Events this Week: October 23 – 30, 2024

This is the last big hoo-rah for Halloween- the biggest spooky events of the season take place this weekend. Don’t miss Boo at the Zoo, free haunted trails in Lower Township, Middle Township’s Fall Festival, and more. Check it out below.

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cape May County Zoo

Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship, and more. A costume contest will start at 11 a.m., registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest.  The Cape May Dancers will perform at 12 p.m. with a live animal presentation in the boneyard throughout the day. Master DJ & Sound will play special Halloween tunes. Don’t miss the special Halloween animal enrichment throughout the Zoo!

OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night 

Wednesday, October 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  

Ocean City Sports & Civic Center, 500 Boardwalk, Ocean City, 

Come to the annual welcome night to meet local organization and business leaders! Free event! 

Middle Township Fall Festival   

Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Mechanic Street in Court House, near the library    

The annual festival, the biggest of the year in Court House, closes off a section of Mechanic Street for rides, entertainment, craft and food vendors. Children and pets can enter the festival’s Halloween costume contest. Registration will be held in front of the library and must be received by 11:30 a.m. 

Secluded Acres Fall Festival 

Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

1024 NJ-47 South, Rio Grande 

Come out for an antique auto show, great local food, fall activities, and more at this beloved roadside garden center.  

Ocean City Dog Days 

Saturday and Sunday, October 26 + 27 

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for Saturday include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement 

Ocean View Trails of Terror 

Friday and Saturday, October 18 + 19, 25 + 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Firehouse, 2545 US-9, Ocean View

Come visit this haunted walk in the woods behind the Ocean View firehouse. Admission is a $10 donation to the Fire Company. There is a food truck on-site. A no-scare sensory friendly walk takes place from 4 to 6 p.m.! On Saturday, October 26, the trail converts to a “treat walk” with trick or treating opportunities and no scares! 

Middle Township – Halloween Parade 

Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. 

The parade lineup begins at 6 p.m. at Memorial Field and heads down Mechanic Street. Bring a bag to pick up candy! Please register for the parade by October 20 if you want to participate.  

Ocean City – Halloween Parade 

Thursday, October 24 at 7:15 p.m.  

Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street 

Lower Township Haunted Trails

Saturday, October 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Lower Township Recreation Center, 2600 Bayshore Rd., Villas

Come out for a fun haunted house and trail walk-through. Free! Please be in line for the event before 9 p.m.

Ocean City – Halloween Costume Skate 

Skate Park, Fifth Street & Asbury Avenue at 4 p.m.  

Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants. 

North Wildwood – Trunk-or-Treat Block Party 

Saturday, October 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  

Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood  

Vehicle check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated for Halloween. Prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated vehicles. Registration is free and forms are available at 900 Central Avenue in North Wildwood or at City Hall.  

Wildwood – Elks Haunted House  

Saturday, October 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  

Elks Lodge. 109 West 1st Avenue, North Wildwood 

Trick-or-treaters walk through a “haunted house” and receive treats at the Elks Lodge. Free! For more info, call 609.729.2170 or visit elks1896.com 

Wildwood – Boo Fest Maker’s Market 

Saturday to Sunday, October 26 + 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Wildwoods Convention Center 

Come visit over 40 regional and local vendors with Halloween-themed wares at the Wildwoods Convention Center. It’s a spooky event, with face painting, kids activities, and plenty of vendors! 

Stone Harbor – Business District Trick or Treat 

Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Celebrate Halloween with your favorite Stone Harbor stores and businesses – get those costumes ready for the big day with a fun trick-or-treat event through Stone Harbor’s business district! 

Avalon – Trunk or Treat + Hayrides 

Saturday, October 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

30th Street Parking Lot, Avalon Community Hall 

Hayrides on the beach, a costume contest, special guest character appearances, a DJ, and more! Prizes to the best decorated trunks. No registration is required to participate in your car, just park by 4:45 p.m. and you can’t leave before 7 p.m. 

Middle Township – Fall Festival 

Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Mechanic Street in Court House, near the library 

The annual festival, the biggest of the year in Court House, closes off a section of Mechanic Street for rides, entertainment, craft and food vendors. Children and pets can enter the festival’s Halloween costume contest. Registration will be held in front of the library and must be received by 11:30 a.m. 

Wildwood – MudHen’s Boos and Brews 

Sunday, October 27 from 2 to 6 p.m.  

MudHen Brewing Company, 127 Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood.  

It’s Halloween at MudHen! From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. enjoy live music by Don’t Call Me Francis, and participate in the Halloween costume contest and dance party! There will be face painting and activities making this a fun event for the whole family. Don’t miss this festive celebration with plenty of “boos” and brews! For more information visit mudhenbrew.com/boos-and-brews 

Howard Street Ramble Halloween Show 

Thursday, October 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.  

Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St, Cape May 

The Howard Street Ramble, Cape May’s famous jam band, will play their final show of the year on Halloween. Come dressed in costume and enjoy a drink on the grounds of the historic Chalfonte hotel.  

Belleplain State Forest – Halloween Hike 

Thursday, October 31 at 10 a.m. 

Meet at Belleplain State Forest’s nature center 

Come dressed in festive garb for this Halloween Thursday hike!  

Sea Isle City – Trunk or Treat 

Thursday, October 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.  

Sea Isle City Library Parking Lot, 4800 Central Avenu