Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Halloween Fun Take Over Cape May

Issue #856

October 31, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🎃Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Halloween Fun Take Over Cape May

🕓Halloween Comes With a Bonus Hour as Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 1

🎠A Century of Memories at Risk: The Fight to Preserve Ocean City’s Historic Carousel

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: East Lynne Theater Company’s War of the Worlds The Panic Broadcast

War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast running through November 1

Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇

 October 31

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Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Halloween Fun Take Over Cape May

Cape May is celebrating Halloween weekend 2026 with a variety of seasonal activities that combine the city's Victorian history, haunted attractions, family entertainment and lively nightlife. Events scheduled for Saturday, October 31, include ghost walks, historic house tours, murder mystery dinners, costume parties, craft shows and trick-or-treating. The festivities highlight Cape May's reputation as a destination for Halloween enthusiasts, with historic landmarks and local businesses providing atmospheric settings for visitors of all ages.

The Emlen Physick Estate is among the weekend's main attractions, hosting a Halloween Crafts & Collectibles Show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by free trick-or-treating on the grounds from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can also explore the Department 56 Halloween Village display, featuring miniature haunted houses and seasonal scenes. Elsewhere, guided trolley and mansion tours provide opportunities to discover Cape May's Victorian architecture and local legends.

Rea's Farm Market is also offering seasonal activities, including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, live music and candlelit readings inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Together, the events provide opportunities for families, couples and visitors to enjoy the final weekend of October in a setting known for its history and coastal charm.

With Halloween falling on Saturday and daylight saving time ending early Sunday morning, (see below) visitors have an extra hour overnight as the holiday weekend concludes. From spooky storytelling and Victorian ghost tours to traditional trick-or-treating and community celebrations, Cape May's Halloween festivities offer something for nearly every age and interest.

Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone.

Halloween Comes With a Bonus Hour as Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 1

Daylight saving time officially ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., when clocks across New Jersey and most of the United States will move back one hour to 1 a.m. The change comes immediately after Halloween, giving Cape May County and South Jersey residents an extra hour overnight following Saturday's holiday celebrations. While many people welcome the opportunity for additional sleep, the transition to Eastern Standard Time also brings noticeable changes to daily routines, including brighter mornings and earlier sunsets.

For local families, commuters and students, the time change means more natural light during the morning hours but less daylight in the late afternoon and evening. As the region approaches winter, residents can expect increasingly early sunsets until the winter solstice on December 21, the shortest day of the year. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are encouraged to remain alert as evening commutes begin taking place in darker conditions.

Most smartphones, computers and other connected devices will adjust automatically, but traditional clocks, vehicle dashboards and some household appliances may need to be reset manually. The seasonal change also serves as a reminder for homeowners to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries when necessary.

Although daylight saving time has been observed in the United States for more than a century, the practice remains the subject of national debate. Lawmakers have proposed eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes, with discussions focusing on potential effects on public health, sleep patterns, energy consumption and daily schedules. However, the existing federal schedule remains in effect, and New Jersey continues to observe the seasonal adjustments.

Hawaii, most of Arizona and several U.S. territories do not participate in daylight saving time, instead remaining on standard time throughout the year. For New Jersey residents, the next scheduled change will occur on Sunday, March 14, 2027, when clocks move forward one hour and daylight saving time resumes.

For now, South Jersey residents can enjoy an extra hour after Halloween weekend while preparing for the shorter days and earlier evenings that signal the approach of winter.

A Century of Memories at Risk: The Fight to Preserve Ocean City’s Historic Carousel

Ocean City residents are organizing to preserve the 100-year-old carousel from the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier, which closed in October 2024. The historic attraction faces an uncertain future as rehabilitation estimates approach $1 million, although preservation advocates believe a professional inspection could reveal less costly restoration options. Led in part by Donna Saber, the Save OC Carousel movement is exploring nonprofit status, fundraising opportunities and possible permanent locations. Supporters hope to follow the example of Seaside Heights, where a historic carousel was successfully restored and reopened in 2024.

Lucy the elephant in Margate had a sister in Cape May. What was her name?

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 Answer to the October 30th Trivia Question 

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

A) The Grand Hotel
B) Hughes House
C) The Big House
D) Cape May Inn

Answer: C) The Big House

Congress Hall was first built in 1816 as a wooden boarding house by Thomas H. Hughes. It was initially called "The Big House," and locals referred to it as "Tommy's Folly" because they thought it was too large to be successful. When Hughes was elected to the House of Representatives in 1828, he renamed the hotel to Congress Hall​.

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