THINGS TO DO

Fright Fest back at Six Flags Great Adventure for Halloween scares

Alex Biese
Asbury Park Press

How much of a party destination is the Jersey Shore?

Around these parts, even the dead can dance.

Gravestones and skeletons are added near the park’s center at the Bloody Fountain in preparation for Fright Fest.

The annual freaky celebration known as Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson returns for select days Saturday, Sept. 15, through Halloween night, Wednesday, Oct. 31.

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This year, a big part of the fun is the 20th season of the spooky song-and-dance spectacular Dead Man's Party, happening in the stunt show arena located in the park's Demon District scare zone.

This year's iteration of Dead Man's Party brings together 11 dancers from across the country under the direction of choreographer Theresa Stone.

Dead Man's Party is returning for its 20th season as part of Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

Stone — who has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Earth, Wind & Fire, and teaches at New York City's Broadway Dance Center — is new to the Fright Fest team this year, but she has a clear vision for her version of the fan-favorite show.

"To me, Dead Man's Party is an exciting celebration of Halloween, with a little bit of funky fresh ideas as well as some exciting takes on Halloween, exciting takes on what it means to be characters," Stone said.

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"I think that anybody that has never seen the show before with definitely come (away) leaving like they felt like they were a part of it, not just something they watched. It was like something they got to be a part of and enjoy and connect with."

Dead Man's Party is just one component among more than 25 seasonal shows and attractions happening at Six Flags Great Adventure this fall.

Dancers practice their moves as they prepare for the Dead Man’s Party show that is part of Fright Night at Six Flags Great Adventure.

New additions include a maze based on the horror film "Hell Fest," hitting theaters Sept. 20, in addition to the terrifying attraction "Fears" and the mirror maze "Reflections of the Dead."

For younger and more squeamish attendees, there will be relatively mild daylight attractions, such as a trick-or-treat trail, Professor Slithers' Creepy Critters and a magic show.

Watch out after 6 p.m. though, because that's when the monsters, ghosts and other children of the night come out to play, starting with the parade of ghouls known as the Awakening.

Classic haunted attractions such as Big Top Terror: Forgotten Carnival in 3D, Cell Block 6 and The Manor are back, in addition to the Bone Butcher Terror-tory, Lady of the Lake Cemetery and Bloody Fountain scare zones.

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Shows, scare zones, the Safari Off Road Adventure and rides are included with park admission; the park's eight haunted mazes require an additional fee of $16.99 for entry.

Fright Fest runs Saturday, Sept. 15 through Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson. Daily admission starts at $47.99. For tickets, a schedule of park hours and more information, visit www.sixflags.com.