If you’ve been saving your Halloween energy for the actual Halloween weekend, good news:
You picked the right year.
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, and Ocean County is going into the weekend with trick-or-treating, pumpkin farms, costume contests, waterfront activities, live entertainment and one very big parade taking over Downtown Toms River.
And when the costumes come off?
Sunday still has one final round of fall fun.
So whether you’re looking for something with the kids, something spooky, or just an excuse to get out of the house, here’s one way to spend Halloween weekend at the Jersey Shore from Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1.
1. Start Halloween Early: Toms River Trick-or-Treating Is Friday
Here’s an important local detail if you live in or around Toms River:
Trick-or-treating happens Friday, October 30—not Halloween night.
Toms River traditionally moves neighborhood trick-or-treating to the day before Halloween because the annual Halloween Parade takes over Downtown Toms River on October 31.
Ocean County Tourism’s current 2026 schedule lists Beachwood, Island Heights, Pine Beach, Plumsted, South Toms River and Toms River among the municipalities trick-or-treating on October 30. Most other Ocean County towns are keeping trick-or-treating on October 31.
So if you’re in Toms River:
Friday = candy.
Saturday = parade.
Honestly, not a bad arrangement.
Who Trick-or-Treats Saturday?
The October 31 list includes Berkeley, Brick, Lacey, Barnegat, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Jackson, Manchester, Long Beach Township, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Stafford, Tuckerton and several other Ocean County communities.
Because individual municipalities can still issue updates, check locally before sending everyone out with candy buckets.
2. Want Something to Do Tonight? Tuckerton Is Going Full Halloween
If handing out candy isn’t your Friday-night plan, Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton is hosting a Halloween Spectacular tonight, October 30, beginning at 7 p.m.
The evening features Halloween-themed music from The Wag, a costume contest and movie-night elements.
It’s a nice alternative if you’re looking for something more grown-up than walking around the neighborhood with a plastic pumpkin.
And it gives Friday night its own identity instead of making the entire weekend about Saturday.
3. Start Halloween Day at Argos Farm in Forked River
Before the costumes and parade crowds arrive, you can squeeze in one more classic fall day.
Argos Farm’s Fall Festival is open Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Forked River.
The farm has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, farm animals, photo opportunities, food and dozens of attractions. Live music from Rich Villalva is also scheduled for Halloween.
And yes, the farm is still very much in pumpkin mode even though October is almost over.
If you’ve been telling the kids:
“We’ll go pumpkin picking next weekend.”
This is basically your last warning.
Argos’ fall season ends Sunday.
If you want to explore more of the town while you’re there, our Forked River local guide looks at the waterfront, parks, history and places that make this part of Lacey Township feel different from the more tourist-heavy Shore towns.
4. Bay Head Has a Halloween Parade Before Toms River Does
If a giant nighttime parade sounds like a lot with younger kids, Bay Head has a smaller daytime option.
The Bay Head Halloween Parade & Costume Contest begins at noon on Saturday, October 31.
Check-in for pre-registered participants runs from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. near Mount Street and Lake Avenue. The parade then travels along Lake Avenue and Bridge Avenue before finishing at Centennial Park, where costume awards are presented in several categories and age groups.
This one feels more like a traditional small-town Halloween.
Costumes.
Kids.
A neighborhood parade.
Then you still have the whole afternoon ahead of you.
5. Trick-or-Treat by the Water in Beach Haven
For a distinctly Jersey Shore version of Halloween, head onto Long Beach Island.
Bay Village and Schooner’s Wharf in Beach Haven are hosting Trick or Treat Day from noon to 4 p.m. on Halloween.
Visitors can trick-or-treat through participating shops around the waterfront shopping area.
There’s something kind of perfect about celebrating Halloween beside the bay.
You get costumes and candy without completely giving up the fact that you’re spending the day at the Shore.
And late October on LBI feels nothing like July—which is part of the fun.
6. Or Head South for a Marina-Side Trunk or Treat
Tuckerton gives you another waterfront option Saturday afternoon.
Dockside Cafe & Marina is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 2 to 5 p.m. with candy, face painting, pumpkin decorating, cider, donuts, a spooky photo area and other activities.
This is another one I like because it doesn’t feel interchangeable with a shopping-center Halloween event.
You’re at a marina.
At the Jersey Shore.
On Halloween.
The setting does half the work.
7. Finish Halloween With the Big One: The Toms River Halloween Parade
And then there’s Saturday night.
The 87th Annual Toms River Halloween Parade steps off at 7 p.m. on October 31 in Downtown Toms River.
It’s free to watch and brings costumes, floats, decorated vehicles, marching groups and thousands of spectators into the downtown district.
The route begins around Highland Parkway and Main Street, travels south on Main Street, turns onto Washington Street and finishes near Hooper Avenue.
This year’s parade also comes with an extra layer: 2026 marks America’s 250th anniversary, so organizers are incorporating a patriotic theme into the Halloween tradition.
One Piece of Advice: Don’t Arrive at 6:55
This is not the evening to casually drive downtown five minutes before the parade and expect everything to work itself out.
Organizers are warning people to expect large crowds and traffic restrictions, and they’re recommending arriving early.
Bring something to sit on.
Dress for a late-October evening.
Give yourself plenty of time to park and walk.
Then enjoy it.
This is one of those events where the crowd is part of the experience.
What About Sunday? Fall Gets One More Day
Sunday, November 1, is basically fall’s encore.
Argos Farm’s Final Fall Festival Day
Argos returns Sunday for the final day of its 2026 Fall Festival, with pumpkin picking, the corn maze, attractions and live music from Jack Mangan. The farm’s current schedule lists Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
So if Saturday is too packed with Halloween plans, Sunday is your last shot.
Want to Switch From Halloween to Holiday Mode Immediately?
Apparently November wastes absolutely no time.
The Ocean County Historical Society’s Holiday Gifts, Crafts & Collectibles Faire takes place Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Toms River High School South, with dozens of vendors and free admission.
There’s also a holiday craft show in Brick beginning at 9 a.m.
October 31:
Skeletons.
November 1:
Christmas crafts.
That’s apparently how the calendar works now.
So, What’s the Best Plan for Halloween Weekend?
If you’re doing this with younger kids, I’d keep Saturday simple.
Morning: Argos Farm
Afternoon: Bay Head, Beach Haven or Tuckerton Halloween activities
Evening: Toms River Halloween Parade
That’s already a full day.
If you’re based in Toms River, Friday’s neighborhood trick-or-treating makes it even easier because you’re not trying to cram candy collecting and parade night into the same evening.
And if Halloween night isn’t your thing at all?
Skip the crowds.
Take Sunday and make it a fall day instead.
Why Local Weekends Like This Actually Matter
One thing we’ve been trying to show throughout these Jersey Shore guides is that getting to know an area involves more than knowing the beach, the major roads or where the houses are.
It’s also knowing the traditions.
Which town moves trick-or-treating because its Halloween parade is so big?
Which community has the smaller neighborhood parade?
Where do families go pumpkin picking?
Which downtown fills up on a Saturday night in October?
Those things don’t show up in property photos.
But they do become part of everyday life when you live here.
That’s why someone considering a move to Toms River, Forked River, Bayville or another Ocean County community should spend time in these places outside of a home showing.
Go to the park.
Grab dinner.
Walk downtown.
See what Saturday feels like.
And occasionally?
Put on a costume and join the parade.
Halloween Weekend at the Jersey Shore: The Quick Guide
Friday, October 30
Toms River-area trick-or-treating + Friday-night Halloween entertainment.
Saturday, October 31
Argos Farm, local Halloween activities, trick-or-treating throughout much of Ocean County and the 87th Toms River Halloween Parade at 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 1
One last fall day at Argos Farm, plus craft fairs and other Sunday activities around Ocean County.
That’s a pretty solid weekend.
Just remember:
Candy first.
Parade second.
Christmas crafts apparently immediately afterward.
Keep Exploring Ocean County
If Halloween weekend has you exploring somewhere you don’t usually spend much time, check out our local guides to Toms River, Forked River and Bayville, along with our broader Best Things to Do in Ocean County guide.
We’ve also covered waterfront dining around Barnegat Bay, local history and the quieter side of the Jersey Shore beyond the summer season.
About Michael Tumminelli
Michael Tumminelli is a Broker Associate serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties and regularly shares local events, places, history, homeowner information and things worth knowing about the communities throughout the Jersey Shore.
Michael Tumminelli | Broker Associate
848-333-3420
732-473-1700
michaeltumminellirealtor@gmail.com
Event details and outdoor activities can change. Check with the organizer or municipality before heading out.