Williamsburg is one of Brooklyn’s Halloween hotspots, with warehouse parties, hotel celebrations, and other opportunities for creative costume flaunting. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated nightlife experience, a family-friendly afternoon of pumpkin decorating, or simply the perfect spot to show off your costume while sipping spooky cocktails, Williamsburg Halloween events have something for every Halloween enthusiast.
As Above So Below – Halloween with Surf Mesa
Arlo Williamsburg hosts AS ABOVE SO BELOW Halloween with Surf Mesa across two nights, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, with Surf Mesa, the producer behind “ILY (I Love You Baby),” headlining Friday and Wes Mills taking over Saturday. Presented by Azure and Arlo After Dark, this 21+ experience takes guests “below the surface” with three stages, each with its own concept.
The hotel’s event spaces become a gothic-inspired world with elevated production and immersive décor: The Ballroom on the first floor, The Library on the second, and The Rooftop on the third, with some of New York’s top DJs alongside the headliners. A one-hour open bar kicks off the night, and doors open at 9pm, with the party running until 4am. Halloween attire is encouraged.
Greenway Stomp Fall Festival
On Saturday, October 17, the Greenway Botanical Garden at 61 Williamsburg Street West hosts Greenway Stomp, a free fall festival for the whole family. Expect a children’s costume parade, live bluegrass, food, and festive fall activities. Kids and grown-ups alike are encouraged to come in costume.
Halloween Costume Shopping
Getting the perfect costume is half the fun, and numerous Halloween stories in Brooklyn have you covered. Spirit Halloween, with multiple locations in Brooklyn, offers an immersive shopping experience with exclusive chilling animatronics in action, an enormous selection of spooky home and outdoor décor, and trending costumes, wigs, makeup, and props. Every aisle is designed to inspire your Halloween creativity.
Additional highly rated costume stores in New York City include Halloween Adventure, Halloween City, Abracadabra NYC, and the costume and prop providers at Hit and Run Productions.
Bars for Halloween Cocktails
Some of the best Halloween bars in NYC are in Williamsburg. This waterfront neighborhood’s lively bar scene transforms for Halloween, with venues throughout the neighborhood offering special spooky cocktails and themed atmospheres. The neighborhood’s craft cocktail bars and breweries get into the holiday with seasonal drinks, special effects, candy corn garnishes, and pumpkin-infused spirits. Many bars also host costume contests and offer drink specials for those who arrive in full Halloween regalia.
Beyond Williamsburg
If you’re willing to venture further out of Williamsburg, you’ll find plenty of Halloween parties in Brooklyn, including these neighborhood events.
Bay Ridge Halloween Fest
On Saturday, October 24, Bay Ridge hosts a Halloween street festival on 5th Avenue from 4 to 7pm. The free, family-friendly Brooklyn Halloween party includes a puppet show, bouncy house, pumpkin decorating, trunk-or-treat, haunted trucks, games, and bites from local restaurants. Kids are encouraged to come in costume.
Nightmare in Williamsburg
On Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, Polygon Brooklyn presents Nightmare in Williamsburg, starting at 10pm. The party promises costumes, Caribbean and urban music, food, hookah, and VIP bottle service.
Halloween Edition 90s Dance Party
For a more retro night out, Ciao Ciao Disco, just a few blocks from the hotel, hosts a Halloween-edition 90s dance party on Friday, October 23.
Tips for Halloween in Williamsburg
Plan Ahead: Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, making it a weekend celebration. Book your costume shopping early and purchase party tickets in advance as popular events sell out.
Dress the Part: Most major Halloween events in Brooklyn require costumes, so don’t hold back. Williamsburg appreciates creativity, whether you go glamorous, gory, or gloriously weird.
Bar Hopping: The neighborhood’s compact layout makes it perfect for a Halloween bar crawl. Start early at a family-friendly event and work your way up to the late-night rooftop parties.
Get There Early: Popular venues like Arlo Williamsburg tend to fill up quickly. Arriving early ensures you get in and snag a good spot.
Stay Safe: With multiple events happening across the neighborhood, plan your transportation home in advance. Consider rideshares or the L train, which runs frequently.
Williamsburg’s Halloween scene offers the perfect blend of Brooklyn creativity and festive fun. Whether you’re bringing the family for afternoon pumpkin carving or planning to dance until dawn on a rooftop overlooking Manhattan, this neighborhood knows how to celebrate the spookiest night of the year in style, and Arlo Williamsburg is the perfect home base for all the spooky action at a distance.
From costume contests to rooftop raves, Williamsburg’s Halloween lineup is just steps away. Book your stay at Arlo Williamsburg and wake up right in the middle of it all.
