The start of a new school year is here and we’ve rounded up the best free events in September to check out when the kids need a break from the books.
September 1
Labor Day Parade & Carnival
Mendham
After the Labor Day Parade that marches down Main Street, the carnival opens early for a full day of events. At night, the mayor will draw the mega 50/50 raffle ticket before the fireworks show lights up the sky.
South Plainfield Labor Day Parade and Festivities
Veterans Park, South Plainfield
This claims to be the oldest and largest Labor Day parade in New Jersey. This year’s theme is Superheroes and Villains. Kick off the day – literally – with the 5K Run and Family Fitness Walk. Following the parade, there will be vendors, food, a beer tent, and entertainment at Veterans Park. At night, head to Spring Lake Park for fireworks at dusk.
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale
The streets will be transformed into a giant block party, including a vendor market, an arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, festival foods plus food trucks, merchant and civic organization tables, live bands, dancing, and karate demos.
Broadway in the Park
Memorial Park Amphitheater, Maplewood
One of the biggest celebrations of Broadway in New Jersey will have the performers miscast, meaning they will perform acts and sing songs from roles they’d never traditionally play.
September 5
Farm Fun Day
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
There will be hayrides, storytelling, ballet for kids, a sing-along with Pete, face painting, corn dollies, greeting card making, yoga, herbal goodies, other snacks and ice cream, and artisans and crafters.
Fridays – Saturdays, September 5 – October 4
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
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.
September 5-6
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
The Wildwoods
The Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, and Patrick McAlee Pitts Aerobatics will headline a brand-new airshow over the beaches of The Wildwoods. Watch parachute jumpers, helicopters and military planes, and rescue demos throughout the afternoon.
Summertime New Year’s
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The Mummers will hold a STRUT Dance Contest on Friday night, where their captains show off while the Mummers Association plays music. On Saturday, a dozen string bands from the 2025 New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will reenact their performances during a parade.
September 6
Be Fort Lee & Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be 50+ artisan vendors, live music by Steve Kelman, and back-to-school shopping.
National Read A Book Day
MarketFair, Princeton
Listen to a reading of “Where the Wild Things Are,” and then meet Carol from the book. You can make a mosaic crown inspired by Max. Then have some snacks while entering a contest to win 1 of 5 Labubu dolls.
Fall Cruisin’ the Boards: OC Classic Car & Street Rod Show
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
2025 is the 50th anniversary celebration of the boardwalk parade of vehicles that were made in or before 1989. Take your time strolling down the boards, since there will be family-friendly activities in addition to all the cars.
Back to School
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Youngsters 5 and older will attend the one-room school to learn as Pleasant Valley kids once did. The unique history lesson includes doing before- and after-school farm chores, playing games during recess, and learning arithmetic, English, and social studies from the schoolmarm. You can also meet Larry Kidder, author of an award-winning book about the school itself.
Brielle Day Craft Fair
Brielle Park, Brielle
There will be 150+ crafters, fire truck rides, live music, a Kids Corner and a beer garden.
Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Vendor Fair
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
There will be craft vendors set up in the parking lot next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, plus food vendors, live music, games and activities. The vendor fair benefits survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and families of missing loved ones in honor of Stephanie Parze, a 19-year-old Freehold woman who was killed by her boyfriend in 2019.
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County’s Insect Fest
Mercer County Educational Gardens, Hopewell
Learn about the vital role of insects in a fun, hands-on way. There will be demo gardens, varieties of plants, composting workshops, a scavenger hunt, storytime and make-your-own mosquito bucket.
Citizens Pep Rally for Giants’ Season
Citizens Bank, Lyndhurst
Fans will have the opportunity to meet Giants alumni, take photos, and get autographs. The event will also feature giveaways, contests to win tickets to the Giants’ home opener, signed Eli Manning memorabilia, and a “Game Ready” activation—including an inflatable Giants helmet.
Fiesta Latina
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, authentic Hispanic food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and more. Limi-T 21, the Puerto Rican trio who play energetic merengue music, will take the stage alongside legendary sensation, Johnny Ray, Salsa Con Clase. The day’s festivities will be hosted by DJ Ralphie Mercado.
The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
The unofficial afterparty for the Thunder Over the Waves airshow takes place in Byrne Plaza with food vendors, craft vendors, live music from local and regional bands, family activities, and a beer garden.
Beer & Garden Festival
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
Join Sustainable Princeton for its first-ever Beer & Garden event, which includes brews from Triumph Brewery, live music by local band Ride or Die, gardening tools from the free Lending Library, a leaf corral making workshop, a native flower seed bombs workshop, and free educational booths about sustainable landscaping.
September 6-7
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Saturdays – Sundays, September 6-14
August Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
The whole family can come to the winery for live music, time outdoors, and samplings of Terhune’s sangria and fresh fruits.
September 6 – December 7
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
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.
September 7
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Red Bank
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids can choose to make a variety of crafts inspired by history, art and the season.
Beach Plum Festival
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
Celebrate this beloved plant that grows on the island at a celebration with 100+ art and craft vendors, kids’ games, non-profit tables and beach plum jelly.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Monroe Center, Hoboken
There will be 60+ artisan vendors, an escape room experience, and live music by Dave ‘n’ Coney.
Welcome Back! Luau
Beyond the Boogie Dance Company, Montclair
The afternoon of free trial dance classes is open to everyone from toddlers to adults. Options include basics, hip-hop, Afrobeats, kickboxing, acro, heels and chair stretch (all depending on age). There will also be raffles, glitter tattoos and crafts for the entire family
Daily, September 8 – October 13
Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
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), and order from the food trucks (September 18).
September 11
Cruisin’ to Cure MS Car Show
Adventure Crossing USA – The Dome, Jackson Twp.
The car show theme will be a Patriot Day Cruise, with veteran-owned rides on display in the parking lot. There will be live music, entertainment, and food and drinks inside the golf, video game and entertainment complex.
September 12-14
140th Annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention
The Wildwoods
Thousands of firefighters and their families from every county in NJ will head to the Shore. The NJ Fire Expo takes place Saturday and Sunday in the parking lot of the Wildwoods Convention Center and across the street at Fox Park. The NJ Firefighter’s Memorial Parade moves along New Jersey Avenue, from Cresse Avenue in Wildwood Crest, proceeding north to 21st Avenue in North Wildwood, on Saturday. The Wildwood Crest Firefighters’ Weekend Craft Show at Sunrise Park in Wildwood Crest will be held on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the Wildwood Fire Company Annual Fire Muster will be held in the grassy circle in front of the convention center, showcasing a large display of old antique fire engines dating from the early 1900s to today. Sunday morning will also feature the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb inside the Wildwoods Convention Center; participants will climb 110 stories with families, friends, and neighbors to honor the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001.
September 13
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.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
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. Admission is free, but some activities have costs.
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.
San Gennaro Festival
Pyanoe Plaza and the Belmar Plaza, Belmar
There will be lots of Italian food and activities.
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.
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.
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.
Fall Plowing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Watch as the farm gets ready for the fall harvest.
Haddon Twp.’s Fall Festival & Jam At The Lake
Crystal Pool Lake, Haddon Twp.
There’s a steret 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
September 13-14
Sea.Hear.Now
Asbury Park
The mega beach fest is packed with musical acts, surfing competitions, an art show, food trucks and fun in the sun.
Scarecrow Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The autumn-themed weekend features scarecrow workshops, live music, pumpkin painting, activities, and outdoor food and drink.
September 13 through October (Date TBA)
Stone Tavern Orchards Fall Festivities
73 Rues Rd., Cream Ridge
Fall activities 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.
September 14
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.
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.
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.
September 18
Halsey Fest
Halsey Street, Newark
The street fair includes performances by Newark-based artists, a vendor market, the Halsey Street Sounds DJ collective, karaoke, collabs with community organizations and local sports teams, and photo ops.`
September 18-21
Irish Fall Festival
North Wildwood
The luck o’ the Irish takes over NJ during the East Coast’s largest Irish festival. Events include a golf tournament, amateur boxing with athletes from Dublin, tons of Irish merch/food/music/dancing (including free Irish dance lessons), and Irish Jog 5K and 1-mile family walk, a heritage Mass with a procession, and a town-wide parade. Note: Certain events require tickets or fees.
September 19
New Brunswick Car Show
George Street, New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s City Center will be lined up with hot cars, plus bands performing live music (walk down to Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave.), and specials at the shops and restaurants along the street.
Tito Puente Jr. Salsa Night
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this outdoor concert will celebrate the culture, music, and legacy of Latin America through the sounds of Tito Puente Jr.’s ensemble. There will be food and drinks from the restaurants at the mall, as well as giveaways, store promos and a spin wheel.
September 19-20
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Freedom Park, Medford
There will be three stages of live music, craft beers, food trucks, a Bavarian stein-holding contest, German food/music/dancing, a cornhole tournament, a business expo, crafters and vendors, and kids’ activities.
September 19-21
Irish Fall Festival
North Wildwood
The lively celebration of Irish culture and heritage includes music and dancing, unique Celtic vendors, the grand Surf Avenue parade, and the USA vs. Ireland amateur boxing match.
The Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show
On the Boardwalk and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Cars will be displayed on the boardwalk Friday and Saturday, with awards given out on Sunday morning.
September 20
Old Bridge Day
Old Bridge Municipal Complex, Old Bridge
There will be vendors and food, with inflatables and kid-friendly activities sponsored by Calvary Chapel. The Bridge Christian Radio will be on site.
Spring Lake Italian Festival
Morris Avenue, Spring Lake
Italian specialties include a food court on Morris Avenue, music throughout the downtown, and special guest Produce Pete from NBC.
La Fiesta Hispana
Fox Park, Wildwood
Experience Hispanic culture through food, live music and vendor booths.
West Windsor Community Day
Duck Pond Park, West Windsor
There will be food, kids’ rides, local vendors and organizations, fire trucks, and family entertainment.
Wildwood Crest’s Seafarers Celebration
Wildwood Crest
Throughout the day there will be live music, magic shows, a live turtle exhibition, interactive games for kids, bounce houses, roving street performers, children’s pie-eating contests and face painting during a massive street fair – followed up at night by beachfront fireworks.
Rose Squared Art Show
Anderson Park, Montclair
More than 130 artists will be showcasing their works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Bergenstock Music Festival
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
The free event features songwriters and original bands hailing from Bergen County, covering everything from pop to rock to R&B.
From Harvest to Hearth
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
In 1900, a wood-burning stove, an icebox and a butter churn would have been a welcome improvement over the 18th-century open hearth that was used for cooking. There will be cooking activities, recipe sampling, and hands-on experiences for everyone.
Fandom Fest
Burlington County Library, Westampton
Fans of Dungeons & Dragons WWE, horror and fantasy – and everything in between – will join a festival with gaming, vendor shopping, panel discussions, presentations, and cosplay.
Earn Your Sunday Tour
Lowe’s, Butler
Football fans can stop by for a day of free, game-day fun and a shot at winning tickets to Super Bowl LX. You can battle your friends inside the trailer for EA SPORTS Madden ’26 Play Zone. There will be football-themed photo ops.
Diggerland USA Touch-a-Truck
Diggerland, West Berlin
Diggerland is NJ’s construction-themed amusement park, but this free event off the grounds offers even more access, when heavy machines, EMS vehicles, police cars, motorcycles and firetrucks will be lined up in the parking lot.
New Jersey Jeep Invasion
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
The New Jersey Jeep Invasion is the largest gathering of Jeeps in the Northeast, with over 2000 Jeeps in attendance, and over 100 of the top vendors in the industry.
Ecosystems at Risk Conservation Open House
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Based on the museum’s exhibition “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened & Endangered in NJ” and some of the conservation projects taking place throughout the state, activities will include a DEP Conservation Trailer, interactive exhibits, educational videos, informative displays, a brush truck, and a meet-and-greet with Smokey Bear.
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Hall of Records Parking Lot, Freehold Borough
Live music, Latin food, games, entertainment and vendors will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
September 21
Family Fall Fest
MarketFair, Princeton
There will be fall-themed music, arts and crafts, photo moments, character appearances, bounce houses and games outside of the mall.
Essex County 4-H Fall Family Festival Celebration
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland
The county’s 4-H Fall Harvest Showcase will be held in partnership with the Fall Family Festival Celebration. All projects will be showcased and awarded based on the Danish judging system: cash prizes are awarded for Best in Division and Best in Class, sponsored by the Essex County 4-H Leaders Association. Residents can submit projects in any of the fall divisions including Gardening, Food and Nutrition, and Fruits and Vegetables.
Family History Day – Navy Day
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Experience a day with the Continental Navy featuring demonstrations, games, hearth cooking, and kids’ crafts. There will be a guided tour of the battlefield, where you’ll learn the role the Pennsylvania Navy played in the Battle of Red Bank during the American Revolutionary War.
Peace Festival
Milton A. Votee Park, Teaneck
Families can take a 45-minute bike and walk, watch live music and stage performances by people of different cultural backgrounds, visit the food vendors, take part in kids’ activities, and enter raffles, all designed around the theme of peace.
Fall Fest 2025: A Celebration of Inclusion
Kessler Campus, West Orange
Every year, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and supporters come together for food, friendship and support.
Family Woodland Hike
NJ Botanical Garden, Ringwood
An easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands will teach you about the plants and animals around you in a hike designed to fit the group.
September 22
History in the Baking: The Largest Pizza Party Ever!
Prudential Center, Newark
The hope is that 5,000 pizza lovers will come and eat two slices each, so that the Guinness World Record can be set at 10,000 slices in one afternoon, the largest pizza party ever.
September 24-28
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
Wednesday: Parker Press Park, Woodbridge
Friday: Carteret Performing Arts Center, Carteret
Saturday: Metuchen High School, Metuchen
Sunday: In front of New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
The jazz fest features different performers singing at various locations around the county. Highlights are Elizabeth Bougerol of the Hot Sardines on Wednesday, a Metuchen High School Combo celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip on Saturday; and the Rutgers Alumni Jazz Orchestra taking the stage on Sunday.
September 25
Cruisin’ to Cure MS Car Show
Adventure Crossing USA – The Dome, Jackson Twp.
The final car show theme of the season is Endless Summer, and will feature convertibles and Dune Buggies. There will also be live music, entertainment, and food and drinks inside the golf, video game and entertainment complex.
September 26
Baby Walk
Hoffman Park, Hampton
The purpose is for you to get outside with your baby and explore your local trails. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then you can enjoy the company of other parents. Older siblings are welcome, but the group will walk at the pace of the adults.
South Orange Downtown Fiesta in La Placita
Spiotta Park, South Orange
The outdoor celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month features a live mariachi performance, a salsa dance lesson, music throughout the evening from DJ Mixxx, and tacos for sale.
September 26-27
Olde Tyme Italian Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
The weekend starts with a Mass and Procession of Saints on Friday, followed by a jam-packed musical lineup. There will be tons of Italian food (sausage and peppers, chicken cutlets, pasta, fresh cannoli and zeppole), vendors selling Italian merch, kids’ activities, and a meatball contest.
September 26-28
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
Hackettstown BID, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Grand Avenue Tavern and Man Skirt Brewing in Hackettstown
The town-wide event includes activities, contests, music, drinks and food suitable for the whole family. Vendors will line up along Main Street, Valentine Street and Grand Avenue for a street-fair style event. There will be kids’ activities and other non-alcohol-related activities as well. The highlights on Saturday at Czig Meister Brewing include barrel tapping, wiener dog races, a grain bag toss, a cornhole tournament and a stein-holding competition. Admission is free.
Bergen County 4-H Fair: Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
The fair features 4-H and Master Gardener displays and exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, local farm vendors, live music, a petting zoo, chick hatching, educational and hands-on activities for children, games, county organizations, a midway, and more.
September 27
Wheat Planting, Wheat Weaving, Threshing & Baking
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn how wheat is planted, cleaned, ground into flour, and baked into bread.
Worldwide Day of Play
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Pick up a “Play Passport” and you can explore the museum, including the ActiveFloor in the Discovery Den, and the AR Sandbox in the STEAM Center.
Gibbstown Car Show and Festival
Memorial Park, Gibbstown
Aside from the car show, there will be food vendors, games for families, shopping vendors and a live DJ. Stay for the awards ceremony and prizes at the end of the show.
Color Blast Fun Run/Walk
Vernon Township High School, Vernon Twp.
Wear all white so you get blasted with color as you run or walk around the track. After, there will be a wellness fair, music, games, crafts and T-shirt decorating. There is no cost to register.
Italian Festival
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Entertainment across three stages incluodes live music, Italian covers, a DJ, and dance performances. There will be bocce courts, 15 food trucks, 70 craft vendors, a beer truck, face painting, sand art, a wheel of chance, and raffles.
Metuchen Pops Art Festival
Downtown Metuchen
As you walk down the streets, look at the beautiful murals, graffiti, comics, illustrations, photography, wearable art, and interactive experiences – including a unique battle of the walls and pieces from internationally recognized artist ChrisRWK.
Russo’s Harvest Festival
Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Farm Pick Your Own Annex, Tabernacle
Take a wagon ride to the orchard and pumpkin patch, where you’ll pick your own apples and pumpkins straight from the farm. There will be food vendors, fresh apple cider donuts, a bounce house, pony rides and a hayride.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Mercer County Library System Book Festival
Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Lawrenceville
You’ll hear authors talk about their latest books, ask questions, and talk about the people behind the stories they love. In addition to author panels, the festival will feature crafts, activities, and kid-friendly performances.
Multiple Dates, Starting September 27
Highlights Tour
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
September 27, October 11, October 19, November 2, November 15, November 19, December 6, December 14
Student educators will take you on a free guided tour of the galleries, highlighting key artworks in the Zimmerli’s collection.
September 27-28
Hopewell Tour Des Arts
Hopewell Borough Train Station, Hopewell
Take a behind-the-scenes look into local artists’ studios and pop-up art spaces, where you can watch them work.
Margate Fall Funfest by The Bay
Margate
There will be performers on the Kids Stage, 11 bands on the main stage, parades, costumed characters, 110 vendor booths, ax throwing, a dog show, street sorcery shows, a Wild Thrill Stunt Extravaganza, Irish dancing, a wetlands educational exhibit, eco tours, a gymnastics show and dance performances.
RoboCon New Jersey
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Saturday – Sunday
STEAM-based activities include a bubble show, droid building, a robot driving experience, a Gummy Bear Launch, lots of LEGO projects, FIRST robotics competitions, and a special guest appearance by American Ninja Warrior/TV Host/Author Jay Flores.
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar
Convention Hall, Asbury Park
There will be shopping from local artisans, live music and entertainment, food and beverages, fall photo walls, an Oktoberfest celebration, kids’ activities, a permanent jewelry bar, vinyl record shopping and giveaways.
September 28
Teaneck Tailgate
Cedar Lane, Teaneck
The Teaneck Tailgate block party is taking over Cedar Lane with an outdoor bar, corn hole, food trucks, a bounce house, a photo booth, carnival games, performances by the Teaneck High School cheerleaders, and music by Cresskill School of Rock students.
Saddle Brook Street Fair & Craft Show
Saddle Brook
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Princeton Festival Cultural Latino
Downtown Princeton
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through music, dance, food, performances, creative arts and crafts, and family activities.
Traveling Knights of Old Bridge Art & Craft Show
Old Bridge High School, Old Bridge
The indoor Art & Craft Show includes jewelry, ceramics, quilting, crochet, glasswork, art, photography, pet items, bath, beauty and more.
Batsto Village Antique, Glassware & Bottle Show
Batsto Village, Hammonton
The fall antique and bottle show will have between 80 and 90 dealers, several food trucks, and wagon rides through the historic village.
Flemington Bizarre Bazaar
Stangl Factory, Flemington
Greenhouse Flemington, Kev Von Holt Gallery and Alkemy Coffee put together a curated collection of oddities, handmade goods, botanicals, crystals, jewelry, art, sweets, treats and more odds & ends.
South Orange Downtown Fall Festival
Spiotta Park, South Orange
There will be free fall crafts, pumpkin decorating, games, live music from DJ Lou, storytime, hands-on activities for families set up by local businesses, and food vendors.
Último Domingo: Celebrate Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series celebrating Latinx culture. Bilingual communities come together through art by checking out the museum’s exhibitions, creating their own art, and watching interactive performances.
Monarch Madness
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
There will be butterfly displays and a butterfly garden tour. Little ones can enjoy a story, game, and a craft about monarchs. Learn about butterfly migration.
September 28 – October 29
Scarecrow Festival
Hillsborough Twp.
Residents, organizations and businesses will decorate their buildings with scarecrows, which you can view in the streets during Halloween time.
September 28 – November 3
Hoboken Art Month
Throughout Hoboken
Highlights include a storefront art walk with a docent-led tour, Jazz on the Hudson, a public print event where families can squeegee their own hand-cut print on paper, storytelling, a lace exhibit, a screening of “Hocus Pocus,” a walking tour of Hoboken art studios, pop-up markets, musical performances, an improv workshop, hat making and pottery building.
September 29
Toms River PBA Fall Fest
Washington Street, Toms River
Formerly known as Vest-a-Cop, the night of family fun includes inflatables, raffles, face painting, police demos, costumed characters, a live radio broadcast by Thunder 106, axe throwing, a dunk tank, food trucks and ice cream.
Ongoing Through 2026
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
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 artifacts – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
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