NIGHT AND DAY: Bars and clubs can always be counted on to host raucous functions. (Above) A trident-wielding front man performed at Bird & Betty’s last year. For fun farther south, check out Storybook Land.

Halloween is big business, and the skeleton lawn ornaments and elaborate displays are bigger than ever. The region’s bars and restaurants are meeting the demand during the Ghastliest Time of the Year by doing what they do best: offering hospitality, festivity, food and libations. Hopefully by now the holiday’s devotees are finalizing the details of their costumes, and it’s time to plan which parties to attend across two fun-filled weekends. Cash prizes stand to be won at every venue that encourages dressing up. 

Saturday, Oct. 24

“Welcome to the Jungle” is the theme for Bird & Betty’s Halloween party in Beach Haven, starting at 8 p.m. Live on stage will be the band Stealing Savanah and DJ AJ Funk.

The party at Kubel’s in Barnegat Light starts at 10 p.m., with a DJ spinning the soundtrack.

From 5 to 9 p.m. enjoy a non-scary, family party at the Surf City Hotel with DJ Mike, a costume contest, candy and giveaways.

At The Waterfront in Forked River, the party starts at 6 p.m. and has live music by Slap Happy, food and drink specials and a costume contest with categories for best overall, best duo and best group. Admission is free.

A 1920s Spook-easy is the theme for the costume party at Mickey’s Port of Call Pub in Tuckerton. Live music is from 7 to 10 p.m., along with drink specials and costume judging.

Saturday, Oct. 31

The Surf City Hotel’s Halloween party for adults starts at 9 p.m., with music by local favorites The Danksters. No cover charge at the door.

Nardi’s Halloween party starts at 7 p.m., featuring The David Christopher Band. The party buses will be running all night.

At the Mystic Island Cooperative Association, or MICA, club in Little Egg Harbor, the party is on at 7. Look forward to live music by the Jimmy Brogan Band, an inclusive buffet, costume contest and photo booth. The social club is calling the event “MICAween.”

American Legion Post 493 in West Tuckerton is putting on a Halloween party with live music from rock band Slap Happy, starting at 7 p.m. (kitchen opens early).

The Marlin in Beach Haven celebrates with a Halloween party; start time and other details were not available by press time.

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Storybook Land, the children’s theme park in Egg Harbor Township, invites everyone to the “Fall Into Fun” festival that includes hayrides through the park, a spectacular hay maze and mini pumpkins to pick and decorate. Storybook Land promises “nothing scary, just happy Halloween fun.” Hours are Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trick-or-Treat weekend is Oct. 24 and 25; tickets are date specific. Buy them at storybookland.com.