It’s been busy!
There were a lot of headlines this week.
We’re doing things a little differently for this newsletter. Since there was so much that happened this week, I’ve decided to focus more on the headlines to make sure you’re all caught up. You’ll still find a list of great events. You can probably guess this week’s theme. 🎃
First up…
We Survived the Nor’easter!
The nor’easter that hammered the East Coast early this week hit some areas with winds up to 60 miles an hour. (source: National Weather Service)
A powerful nor’easter brought heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous coastal flooding to New Jersey early this week, prompting a statewide emergency declaration. The National Weather Service reported gusts up to 60 mph and widespread coastal flood warnings from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Forecasters said additional rounds of moderate to major flooding were possible during high tide cycles.
Speaking of Rahway…
Downtown Rahway is Lit
We’re in the second week of the Festival of the Moon in Rahway. The 17-day event includes art galleries, family activities, and live performances across downtown. At the center of it all is the awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon installation in the Union County Performing Arts Center theater. You can visit RawhayMoonFest.com for a full rundown of events.
Did you register to vote?
NJ Election Day Is Almost Here
Election Day is November 4, less than three weeks away. Early in-person voting runs from October 25 through November 2, with locations open across Union and Middlesex counties, including Rahway Recreation Center and the Minnie B. Veal Recreation Center in Edison. Voters can also return mail-in ballots to secure drop boxes or vote at their regular polling place on Election Day, November 4, between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Read the full guide with locations and voting options here: centraljerseyan.com/nj-voting-guide-2025
As promised…
Halloween Events 👻
Rahway: Halloween Parade and Spooktacular
Saturday, Oct 25 • 1–4 PM • Downtown Rahway
Rahway’s annual Halloween Parade steps off from the Hamilton Stage parking lot and travels across downtown to Train Station Plaza, where there will be a Spooktacular party for Rahway residents. Registration is required.
East Brunswick: 4-H Haunted Hay Ride
Fridays and Saturdays in October • 7–10:30 PM • 4-H Grounds
Looking for a fright this Halloween season? The Middlesex County 4-H Haunted House in East Brunswick is open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7–10:30 PM at the 4-H grounds on Cranbury Road. Visitors can brave two spooky attractions for $6 each or $10 for both, with refreshments and extra activities available for cash. Tickets often sell out before closing, so come early for this family-favorite event featuring fog, jump scares, and plenty of Halloween chills.
Freehold: Halloween House
Daily through November 2 • Hours vary • Freehold Raceway Mall
Get ready to wander through spine-tingling scenes at Halloween House Freehold, an immersive Halloween experience open through early November at Freehold Raceway Mall. While it’s not a traditional haunted house with jump scares or actors, you’ll still find eerie rooms like the Graveyard Theater, Haunted Hotel, Zombie Bunker, and glow tunnels that conjure a chilling mood. This attraction leans heavily into atmosphere, creeping shadows, and imaginative sets—all in a controlled, no-touch environment. Approachable for many, it’s still best suited for older kids and teens who can handle spooky ambiance without being startled.
Woodbridge Trunk or Treat
Thursday, Oct 23 • 5–7 PM • Main Street, Woodbridge
Get into your Halloween costume early and bring the kids to Main Street, Woodbridge, on Thursday, October 23, for trunk-or-treating featuring all of the township's firetrucks, ambulances, and police vehicles.
One Last Thing
Is the rent control movement spreading?
Dozens of residents packed into a Rahway City Council meeting this week to demand rent control and accountability for conditions at the Rahway Plaza Apartments. Denholtz, which owns the complex, released a statement in response that says it takes the residents’ complaints seriously. But the tenants say they’re coming back to City Hall to keep pressure on local leaders to protect tenants from massive rent hikes. The uproar follows a push to enact rent control ordinances in Passaic and other New Jersey municipalities.
That’s it for this week.
As always, you can see even more events on The Central Jerseyan website. See the full events calendar ➝
Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can reply to this newsletter or contact me here ➝
Have a great weekend!