Halloween in Ocean City, NJ: Parades, Costumes, and Family Fun, October 22–31, 2026
October 23, 2026
October 23, 2026
Halloween in Ocean City isn't just one night of costumes and candy. This year, the festivities stretch from Thursday, October 22, through Halloween night on Saturday, October 31. There are decorated homes to explore, dogs in costume on the Boardwalk, a community parade along Asbury Avenue, and plenty of activities for families.
And unlike the busy summer season, October brings a different side of Ocean City. The beaches are quieter, the Boardwalk feels more relaxed, and local events bring residents and visitors together.
The biggest dates to circle are Saturday, October 24, for the Howl-O-Ween dog parade, Thursday, October 29, for Ocean City's 78th annual Halloween Parade, and Saturday, October 31, for traditional trick-or-treating.
Here's what's happening, where to go, and what you need to know before heading out.
Ocean City's Halloween celebrations begin with a neighborhood tradition that doesn't require a ticket or a costume.
The seventh annual Halloween House Decorating Contest features homes and businesses throughout town competing for seasonal bragging rights and prizes.
Judging takes place on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Categories recognize different decorating styles, with winners receiving gift certificate prize packages.
The registration deadline was October 21, but residents and visitors can still enjoy the decorations. The city plans to publish a list of participating properties, making it easier to find the displays.
If you're looking for a simple family activity, consider an evening drive or walk to see the decorated homes.
Check the city's Halloween House Decorating Contest page for participating addresses and updates.
One of Ocean City's most entertaining Halloween traditions returns Saturday afternoon, and this one is for the dogs.
The third annual Howl-O-Ween Parade begins at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, with costumed dogs and their owners traveling along the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street.
The event is hosted by the City of Ocean City, Boardwalk Merchants, and the Humane Society of Ocean City. The Humane Society's Pet of the Year will serve as grand marshal.
Dogs and their owners are encouraged to dress up, so expect plenty of creative costumes and photo opportunities.
The parade is part of Ocean City's larger Dog Days weekend, which welcomes leashed dogs onto the Boardwalk during designated hours:
Saturday, October 24: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 25: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday's activities also include dog-related vendors, photo stations, and opportunities to support the Humane Society.
For those participating in the parade, day-of registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center near Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. Advance online registration closed October 21.
Participation fees are $10 for one dog or $20 for two dogs. Watching the parade is a great option even if you don't have a dog.
Find details on the city's official Howl-O-Ween registration page.
Not every Halloween event involves a parade.
Ocean City's Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue is hosting its Halloween Costume Skate from 4:00 p.m. until dusk on Saturday, October 24.
Skateboarders are invited to dress in costume and take part in an afternoon that includes prizes for the best costume and best trick. Candy will also be available for participants.
It's a fun alternative for older kids and teens who might prefer skateboards over trick-or-treat bags.
The event is listed on the city's official Halloween events page.
The Ocean City Free Public Library is getting into the Halloween spirit with a free family celebration on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The library, located at 1735 Simpson Avenue, will host Halloween Fest, featuring games, candy, storytelling, music, crafts, dancing, and a dry-ice station.
The event welcomes all ages, and costumes are encouraged.
For families with younger children, this is a nice opportunity to celebrate Halloween indoors before the larger parade and trick-or-treating festivities later in the week.
Visit the city's October 24–31 events announcement for details.
If there's one Halloween event that deserves a spot on your calendar, it's Ocean City's annual Halloween Parade.
Now in its 78th year, the parade is one of the community's long-standing fall traditions.
This year's parade begins at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, traveling along Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street.
Organized by the Exchange Club of Ocean City in partnership with the city, the parade brings together children, families, community organizations, decorated floats, cheerleaders, dance teams, and even pets in costume.
Participants compete in seven divisions, with medals and trophies awarded for appearance, originality, and artistry.
For spectators, the route through downtown offers plenty of opportunities to watch. Plan to arrive before the parade begins, especially if you're bringing younger children or hoping to find a comfortable viewing spot.
The parade is open to spectators, and those interested in participating can find information through the Ocean City Halloween Parade organizers.
It's one of those events that reminds you Ocean City is much more than a summer destination.
Halloween isn't just for the kids.
On Friday, October 30, the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company is hosting its annual Halloween costume party at the historic Flanders Hotel, located at 719 East 11th Street.
This year's event, Phantom at The Flanders, features a Phantom/Masquerade theme and runs from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Guests can expect food, a live DJ, dancing, a costume contest, games, and entertainment. The evening also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Theatre Company's productions and educational programs.
The event is for adults ages 21 and older. Tickets are listed at $95 per person after October 1.
One important detail: The published advance reservation deadline was October 16, so anyone hoping to attend should contact the organizer directly to ask whether space remains.
Visit the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company's event page for information.
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, giving families an opportunity to enjoy the holiday without worrying about an early school morning the next day.
Ocean City has officially designated 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, for traditional trick-or-treating.
Unlike the organized parades earlier in the week, Halloween night is about neighborhoods, decorated front porches, costumes, and children making their way from house to house.
The city also reminds families to take a few basic precautions: accompany younger children, use flashlights or reflective clothing, choose costumes that don't obstruct vision, and watch carefully for vehicles after dark.
For those new to Ocean City, it's worth remembering that Halloween night takes place throughout the residential community, not just along Asbury Avenue or near the Boardwalk.
You can review the city's official Halloween information and safety recommendations before heading out.
Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
Oct. 22–23 | Halloween House Decorating Contest judging | 6–9 p.m. |
Sat., Oct. 24 | Dog Days on the Boardwalk | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Sat., Oct. 24 | Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade | 3 p.m. |
Sat., Oct. 24 | Halloween Costume Skate | 4 p.m.–dusk |
Sun., Oct. 25 | Dog Days on the Boardwalk | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Tues., Oct. 27 | Library Halloween Fest | 6–8 p.m. |
Thurs., Oct. 29 | 78th Annual Halloween Parade | 7:15 p.m. |
Fri., Oct. 30 | Phantom at The Flanders (advance RSVP required) | 7–11 p.m. |
Sat., Oct. 31 | Citywide Trick-or-Treating | 5–8 p.m. |
For anyone who knows Ocean City primarily as a summer vacation destination, October offers a different perspective.
The beach crowds have thinned, seasonal traffic has eased, and there's more opportunity to appreciate the residential neighborhoods that make up the community.
Events like the Halloween Parade, house decorating contest, and Dog Days weekend highlight something that's easy to overlook during the busy summer months: Ocean City has an active community life beyond the beach season.
For year-round residents, these traditions are part of what makes living here special. For second-home owners, they're another reason to enjoy their properties beyond Memorial Day and Labor Day.
And for anyone considering purchasing a home in Ocean City, spending time here during the fall can offer a valuable look at what the community feels like outside the summer season.
Once the costumes are packed away, Ocean City's calendar continues into November.
The city's published events schedule includes the Trail of Two Cities 5K/Walk on Saturday, November 7, offering another opportunity to enjoy the community before the holiday season begins.
Whether you're a year-round resident, a second-home owner, or just visiting for the weekend, Ocean City's Halloween celebrations offer plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the town.
And if you've been thinking about making Ocean City part of your next chapter, I'd be happy to help you explore what living here could look like.
I'm Amy Reuter, a REALTOR® and Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, helping buyers and sellers throughout South Jersey and the Jersey Shore.
Reach out by call, text or DM for more information!
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