Even with New Jersey in lockdown for several weeks due to COVID-19, this year seems to have flown by. In just under three weeks, we enter October. That means pumpkin spice lattes, cooler temperatures, leaves falling from the trees, and AddamsFest. Yes, the annual tribute to Westfield’s favorite son returns next month with a pandemic twist.
AddamsFest 2020 (aka “Alt AddamsFest”)
It seems rather appropriate that we honor a man whose work embraced the macabre during this, a macabre year. In keeping with COVID-19 safety recommendations, organizers needed to tweak some fan-favorites from past celebrations. Instead of large gatherings like the parade, Family Fun Zone, and Pugsley’s Trunk or Treat like last year, this year’s Alt AddamsFest chose events that allow everyone to enjoy themselves while still safely keeping a social distance from others.
Wicked Windows of Westfield
When you shop in downtown Westfield next month, keep an eye out for creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky decorations in the shop windows. You can never be too sure what you’ll see there.
Haunt Your House
What better way to get into the spirit of the holiday than with this fun AddamsFest contest? Decorate your Westfield home in any way you want and enter the Haunt Your House Contest. Community members drive by each house entered in the contest to help determine the winner. Registration for this event begins on Monday, September 14th. Just visit the AddamsFest website to sign up. Judging begins on October 8th.
Mystical Mindowaskin
Take a stroll through Mindowaskin Park anytime in October along the Painted Pumpkin Path. Keep an eye out for magical fairy doors hidden in some of the trees around the park. Visit the Enchanted Forest and see the Addams Family house located right there on Mindowaskin pond. Plus, festival organizers plan a few other surprises around the park as well.
Tamaques Haunted Trail
The weekend before Halloween, load up the car and take your loved ones on a drive through the Tamaques Haunted Trail in Tamaques Park. The younger kids will love the more age-appropriate displays and immersive events happening during the daylight hours. But, for the older kids (Mom and Dad included), the night-time turns things a little spookier. This is one AddamsFest event you won’t want to miss!
Dudley’s Drive-In
Movie theaters took a real beating over the last few months. Drive-in movie theaters, on the other hand, experienced a bit of a resurgence. They allow you to enjoy movies on the big screen again while remaining at a safe distance from others. The South Avenue train station hosts a double feature on each of the last two Fridays of October (the 23rd and the 30th). On the 23rd, watch The Addams Family Movie (of course) at 6:30 pm followed by the chilling classic Psycho at 9 pm. On the 30th, enjoy a screening of Hotel Transylvania at 7 pm and then the campy classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 9 pm. As you can see, the early screenings are for younger kids. But they didn’t forget about the older demographic with a more adult-themed late night feature.
That’s just a small sample of what you can expect at this year’s Alt AddamsFest 2020. Check back on the event website next month to see what else they have cooking up for you.