Looking for something fun to do this weekend in New Jersey? From beach concerts and flower festivals to Boo Fest and Fright Fest at Great Adventure, our weekend guide has you covered with plenty of events for the whole family.
Editor’s Note: There are remembrance ceremonies across New Jersey on Thursday to mark the 24th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
WEEKEND
Boots at the Beach
Seaport Pier, North Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Nikki Briar and the Sweet Briar Band, Y’all Or Nothin’ and Rustic Revival hit the stage on Friday; while Warren Montgomery and the Derailed Gang, Rustic Revival, 40 North and Triple Rail Turn perform on Saturday. Aside from live performances, there will be line dancing lessons by DJ Ashley Rose, vendors selling Western-themed crafts and merch, and all-American food and drink specials.
NJ Sports Card Convention
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Friday – Saturday
Sports fans and collectors will have access to a variety of cards, collectibles, novelties and memorabilia.
140th Annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention
The Wildwoods
Friday – Sunday
Thousands of firefighters and their families from every county in NJ will head to the shore for The NJ Fire Expo, The NJ Firefighter’s Memorial Parade, The Wildwood Crest Firefighters’ Weekend Craft Show and the Wildwood Fire Company Annual Fire Muster.
Sea.Hear.Now
Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
The mega beach fest is packed with musical acts, surfing competitions, an art show, food trucks and fun in the sun. There will also be a pop-up event by skincare brand CeraVe across the street in Bradley Park.
Terhune Orchards 50th Anniversary Apple Day Celebration
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
There will be PYO apples, barnyard animals, a hale bay and corn maze, pony rides, pumpkin picking and painting, pedal tractors, a children’s play area, a little tots farm store, a junior mechanics shop, live music, and barnyard sports.
August Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
The whole family can come to the winery for live music, time outdoors, and samplings of Terhune’s sangria and fresh fruits.
Dino Days Train Ride
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Saturday – Sunday
Follow the tracks back to the Jurassic Period. At The Susquehanna Mining Company, you’ll hop off for the Dinosaur Show, ventriloquist Scot Wagstaff with his funny talking animals, grandmaster Band Wagon, a meet-and-greet with Davy the Dinosaur, The Velociraptor Show with Blue, the opportunity to pan for real fossils, and time to wander through three corn mazes.
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Ski Beach, Ventnor
Saturday – Sunday
This waterfront celebration features fresh seafood from local and regional vendors. There will be vendors, activities and giant sand sculptures to view.
Scarecrow Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Saturday – Sunday
The autumn-themed weekend features scarecrow workshops, live music, pumpkin painting, activities, and outdoor food and drink.
FRIDAY
Car Cruise
Historic Smithville, Galloway
As you walk around the shops, check out all the antiques and classics lined up along the Village Greene. This is the final car show of the 2025 season.
SATURDAY
Neshanic Station Car Show
Neshanic Station Bridge, Branchburg
The car show runs at the same time as the farmers market, so you can shop for fresh foods you can eat while walking through the car displays. Trophies are usually awarded for Best Original, Best Customized, and Best Of Show.
Downtown Millville Car Show
High Street, Millville
All makes and models of cars are welcome to enter. The Best of Show winner’s car will be featured on the 2026 T-shirt. There will be food, music and more.
San Gennaro Festival
Pyanoe Plaza and the Belmar Plaza, Belmar
There will be lots of Italian food and activities.
The Rusty Nail Doggie Pageant
The Beach Shack, Cape May
Pups will compete in Best Style, Top Trick, and Musical Chairs competitions for prizes. There will be food and drink specials, plus beachy activities.
Master Gardeners Children’s Garden Series
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
Kids and families will learn how to use succulents to make a sand garden.
Food Truck & Apple Festival
Duffield’s Farm, Sewell
Take a scenic hayride out to the orchard to pick your own apples, wander in the corn maze, and let the kids ride on the Barnyard Express or jump on the Barn Bounce. There will be food trucks on site.
Red Bank Pop Culture Festival
Red Bank
Red Bank RiverCenter teamed up with Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash for the first-ever Red Bank Pop Culture Festival. The festival will celebrate movies, comics, gaming, anime and more.
Haddon Twp.’s Fall Festival & Jam At The Lake
Crystal Pool Lake, Haddon Twp.
There’s a street fair that begins at the Crystal Lake Pool – where Jam Fest takes place – and goes all the way to West Park Boulevard. Picture mini concerts, dancing, rides, bounce houses and obstacle courses, food trucks, ping-pong and cornhole, health and wellness activities, arts and crafts, craft vendors, and apple pie baking contest and a wing eating contest up and down the blocks.
Mutts & Mimosas Adoption Day
The Park, Berkeley Heights
In partnership with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, ParkLife Events will bring out mimosas and light food while you meet dogs up for adoption.
Career Carnival for Kids
Library of the Chathams, Chatham
Kids ages 8 to 14 will meet pros from AIA NJ EPiC, Langan, MMU Morristown Airport, Morris County 4H, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Mosquito Control, Picatinny STEM, Association for Supply Chain Management, Code Ninjas – Denville, Rutgers NJ Safe Schools Program, and more. The event is designed to spark career curiosity with hands-on projects, demos, and games, along with lots of career insights, ideas, and inspiration.
RiverFest and Trenton River Days
Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Trenton
Play inside the park and along the Delaware River, where you can play educational games and see exhibits, take a canoe or boat ride, listen to live music, hop on a hayride, watch a fly fishing demo, grab some ballpark food or beer, and watch the annual Trenton Thunder World Famous Case’s Pork Roll Eating Championship.
Star Wars Day at the Zoo
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
All things Star Wars will be happening, including photo opportunities with real characters, crafts, trivia, and special “out of this galaxy” treats for the animals throughout the day. Members of the Northeast Remnant 501st Legion will be at the zoo in their authentic costumes.
Fall Plowing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Watch as the farm gets ready for the fall harvest.
Fall Brew By the Bay
The Seafarer Bar, Highlands
The tasting takes place on the picturesque waterfront. Each brewery will be serving two beers to sample. There will be fire pits, and food by Cuts & Catch available for an additional fee.
Miracles for Myeloma Hybrid 5K Run/Walk
Oak Ridge Park, Clark
The course, staged entirely within the park on paved paths, is USATF-certified. Proceeds will help fund IMF’s research initiatives.
Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree + Block Party
Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Eight hours of live music will kick off with the marching of The Gotham Kings down Bloomfield Avenue to Lackawanna Plaza. After, more than 50 musicians will perform on two outdoor stages. Other attractions include a funk + soul dance party, 150+ artisan and food vendors, specialty jazz cocktails, and the Family Jazz Discovery Zone.
Shine at Pines Village Car & Truck Show
Pines Village, Manchester
Types of vehicles include Corvettes, Thunderbolts, Camaros and more, winding back nearly 100 years. The event will feature a vintage car competition, a dunk tank and raffles; plus food from the community’s culinary staff and a tour the Pines Village campus.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Locals Summer Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
Sip on a craft beer or drink while you shop from local craft vendors.
River to Farm Bike Tour
Roebling Museum, Florence Twp.
Start at the Roebling Museum, travel along the Delaware River Bike Path, go through Columbus, then back along the river path.
Puppy Pals, Live!
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
These adopted and rescued dogs were seen on America’s Got Talent performing a variety of stunts and tricks. They will showcase agility, comedy and teamwork in three free, live outdoor shows.
Middlesex County FolkLIVE Series: Mexican Independence Festival
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
Learn about Mexico’s diversity of dance, fashion, food, and more. You’ll also find artisan vendors, folkloric performers, Mariachi musicians, and entertainment from “Grito de Independencia,” led by the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick.
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
The Levoy Theatre, Millville
Who’s Bad is the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing.
I Love the ’90s Tour
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City
Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Rob Base, Young MC and Joe Denim relive the golden era of hip-hop and R&B.
Sweet Corn & Garlic Festival
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
There will be food trucks, craft beer, vendors, line music, dancing, hayrides and a corn maze with an emphasis on corn and garlic products.
Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest 2025
Billy Penn Studios, Philadelphia, PA
You’ll have the opportunity to experience black-owned, inclusive brands with their wine, spirits, food, vendors, entertainment and installations.
Paws & Play With Purpose
Mercer County Skating Center at Mercer County Park, West Windsor
EASEL Animal Rescue League will hold its first-ever Paws & Play with Purpose fundraiser, including music, raffles, a silent auction, food trucks, a kids’ activity zone, sketch art, painting, Back to School giveaways, a pet adoption presentation (1-3 pm), mobile grooming and vet services information.
SUNDAY
Highland Park Arts in the Park Street Fair
Raritan Avenue, Highland Park
The juried art show and festival includes live music and other entertainment, food from local restaurants and vendors, children’s activities, promotional booths, and more.
Ridgewood Fall Art & Craft Street Fair
East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
There will be 200 exhibitors, a large food court with international selections, a children’s entertainment area, and live music.
Kids Hike for Fun
Jugtown Mountain Preserve/Tower Hill Reserve, Asbury
Kids 5 and up (through teens) are encouraged to discover the great outdoors for some fresh air and exercise.
Bridgewater Family Fun Day & Touch-a-Truck
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The kids can climb on over 25 vehicles, from fire trucks to construction trucks. There will also be a DJ, arts & crafts, games, rides, inflatables, food trucks and vendor booths.
Italian-American Sunday Macaroni Fundraiser
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Chef and Board of Trustee Donato DiGeronimo will host a traditional Italian Sunday dinner in the gardens. You’ll also get a personalized tour of the museum that highlights Montclair’s Italian history.
40th Anniversary Celebration of New Jersey Botanical Garden
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Hayrides, pumpkin painting, games, walks, a plant sale and more are planned for the anniversary celebration.
Family Fun Day
Carousel Promenade, Pier Village, Long Branch
The boardwalk-style fun will include arcade games, mini golf, bowling, inflatables, an artisan market, carousel rides, face painting, and live music by West End Dogs.
Transition Your Wardrobe Sewing Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Learn basic sewing and design techniques to update your wardrobe to match your gender identity and style. You will upcycle one piece of your own clothing. This event is in partnership with Out Montclair.
ONGOING
Holland Ridge Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Daily, September 12 – October 13
Aside from millions of sunflowers, dahlias, gladiolus, calla lilies and mums, people from all over the region come for the photo ops, windmill tour, Bloom Bar, new “Moovie” Theater, picnic pods and hayrides around the farm.
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Mariner’s Pier, Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Fridays – Sundays, September 12 – October 12
Oktoberfest-themed decorations will liven up the boardwalk every weekend. The event includes live German music, food, beer, and games and rides at the pier. On September 13, there will be an additional Boardwalk Bier Run, a ceremonial keg tapping and the stein-holding contest. New this year, Founder Haus will offer a ticketed Oktoberfest dining experience with family-style appetizers, a special German fare menu, and seasonal beers.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure Resort, Jackson Twp.
Select dates, September 12 – November 2
Start in the daytime at Kids Boo Fest, a not-so-scary Halloween event with trick-or-treating, silly performances and fall photo ops. At night, dare to be scared inside movie-themed haunted houses, scare zones and themed performances.
Renaissance Festival
Camp Sacajawea, Sparta
September 13-14, 20-21
Dress in your Medieval best and come out for jousting, shows, archery, ax throwing, interactive events, vendors, kid-friendly activities, food, mead, beer and wine.
Corn Maze, Hayrides & Pumpkin Adventures
Abma’s Farm, Wyckoff and Hillsborough
Select dates, September 13 – November 1
Depending on the location, there will be morning yoga, music classes, tractor time, spooky storytime, a Halloween dance party, a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.
Von Thun Farms’ Fall Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
Saturday – Sunday, September 13 – November 2; plus school closure days
Come to the farm for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, cider donuts, apple blasters, corn cannons, other kids’ activities, and a new Sesame Street-themed corn maze.
Stone Tavern Orchards
73 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge
September 13 – October (date TBA)
Fall festivities include PYO apples, pumpkins and flowers; a hayride; a corn maze; a corn pit; pony rides and a petting zoo; a food tent; and a farm stand with veggies, honey, flowers and autumn essentials. If you just want the fruit and not the festival, head down the road to Annie’s Orchard, where Farmer Pat’s daughter Annie has a rustic second location for just apple picking.
Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
September 13 – October 31
There will be entertainment, farm tours, corn mazes, a kids’ corner, food at Café 120, and a pumpkin patch.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, September 13 – November 2
There’s a little bit of everything you love about fall here: sunflower and pumpkin picking, corn cannon and pumpkin blaster, animal zoo and pony rides, a real corn maze and an inflatable corn maze, pig races and a bee barn, pumpkin bowling and a spider web climb, and many more kid-friendly activities.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Select dates, September 13 – November 2
There will be 35+ fall-themed attractions, plus food, games, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, an Alice in Wonderland-themed corn maze, farm animals and pig races, a dog show, giant slingshot, a straw pyramid and a baseball speed through. For an additional fee, take the kids to the carnival ride area, apple cannon, paintball range and gem mining.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, September 13 – November 2
Sesame Street- and Halloween-themed activities include a castle maze, stage performance, trick-or-treating, costume contests, Halloween parade, pumpkin decorating, character shows, Halloween storytime, and a special Halloween dining op.
Cirque de Paris
Through September 14 at Rockaway Townsquare in Rockaway
September 18-28 at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison
Anouchka Bouglione will bring a cast of circus artists from across Europe – including BMX trick riders, illusionists, aerialists, acrobats and clowns – to perform in French circus traditions.
Apple & Pumpkin Days
Riamede Farm, Chester
Apple Days: through September 14
Apple & Pumpkin Days: September 20 – October 26
Apple Days include PYO apples and veggies, cider slushies and wagon rides. Apple & Pumpkin Days include pumpkin picking, time to explore the Pumpkin House, live music and fall activities.
Broadway Week
Broadway, New York City
Through September 21
Choose from 24 shows that offer 2-for-1 tickets, or discounted upgrades. Some choices include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, &Juliet and Mamma Mia!
Company Town Walking Tour
Roebling Museum, Roebling
Saturdays, through September 27
Take a guided walking tour of the company town to discover the stories of workers who lived in the unique houses – from immigrant laborers to wealthy superintendents.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 4
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 12
Celebrate fall with PYO pumpkins and apples; there will be a pumpkin painting station. There are 30+ activities and attractions to enjoy: pony rides, pedal and play tractors, wagon rides, children’s games and activities, corn stalk maze and hay bale maze, a barnyard of farm animals, barnyard sports (basketball toss, pumpkin bowling, baseball throw), the pollinator sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt, live music, and tastings of Terhune’s wine and sangria.
Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Daily, through October 13
While walking around the village to vote on your favorite scarecrow that lines the pathways to the shops and restaurants, you can also sign up for a scarecrow-making workshop, view the pet photo exhibit, attend the Scarecrow Festival (September 13 and 14), order from the food trucks (September 18) or bring your significant other to the wedding show.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Tri State Sunflower Festival & Pumpkin Fest
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Daily, through October 26 (closed Tuesdays)
Daily activities include flower picking, a corn maze, a giant slide, a trike track, a playground area, a low ropes course, a pumpkin patch and fall photo ops. Weekend activities add a farmers market, live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and pedal boat rentals.
Weekends, September 5 – October 26
Lentini Farms Harvest Festival & Fall Festival
Lentini Farms, Newton
The Harvest Festival runs every weekend, September 5-28. Every Friday there will be a Cars, Pies and Harvest Skies Event with a classic car show. Angelo’s Pizza food truck will offer a Lentini Pie from the farm’s own harvest veggies. O’Reilly’s Pub will be on site every Friday night. Saturday, September 27, will be the farm’s first line dancing event, Boot Scootin BBQ, with Discover Line Dancing and Smokin Mos BBQ truck. The Fall Festival will be every weekend, October 3-26. Haunted hayrides will take place every Friday and Saturday night in October. Food trucks, live bands, Angry Erik’s Brewery, Milk Street Distillery and O’Reilly’s Pub will be part of the entire season. Fireworks are scheduled for September 20 and October 10. There is also a 10-acre corn maze, u-pick sunflowers and pumpkins, hayrides, corn cannons, corn pits, tractor bikes, pumpkin bowling and more every weekend.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through November 2
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Fall Theatre Season
All Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, Denville
Select dates, through November 26
ACACNJ’s fall productions include Aladdin, Camp Rock, The Sound of Music Jr., Shrek Jr., and The SpongeBob Musical.
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Through December 7
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Where to Celebrate Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month in NJ
Where to Pick Your Own Apples in NJ
Car Shows & Cruise Nights in New Jersey – Where to Go Near You
Best Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey (September 2025)
The Best Free Things to Do in New Jersey in September (2025)
Hello Field Trip Inspo! The Best Day Trips in the New Jersey Area
Popular Now:
Everything You Need to Know to Try and Score FIFA World Cup Tickets
These Are The 10 Most Family-Friendly Towns in New Jersey
9 NJ High Schools Rank Among the Best in the Country
Homes in These 3 NJ Towns Are Among the Nation’s Hottest Zip Codes
How to Hit the Jersey Shore Like a Local
New Jersey Ranked 3rd Best State to Live in for 2025! Do You Agree?
A School in New Jersey Has Been Named One of the Most Innovative in The World
