New Jersey's Best Fall Festivals

Fall is on its way and we’re here for the apple picking, corn mazes and all things harvest season.

August 24 – October 8

Festival of Sunflowers
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
The golden fields include not only sunflowers but also dahlias this year. The farm is open every day, but there will also be Oktoberfest and the Two Bridges wine trail announced later in the season.

August 26 – November 5

Oktoberfest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
This German heritage festival is a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world, including the Gutentag One Man Band.

September 2-3

Fall Flower Market & Craft Festival
Well-Sweep Herb Farm, Port Murray
There will be two days of free lectures and presentations about topics ranging from far-out funky plants to plant breeding to Halloween plants. Shop at the craft market while you listen to bluegrass and Americana music by Rupert and Scheetz. Almost 1,900 varieties of plants will be available for sale.

September 2 – October 29 (weekends)

Fall Festival
Wightman Farms, Morristown
The mazeland includes a giant corn maze, hay bale maze, rope maze, paver maze, rock labyrinth, hay bale pyramid and hay bale tunnel. The picnic area includes corn hole, Hula hoops, and an educational display in the farm schoolhouse about bees and apples. The pumpkin slingshot will open at a later date.

September 9

Linwood Fields Festivals
Pop’s Farm Market & Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
This year is the first time you will be able to pick your own veggies in addition to the u-cut flower field. During the festival days, there will be a wine tasting, food trucks, craft vendors, a bounce house, a petting zoo, pet adoptions, a corn maze, a hayride and pumpkin picking (when available).

September 9 – October 29 (weekends)

Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Saturdays and Sundays in September
Fridays – Sundays in October
Plus Columbus Day: Monday, October 9
Tickets include the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission!

September 11 – October 29

Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
More than 100 scarecrows will be on display throughout the village. If you want to try your own, sign up for a scarecrow making workshop. Throughout the season there will be a series of events, like Food Truck Thursday, a wedding show, a murder mystery dinner show and a free movie. During the weekend of September 16 and 17, Peddler’s Village will host a Scarecrow Festival that will include scarecrow workshops, live music, a juggling show, pumpkin painting, axe throwing, sand art, and outdoor food and drinks.

September 15 – October 15

Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
There will be thousands of rainbow blooms including sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias, calla lilies and mums; dozens of food options; more than 25 floral photo activations; a hundred vendors; live music and more family-friendly activities.

September 16

Haddon Township Fall Festival
Haddon Twp.
Formerly known as Haddon Township’s Block Party, this year’s highlights include an apple pie bakeoff and a wing eating competition, JamFest, a car show, character meet-and-greets, rides, games, food trucks, a beer garden and vendor shopping.

Harvest Brew Fest
Cape May MAC, Cape May
Celebrate South Jersey through its local beer, food vendors, artisans and musical talent.

September 16-17

Oktoberfest
Mountain Creek, Vernon
Start off with authentic German foods like Schweinshaxe, sliced sauerbraten sandwiches, grilled bratwurst and potato pancakes. If you’re of age, wash it down with over 10 varieties of German and domestic beers, cider, seltzer and canned cocktails, plus wine and liquor. Adults can participate in lawn games like the stein holding and pie eating contests, lumberjack contest, hay bale toss and wife carrying relay, or battle it out in a classic sack race; while kids enjoy petting zoos, bounce houses and face painting. You can take free sky rides on the Mountain Creek lift or ride the Mountain Coaster.

September 16 – October 29 (weekends)

Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Choose just the right pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern or decorations, and let the kids have fun at the pumpkin painting station. Then take them to the area with pony rides, pedal and play tractors, children’s games and activities, the Corn Stalk Maze and Hay Bale Maze, Adventure Story Barn and the barnyard of farm animals. Take a stroll along the pollinator sunflower trail and go on a scavenger hunt. Get lunch from Pam’s Food Pavilion and then take the adults in your group to the orchard for Terhune’s own wines. Local musicians will play during the weekend.

Great Pumpkin Fest
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
This Halloween celebration is all fun and no fear, so it’s great for kids of all ages. Located in Wildwater Kingdom, you’ll find family-friendly activities, games, play zones, costume contests, dance parties and more.

Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
There will be live bull riding and country music, plus more than 20 activities, including a wooden train, wooden tractor swing, horse tire swings, tetter ball, pumpkin village, hay ride, corn maze, animal barn yard, pig races, goat mountain, hay mize, sand box, tiny trike track, pumpkin bowling, observation bridge, backhoe play yard, corn tunnel, rubber duck races, pillow jump, rodeo show, bean bag toss, pedal karts, corn crib, spiderweb, hay climbing and candy corn toss.

September 16 – October 29 (select dates)

Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough
Select dates, September 16 – October 31
Start with the Fall Harvest Days, which include the corn maze, farm tours, a Kids CORNer, pumpkin patch and food stand. Then, mark your calendar for Scare Farm starting September 23.

September 16 – November 5

Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
There is so much to do on the farm! There’s everything from a tractor hay ride to a corn maze to a hy crawl and barnyard sports ball-cade, plus a Chicken Little Show, the Boo Barn, a dancing robot show, pedal cars and an obstacle course, Skee-Ball, a giant straw bale pyramid, boat racing, pig racing and the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show.

September 17

Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair
Downtown Ridgewood
This family fun day will have 200 exhibitors from three states bringing their arts, crafts and photography to display and sell. For the kiddies there will be a large Kids Zone with inflatables and children’s activities to keep them busy. Music will be played by the trio Tomfollery with classic rock from the ’60s to the ’90s.

September 21-24

Irish Fall Festival
North Wildwood
On Thursday, start with a golf tournament, and then Team USA vs. Team Ireland Amateur Boxing between No Limits Academy from Rio Grande and Crumlin Boxing Club from Dublin, Ireland (Conor McGregor’s amateur boxing club). Vendors will sell Irish merchandise Friday to Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, watch Irish entertainment such as music and dancing. Saturday includes a 5K run and 1-mile family walk, plus performances during the day and free Irish dance lessons. On Sunday, attend a special Mass followed by a parade.

September 21 – November 5

Fintastic Fall Days Festival
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
See countless aquatically-themed displays throughout the aquarium, both floating on the surface and sunken deep below among sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals. Check out seasonal sensory tables featuring pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences. You can pay $5 to paint and take home your own pumpkin masterpiece. If you’re looking to learn more, dive into the “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which demystifies the animals living in the dark depths of the ocean’s Midnight Zone.

September 22-24

Bergen County Fall Harvest Fest
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, a petting zoo, chick hatching, educational and hands-on activities for children, games, county organizations, live music, a midway and more. NOTE: The festival has been canceled for Saturday due to the impending rainstorm. Come by from 6-9 pm Friday for rides and food trucks. Visit Facebook for an update on Sunday.

September 23

Essex County 4-H Fall Family Festival Celebration
Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., 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.

RiverFest Art & Music Festival
Downtown Bound Brook
From Main Street to Hamilton Street, walk along for arts, crafts, food and live performances.

Fall Family Festival
Seaview Orthopaedics, Holmdel
Seaview Ortho’s third annual Fall Family Festival will be an afternoon of live music by No Standards, food trucks, a petting zoo, crafts, games, vendors, face painting and an ice cream truck.

Stella Farms Fall Festival
Stella Farms, Berlin
There will be live music, foodandalcohol, tractor rides, pumpkin picking and other fun activities for your children.

Leonia Oktoberfest
Wood Park, Leonia
The Rotary Club of Palisades puts on this fundraiser to benefit the Weekend Snack Pack Program and other charities. There will be a beer garden, live music, authentic German food and a photo booth.

September 23-24

Fall Festival
The Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Music and craftsmen will kick off some shopping for the coming holiday season. Each event includes train rides, food trucks, vendors and merchants.

Chester Lions Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
Chubb Park, Chester
There will be many craft beers and authentic German cuisine, including bratwursts, kielbasa, chicken schnitzel, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and more. Kid-friendly options like hot dogs and giant soft pretzels will be available. Live music and dancing will be happening all weekend, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Warren County Hot Air Balloon, Fun & Games Festival
Warren Community College, Washington
Saturday – Sunday
Hot air balloons will take off each evening, and you can choose to take a tethered ride or a full flight. There will be food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment, drone demos, PGA golf, ax throwing, a bounce house, magic and comedy from Balloons the Clown, the Phydeaux Flying Flea Circus, live bands and DJ, games and the balloon glow with Fred G. Monster.

September 23 – October 29

Misfits Farmstead Festivals,
Manalapan and Monroe Twp.
Meet the new Misfits (the family of goats) during festival weekends. There will be cornhole, tug of war, tractor rides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, pony rides and a petting zoo. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays only.

September 23 – November 26

Diggerfest
Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Diggerland’s Fall Festival includes live music, special foods, hay rides, Circus Stella, fun and games, fire truck rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, a pipe roll, a corn maze, photo stands, fire pits and a fall parade.

September 24

Autumn With the Animals
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
There will be wildlife programs, live music, nature hikes, games, crafts, food and other fun activities to help the whole family connect with nature.

Harvest Home Festival
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
During this old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890s, you’ll go back in timewith wagon rides, games and live entertainment. The Home & Garden competition will feature needlework, baked goods, and a brand-new harvest-themed artwork category. All day, there will be old-fashioned games, beekeeping demos, blacksmith demos, woodworking demos, cider making, two-man saw, craft demonstrations (like rug hooking, felting, lace making, spinning and knitting, chair caning, basket making, etc.). Entertainment includes the Wahoo Medicine Show and Phydeaux Flea Circus, Jugtown Mountain Band and banjo music. Take part in corn husking, potato sack and pie eating competitions. There will also be timber frame building and potato harvest gleaning.

Garfield Fall Family Street Fair
Garfield
No cars allowed! The street will be closed off so you can shop from vendors, do arts & crafts, listen to music, taken your kids on rides, play games, eat at the food trucks and get some free gifts.

Fall Fest
Heavy Reel Brewing Co., Seaside Heights
Heavy Reel Brewing Co. and Donuts Plus are putting on this festival, so there is sure to be great beer and treats. Jelly Fingers will celebrate the release of its apple cinnamon and pumpkin beers. Watch NFL football. Shop at the craft fair. Listen to live music. Paint pumpkins. This is dog- and kid-friendly so bring everyone.

September 28 – October 1

Belftoberfest
Belford Brewing Company, Belford section of Middletown Twp.
This is the 10th anniversary of this German-style showcase of seasonal beers and 16+ Jersey Fresh craft beers on tap, plus the brewery’s regular menu. German-style music from Jingleheimer is on Friday night, and Lucky 5 Oktoberfest Band will be Saturday afternoon. Stein holding competitions will be held throughout the weekend with prizes awarded to the winners, and corn hole games take place behind the brewery. Local restaurants are creating menus with a German twist, so bring in food to the tap room. The event is kid- and pet-friendly.

September 29-30

Mudhen HarvestFest
Mudhen Brewing Company, Wildwood
Bring the kids to the pumpkin patch, where they can choose a pumpkin to decorate. On Friday, live music is by Chris Sacks Band and Nummy Pumpkin; on Saturday, The Megan Knight Band performs. On Saturday, Donna Cox will offer face painting and there will be games and fun for all ages all day.

September 29 – October 1

Hackettstown Oktoberfest
Downtown Hackettstown: Grand Avenue, Main Street, Valentine Street
Friday – Sunday
Kick off Oktoberfest weekend on Friday with a beer tapping at Grand Ave Tavern. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be street fair-style events, kids’ activities, non-alcohol-related activities, music, craft vendors, live music, food and more.

September 29 – October 29 (Select dates)

Fall Family Fun & Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Take your family on a scenic hayride to 40 acres of home grown pumpkins. While on the patch, you can go through the Corn Maize or Hay Maze, play with the corn cannons, and feed some farm animals. At night, the farm transforms into the Farm of Horrors where you will ride, walk and then run for your life through the Halloween-themed attractions.

September 30

Fall Fest
Montclair History Center, Montclair
Montclair History Center and Montclair Community Farms will celebrate the end of the harvest season with food and drinks from local vendors, naturally sourced products from local artisans and creators, farm animals, and live music from Montclair’s School of Rock.

Fall Craft Show
Historic Village of Allaire, Farmingdale
There will be more than 120 crafters and artists selling their works of art. You can wander around the village and learn about the former ironworks factory town.

Roselle Park Arts Festival
Chestnut Street, Roselle Park
There will be more than 65 art and craft vendors; live street art painting; two music stages; a beer garden; and dance, roller skating and hula hoop performances. Make an instrument and join the New Orleans second-line parade with the Big Noise Brass Band. There will be food trucks and outdoor restaurant dining.

Fall Festival of Antiques
Gloucester County Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
Antique dealers from throughout the Northeast will set up under the pavilion and on the lawn to sell their country and formal furniture, pottery, fine art, glass, stoneware, textiles, quilts, dolls, Americana, jewelry, clocks, porcelain, sterling, toys, advertising, metalware, and more.

Red Bank RiverFest Oktoberfest
Two River Theater Plaza, Red Bank
The first-ever Red Bank Oktoberfest will be a sampling event, meaning that for one ticket price, you’ll be able to sample from all of the Monmouth-based brewers, distillers and wineries on site. Note: This was rescheduled from September 24.

September 30 – October 1

Asbury Park Bazaar
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the market; shop from artisans from the Jersey Shore; go for a customized bonded jewelry experience; get your face painted; sip on some craft beers; listen to music by The Wright Trio, DJ Ayo Tay, Songbird and Brent Shibla; go bowling; and customize your own sunglasses.

September 30 – October 22 (weekends)

Mountain Creek Resort Fall Fest
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon
This is the first year Mountain Creek will hold a Fall Fest with lots of music, fall snacks, drinks, giant games and access to trails. You can also go on the zip tours or Alpine Mountain Coaster.

October 1

Oktoberfest
West Main Street, Freehold
There will be a beer garden with tables, chairs, games, vendors and food. Entertainment will be Swedish Meatballs in the beer garden, WCT Band on the main stage, and Turnstyles on the main stage.

Fall Festival
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Activities and crafts include pumpkin decorating, candy corn and ghost glow-in-the-dark keychains, a fall sensory activity table with fidget toys/sand/water play, sidewalk art, a prize wheel, storytime, coloring, tinsel fairy hair, giant chess, giant Connect 4, a blocks station and corn hole.

October 6-8

Oktoberfest
Asbury Festhalle Biergarten, Asbury Park
The annual Columbus Day Weekend celebration of all things German includes food, beer, polka, and a stein-holding competition.

October 7

Oktoberfest
Veterans Park, Highlands
Authentic German food, live music, dancing and other entertainment will be part of this free, family-friendly celebration. There will be live Oompah, and polka music performed by the Dance Hall Detour. Bahrs Landing Restaurant will prepare bratwurst, knockwurst, kraut, potato pancakes, goulash, sauerbraten and Bavarian noodles. Wash that down with light and dark Oktoberfest beers. Enter the Best Dressed or Beer Stein Holding contests. Visit the craft vendor booths.

Crystal Springs Resort Music Festival
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Musical acts include Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band; Nashville’s Madison Pisani; ’70s Rock Parade; local favorite Sean O’Flynn and guitarist/singer Joe Var Veri. Those who are 21+ can order wine, beer and cider, including the resort’s specialty drink, Cider Sangria. There are fall-themed activities for the whole family like balloon rides, hayrides and lawn games. The resort’s culinary team will offer an autumn menu with an international flair including tacos, bratwurst, curry, ribs, shawarma and more, plus a variety of food trucks will be on site.

Flemington Firefighter’s Fall Festival
Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington
There will be food vendors, craft beer vendors, two live bands, firetrucks and fire equipment, games and kids’ activities.

October 8

Oktoberfest
George Street, New Brunswick
Dress up in your best dirndl or lederhosen and enter the stein-holding contest. Sample many craft brews and German beers while eating local and traditional food. The music lineup features performances from a broad mix for all age groups, including traditional German music.

October 14

Linwood Fields Festivals
Pop’s Farm Market & Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
This year is the first time you will be able to pick your own veggies in addition to the U-cut flower field. During the festival days, there will be wine tasting, food trucks, craft vendors, a bounce house, a petting zoo, pet adoptions, a corn maze, a hayride and pumpkin picking.

October 15

Hamilton Township’s Oktoberfest
Veterans Park South Side (Kuser Road entrance), Hamilton Twp.
There will be food, music and vendors to celebrate the season.

October 21

Boo Brew By the Bay
Seafarer, Highlands
Your ticket includes seven 4-ounce tastings of craft beer from breweries around the area, plus a pint of beer. There will also be live music, fire pits and food from Local Smoke BBQ.

October 21-22

Halloween Village: Witches and Sorcerers
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Aside from the merchant shops, the weekend will include craftsmen, artisans and food vendors, along with 4-H hosted crafts, a basket raffle and train and/or trolley rides.

October 22

Fall Family Fun Day
Temple Beth Shalom, Manalapan
The day is geared toward kids ages 2-17 but everyone is invited. The event will include entertainment, inflatable rides, games, activities, food and fun.

October 28

Grayrock N Roll Fall Festival
Grayrock Farm Sanctuary, Clinton
Spend the better part of your day shopping from vendors selling art, baked dog treats, books, candles, essential oils, handmade soaps, home décor, jewelry, kidswear, stickers, toys, wreaths and more. There will also be live music, face painting, glitter tattoos, cats and dogs up for adoption, a tricky tray, raffles and food trucks. Make sure you stop by to meet the resident horses, goats, pigs and chickens.

Morven Harvest Festival
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
The Guild for Early Music will bring ensembles and musicians to perform music of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Early American eras. Visit Morven’s gardens to help harvest vegetables and take part in hands-on activities including “spooky season” crafts.

Check out our complete mega-guide of festivals in and around NJ!