Performance of H.G. Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds’ among many upcoming Halloween events
By Mary Ann Bourbeau
Halloween is here, and as always, there are plenty of fun activities for both children and adults to celebrate the season.
Among the events is a classic radio show performance of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds,” the October 1938 broadcast made famous by actor Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air series. It sparked a panic among listeners who believed Martians had actually invaded Earth and landed in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey. This free event takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Monmouth County Library’s Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury, 1001 Route 35 North.
The original broadcast came at a tumultuous time in world history, as fascism rose in Europe and radio increasingly broadcast news bulletins. Classic Radio Road Show aims to revive the “theater of the mind” experience of the Golden Age of Radio by encouraging audience imagination through live performances. Over the past nine years, the group has produced 70 radio plays, bringing classic stories to life for modern audiences.
“Our mission is to explore, present and educate the public about the glory days of radio plays,” said artistic director Duane Noch. “Most of these were produced and aired in the 1940s and ’50s. This unique art form included comedies, dramas, mysteries and even soap operas, all keeping the radio audiences thrilled and involved as television programs do today. You’ll be able to close your eyes, exercise your imagination and see with your ears.”
Many other Halloween events are happening this month for people of all ages, from parades to hair-raising haunted houses. Here’s a sampling:
Ongoing
Brookdale Haunted Theater celebrates its 23rd year with varied Halloween experiences at the campus at 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, off Museum Drive. The Haunted Theater transforms the entire Performing Arts Center into a terrifying labyrinth. Guests move through a fully immersive haunted house experience that winds through the facility. Haunted Theater runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 16 to 18, 23 to 25, and 29 to 30 at Brookdale Community College PAC. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a designated time slot; tickets will not be sold at the door. For those who want to experience the creativity behind the attraction without the screams, “Lights On, Scares Off” offers a family-friendly look inside the Haunted Theater from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 and 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24.
On Friday, Oct. 23, there is a late-night screening of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Doors open at 10:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 11 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit the Brookdale Haunted Theater website at brookdalehauntedtheater.com. Contact the box office at 732-224-2411 or brookdalehauntedtheater@gmail.com.
On Oct. 16, 22 and 23, learn the ghostly history of downtown Red Bank on the Red Bank Ghost Tour by Jersey Shore Ghost Tours. Meet at 7 p.m. at Dublin House, 30 Monmouth St. $18 adults, $15 kids. Visit jerseyshoreghosttours.net for information.
October 18
The 78th Annual Red Bank Halloween Parade takes place Oct. 18. Participants will line up at 1 p.m. at Hudson Avenue and East Bergen Place. Start time for the parade is 2 p.m. Stay after the parade for live music, food, costume contests, petting zoo and more. Visit redbanknj.org for more information.
20 Wall Township Library Association presents “Bram Stoker’s Dracula: A Tale of Irish Rage and Revenge,” at 2 p.m., led by historian Maureen D. Brady. When Bram Stoker published his novel in 1897, he gave the world a chilling narrative that has endured in popular culture. The story is not set in Ireland, nor are there any Irish characters; yet there are unmistakable connections to the realities of Irish life under British rule.
21 Military historian Michael Jesberger presents “The True Story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at the Monmouth County Library’s Marlboro Branch at 6:30 p.m. Jesberger explores one of America’s oldest short stories, revealing how it was inspired by true events in New York’s Hudson Valley during the American Revolution. Registration required. Visit monmouthcountylib.org for more information.
The Annual Pawrade from 3 to 4 p.m. takes over Bell Works in Holmdel, 101 Crawfords Corner Road. Dress your pup in its Halloween best and strut through the main atrium. Prizes will be awarded.
22 Witches Night Out returns from 6 to 9 p.m. to Downtown Red Bank. Don’t miss the Witch Dance at Riverside Gardens Park led by dancer Hedy Perna at 6 p.m. Visit downtown businesses offering treats, sales and fun. Enter to win the Witch’s Cauldron gift basket.
24 Skeleton Run through Fort Monmouth is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., gathering at 114 Saltzman Ave., Oceanport. All runners will receive a skeleton suit, but costumes of all kinds are encouraged. Run participants will receive chip-timed results and a celebratory beverage at Baseline Social and Birdsmouth Brewing with live music, food and vendors. A portion of proceeds benefit Lunch Break’s Family Promise Center at Fort Monmouth. Visit the Skeleton Run registration page for pricing and bundles.
Celebrate spooky season from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Asbury Park’s Annual Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival at Bradley Park, with 20 gourmet food trucks, an adult beverage garden, costume contest for kids and adults, live bands, kid’s activities and vendors. $5; kids under 10 free.
The Mayor’s 8th Annual Challenge 5K and One-Mile Costume Run will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. at Poricy Park in Middletown (345 Oak Hill Road) to benefit 180 Turning Lives Around. Rain date is Oct. 25. Dress in your Halloween (run-safe) costume. This is a trail run which includes single track, hills, bridges and woods. Prizes will be awarded. Stay after for the Halloween Hullabaloo! There is also a 5K Fitness Walk and a family-friendly one-mile Fun Run. 5K run, $30; One-Mile Fun Run, $25; 5K walk, $20.
All Hallows Eve Along the Burlington Path at Colts Neck Firehouse #1 is from 5 to 8 p.m. at 123 Route 537. Rain date is Oct. 25. The event includes a haunted hayride, story time and a costume parade with prizes, music, dancing, crafts, a bounce house and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
Head to Twin Lights Brewing, 4057 Asbury Ave., Tinton Falls, from 6 to 9 p.m. for the Twin Frights & Wicked Pints annual Halloween party with live music from Patty C & the Pints. Prizes for best costumes.
25 Halloween Party at Middletown Elks Lodge 2179, 251 Church St., Belford. Youth activities party 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special children’s party from 2 to 4 p.m.
29 Disco After Dark: Halloween Party at Bar Bella from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bell Works in Holmdel, 101 Crawfords Corner Road. Live music, signature cocktails, costume contest, dancing with DJ Pepeloco.
31 Second Annual Hallo-Wine Spooktacular from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fox Hollow Vineyards, 939 Holmdel Road, Holmdel. Seasonal treats, eerie surprises, DJ Jaiden. Age 21 and over.
The “Blair Witch Project” film and Q&A with cast, 8 p.m. at The Basie Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. This 1999 found-footage horror film became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its raw, low-budget realism, improvised dialogue and groundbreaking viral marketing campaign. Q&A with actors Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams. Tickets $40 with meet-and-greet option available.
This article originally appeared in the October 8-14, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
