Halloween comes to Jersey City on Sunday, Oct. 31, but not all the thrills and chills are happening on that date. During the week leading up to the spooky night, while children and adults are working on their costumes and makeup, and the city will host a variety of events designed to get everybody into the freaky spirit.
Jersey City children and their parents, enjoying themselves last week at a “pumpkin patch” in which they grabbed their favorite pumpkin and ran through a hay maze (courtesy of Silverman: Building Neighborhoods) at Hamilton Square near Hamilton Park, talked about what they will be wearing on Fright Night.
Mikaela Webb, a nine-year-old student at Public School 37 in Jersey City, exclaimed, “I want to dress up as a blue fairy!” while her mom Michelle said she plans to dress up as a clown.
“I want to dress up as a blue fairy!” – Mikaela Webb
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Events coming up for spooky, scary fun
Thursday, Oct. 28:
The Central Railroad Terminal of New Jersey at the end of Audrey Zapp Drive in Liberty State Park will be transformed into The Haunted Terminal at Liberty State Park, where all things fearsome will haunt the guests who take the special walking tour of the terminal. Walking tours run every half hour from 7 to 9:30 p.m. To register for the free tour, or for other information, call (201) 915-3412.
Friday, Oct. 29:
The Liberty Science Center at 222 Jersey City Blvd. will hold the Halloween Spooktacular from 6 ‐ 10 p.m. on October 29 and 30.
Older guests can take the Terror Tour, where monsters, ghouls and creepy surprises will shock and delight. Younger guests can navigate the outdoor Wildlife Challenge: Arachnophobia maze and enjoy face painting and tabletop arts and crafts activities.
Everyone can join in the costume contest, trick or treating, short Halloween films and creepy chemistry cauldron presentations. The cost is $13 for adults and $11 for children. Call (201) 253-1310 to reserve.
Arthouse Productions hosts the next installment of LATE NIGHT CURIOSITIES: HALLOWEEN EDITION! Prizes will be given for best costumes, and crazy and outlandish performances are scheduled at 10:30 p.m. and midnight. $5 admission for 21 years of age and over. Baked goods by Judy’s Goodies. 1 McWilliams Pl., 6th floor.
Saturday, Oct. 30:
The St. John’s Haunted Halloween Party will be held from 12 – 6 p.m. at the Parish House Gym of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 155 North St., between Kennedy Blvd. and Summit Avenue. The costume contest is at 4 p.m. Parking is available in the lot behind the church on Summit Avenue. For more information, call (201) 798-0540 or email: stjohnswg@aol.
In the Newport community, Canis Minor’s annual Halloween Pet Parade will be held from 12 – 3 p.m. in Town Square Park on Town Square Place. The actual parade will begin at 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed dog and goodie bags given out. The rain date is Oct.31.
Arthouse Productions and Silverman: Building Neighborhoods present Art Harvest on Oct. 30 and 31 from 12 – 5 p.m. at Hamilton Square on Pavonia Avenue.
Weather permitting, new activities will be offered every day, such as spooky stories, hay maze, new plays, dance performances, DJ, snacks, craft corner, photo stand, music, storytelling for children and more. This event is suitable for all ages. Suggested donation for entry to benefit Art House Productions’ 10th season of programs. For more information, call (201) 915-9911.
Sunday, Oct. 31:
The Grove Street PATH Plaza is the site for the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) 3rd Annual Halloween Bash for the Kids from 4-6 p.m. Free pictures, candy, face painting and more.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.