This year, Rahway is THE place to be on Halloween! With a full day of events that cater to all ages and audiences, there is something happening for YOU in Rahway.
The day kicks off at 10AM with the “Ugly Parlor”: make-up artists set up on Cherry Street for those who would like to have professionals work on their ghoulish appearances. Over a dozen make-up artists will be on scene until 4PM. There will be fees for this service depending on the level of make-up desired.
At 11AM, Halloween-ent...
This year, Rahway is THE place to be on Halloween! With a full day of events that cater to all ages and audiences, there is something happening for YOU in Rahway.
The day kicks off at 10AM with the “Ugly Parlor”: make-up artists set up on Cherry Street for those who would like to have professionals work on their ghoulish appearances. Over a dozen make-up artists will be on scene until 4PM. There will be fees for this service depending on the level of make-up desired.
At 11AM, Halloween-enthusiasts of all ages will be judged at the Train Station Plaza (Corner of E. Milton Ave. and Irving St.) for the City of Rahway’s annual Halloween Costume Contest. There will be 1st Place trophies in the following categories: up to age 3, 4 – 6, 7 – 10, 11 – 14, Family or Group, Senior Citizen and Adult Funniest, Scariest, and Most Original. Register for the costume contest in person at the Recreation Center or online at cityofrahway.com/Halloween. The registration deadline is Friday, October 30 at 3 pm. Only those who have pre-registered will be judged.
Promptly at 12 noon the massive Rahway Halloween Parade will start at the Train Station Plaza and head down Irving St. towards the Hamilton Stage parking lot.The parade will feature about a dozen floats, Halloween music and thousands of people of all ages marching, and onlookers cheering on their favorite costume-wearers. At the end of the parade route, Rahway’s annual Trunk-or-Treat awaits the trick-or-treaters.
Simultaneously at noon, the second annual Rahway Zombie and Vampire Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt will get underway. This hunt is an epic real life adventure game that is expected to have zombies and vampires wandering the City. Participants, dressed as zombies and vampires, will be given a story that leads to a series of clues. Clues are hidden in everyday places around the City and while the answers to some may be obvious, others may leave participants stumped and wandering around. Not for the faint hearted, this is a mentally challenging journey that can be completed entirely on foot and must be completed before sundown (5:54PM). Not everyone who begins is expected to complete the challenge - 30% failed last year - but those who do will be entered to win one of three $150 gift cards. Visit cityofrahway.com/Zombie for more information and registration.
At 2PM the Union County Performing Arts Center, a 1,400 seat theater, will be transformed into The Devil’s Theater - New Jersey’s newest and hottest haunted attraction! You are hereby warned that the professional actors have only one mission – to scare you beyond belief.
Throughout the day the New Jersey Mobile Hall of Fame will be on display and you can also visit the mobile Blood Drive to donate! Starve a Vampire, save a life! Schedule your appointment by calling 888-71-BLOOD or just stop by during the day. For the art enthusiasts, Arts Guild New Jersey presents Views From The Dark World, a special Halloween art exhibit open from 1PM to 4PM for free!
At 6:00PM the City will host its first edition of Zombie vs. Vampires Walk! beginning on Cherry St. This is an attempt at determining what the most popular undead creature is. Participants will come dressed as either a zombie or a vampire and march through Rahway’s downtown.
At 6:45PM all eyes will turn to the sky as we launch Fear Works! A Haunted Halloween display of fireworks from City Hall (Corner of Main St. and E. Milton Ave.) Fear Works will be followed by a dance party featuring live DJ music, lights and prizes for best zombies and vampires.
At 8PM, one of Rahway’s most popular resident theater companies – Fearless Productions – will be presenting Jekyll & Hyde the musical at the Hamilton Stage (360 Hamilton St.).
To wrap up the night, plenty of restaurants in Rahway’s downtown will be having Halloween parties and specials. Here are some examples (more to be announced).
-Liberty Harley will have a Halloween Spooooktacular featuring famous voodoo chili and special discounts. (12 W. Milton Ave)
-Rocky’s Bar and Grill: Zombie Ball (710 W Grand Ave.)
-The Rail House Bar: 4 Bands performing and Drink Specials. (1449 Irving St)
-The Firehouse Pub: Halloween Party from the start of their evening service until close with costume contest at 9pm. (455 St. George Ave.)
-The Waiting Room: Halloween Party with the band Off the Wagon; costume contests and other activities will be ongoing through the night. (66 E Cherry St.)
-Butch Kowal’s: Hearse will be on display for Halloween party; 2 bands will perform. (950 St Georges Ave.)
-Meatballs and Brews: Costume Contest, Entertainment, Food and Drink Specials. (1482 Main St)
-Cubanu: Food and Drink specials (1467 Main St)
-Nancy’s Townhouse: Pizza and Beer Combo Specials; Drink and Shot Specials All Night. (1453 Main St)
Stay tuned for much more to be announced like contests and other fun activities! Check in at www.Cityofrahway.com/Halloween #RahwayIsHappening
