By Delaney Crawford
The pumpkins are ready to be carved, and a chill is back in the air. Halloween at the Shore is almost here, and with it comes costume contests, dog parades, candy eating and drink sipping.
From hayrides, pumpkin patches and Halloween parties, there is always a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy and dive into the season fully around here. But this year, we wanted to give the adults a little Halloween fun and have set aside some of the most-anticipated Halloween-themed events happening in our area, just for you. Grab your ghouls, girls, and ID, and step out to one event or all this spooky season.
Here’s our list of just a few of the Halloween magic moments you can find at the Shore this year.
Paw Dazzle Pet Parade and Costume Contest – Smithville
This one’s for our four-legged friends. Historic Smithville’s annual Paw Dazzle Halloween Pet Parade and Costume Contest is back and bigger than ever, with this year’s event being held on Saturday, Oct. 17, on the Village Greene. With a $15 donation, your pet can participate in the parade and costume contest. A portion of all proceeds benefits Atlantic County Canines. This fun day runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes pet portraits, a photo booth and raffle baskets. The perfect wholesome daytime activity before the night adventures kick off.
The Haunted Hotel – The Claridge
On Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight, The Grand Haunted Ballroom comes alive for a chilling and spooky Halloween night. Dining, spirits, music, a buffet, a live DJ, dancing and costume contests await all who dare come for a night out like no other. For $89 per person, you get a four-hour spirit bar, with plenty of themed drinks to sip on throughout the night. For adults over 21, this promises to be a fun way to spend the holiday while making new friends and diving into the spirit.
Halloween Bash – Tomatoes
Every year, Tomatoes Bar in Margate hosts an epic Halloween Bash full of dancing, costumes and fun times with friends. Head to this local favorite spot on Oct. 24 for cash prizes for the best costumes, DJ tunes all night long and themed Halloween beverages. Your favorite bar gets turned up with spooky vibes, all while the same good crew and crowd continues to serve up the fun and the spooky vibes.
The AC Official Halloween Bar Crawl – Atlantic City
A bar crawl through the city on Halloween night sounds like the perfect way to party. On Oct. 31, starting at 3 p.m., enter, if you dare, into the fun. Expect Halloween-themed drinks and entertainment at some of your favorite Atlantic City bars. Included in the 2026 crawl are Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Bar 32, King’s Pub, Anchor Rock Club and VUE Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Make your way through the city, stopping at different spots along the way and celebrating Halloween with friends, all in the city we love.
Ultimate Halloween Bash – Boogie Nights
Boogie Nights Nightclub in the Tropicana in Atlantic City is getting the creatures boogieing down this Halloween. Head there on Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 p.m. for some festively frightening fun. Between a midnight costume contest, dance classics and themed music playing along with some special performances, it will be a night to remember on this iconic dance floor.
Halloween Haymakers – Showboat Resort
A different way to celebrate Halloween is offered at Atlantic City’s Showboat Resort. Starting at 3 p.m., this event is the perfect pregame to a spooktastic Halloween night out. On Saturday, Oct. 31, Showboat will become home to a spooky-themed indoor spectator fight night, with competitive boxing matches set in a high-energy, adult-only environment. The amateur card starts at 4 p.m., with the pro card matches starting at 7 p.m. A night of thrilling action and adrenaline awaits.
Serial Killer Speakeasy – Anchor Rock Club
Get in the spooky mood prior to Halloween with Anchor Rock Club. They’re hosting three separate nights of an immersive experience where four infamous stories unfold live on stage. Think your favorite true-crime podcast, but on the Anchor Rock stage, with cocktails, double the horror and double the fun. These performances will hit the stage on Oct. 15, 16 and 17.
We’re just here to help you make the most of Halloween at the Shore. Whether you’re dressing up your four-legged friend, heading out for a night on the town or immersing yourself in the horror, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween here. Grab your costumes, gather your friends, and get ready for a season full of spooky and tasty fun.
