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, this waterfront neighborhood has something for every Halloween enthusiast.
Halloween Events
AS ABOVE SO BELOW at Arlo Williamsburg
Arlo Williamsburg hosts the AS ABOVE SO BELOW Halloween Party across two nights—Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. This multi-dimensional experience features three stages with three distinct concepts, complete with an open bar and live DJs. The party utilizes multiple spaces throughout the hotel, transforming it into a Halloween wonderland that runs from 9pm to 2am.
Halloween Trivia
Before this epic weekend of revelry, Arlo Williamsburg will kick off Halloween week with NYC Trivia League’s Halloween Trivia Night on October 22 at 7pm—a perfect warm-up for whatever’s on tap for the rest of your Halloween celebrations.
Family Halloween Cupcake Decorating
On Thursday, October 30 at 6pm, TALEA Beer Co in Williamsburg hosts a Family Halloween Cupcake Decorating event, perfect for little ones who want to get creative with frosting and spooky sprinkles. Parents can enjoy craft beers while kids unleash their inner pastry artists. Tickets are $55 for up to 3 guests, and the class is recommended for kids aged 5–9, although all ages are welcome.
Halloween Costume Shopping
Getting the perfect costume is half the fun, and Williamsburg has 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, 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
Williamsburg’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 revelry elsewhere in Brooklyn, including these neighborhood events.
Bay Ridge Halloween Fest
On October 25, Bay Ridge hosts a Halloween street festival on 5th Avenue, complete with a costume contest at 1pm, local vendors, activities, and community spirit for all.
Purge Halloween Costume Party
On the night of Halloween itself, Polygon Brooklyn presents the Purge Halloween Costume Party with free entry before 10:30pm for those who RSVP. This high-energy event draws inspiration from the popular horror franchise for a night of controlled chaos.
House of Screams
For those seeking an edgier Halloween experience, House of Screams Venue hosts a two-night S&M-themed Halloween celebration with an after-party, catering to Brooklyn’s alternative nightlife scene.
Tips for Halloween in Williamsburg
Plan Ahead: Halloween falls on a Friday this year, making it a three-day celebration. Book your costume shopping early and purchase party tickets in advance as popular events sell out.
Dress the Part: Most major parties 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.
