade and other activities. There will also be food, live music and goodie bags.

For Teens

  • Ready for a scare? The Jefferson Township Haunted House in Lake Hopatcong is open for shows on Oct. 18 and 19. “Non scary” tours are available from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 18 and from 3 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19. Thrill seekers can attend from 6 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 18 and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 19.
  • Combine a classic hayride with a few fall frights during Haunted Hayrides at Conklin Farm in Montville. Rides are offered from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26. The hayrides are not suitable for young children. Tickets can be purchased in person at the farm.

For Adults

  • In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Halloween, head to downtown Denville on Oct. 17 for Pink Witches Night Out. The free event to benefit the Kathy Olenowski Foundation is a community program with vendors, food, entertainment, games and free swag.
  • There’s nothing like a classic whodunnit story to get into the season. The Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum in Montclair is hosing “Murder at the Museum! A Murder Mystery Fundraiser” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Tickets are available online.
  • If you’re into the arts, the Fine Arts & Crafts Sale at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield will have your next treasure. The show, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 19, features fine artists, sculptors, photographers and craft artisans displaying and selling their hand-crafted work.

What are your plans this month and for Halloween? Share your favorite fall photos with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.

Categories: Morris/Essex Health & Life