The holiday lands on a Saturday this year, making for a calendar packed with fun and free events for all ages.
The Masquerade on Macon in 2022. Photo by Susan De Vries
Pumpkins are populating stoops and other seasonal decor is out as the Halloween spirit takes over Brooklyn. Events run throughout the month of October, but the week before the holiday, which lands on a Saturday this year, is particularly busy with programs appropriate for all ages.
We’ve rounded up some of the free or low cost events across the borough that offer a variety of spooky experiences, including costume contests, music, parades, and the all-important treats. Make sure to visit the link to each event for any updates and details on registration.
Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Fort Greene Park, Prison Ship Martyrs Monument
Saturday, October 24, 12-1 p.m.
Free
The 28th annual contest returns for an afternoon of costumed creativity. While registration for canine contestants sells out quickly, anyone can attend for free and gaze at the crazily clad pups.
Brooklyn Heights. Photo by Susan De Vries
Movie Under the Stars: Corpse Bride
Sunset Park
Thursday, October 29, 7-8:15 p.m.
Free
Get into the spirit ahead of the actual holiday with some animated movie fun. Bring a blanket to the central lawn in Sunset Park for the free screening.
Haunted House and Hallow Gala
Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, East Flatbush
Friday, October 30, 3-7 p.m.
Free
The center will be embracing the spooky season with a family-friendly haunted house, a pumpkin patch, a carnival, and more free activities.
BK Boo!
Abolitionist Place, Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, October 30, 4-6 p.m.
Free
Revelers can enjoy music, fortune telling, face painting, a “paw-rade,” and more family-friendly events. Costumes are encouraged for human and pet attendees.
Bed Stuy. Photo by Susan De Vries
Garden Costume Party and Volunteer Day
George Washington Carver Community Garden, Williamsburg
Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free, registration required
If you want to do some good while decked out in your costumed best, you can put in some volunteer hours building raised beds and doing other necessary garden work. The workday at the George Washington Carver Community Garden requires wearing appropriate workwear, so plan your costume accordingly.
Trick or Treat at 400 Montauk
400 Montauk Community Garden, East New York
Saturday, October 31, 12-1:30 p.m.
Free
Head to the community garden for some trick-or-treating fun for local children with music and treats. It is one of the many gardens throughout the borough that is hosting festivities for Halloween. Visit the NYC Parks calendar online to find a garden in your neighborhood.
Haunted Carousel
Children’s Corner, Prospect Park
Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, October 29, 12-5 p.m.
$3 per ride; $13 for a book of 5 tickets
Things will get creepy in Prospect Park, with a chance to don a costume and take a ride on the historic carousel with some spooky Halloween music. If you crave a more hands-on activity, the Audubon Center will be hosting a look at some of the creatures that make their home in the park on Saturday, October 31. Details on the free nature activities, including a chance to pick apart owl pellets and feed a snake, can be found online.
Park Slope. Photo by Susan De Vries
Masquerade on Macon
Macon Library, Bed Stuy
Saturday, October 31, 4:30-8 p.m.
Free
For the ninth year, volunteer performers will bring a creepy theatrical thrill to a stage outside of the Macon Library. This year’s production, “Season of the Witch,” will be staged rain or shine and repeated roughly every 30 minutes with the first performance at 4:30 p.m.
Park Slope Civic Council Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 31, 6:30 -8 p.m.
Free
The annual parade on 7th Avenue, founded in the 1980s, continues this year with music and costumed revelers. After some trick-or-treating, children and adults can line up at 7th Avenue and 14th Street at 6 p.m. for the 6:30 parade start. The parade ends at the Old Stone House.
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