2022 Schedule of events
addamsfest presents:
the art of cartooning workshop
monday, august 29 - thursday, september 1
westfield location tbd
From comic books to animation, cartoons come in many styles. Artist Charles Addams was known for drawing Single Panel Cartoons, which capture an entire story or joke in just one image. In this four-day workshop, aspiring cartoonists will learn the elements of single panel cartoons with teaching artist Doug Baron. Finished works will be displayed alongside original Charles Addams cartoons during AddamsFest’s art exhibit at the Rialto, October 14-30.
HAUNT YOUR HOUSE Decorating contest
community voting opens october 9
The competition was stiff during 2021’s Haunt your House Contest. Who will have the spookiest house in 2021? Community members will tour the decorations between October 9 and October 30, and vote for their favorites using an online map of participating homes. Registration opens September 12.
Sponsored by The Mavins Group
LANTERN cemetery TOURS AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WESTFIELD
SATURDAY, october 15
tours run in 10-minute intervals, 5:00-6:30
While other kids his age were out frolicking with friends, a young Charles Addams spent his time hanging out in Westfield's oldest cemetery, The Presbyterian Church of Westfield's Burial Grounds (of course he did). What was the allure for young Charlie? Find out during a lantern tour of these historic grounds as part of Gomez's Lecture Series, hosted by the people who know it best, members of The Presbyterian Church of Westfield. Tours last approximately 20 minutes. See their schedule to find a time slot that works for you!
Gomez's Lecture Series is presented by Premier Sponsor HBC | Streetworks Development
ADDAMS-INSPIRED MURALS
THROUGHOUT october
Public murals breathe life, art and inspiration into their surrounding community. The Westfield Public Arts Commission unveiled the Central Avenue Mural Gallery in October, 2021. This new community mural showcases the work of local artists on both sides of the underpass on Central Avenue, providing a bright and colorful backdrop to revive and reimagine this public space. One entire span of the underpass features the theme: Inspired by Addams. These Charles Addams-inspired works create an indelible mark not just on the walls of the underpass, but on Westfield’s history.
The Addams Family Fun DAY
Sunday, october 16, 10:00 - 5:00
DOWNTOWN WESTFIELD
From Pugsley to Grandmama, there's something fun for everyone at Addams Family Fun Day. Head on over to Quimby Street in Downtown Westfield, which will be closed to cars for a day of family fun -- including Addams Family character visits, live performances, incredible displays by the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers and OMG Bubbles, activities with some of our local merchants, and more.
Sponsored by Wonder
seance at the tavern
thursday, october 20, 7:00 - 10:00
addams tavern
115 elm street
In the early 1900’s, people spent untold sums to communicate with their dearly departed. In our private quarters at Addams Tavern, with the help of the spirits and wizardry, we will explore the history of spiritualism, communicate with the spirits, and pursue the limits of macabre reality. PRECISELY how Charles Addams would have wanted it.
Seance at the Tavern is part of Gomez's Lecture Series, presented by Premier Sponsor HBC | Streetworks Development
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 10:00
THE CRANFORD THEATER
25 north avenue west, cranford
Let’s do the Time Warp…in Cranford! Our friends over at the Cranford Theater are hosting Rocky Horror complete with a shadow cast. Check out their website for more information.
CHATTING WITH CHARLIE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27
THE CENTER FOR CREATIVITY AT THE RIALTO
250 east broad street
Each year, as part of Gomez's Lecture Series, AddamsFest brings artists, scholars and entertainers together to discuss aspect of Charles Addams’ life and art. This year the tradition continues with Chatting With Charlie: The PBS Interview. In 1981, Charles Addams sat down with PBS’s John Callaway for a sprawling conversation about the artistic process, his life growing up in Westfield, NJ, and all things Addams. Join us for a screening of this interview, followed by a Q & A by Executive Director of the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation, Kevin Miserocchi.
Gomez's Lecture Series is presented by Premier Sponsor HBC | Streetworks Development
THE ADDAMS FAMILY HOUSE ON MINDOWASKIN POND
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
Be sure to take a photo of the floating Addams Family house on Mindowaskin Pond. Playing off a beloved Westfield tradition, this Halloween house is a nod to the replica of the Presbyterian Church that signals the holiday season in December. Take a stroll into the park to delight in the Lighted Bandstand, decorated in festive colors for the AddamsFest season.
Morticia & Gomez’s
MasQUERADE Ball
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 8:00 - 11:00
THE JAMES WARD MANSION
169 EAST BROAD STREET
Join Morticia and Gomez to celebrate in high style at the James Ward Mansion. After walking the purple carpet, masked guests will be invited to feast on Addams-inspired gourmet fare, sip smoldering libations, and dance in an interactive setting.
Presented by Premier Sponsor
EVOLUTION: ADDAMS AND THE ARTISTIC PROCESS
FRI/SAT/SUN, OCTOBER 14-30
THE CENTER FOR CREATVITIY AT THE RIALTO
250 EAST BROAD STREET
Did you know that the ideas for some of Charles Addams’ most memorable cartoons came from other people? Or that his cartoons often went through multiple versions until they were ready to publish? See how Addams’ work evolved from an idea to publication at Evolution: Addams and the Artistic Process. Featuring original works, rough drafts and more, this exhibit gives us a glimpse into the process of one of the world’s most iconic cartoonists.
In addition to the main exhibition, local students who participated in a weeklong cartooning workshop will have their art displayed alongside original works by Charles Addams.
Wicked Windows of Westfield
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
The Wicked Windows of Westfield transforms Downtown Westfield’s storefronts into delightful Halloween displays. Look for some of Charles Addams’ favorite characters peering out from the windows! Be sure to also look out for spooky decorations on the street lamps and special appearances by the Addams Family themselves!
Sponsored by Jean Marie Morgan, Realtor
aliens at addamsfest: a night of comedy with murr
tuesday, october 18, 6:00 and 8:00
the center for creativity at the rialto
250 east broad street
Aliens, Area 51, and an awesome night out -- it doesn't get more AddamsFest than that! Join James "Murr" Murray from the TV Show Impractical Jokers! Murr's latest book hits bookstores on October 18, and we're celebrating with a night of comedy at The Rialto.
Charlie’s Ale Garden
Saturday, October 22, 5:00 - 11:00
THE WESTFIELD ARMORY
500 rahway avenue
Back where it belongs! Charlie’s Ale Garden returns to inside the spacious Westfield Armory this year. The most in-demand event of the season will once again feature a full roster of local bands, as well as beer, wine, and food for purchase from a variety of food trucks.
Presented by Premier Sponsor
special advanced screening of wednesday at the rialto
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 6:00
THE CENTER FOR CREATIVITY AT THE RIALTO
250 EAST BROAD STREET, WESTFIELD
We can't wait to welcome our favorite teenager to the historic Rialto for a one-night advanced screening of the first episode of highly anticpated new series, Wednesday, which will be released by Netflix on November 23. Enter the #WestfieldWednesday contest to win tickets!
family movie at the rialto
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 3:00 pm
THE center for creativity at the rialto
250 east broad street
Bring your Wednesdays and Pugsleys for a fun-filled afternoon at the iconic Rialto for a screening of seasonal favorite Hotel Transylvania 3!