11 ‘Spooktacular’ Events Filled With Halloween Spirit

From heart-pounding scares to family-friendly fun, you’ll find all the adventures you want here in Bergen.

Halloween is creeping up, and we’re diving headfirst into the spirit of the season—with bold autumn colors and festive local décor. But what’s Halloween without gathering with friends, showing off your costume and enjoying a fun fright?

From kid-friendly parades to scream-worthy shows, you’ll find the perfect seasonal activities in Bergen County. Here are some options:

Through Oct. 31

• Demarest Farms in Hillsdale hosts its annual Halloween Light Show! You’re invited to drive through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays, then grab some seasonal baked goods and treats at the farm store. Reservations are required, and the nightly show opens at 6:30 p.m.

Weekends through Nov. 1

• For some real scares, head over to Darlington Lake in Mahwah for Pantophobia’s haunted hayride, The Wrath of Cyrus Grain, with costumed actors and guaranteed frights. If you’re looking for a less intense experience, opt for the family Halloween hayride instead, perfect for older children.

Oct. 17–19

• The Bergen County Zoo in Paramus celebrates Halloween with Zoo Boo. Enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the premises, mad science shows, seasonal decorations and a spooky train ride (train tickets are sold separately). The fun starts 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Oct. 18

• Get ready to laugh at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, where professional improv team Howdy Stranger performs their fan-favorite Halloween comedy show, the Improv Zombie Apocalypse. Join them at 8 p.m. for spooky twists on your favorite “yes-and” improv games.

Oct. 25

• Take the kids to The Shannon Rose in Ramsey and have fun at a Halloween Brunch. There will be crafts, trick-or-treating and a costume parade and contest—the winner of which will be awarded free kids’ meals for a year. Everything kicks off at 11 a.m.
• For more family-friendly fun, stop by Memorial Park in River Edge for the borough’s annual Halloween in the Park Take part in a costume parade and grab some candy, free for all (bring your own bag!). The fun starts at 1 p.m.
• The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus brings you the spine-tingling classic horror movie Night of the Living Dead as you’ve never seen it before. This stage adaptation invites the audience to become part of the action—if they dare. The show begins at 7 p.m.
• Get ready to do the time warp again at the Williams Center in Rutherford with seasonal tradition The Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with shadow performers and audience interaction. There’s also a costume contest, so go all out and look your best! Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8.

Oct. 30-31

• Bergenfield’s always popular Haunted Cooper’s Pond is back for two nights of terror! Described as an “immersive Halloween experience not for the faint of heart,” this event is not recommended for young children—but it is recommended if you’re looking for a scare. Everything kicks off at 7 p.m.

Oct. 31

• At Bergen Town Center in Paramus, enjoy the annual Halloween Bash with face painting, balloon art and arts and crafts. The fun starts at 4 p.m. (and ends at 6 p.m., with plenty of time for trick-or-treating).
• For adults looking to enjoy this celebration (and rejoice that it falls on a Friday this year), you can head over to Five Dimes Brewery in Westwood for an 21+-only Halloween party. Stop by at 7 p.m. for live music, a costume contest and all the pumpkin beer you can handle.

How are you celebrating Halloween in Bergen? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj, and don’t forget to tag us in all your best moments!