AddamsFest 2023 Info

For those keeping track, we only have 16 more days until October. And around Westfield, October means only one thing…AddamsFest 2023! Yes, Halloween moves over ever-so-slightly to usher everything Addams family-related. And it all makes for a scary good time!

AddamsFest 2023 Info

Arguably Westfield’s most famous resident, Charles Addams made spooky entertaining through his cartoons from the 1930s to his death and beyond. To celebrate, organizers put together several fun activities throughout October.

Haunt Your House 2023

Registration for Haunt Your House opened up last Sunday, September 10th. To accommodate more people, organizers opened up two routes this year. Only work seen from the street qualifies for judging in this contest. Registration is only open to the first 25 people for daytime haunts and the first 25 people for nighttime haunts. So if you’re interested in participating, you need to sign up right away. Registration closes on October 1st or when the limit is reached (whichever comes first). You must decorate your home and submit a photo of the completed work no later than October 8th. Winners will be determined by the number of votes received. Each category includes a first, second, and third-place winner. Good luck.

Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball

This year, the ball takes place on what else? Friday the 13th, of course. This event at the James Ward Mansion proves to be one of the most popular each year. Therefore, it sells out quickly. Tickets went on sale last Tuesday (the 12th). If you’re lucky, there still should be a few left.

The Gallery on Elm Street

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 13th to October 29th, The Gallery at 122 Elm Street features works of art from Charles Addams and Edward Gorey. Chief on display will be the duo’s Wild Curious Creatures and the Addams Animal Menagerie with works of art inspired by Charles Addams’ cartoons.

Wild Walk Pet Parade

From 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, October 14th, dress your favorite mutt or kitty-cat in their best costume. Then parade them through downtown Westfield. Best costumed pet wins a prize. You might even meet your next furry friend here. Several animals will be available for adoption.

Lantern Cemetery Tours

For one night only, the Presbyterian Church offers special lantern cemetery tours. That night (October 14th), tours start at 5 pm and run every 10 minutes until 6:30 pm.

Addams Family Fun Day

On Sunday, October 15th, Quimby Ave transforms into an Addams-inspired wonderland. Decorate pumpkins with the doctors at Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care. Or watch the experts show off their skills at the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers’ demonstration. Local youth bands perform live all day long on the Atlantic Health Youth Stage. And listen to Westfield’s own author Peter Lyons read his children’s book Tonight, Tonight is Halloween every hour on the half-hour from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Charlie’s Ale Garden

The Westfield Armory becomes Charlie’s Ale Garden on Saturday, October 21st. Saved by the 90s headlines the evening’s live entertainment, with several other local bands playing before them. Food trucks provide food for purchase while you drink wine and/or beer provided by the Harvest Restaurant Group. This year, tickets will be sold in two separate rounds: first on September 20th at 7 pm and second on September 27th at 7 pm. Organizers are trying to get permission to use the grounds outside of the armory as well. If that happens, they plan on opening up more tickets to purchase in the days leading up to the event. Check back on the AddamsFest website when the two rounds open up. This is one of the most popular events of the entire month. Tickets sell out right away each year. So, make sure you mark your calendars and check in early.

Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond

All throughout October, a miniature version of the Addams Family house floats out on Mindowaskin Pond. Visitors are welcome to come any time to take a photo with it.

Addams Family-Inspired Murals

Come see the murals created by talented local artists at the Central Ave Underpass all month long as well. This ever-changing canvas showcases a variety of artwork throughout the year. But the ode to Charles Addams’ beloved work only lasts through the end of October.

Wicked Windows of Westfield

Another fun and free chance to celebrate Westfield’s native son is by wandering around downtown Westfield and looking at the Wicked Windows set up in shops around town. Several shops set up Addams Family-inspired displays in their windows for the entire month of October. Once you see the displays outside, head inside to see what frighteningly great deals you may find inside.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes