Harlem Halloween 2021: Haunted Houses, Music, Pumpkins & More

HARLEM, NY — Halloween is almost here, and no neighborhood in New York knows how to throw down like Harlem.

From costume contests to pumpkin carving to haunted houses to, of course, treats, here's Harlem Patch's roundup of the most notable Halloween events happening this weekend in the neighborhood.

Saturday, Oct. 30

"Howloween" Costume Contest on the Amsterdam Avenue Open Street:

• When: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Where: Amsterdam Avenue between 110th and 111th streets, at the Peace Fountain of the Cathedral of St. John The Divine
• Description: This second annual event features trick-or-treating, music (including live music after sundown), sweet treats and a costume contest for kids and pets. It's free to attend but you must register in advance for the costume contest.

Drag Brunch at B2:

• Where: B2 Harlem, 271 West 119th St. (between St. Nicholas Avenue and Frederick Douglass Boulevard)
• When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Description: the annual drag brunch at this Harlem seafood restaurant offers cash prizes for the best costume. Indoor and outdoor seating is available; call 212-280-2248 for reservations.

Dancing and DJ's on 120th "Marcus Meets Malcolm" Open Street:

• When: 5-9 p.m.
• Where: 120th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Mount Morris Park West
• Description: this Halloween-eve outdoor concert will feature breakdancing and "multigenerational DJ's" spinning funk, house, hip-hop and "rare grooves."

Sunday, Oct. 31 (Halloween)

Harlem Grown Halloween Festival:

• When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Where: 134th Street Farm (118 West 134th St., between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard
• Description: Kids are invited to put on costumes and head to the farm for this celebration, which will feature a haunted house, sweet treats, face painting, pumpkin activities, chocolate making, cooking demonstrations, seasonal produce to take home, a costume contest, and a "spooky sensory table."

Trick-Or-Treat on East Harlem Open Streets

• When: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: TWO LOCATIONS: Pleasant Avenue and East 118th Street; and East 101st Street and Lexington Avenue
• Description: Back by popular demand, this event from Uptown Grand Central will feature candy, pumpkins, music and photo backdrops for pumpkin pics with kids. Free pre-registration is welcomed but not required for the event, which was supported by Councilmember Diana Ayala and East River Plaza.

TRICK OR TREAT, OPEN-STREET STYLE! 🎃🎃🎃 This year we're bringing #Halloween back to both #OpenStreets thanks to popular demand. Much love to Councilmember @DianaAyalaNYC, @EastRiverPlaza & community partners for their (candy!) and support: https://t.co/7Nhf4KGfwU pic.twitter.com/YBJIOtv9MR
— Uptown Grand Central (@uptown_grand) October 26, 2021

Jazz Aint Dead Halloween concert at Riverbank State Park

• When: 2 p.m.
• Where: Riverbank State Park, Robert Frederick Smith Center for the Performing Arts (entrance at Riverside Drive and 145th Street)
• Description: This free, family-friendly concert by Jazz Ain't Dead and Jazzmobile will feature swing, blues, Latin jazz and more, including jazz standards and Halloween-style hits like "Witchcraft," "Fever" and "I Put a Spell on You." Costumes are strongly encouraged. Reservations are encouraged on Eventbrite.

Halloween Party on 120th "Marcus Meets Malcolm" Open Street:

• When: 5-9 p.m.
• Where: 120th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Mount Morris Park West
• Description: This afternoon event will include a creepiest costume contest, a scariest house contest, a "witches & wizards dance contest," music by DJ New York Knick and, of course, treats.

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Harlem Moms:

• When: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: Uhura Event Space, 2529 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (between West 135th and 136th streets)
• Description: Harlem Moms is inviting families to an "afternoon of spooky fun," featuring bingo, scary arts and crafts, music, storytime and "so much candy."

Morris-Jumel Mansion Family Ghost Tour

• When: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: Morris Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between West 160th and 162nd streets
• Description: This candlelight tour of the old mansion in Washington Heights costs $10 per family and is only for children 8 and over. Guests will each get a (fake) candle to guide them through the house, "while learning about its history and hearing spooky stories of the spirits who may still inhabit" it, organizers said. Buy tickets online here.

Halloween Party Brunch at B2:

• Where: B2 Harlem, 271 West 119th St. (between St. Nicholas Avenue and Frederick Douglass Boulevard)
• When: 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Description: This adult-centric celebration offers a free shot to all customers who walk in with a costume, with music by DJ Steph Stylez.

Harlem Rose Garden:

• When: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: Harlem Rose Garden (6 East 129th St., between Fifth and Madison avenues)
• Description: This "Halloween extravaganza" will feature costume contests, games, face painting and more.

Halloween @ The Porch

• When: 6:30-11 p.m.
• Where: The Porch, 750 St. Nicholas Ave., between West 147th and 148th streets)
• Description: The Halloween party at this new Sugar Hill venue will feature music by Funkrust Brass band, food and beverages by Hex & Co., face painting, projections and more. Costumes are encouraged. RSVP in advance online.

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Some events courtesy of Harlem One Stop, the Harlem Neighborhood Block Association and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer's newsletter.