Freehold’s annual Spooktacular returns for more frightful family fun

By:  | September 25, 2025 |  | 

Photo credit: Carl Beams

by Ben Miller

Every October, Freehold Borough’s month-long Halloween Spooktacular transforms the town into a vibrant Halloween hub, drawing families, residents, and visitors from near and far. The Halloween Spooktacular is much more than just a fun celebration; it's a symbol of Freehold's deeply rooted sense of community and collaborative spirit. Over the years, the event has grown from a small parade to a series of townwide festivities, but at its heart, the Spooktacular embodies the shared passion, creativity, and generosity that defines this close-knit town.

The origins of the Spooktacular trace back to a simple idea proposed by Brock Farms owner Ed Brock, who asked the Downtown Partnership Director to host a Halloween parade. The first parade, held in 1986, was a modest affair featuring local kids in costumes. Despite its short duration, the event quickly captured the hearts of Freehold residents. The parade became a yearly tradition, with more and more participants each year. Today, the parade — which takes place on Main Street at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct 26 — is the crown jewel of the Spooktacular celebration, drawing over 30 marching units, all six Freehold Regional High School bands, and thousands of spectators. It’s a sight to behold and serves as a reminder of the town’s pride in its heritage and its residents.

As the popularity of the parade grew, so did the desire to expand the celebration. A group of residents, eager to keep the spirit alive, formed the Halloween Committee, now known as the Spooktacular Committee. This group, comprised entirely of volunteers, took it upon themselves to add more events to the calendar, each designed to foster community participation and strengthen the bonds between neighbors. The creation of new traditions, such as Window Painting, a contest where students paint Halloween-themed scenes on downtown businesses, added an artistic flair to the event and highlighted the town’s dedication to supporting local talent.

“Each event has grown over the years,” said Judi Guy, Co-chair of the Spooktacular. “The Jack-O-Lantern contest has grown to a full party with dance competitions, bounce houses, face painting, and games. This year, Movie Night will feature a flash mob to [Michael Jackson’s] ‘Thriller!’ Residents are encouraged to participate.”

The Spooktacular Committee’s commitment to growing these events each year ensures that there is something new and exciting for attendees to look forward to.

Beyond the growth of the Spooktacular, what truly sets it apart from other Halloween events is the way it brings neighbors together. Each event, whether it’s the Haunted Hayride or the Monster Mash, is a celebration of Freehold’s unity. The collaborative effort required to organize these activities speaks volumes about the town’s commitment to maintaining a strong sense of community. Local businesses, organizations, and residents contribute not only financially, but also through their time, skills, and resources. Whether it’s donating materials for the haunted hayride or volunteering to decorate downtown, every member plays a role in making the Spooktacular a reality.

All of the Spooktacular activities are free to the public, ensuring that people of all economic backgrounds can join in the fun. This generosity reflects the collective spirit of Freehold Borough. The success of these events is a direct result of the town’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere that encourages participation at all levels.

The tradition of the parade, with its marching bands and excited participants, is a living testament to how far the event has come since its humble beginnings. In this way, the Spooktacular is not just about Halloween – it is about celebrating the town’s history, its people, and the close-knit spirit that continues to make Freehold Borough a special place to live.

The Events of Freehold Borough’s Halloween Spooktacular

The Spooktacular offers something for everyone, with events that cater to all ages and interests. Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the 2025 Spooktacular calendar:

Movie Night (October 3, 2025, 7:00 PM)
The festivities kick off with a cozy and entertaining Movie Night, sponsored by Ellis Law. Held outdoors under the night sky, this event is the perfect way to ease into the Halloween season. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a Halloween-themed movie together. Whether you’re laughing at a classic Halloween comedy or getting spooked by a family-friendly horror film, Movie Night is a wonderful way to start the month of Spooktacular events. This year’s Movie Night promises even more excitement with the addition of a flash mob to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,” inviting attendees to join in on the fun.

Monster Mash & Jack-O-Lantern Contest (October 25, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 PM)
The Monster Mash has become a central part of the Spooktacular celebration. Originally a small event, it now boasts an array of activities, including games, inflatables, and a lively dance floor where people can groove to Halloween music. In addition, the Jack-O-Lantern Contest is a favorite feature, where locals bring their best pumpkin creations to be judged by fellow attendees. The entire family can participate in this event, whether by carving pumpkins or enjoying the spooky atmosphere. There are plenty of prizes to go around, making it an exciting, interactive part of the Spooktacular.

Costume Parade (October 26, 2025, 1:00 PM)
The grand finale of the Spooktacular festivities is the Costume Parade. This event draws a large crowd, with participants from across the borough walking down Main Street in their most creative, spooky, or silly costumes. Categories range from Newborn-2 years old to 13 years and over, with additional prizes for Best Group and Best Pet. The Costume Parade is a family affair, where the whole community gets involved – either by dressing up or cheering on the participants. Following the parade, there will be complimentary refreshments available at the Hall of Records parking lot, allowing families to mingle and reflect on the fun-filled day.

Scarecrow & House Decorating Contests
In addition to the events, the Spooktacular features two town-wide contests: the Scarecrow Contest and the Halloween House Decorating Contest. The Scarecrow Contest invites residents to decorate their front yards with spooky, funny, or creative scarecrows. This year, there’s a new twist. Participants can get even more creative with their displays, as there are no requirements to use frames. The scarecrows will be judged based on photographs submitted online, with winners announced at the Costume Parade.

Meanwhile, the House Decorating Contest encourages Freehold residents to transform their homes into spooky, magical, or whimsical Halloween masterpieces. Whether it’s a haunted mansion or a pumpkin patch, these displays add to the festive atmosphere of the town, making it an even more exciting place to visit in October. Both contests allow residents to showcase their Halloween spirit and contribute to the town’s collective celebration.

So, if you find yourself in Freehold during October, be sure to join in the festivities. After all, according to Judi Guy, “October is all things Halloween in the Borough.”

For more information about the events, schedules, and ways to get involved, visit www.freeholdspooktacular.com.