AddamsFest Returns to Haunt Westfield

The monthlong schedule of events draws fans from far and wide.

Clockwise from left: Dan and Melissa Peros were excited to partake in the spooky affair in their hometown; Ty Jacobs and Lisa Black hosted last year’s festival all dolled up as Gomez and Morticia Addams; Sami and Kim Chebbi traveled from Bayonne to enjoy the inaugural event; Addams Family superfans Holly Childs, left, and Mary Forti came all the way from Buffalo, New York, to attend last year. Photos by Marla Cohen

Last year’s inaugural AddamsFest—the town of Westfield’s celebration of all things creepy, kooky and spooky—attracted 12,000 attendees. This year’s monthlong schedule of events—inspired by the Addams family characters—promises to be bigger and better.

Cartoonist Charles Addams (1912-1988), a Westfield native, drew upon his hometown experiences to craft his beloved Addams family illustrations, which originally appeared in the New Yorker. The characters inspired a television series, live-action films, a Broadway musical, and a new animated film, due October 11. 

AddamsFest consists of free and ticketed events, including Morticia and Gomez’s Masquerade Ball, Pugley’s Trunk or Treat, and Lurch’s Lecture Series. For ticket information, go to addamsfest.com.

Addams family fans go to great lengths to attend the festival. Last year, Holly Childs and Mary Forti came from Buffalo, New York. “We have a special place in our hearts for the Addams family,” said Forti. “It’s our lives.”

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