Trick-or-treat times, parades, and other information for readers in Camden County.
By Matt Skoufalos
Halloween is next Saturday, but autumn is a time to celebrate more than just going door-to-door.
Many communities will mark the season with fall festivals for parents and children, parties, and parades.
Here’s our town-by-town guide on what’s happening.
Did we miss anything? Send tips to info@njpen.com, and check back with this story for updates. You can also add an event to our web calendar at njpen.com/submit-an-event.
Audubon
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 31 (Audubon Park: 2 to 6 p.m.).
Fall Events
The annual Audubon Lions Club Halloween parade is set for Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Paraders are invited to line up on the corner of Merchant and West Atlantic Avenues and continue to the Audubon Fire House, where free hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. (Rain date: Sunday, November 1.)
The Audubon Fire Department is also hosting its Octobeerfest celebration Saturday, October 24, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Created in the spirit of the department’s Independence Day celebrations, this 21-and-up event costs $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at the building or from any member of the fire department.
Cherry Hill
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
Kingsway Church in Cherry Hill is hosting a massive, all-ages “trunk-or-treat” from 5 to 8 p.m. October 31. The church is located at the intersection of Chapel Avenue and Cooper Landing road, and the event is free to attend.
Collingswood
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
Whether you’re a “fast” zombie, a “walker,” or just a fatigued survivor, the popular Zombie Chase 5K will be held on Saturday, October 24 in Knight Park. It’s $20 for 5K runners and $5 for a one-mile fun run/walk, both of which benefit the Garfield Elementary School PTA. Prizes are awarded for the best costumed participants. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and runners can sign up online through October 22.
Later that day, Collingswood High School opens for a spooky haunted tour from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the class of 2016.
For those whose little ones aren’t up to a lengthy trick-or-treat session, enjoy some early Halloween fun with the First United Methodist Church Trunk-or-Treat.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, Dayton Avenue will be closed between Park and Stokes Avenues, and lined with decorated, parked cars. Free hot dogs and drinks will be served, and train rides will be offered for young children. For more information, call First United Methodist (201 Dayton Avenue) at 856-858-1186
Haddonfield
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
The Haddonfield Celebrations Association will host its annual Halloween Parade Friday, October 30.
Line-ups start at the corner of Kings Highway & Chestnut Streets at 6 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. “rain, shine, or vampires.” Costume winners will be named in various age groups, and prizes for families and pets will also be awarded.
Author Bill Meehan is offering “Haunted Haddonfield walking tours October 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30. Starting at 7 p.m. at Greenfield Hall (343 Kings Highway East), tours last about an hour. Tickets (cash only) are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Attendees are asked to “wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and wear somewhat reflective clothing as a safety precaution.” Proceeds benefit the Historical Society of Haddonfield and the Haddonfield Library.
Greenfield Hall will also transform into a haunted mansion at 7 p.m. October 24 and October 30. For more information, visit the Historical Society of Haddonfield.
Haddonfield Police Department will also host its annual community day Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located behind Haddonfield Borough Hall, its activities include dunk-s-cop, a bounce house, K-9 unit demonstrations, karate demonstrations, and more.
Haddon Heights
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
The Haddon Heights Parent Teacher Group will host its annual Hoots N’ Howls community festival from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at Cervino Field (8th Avenue and West High Street). The event features games, crafts, and basket raffles, and raises money to help fund student enrichment programs.
On Sunday, October 25, the Haddon Heights Farmers Market concludes its 2015 season with its Taste the Harvest on the Tracks event. From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the final farmers market of the season will feature the fare of local wineries and breweries, this free event includes pumpkin painting for children and live music.
Haddon Township
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 31. A 10 p.m., under-17 curfew will be in effect October 30 and 31.
Fall Events
On Saturday, October 24, Haddon Township High School transforms into a haunted hotel from 7 to 10 p.m.. The $5 admission benefits the high school student council, and covers the cost of activities, games, and pumpkin painting.
Then, on Sunday, October 25, Haddon Township celebrates its 150th anniversary with a free fall music festival from 1 to 10 p.m. The 10-hour event will shut down Haddon Avenue from Stratford Avenue to Cooper Street and features two stages, dozens of acts, a seven-story ferris wheel, beer gardens, and activities for children.
The Westmont Lions Club will hold its 67th annual Halloween Parade at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 (rain date: Saturday, October 31). Pre-registration (free) is available at Westmont Ace Hardware (127 Haddon Avenue), and must be completed to be eligible for a prize. For more information, e-mail Frank Jackson: fandgjack5@comcast.net.
Merchantville
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
The Merchantville borough government is hosting its inaugural “Haunts of Merchantville” home decorating contest.
Judging is based on originality, theme, and arrangement of decorative elements. The best decorated house will win a Golden Broomstick award, presented at The Station Coffee after trick-or-treating hours conclude.
Registration is $10 and due October 21.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, the Merchantville Farmers Market will also host a Halloween Festival at its regular location (1 South Centre Street, Merchantville).
The event marks the final farmers market of the season in town, and welcomes “ghouls, ghosts, pets, and people” to celebrate.
Oaklyn
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 12 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 31.
Fall Events
The Oaklyn Fire Department celebrates the acquisition of its new fire truck from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 24 at the fire station (20 West Clinton Avenue).
Refreshments, a bounce house, fire demonstrations, and other family-centered activities will be available.
On Halloween, the Oaklyn Memorial Library is offering an all-ages party from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (602 Newton Avenue). Children are invited to participate in crafts, enjoy snacks, and dress for the borough Halloween contest.
At the conclusion of trick-or-treating hours, the borough will host its annual Halloween parade and reception at the Oaklyn Fire Department.
Pennsauken
Trick-or-Treating Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 31. A 10 p.m., under-17 curfew will be in effect October 29 through 31.
Fall Events
Pennsauken Township will host its annual Haunted Hayride Thursday, October 29, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Volunteers are still needed for the event: contact emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us or 856-665-1000, x151.