Princeton Area Halloween Activities Oct. 26-31

Friday, October 26

Princeton Hometown Halloween Parade – includes several activities in addition to the parade. Come for one or all. The schedule:

4 p.m. – Join the Historical Society of Princeton for a 45 minute walk through Princeton Cemetery, referred to as the “Westminster Abbey of the United States.” The tour will start at the main gate, at the corner of Greenview Avenue and Humbert Street and is recommended for ages 8 and up. For more information or to register, e-mail eve@princetonhistory.org or call (609) 921-6748, x102.

5 p.m. – Gather at Palmer Square Green for the parade. The Princeton University Band will kick off the parade march at 5:15, and will march to Albert Hinds Plaza, where the Arts Council of Princeton and the Princeton Public Library will host a fun filled performance by Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band.

After leaving the concert, families are invited to head over to the YMCA on Paul Robeson Place where the fun continues with “trunk or treat” (trick-or-treating in the parking lot), a spooky trail, carnival games and a bounce houses.

Saturday October 27

Spooktacular Halloween Contest, Parade, and Party at the Princeton Shopping Center  – Event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual kids parade and costume contest is a popular event.  In lieu of in-store trick-or-treating, every child receives a prize. There will also be scarecrow and mask making, and pumpkin painting. Rain or shine. Free.

Halloween Parade at the West Windsor Farmers Market – Parade at 10 a.m. Spooky arts projects, music, safety demos by the West Windsor Fire Department, Twin W Rescue Squad and Wet Windsor Bike and Pedestrian Alliance. Market runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Vaughn Drive commuter lot at the Princeton Junction train station. Bring canned food for the food drive at the market. Show the WWBPA how you’ve tricked out a Halloween costume with a way to make it more visible to motorists (a bit of something reflective?) and we’ll give you a treat.

Princeton United Methodist Church Halloween Party/Parents Afternoon Out  -Drop off children ages 4 through fifth grade for crafts and games from 1 to 3:30 p.m.. The event raises money for the church’s  high school choir.  Not a dress/costume event. Cost is $15/per child, 2 or more children in family are at $10 per child.   Email choir director Yvonne MacDonald for moor details at yvonnee.mac@verizon.net. Church phone is (609) 924-2613.

The Princeton Tour Co. still has openings for its 6 p.m. Ghost Tour & Cemetery Visit –  It’s not a “jump out and scare you” experience or a pure ghost hunt, says Mimi O. of Princeton Tour Co.  The tour starts with a walk through the Princeton University campus where guests use official ghost hunting equipment at an unmarked grave and Revolutionary battlefield. After the campus visit the tour heads to surrounding historic neighborhoods. The tour finishes with a stop at the Princeton Cemetery. Runs until about 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20.

Monster Ball at Artworks in Trenton – This is one of the best area Halloween events for grown ups, lots of creative artsy costumes to be seen. Live music, djs, costume contest with prizes, dancers, tarot readings, photos, creepy art creation station, silent horror flick, food and beverages. $10 ticket gives you entry, food and one drink, $45 ticket includes food and unlimited free drinks and one activity, $75 ticket includes food, drinks, all activities. Order tickets online or buy at the door, Runs 8 until midnight at Artworks, 19 Everett Alley in Trenton.

Sunday, October 28

Annual MarketFair Halloween Extravaganza – Noon until 2 p.m. in center court. The contest is at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy treats, face painting, arts and crafts and a special performance by popular children’s entertainer Mr. Ray. Children must be registered to participate in the costume contest. The first 400 kids dressed in costumes in attendance who register will receive a goody bag filled with candy. For more information log on to www.marketfairmall.com

Monday, October 29th

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Whole Foods – The event at the Route 1 store runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Get a map and drop by each department at the Whole Foods for a special treat. The event is free.

Wednesday, October 31

Free Halloween Portrait at DiGiovanni Photography – The owner of the Kingston studio is offering free Halloween portraits to anyone in costume from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.. Refreshments and sweets will be available.  The studio is located at 4577 State Highway 27 in Kingston. (Editor’s Note – Frank DiGiovanni generously has contributed  photos to Planet Princeton in the past and we love his work!)