Weekending ‘Round The Towns: October 30 – November 1, 2026

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Weekend and Multi-Day Events

• Welcome World to George Washington’s Rockingham, Franklin Township: Rockingham State Historic Site, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 10 to 11 a.m. daily. Visitors can learn about George Washington’s final Revolutionary War headquarters through an illustrated presentation in the historic Dutch barn. The program includes reproduction artifacts and information about tours of the grounds. The historic house remains closed for stabilization work. Admission is free.
• Fall Family Fun Weekends, Princeton: Terhune Orchards, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final weekend of the orchard’s fall festival includes more than 30 activities, including pony rides, corn mazes, pumpkin painting, pedal tractors, barnyard animals and pumpkin picking. Wagon rides run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and live music is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $19.95; children younger than 3 are free. Advance tickets required.
• Fall Harvest Days, Hillsborough: Norz Hill Farm & Market, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm concludes its fall season with a 7.5-acre corn maze commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, hayrides, livestock visits and pumpkin picking. The last haywagon leaves at 5 p.m. Admission is $17.99.
• Scare Farm, Hillsborough: Scare Farm, 120 South Branch Road, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, 7 to 10 p.m. The Halloween attraction features four experiences, including two haunted hayrides and two walking trails. Attractions include Madderbaby Lane, Atrum Manor, The Slayride and Chaotica. The season continues through Nov. 1, weather permitting. Tickets required; prices vary by package.
• “Evil Dead, The Musical,” West Windsor: Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. The horror-comedy musical, based on the cult films, follows Ash and his friends to a haunted cabin where demons are unleashed. The production includes rock music, comedy and a designated splatter zone. Audience members attending Saturday’s performance are invited to wear costumes and attend a Halloween party after the show. Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for students and seniors.
• Somerville Haunted History Fringe Tour, Somerville: Tour begins outside the former Somerset Hotel, 65 E. Main St., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, 7 to 8:30 p.m. A guided walking tour explores lesser-known stories, mysteries and allegedly haunted locations in Somerville’s history. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early. Advance reservations required; admission price was not listed.

Friday, Oct. 30

• 50th Annual Hometown Halloween Parade, Princeton: Palmer Square Green, 40 Nassau St., 4 to 5 p.m. Princeton celebrates the 50th anniversary of its annual Halloween parade. Costumed participants gather at 4 p.m. for music by the Princeton University Band before the parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. The procession ends at the YMCA, where additional family activities are planned. Free.
• Fall Hayride, Corn Maze and Pumpkin Picking, Hillsborough: Abma’s Farm, Friday, 3 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The farm offers a package combining a hayride, full-size corn maze, shorter children’s maze, pumpkin patch and petting zoo. Tickets are $19 per person ages 2 and older; pumpkins cost extra.
• Pumpkin Carving With Goats, Hillsborough: Abma’s Farm, 282 Amwell Road, 5 to 6 p.m. Participants can carve pumpkins while spending time with the farm’s goats. Admission includes access to the petting zoo, a one-hour carving session and carving utensils. Pumpkins must be purchased separately. Advance registration required; session price was not listed.
• Princeton University Sinfonia Halloween Concert, Princeton: Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, 7:30 p.m. The university orchestra presents its annual Halloween concert, featuring music from Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Wizard of Oz and Raiders of the Lost Ark, along with selections by Brahms and Khachaturian. Tickets are $16 general admission and $6 for students.
• Get The Led Out, New Brunswick: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., 8 p.m. The Philadelphia-based Led Zeppelin tribute band performs music from the group’s catalog, reproducing the layered arrangements of the original studio recordings. The concert includes an acoustic set and runs approximately two hours and 35 minutes, including intermission. Tickets start at $34, including fees. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
• Amos Gill, New Brunswick: The Australian stand-up comedian will appear at Stress Factory Comedy Club, Friday and Saturday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. both nights. The club requires patrons to be at least 16 years old and has a two-item minimum. Tickets required; prices vary by performance.
• Halloween Party at School of Rock Princeton, Lawrence Township: School of Rock, 1761 Princeton Ave., 7 to 9 p.m. The school’s house band performs music from Beetlejuice: The Musical. A costume contest offers a chance to win a free 2027 summer camp. Free and open to the public.
• “Hoodwinked: A Magical History of Deception,” Hopewell: Hopewell Valley Stage, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Magician Tommy White presents a performance exploring the history of modern magic, combining illusions, storytelling and humor. The show is recommended for audiences ages 7 and older but is not designed specifically as a children’s magic show. Tickets required; prices available through the theater.
• Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown. 8 p.m. Admission not published.
• George Street Playhouse, “The Unexpected 3rd”, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 2 p.m. matinee. Admission not published.
• “Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder”, Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. 8 to 10:30 p.m. Admission not published.
• Somerville Haunted History Fringe Tour, meets outside the Somerset Hotel, 65 E. Main St., Somerville. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations required; arrive 15 minutes early.
• Woodland Halloween Photo Props, Shadowline Farm, 345 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster. 2 to 5 p.m., weather permitting. $15 per person or group of up to six. Time slot booking required. Pets welcome.
• Middlesex County 4-H Haunted House and Hayride, East Brunswick. 7 p.m. $8 per person for one activity, $15 for both.
• Rutgers Community Farmers Market, Rutgers Gardens, North Brunswick. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. No admission charge listed.
• Little Farm Friends: Pumpkin Pick n Paint, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. $10 per child, ages 2 1/2 to 5 with an adult. Registration required.
• Farm of Horrors, Schaefer Farms, Flemington. Hay Ride of Horror, Trail of Terror, Massacre Maze and Carnevil of Chaos.

Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween

• Rutgers vs. Michigan Football, Piscataway: SHI Stadium, 12:30 p.m. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights host the Michigan Wolverines in a Big Ten matchup. The game is designated Halloween on the Banks, with additional activities planned around the stadium. The Big Ten Network’s tailgate program begins at 10 a.m. Game tickets required.
• Watchung’s Annual Harvest Festival, Watchung: Mobus Field, 40 Brookdale Road, noon to 3 p.m. The township’s annual community festival includes music, food, prizes and costume contests for adults, children and pets. Admission is free. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 1.
• Halloween Trunk or Treat, Martinsville: Realsophy Real Estate, 1934 Washington Valley Road, noon to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating from decorated vehicle trunks, Halloween displays and community activities. Costumes are encouraged. Free; advance registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
• Fall Foliage Wagon Rides, Hopewell Township: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; wagon rides from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors can experience the fall colors of Pleasant Valley from horse-drawn wagons while exploring the working historical farm. Wagon rides are free.
• “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” Lambertville: Music Mountain Theatre, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The children’s musical, based on Roald Dahl’s novel, follows James and his unusual insect companions on a journey inside an enormous peach. The production runs approximately 60 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets required; prices available through the theater. Production information
• Halloween Planetarium Shows, Branchburg: Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, 3 to 8 p.m. Four shows are scheduled: Earth, Moon and Sun (and Coyote) at 3 p.m., Monster Mash Laser Concert at 4 p.m., Halloween: Celestial Origins at 7 p.m. and Fright Light Laser Concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $11 for one show or $20 for two shows on the same day. Reservations recommended. Planetarium schedule
• Howl-o-ween Boo-ey Bash, Hillsborough: Space Play Academy, 2 to 4 p.m. A Halloween celebration for children ages 6 and younger includes indoor play, a visit from the Blue Pup character at 3 p.m., photo opportunities and goodie bags. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $35 per child after the early-registration deadline; sibling discounts are available. Event information
• Halloween Music at Palmer Square, Princeton: Palmer Square Green, 1 to 3 p.m. The Hampton Brass Quartet performs a special Halloween-themed program as part of the shopping district’s outdoor fall music series. Visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. Music series information
• Trick or Treat at Einstein’s House, Princeton: 112 Mercer St., 5 to 7 p.m. The Institute for Advanced Study celebrates Halloween with a musical tribute to Albert Einstein. According to a local account, Einstein greeted his first American Halloween visitors in 1933 by playing his violin instead of handing out candy. The Renaissance String Quartet will perform for trick-or-treaters passing the house. Free. Princeton Online
• “Man of the House,” New Brunswick: New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. The touring stage play, written and directed by Andre Davis, examines domestic abuse from the perspective of a male victim. The cast includes singer Monifah and actor Oshea Russell. The production runs approximately two hours, including intermission. Tickets required; recommended for ages 12 and older. Performance information and tickets
• “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Bound Brook: Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton St., 9 to 11:30 p.m. The historic theater presents a Halloween-night screening of the cult musical film. Tickets required; prices available through the theater. Event and ticket information

Sunday, Nov. 1

• Day of the Dead Community Celebration, Princeton: Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison St., 1 to 3 p.m. The Arts Council of Princeton presents its annual Día de los Muertos celebration. The event includes Mexican folk-art activities, sugar skull decorating, live music and the creation of a community altar honoring loved ones who have died. Free and open to all ages. Festival information
• Ballet Hispánico New York, New Brunswick: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., 3 p.m. Ballet Hispánico presents CARMEN.maquia, a contemporary reinterpretation of Bizet’s opera combining ballet, flamenco and modern dance. The production explores themes of passion, identity and defiance. Tickets start at $34, including fees. Performance information and tickets
• Cécile McLorin Salvant, Princeton: McCarter Theatre Center, 6 p.m. Three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant performs music drawing on jazz, blues, folk, vaudeville and other traditions. Tickets required; prices vary by seating. Concert information and tickets
• Raritan Headwaters Lantern Walk, Bedminster: Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, 3 to 7 p.m. The annual autumn celebration features lantern-lit walks through the preserve’s meadows, music, face painting, flower crowns, apple cider and snacks. Guided walks are scheduled for 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a lantern and activities. Rain date is Nov. 15. Event information and registration
• Festival of Lights: Chanukkah and Diwali, Bridgewater: Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Road, 4 to 6 p.m. A cultural celebration bringing Jewish and Hindu communities together to share traditions associated with Chanukkah and Diwali. Activities include food, dancing and opportunities to learn about both holidays. Free; registration available through the JCC. Festival information
• Kids Diwali Fest, Hillsborough: Posh & Pearl Studio, 450 Amwell Road, Suite 12, 3 to 5 p.m. Children can participate in rangoli decorating, diya wall-decor projects, mehndi tattoos, games and other Diwali-themed activities. Admission is $40 per child; advance registration required. Event information and registration
• “A Life in Music: An Extraordinary Afternoon of Guitar,” Basking Ridge: Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, 2 to 3 p.m. Guitarists Fabio Mittino and Bert Lams celebrate 20 years of collaboration with arrangements of music by composer Thomas de Hartmann. The program includes works influenced by classical, jazz and contemporary traditions, performed on vintage archtop guitars. Tickets are $20. Concert information
• Comedy Hypnotist Gary Conrad, New Brunswick: Stress Factory Comedy Club, 90 Church St., 4 p.m.; costume contest at 3 p.m. The family-friendly show features comedy hypnotist Gary Conrad and a Halloween costume contest with prizes for children and teenagers. Tickets required; all ages welcome. Two-item minimum applies. Show information and tickets
• Rocky Dale Davis, New Brunswick: Stress Factory Comedy Club, 7 p.m. Stand-up comedian Rocky Dale Davis performs a Sunday evening show. The club requires patrons to be at least 16 years old and has a two-item minimum. Tickets required. Show information and tickets
• Pianist Mishka Rushdie Momen: In Conversation and Performance, Princeton: Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University, 3 p.m. The British pianist appears in a program combining conversation and live performance, moderated by radio host Terrance McKnight. The discussion explores music, personal history and the role of artistic expression in human experience. Tickets required. Concert information
• Princeton History Walking Tour, Princeton: Begins at Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, 2 to 4 p.m. The Historical Society of Princeton leads a guided walking tour through downtown Princeton and the university campus, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Tickets are $20; advance purchase required. Princeton Online

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