🐾🎃 Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Announces Packed Fall & Winter Event Lineup for Ocean County

Forked River, NJ — September 2026

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge — the beloved sanctuary tucked inside the Pine Barrens of Ocean County — has announced a full slate of upcoming events designed to bring families, animal lovers, and the community together while supporting the hundreds of rescued animals who call the refuge home.

Located at 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731, Popcorn Park is operated by the Associated Humane Societies (AHS) and has been a safe haven for animals in crisis since 1977. Today, more than 200 animals and birds live at the refuge, each receiving lifelong care after facing abandonment, cruelty, injury, illness, or exploitation.

With fall in full swing and the holiday season approaching, AHS Popcorn Park is rolling out several major events — from Halloween celebrations to beer festivals and charity sweepstakes — all benefiting the animals who depend on the refuge.

📞 Popcorn Park Animal Refuge (609) 693-1900 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHSLacey Learn About Popcorn Park: https://ahscares.org/popcorn-park/ Events Calendar: https://ahscares.org/event/

🎉 Upcoming Events at Popcorn Park (Ocean County)

🎃 Boo at the Refuge – Boo at the Refuge | AHS Popcorn Park

📅 October 17–18, 2026 ⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM (VIP 11 AM) 📍 Popcorn Park, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ

AHS’s biggest Halloween celebration returns with trick‑or‑treating, animal encounters, crafts, games, costume contests, and spooky cocktails for adults. Kids receive a Popcorn Park Trick‑or‑Treat Tote Bag, while VIP guests enjoy early entry and exclusive animal activities.

This two‑day event draws more than 1,000 guests annually and is one of Ocean County’s most family‑friendly Halloween traditions. – Boo at the Refuge | AHS Popcorn Park

🍺🦁 Lions, Tigers & Beers Festival

📅 June 6–7, 2026 ⏰ Saturday 4 PM–8 PM | Sunday 12 PM–4 PM 📍 Popcorn Park, Forked River

A wildly popular after‑hours beer and wine festival featuring 30+ New Jersey vendors, live entertainment, animal ambassador meet‑and‑greets, and a massive 50/50 raffle (last year’s raised $80,000). VIPs receive early entry, a collectible tasting glass, swag bag, and exclusive animal encounters.

This event sells out every year — a must‑attend for Ocean County locals.

🐾🏃 Bone Run & Walk

📅 October 17, 2026 ⏰ 8 AM 📍 Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove, NJ

A South Jersey Halloween tradition featuring costumes, cash prizes, pet‑friendly activities, and a “Howl‑O‑Ween Dog Walk.” A fun way to support AHS while enjoying the fall weather.

🐶🌊 Foamboard Faceoff!

📅 October 10, 2026 📍 Sea Bright, NJ

A surf competition combined with a pet adoption event. Meet adoptable dogs and cats while enjoying the Jersey Shore.

• Foamboard Faceoff! – AHS Cares/Popcorn Park

🐾🍀 Luck O’ the Pup – Pet Adoption & Fundraiser

📅 September 27, 2026 ⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM 📍 648 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ

A festive adoption event featuring raffles, vendors, and meet‑and‑greets with adoptable pets

Luck O’ the Pup – AHS Cares/Popcorn Park

🎁❤️ Save‑A‑Life Sweepstakes

📅 Enter by November 15, 2026 📅 Winners Announced November 19, 2026

AHS’s biggest annual sweepstakes, offering five chances to win while directly funding food, medical care, and shelter for animals in need- Win Big Prizes & Help Save Animals! – AHS Cares/Popcorn Park

• Events from September 27 – November 15 – AHS Cares/Popcorn Park