Wharton Arts Fall Fest in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Kids in costumes try their first violin, a small parade winds through the halls, and the smell of cider and donuts fills the air. On Friday, October 30, Wharton Arts welcomes families to its annual Fall Fest in Berkeley Heights.

The free event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wharton Performing Arts School, 60 Locust Avenue. Guests are invited to wear Halloween costumes. The afternoon includes Halloween activities, student performances, and treats, plus an instrument petting zoo where kids can try out real instruments. Union County Life readers looking for a Halloween outing with young children can find it here.

There will be cider and donuts, and the BURGER+ food truck will sell food. A costume parade is followed by a costume contest, with winners announced at 6:30 p.m. Families can stay afterward for the Suzuki Halloween Playdown, a Halloween performance by select Wharton Arts Suzuki students.

Wharton Arts is a nonprofit community performing arts school that serves nearly 2,000 students in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson. Its programs include the New Jersey Youth Chorus, the New Jersey Youth Symphony, and private and group lessons for all ages. Scholarships are available based on need. Learn more at WhartonArts.org.

For a child holding a cello for the first time, Halloween might be the start of something bigger. Find more Berkeley Heights events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wharton Arts

FAQ:

Q: Is Wharton Arts Fall Fest free?
A: Yes. Fall Fest is free. Food from the BURGER+ food truck is sold separately.

Q: Where is Wharton Arts Fall Fest?
A: Fall Fest is at the Wharton Performing Arts School, 60 Locust Avenue, Berkeley Heights.

Q: When is Fall Fest, and when are costume contest winners announced?
A: Fall Fest is Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Costume contest winners are announced at 6:30 p.m.

Q: Who is Fall Fest for, and do I need to register?
A: Fall Fest is planned for families and the whole community, and guests are invited to come in costume. No registration is listed.

Q: Where can I find more Halloween events in Berkeley Heights?
A: Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights events and community news, including Wharton Arts Fall Fest. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.