WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield's annual Halloween celebration brought families to Mindowaskin Park for an afternoon of music, costumes and community activities, with the Westfield High School Marching Blue Devils playing a central role in the event.
The marching band entertained the crowd with excerpts from its 2026 show, "In Shape," along with a selection of football game stand tunes.
After the performance, the Marching Blue Devils led the Westfield Optimist Halloween Parade, guiding costumed children and their families around the park and adding live music to the celebration.
The event was sponsored by the Westfield Police Department and included a range of family-focused activities.
Organizers offered face painting, a free pumpkin patch, music, games, a balloon artist, food vendors, cookie decorating with Kirshenbaum and local business vendors.
The Westfield Optimist Halloween Parade began at Police Headquarters, where the Westfield High School Marching Band led participants as the procession got underway.
From there, families in costume joined the parade as it moved through the community celebration.
The band served as both a featured performance group and the parade's lead unit, tying together the entertainment and procession portions of the event.
Their appearance brought school spirit to the town gathering while helping set the tone for one of Westfield's seasonal community traditions.
The celebration centered on family activities and a festive atmosphere, with children and adults moving between the parade and activity stations during the event.
The mix of music, games and vendor offerings created a broad lineup for residents attending the annual Halloween program.
This year's event paired community groups, the police department and local participants in a town Halloween gathering built around children and families.
With the Marching Blue Devils leading the parade route and performing for the crowd, the celebration combined student involvement with a long-running community tradition in Westfield.
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