Halloween and autumnal festivities will take over Ocean County this weekend
From a railroad festival celebrating a century of local history to pet costume contests, family-friendly haunted trails and Halloween activities along the boardwalk, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
Here’s a look at what’s happening, listed in order of start time.
Berkeley Township Historical Society Museum Reopening And Railroad Fest
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Berkeley Township Historical Society Museum will reopen alongside its first annual Railroad Fest, celebrating the 100th birthday and return to operation of Plymouth Locomotive No. 2173.
The event will feature narrow-gauge locomotives in operation, antique equipment displays by the Pinelands Antique Engine Association, model train displays from OCSMRR, fire trucks, antique cars and more.
Visitors can celebrate local railroading history and see the century-old locomotive in operation.
Halloween Fur Fest In Manahawkin
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, registration begins at 1 p.m.
Where: Southern Ocean County Animal Facility, 320 Haywood Road, Manahawkin
The Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter will host their annual Halloween Fur Fest, inviting pets and other animal family members to show off their Halloween costumes.
The parade will feature multiple costume categories, prizes and giveaways. Four-legged, furry, feathery, scaly and hooved family members are all welcome to participate.
Halloween In The Heights
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 to 5 p.m.
Halloween in the Heights will bring family-friendly activities to Seaside Heights, including pumpkin painting, a costume contest, a corn maze, an obstacle course, carousel rides, a Thriller dance contest, candy, prizes and giveaways.
Children 16 and younger can purchase a Halloween passport for access to special offers at participating arcades and sweet shops, free carousel rides, gifts and a chance to win the grand prize. Passports are not required for pumpkin decorating or inflatables.
Participating locations will offer kids’ dinner specials from 4 to 6:30 p.m. A free children’s Halloween movie will follow at 6:30 p.m. on the boardwalk at Carteret Avenue.
Passports are available online through Jotform. For more information, visit Exit82.com.
Jackson Township’s Trail Of Terror
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 4 to 9 p.m.
The Jackson Township Recreation Department will host its Trail of Terror, offering two pathways — one scary and one less frightening — for visitors looking for Halloween thrills at their preferred level.
The free event will also feature Trunk or Treat, free pumpkin painting while supplies last, face painting for $7, food trucks and candy.
Businesses and others interested in participating in Trunk or Treat can contact Jackson Recreation at 732-928-1260 or email recreation@jacksontwpnj.net. The department asks participants to put “Trail of Terror” in the subject line.
Haunted Downtown In Toms River
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Washington Street, downtown Toms River
Downtown Toms River will host Haunted Downtown, an evening of spooky fun featuring free candy, a costume contest and live music.
Families and visitors can head to Washington Street to enjoy the Halloween festivities and celebrate the season in the heart of Toms River.
