Fall is almost upon us and that means harvest season, apple and pumpkin festivals corn mazes and more.
September 7 and 10
Bergen County Food & Wine Festival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
New this year is the Summer Sendoff Lobster Boil, where you can have a lobster boil dinner under the tent on Thursday while being entertained with live music from local artists and a corn hole tournament. On Sunday, come back for the traditional Grand Tasting event that showcases the best restaurants from around the county.
September 7-10
Hoboken Italian Festival
Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
The street festival that pays tribute to Madonna dei Martiri has food, rides, games, fireworks and a parade for everyone.
Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Union
All of the food, vendors, music and entertainment will be Greek-themed.
September 8-10
Rock of Ages Punk Rock Flea Market & Tattoo Expo
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market features hundreds of artists, makers and small businesses, plus 100+ tattoo artists from across the globe. There will be lots of celebrity guests, most notably the first Garden State reunion of the cast of Kevin Smith’s 1994 cult classic, “Clerks.”
September 9
St. Anthony’s Italian Heritage Festival
Downtown Glassboro
There will be carnival games, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, a homemade wine competition, a beer garden, and amazing Italian food.
Rocktoberfest
Taylor Park, Short Hills
There will be four performance spaces so that more than 30 bands can perform, plus arts, and activities, food and entertainment. The streets will be blocked off for folk/rhythm/blues/world music, plus Little Explorers, a games and vendor expo geared towards young families sponsored by Explore Millburn. The Taylor Park Rose Garden will have low-sensory acoustic music. There will also be children’s entertainment as well as a beer garden, food and shopping.
Parsippany Food Truck & Music Fest
Veterans Memorial Park, Parsippany
Bring your lawn chair and your appetite because there will be 15 food vendors in the park so you can say goodbye to summer while raising money for The Kiwanis of Greater Parsippany. In addition to food, and live music from Naughty Humphrey and Twisted Charm, you can shop from local craft vendors, shoot airsoft rifles, jump on a bungee trampoline, get a henna tattoo, play with sand art, and more. For those 21 and over, enjoy an ice-cold beer, wine, or hard seltzer from the bar. This is a pet-friendly event.
Insect Festival
Mercer Educational Gardens, Hopewell Twp.
Spend the day learning about bugs, bees, butterflies, composting and carnivorous plants. There will be bugs in water, and an insect hunt. Speak with the Master Gardeners about all your gardening needs.
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).
Community Day
Elmwood Park in Elmwood Park
The street will be closed to vehicle traffic so it can be transformed into a giant block party. Check out the assorted items for sale, a special arts and crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, festival foods and food trucks, and so much more. As you stroll along, stop to have a bite to eat and sit at tables in the live music area. The Kid’s Traveling Shindig is dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, and interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art and kids’ games. At dusk, there will be a fireworks display to cap off the celebration.
Brick Township Kite Festival
Brick Beach 3, Mantoloking
There will be giant inflatable kites visible for miles; vertical wind feathers and ground displays; kids and adults Running of the Bols competition; super-sized giant bubbles, kite sales and a separate public flying field for all.
Boonton Brewfest
Canalside Park, Boonton
More than 30 breweries from all over New Jersey will be on site, or sample some wine. Jared Jones Trio and Surfing For Daisy will play live music. There will be corn hole, giant Jenga and bucket pong for adults. There will be food trucks and vendors selling food.
Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree
Downtown Montclair
There will be five stages set up in the downtown, plus 150 food and artisan vendors along Bloomfield Avenue. This year there is an expanded Family Jazz Discovery Zone.
Sailfest
The Toms River, Island Heights
This is New Jersey’s largest sailing festival. Anyone who loves boating, sailing, sailors or anything nautical comes by for music, arts, crafts, vendors, raffles, food, beer, wine, kids’ activities and a special Reflection Ceremony to honor veterans and first responders.
Robert J. Miller Oysterfest
The Woodland, Maplewood
This is a community health event for melanoma awareness featuring live outdoor music and food. New for Oysterfest 2023 is Burger Bash, a burger-tasting competition hosted by local restaurants featuring their best burgers. Live music from the band Garden State Groove and DJ sounds from Nix in the Mix will be featured. Additional highlights for the adults-only event include an open bar, bagpipers, dining with local eateries and the popular oysters and raw bar.
NJ Taco Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Choose the best tacos from 40 different trucks. Entertainment includes live bands, including Metalachi, a fusion of heavy metal and mariachi music. There will also be Lucha Libre wrestling, Chihuahua Pageant, eating contests, and a margarita and beer bar.
Barrington Brews, Beats & Eats
St. Francis (Rosebud Academy) Parking Lot, Barrington
Selections include Miller Lite, Yuengling, Truly Hard Seltzer, Flying Fish, Tonewood Brewing beers, Tito’s Handmade Vodka mixed drinks, Malibu bay breeze and Black Box Cab or Pinot options. Multiple food trucks will be on site. There will be live music by Hot Buttah! plus corn hole, beer pong and other games.
Fiesta Latino
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live performances by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and El Alcalde De La Salsa with other special guests. There will be plenty of music, food, beer, games and more.
September 9-10
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Ski Beach, Ventnor
The beach will be a seafood lover’s paradise. Start by checking out more than two dozen vendors selling everything from clams to calamari, oysters to ahi, and even alligators. Sample Jersey-made craft beers, watch a cooking demo, check out the vendors or just walk along the beach. There will also be children’s activities and art, live sand sculpting, live music performances, complimentary seminars, a crab cake eating competition and a chowder cookoff.
Farm Days Festival
Ethos Farm, Long Valley
Guest speakers will talk about plant-based nutrition, environmental health and animal advocacy, and will discuss how our diets not only affect our health but also the health of the planet. Watch a demo making “nice” cream as well as art sessions for kids. The two-day event will end with a panel discussion and Q&A about the ethics of eating.
Summer Sendoff Festival
Adventure Crossing USA, Jackson
Everyone can order from local food trucks, listen to music, watch sand sculptors in action and play outdoor games. If you’re 21+, try some wine from Laurita Winery.
VK Market
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown
Saturday – Sunday
Vintage Keepers and Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm will offer art, antiques, vintage, handmade, live music, book signings, wines from Tomasello Winery, hayrides and more.
Garden State Sheep and Fiber Festival
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, Lambertville (Ringoes)
There are hundreds of sheep shown every year, along with hundreds of vendors, wool judging, food vendors, shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, education sessions with veterinarians, the USDA, breeds displays, parade of breeds, showmanship classes and more. For the first time in North America, welcome Valais Blacknose breeders, their sheep, qualified certified judges, and visitors from around the world. Another special attraction is a booth set up by Baabuk, a B Corp Certified Swiss footwear brand, and one of the only manufacturers that uses sheep’s wool.
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 10
South Orange Downtown Food Stroll & Pub Crawl
Downtown South Orange
Fifteen restaurants and a number of pubs will have specials and discounts so that you can sample the best South Orange has to offer. Certain retailers will offer discounts as well. You’ll get a wristband so you can walk around town tasting different options.
Red Bank Street Fair & Music Festival
Downtown Red Bank
The bi-annual street fair will have live music, food, crafters, artists and other vendors. There will be over 200 exhibitors on Broad Street and Monmouth Street, plus the BroadWalk tent on Broad Street between White and Front streets.
Marlboro Day
Marlboro Municipal Complex, Marlboro
Friends and neighbors will gather to enjoy entertainment, vendors, food trucks, rides and more.
Arts in the Park
Raritan Avenue, Highland Park
Stroll through the downtown and check out all the artwork, live music, entertainment, food from local restaurants, children’s activities, promotional booths and more. Artists who signed up for the juried art show will display and sell their work under tents along Raritan Avenue.
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 13-17
Riverdale Carnival
National Guard, Riverdale
This will be a celebration of the town’s centennial. The carnival will have rides, games, foods and activities.
September 14
The Future is Newark X Halsey Festival
Halsey Street, Newark
Celebrate Newark’s creatives, local business owners and entrepreneurs at the heart of the city’s art district. The day will include culture, food, music, and free activities, including a mobile van STEM experience by the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ, the Newark Story Bus from Newest Americans capturing stories from residents and employees in Newark, a 360-photo booth, video gaming and arts activities provided by Newark Public Library, The Newark Museum and Newark Arts.
September 15 – October 8 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
The German-style activities and food include keg tapping, a stein holding contest, a Muddy Schnitzel Family Fun Run, German bands on stage and strolling throughout the fair, authentic German food and beer, and a hotel-ride package at the four Morey’s resorts.
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
Festival in the Borough
Downtown Washington Borough
The streets will be lined with three stages of music for 18 different musical acts, vendors, a children’s fun zone, food, local shopping and a beer garden are open to all.
Davis Honda Burlington Hops & Rocks and 5K
Burlington Riverfront Promenade, Burlington
This event typically draws over 500 people for an afternoon of music, food, fresh air, fun and beer. You get unlimited tastings from more than 25 NJ breweries. My Next Ex will be back this year to keep you rocking. Current food trucks are Smokin Rev and Lady Q BBQ, Matty G Dogz and B-UNO. You can sign up for a 5K before the festival.
Breweries and food are being added, so keep up with us on Facebook for updates.
Wind & Sea Festival
Bayshore Waterfront Park/Belford Ferry Terminal, Port Monmouth
Take a kayak nature tour of Sandy Hook Bay. Watch the Wind Wolves Traveling Kite Show and sand artist John Gowdy. Celebrate all things water along the coast by fishing, flying kites, crabbing, building a sand castle, seining, shelling, doing kid’s crafts, going on a selfie scavenger hunt and painting shells.
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
East Main Street, Freehold
The streets will be lined with vendors celebrating Latin food, music, games and entertainment.
Festival of the Sea
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, Pt. Pleasant
Aside from a seafood festival, there will be 250 craft and restaurant vendors, a beer and wine garden, live music, games, family activities and beach fun.
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.
OktoBEARfest
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
This exclusive after-hours night for grown-ups includes a Bavarian Beer Hall with more than 100 seasonal craft beers and ciders to sample, live music from local DJs and Polka band Polkadelphia, a beer stein-holding and pretzel-eating competition, plus all your favorite animal exhibits.
St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church Carnival
St. Anianus, Monroe Twp.
There will be free food, fun and games on the church grounds.
Hoboken Ice Cream Eating Contest & Festival
Main Street Pops Artisan Market, Hoboken
Sign up for the race to finish a scoop, a half-pint or a pint of ice cream – be ware of the brain freeze! If you’re still hungry, there will be a sundae bar with craft ice creams and toppings. Plus, shop from dozens of vendors at the market.
San Gennaro Festival
Pyanoe Plaza, Belmar
The day starts with a special 10 am Mass of San Gennaro at Belmar’s St. Rose Catholic Church. This Mass will be conducted in Italian. Following the Mass, a procession along Main Street will display the Statue of San Gennaro. Afterward, there will be live music to listen to while you indulge in lots of Italian foods.
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.
Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
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 16 – 17
Food Truck Festival Season: A Touch of Italy
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
There will be several food trucks on the grounds of the winery serving Italian specialties. Bring the kids for activities, or grab your girls and sip some wine inside. There will be fireworks on Saturday night.
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.
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. There will be a large Kids Zone with inflatables and children’s activities to keep the kids busy. Music will be played by the trio Tomfollery with classic rock from the ’60s to the ’90s.
Arts & Cars Downtown Art Festival & Summit Elks Classic Car Show
Downtown Summit
The Summit Downtown Art Festival is an outdoor, juried art show that showcases a diverse range of artistic talents. The main stage will include performances by Candice Lee, The Carnival Dogs and The Rusty Monks. The beer garden will feature Zuko, Phillips, Cohn & Starr and Sabrinna Dias. Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, and food trucks will be open for lunch. You can also order takeout from downtown restaurants and bring food to the beer garden. There will be cornhole, a juggler, a balloon artist, spin art and henna. Visit the farmers market in the morning.
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 22-23
Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Pioneer’s Plaza and the Morristown Green, Morristown
Friday – Saturday
On Friday, the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble features musicians from Morristown High School, followed by jazz singer Ty Stephens with Soul Jaazz. The music turns to Chicago blues with guitarist Debra Devi and her group taking the stage. Direct from the South Side of Chicago, it is the Downtown Charlie Brown Blues Band; singer Charles Brown returns to Morristown to celebrate his 50th reunion from Morristown High School. On Saturday, kick off the day with the U.S. Navy’s Big Band, The Commodores. Next up is Gotham City Latin Jazz Band featuring pianist Bill O’Connell, followed by The Hot Sardines. Closing out the festival is blues guitarists Ana Popovic who will be followed by Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses.
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.
Greek Festival
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River
Order some authentic Greek food and either stay outdoors by the food court or eat inside the dining room. Grab some homemade pastries, too. While you digest, listen to a live band, play games and raffles, and take part in authentic Greek dancing.
AsburyFest
Across from Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Friday – Sunday
There will be food, drinks, crafts and music, in addition to special surprises during this weekend-long culinary festival.
September 23
Woofstock
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees
The 27th annual animal festival includes dog demos, food trucks, craft and retail vendors, a beer garden the Voorhees Animal Orphanage Alumni Parade, booths set up by animal rescue groups, and a basket raffle pavilion. Enter your dog into the Woofstock Pet Contest to win awards for best costume, most glamorous, best pet trick and friendliest.
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.
Italian Festival
Village Green, Historic Smithville
Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in the presence of Italian music greats Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Louie Prima, when Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Star Band featuring Tony DeLuca sing Italian tribute music. Accordionist Carmen Vitanza and drummer Harry Himies perform throughout. There will be a bocce area, Italian food and dessert, wine tasting and Italian folk dancing.
Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival
Maimonides Park, Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island will be the hot spot this weekend, where more than 35 pizzerias from NY and NJ will provide all-you-can-eat samples during the part food, part music festival.
RiverFest Art & Music Festival
Downtown Bound Brook
From Main Street to Hamilton Street, walk along for arts, crafts, food and live performances.
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.
KidsFest and Porch Fest
Ballantine Gate, Forest Hill Historic District, Newark
Residents from the neighborhood will turn their porches into stages for more than 50 performing and visual artists of all styles and genres. The entertainment kicks off with KidsFest, a fun-filled hour of kid-friendly activities and entertainment including a performance by members of The New Jersey Symphony. There will be food trucks along the route.
Seafarers Celebration
Sunset Lake and Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Start the day at 9 am with a massive street festival along the banks of Sunset Lake. The live music lineup includes performances by the Star Band (Motown, oldies, pop), Animal House (dance/party hits) and the Billy D. Light Trio (classic rock and pop hits). Magic shows, a live turtle exhibition, interactive games for children, bounce houses, roving street performers, children’s pie-eating contests, face painting, and more take place during the day. At 7 pm, move to Centennial Park for a Motown rock performance by Big Bleu, and the annual beachfront fireworks show.
Monroe Township Green, Health & Wellness Fair
Monroe Twp. High School, Monroe Twp.
Check out exhibits on green and sustainable living products, recycled/upcycled creations, organic food, environmental and wildlife protection programs, and environmentally-friendly products. Stop by the children’s activities wing for environmental craft-making. Drop into the health and wellness area for free flu shots and wellness checks. Outside, visit the EnviroMobile, shredding truck, freecycling booth, locally grown farm table, and a bike collection.
Edison’s Fun Family Spectacular Street Fair
Clara Barton section of Edison
There will be eight blocks of family fun. Bring the kids for kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro-wrestling ring, remote control car track and more. Shop at the exhibitor booths along Amboy Avenue. There will be two stages of live music, and two different food courts, plus a beer and wine garden.
Picnic in the Park
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
Monmouth County seniors, adults with disabilities, and veterans are invited to a free picnic with lunch, music, games and giveaways. Resources from community partners will be available.
Feast of San Gennaro
Gordons Corner Fire Company, Manalapan
Come by for Italian food trucks, beer and wine, pastries, live bands, a petting zoo and pony rides, family entertainment, and lots of games for the kids.
Country Fair
Veterans Community Park, Randolph
The main purpose of this event is to celebrate local businesses. There will be live music, food trucks, inflatables and a tricky tray. Additionally, there will be pumpkin painting, vendors, axe throwing and a video game truck.
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.
Jazz & Roots Music Festival
Kean University, Union
Acclaimed bassist/producer Mike Griot helped put together this free, public, outdoor music event on The Lawn at Enlow Hall. While you listen to the music, there will be food trucks and vendor shopping.
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
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
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.
Raritan River Environmental Festival
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
Celebrate the environment, and the community, through live music, vendors, the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, activities for children, cardboard canoe races and more along the waterfront.
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.
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.
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.
September 27 – October 1
Newark Arts Festival
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, and the Newark Arts Festival 2023 will feature arts and culture events spanning all five wards of Newark over the course of four days. A signature event to celebrate Hip Hop will be on Saturday, September 30, at The Newark Museum of Art. This one-night-only experience, called “Strings and Stanzas,” will honor the music genre and also Newark-area pioneers who paved the way in Hip Hop. Some of the famed rappers who hail from Newark include Redman, Lords of the Underground, and Rah Digga.
September 28 – October 1
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
Thursday: Edison
Friday: Perth Amboy
Saturday: Metuchen and New Brunswick
Sunday: Woodbridge
Jazz musicians will be playing free music in different towns across the county all weekend.
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.
September 29-30
NJ Greek Fest
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield
Holy Trinity will be selling some of your favorite homemade Greek foods and desserts like pastichio, gyro, souvlaki, baklava, and koulourakia. There will also be dancing and other cultural activities.
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 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.
Diversity Day Children’s Festival
Lake Topanemus Park, Freehold
Kids ages 5- 10 and their families will learn about diversity and inclusivity through live performances and hands-on activities, such as dance groups, children’s choirs, readings from children’s books, crafts projects, basketball teamwork, cultural displays and diversity-themed giveaways.
Trails, Tails & Ales
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
Anyone can take part in the 5K run, which will be through exclusive trails open only during this event. Stay for the festival after, but only those 21 and older can sample 2-ounce beers from local breweries. Everyone else can take part in nature activities and meet some of the wildlife ambassadors.
Chowderfest and Bayfront Festival
Taylor Avenue Waterfront, Beach Haven
Eight local restaurants will compete in the chowder cookoff, and then you can taste what they make. There will also be wine and beer, live music and activities.
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.
BaronFest Beer Festival
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Look for Major General Baron von Steuben so you can take a photo with him. Adults can sample craft beer from Alementary Brewery, Brix City Brewery and Hackensack Brewery. Activities for families include corn hole games and free pumpkin picking and decorating. Grab something to eat from the food vendors that will be on site. Have a chat with members from the Revolutionary War reenactment group Motts Artillery as they demonstrate cannon firing and military life. Listen to the lively music of Particle Theory.
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.
All Star Craft Beer & Wine Festival
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Drink beer, wine and cocktails while listening to great live music. There will be 250 different options to try.
Made in Jersey Festival
Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina, Camden
The Made In Jersey Festival is a celebration of all things New Jersey. From tomatoes, peaches, and corn to beers, wines, and spirits, farm fresh food, and world-class artisanal products, New Jersey is home to the best in the country. There will be farmers, vendors and crafters from all over the state. Enjoy live music, family fun, and Jersey-made wine, beer and spirits.
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.
Every day, through 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.
Through 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.
These festivals already passed, but keep an eye out in 2024 for the new dates:
September 1
Car Show and Food Truck Festival
Downtown Glassboro
There is something for every gearhead or casual car lover. On display will be restored vehicles representing all decades of automotive history as well as modern exotics and race cars.
September 1-2
Water Lantern Festival
Lenape Lake East, Mays Landing
Friday – Saturday
There will be food trucks, music and activities before you decorate a lantern that will be placed in the ocean to make a luminary on the water.
September 2
Labor Day Festival
Knowlton Fire Department No. 1, Delaware
There will be more than a dozen food vendors, a bungee trampoline, an inflatable village, a face painter, henna tattoos, local craft vendors, and live music from Naughty Humphrey and The Big Fuss.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Valarie Adams & The Dimension Band bring their Caribbean, dance, soul and R&B music to the final free outdoor concert in this music series.
September 2-3
Grape Stomp Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Channel your inner Lucy as you kick off your shoes and squish wine grapes between your toes. Don’t worry, this is just for fun – the wine you sample at Laurita is not made from grapes. Throughout the day, you can also take a wagon tour of the vineyard, taste sangria, order from the food trucks, have the kids get their arm or face painted, and listen to live music. Fireworks are planned for Saturday night.
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 2-4
BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Saturday – Monday
There will be lots of BBQ food to choose from, plus more than 40 NJ craft beers at the beer garden. Kids will have access to Family Fun Day activities like pony rides, clowns, games and a bounce house on Saturday and Sunday. Live music and horse racing are set for all three days.
September 3
Pet Palooza Food Fest
Mennen Arena Field, Morristown
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter will work to find forever homes for dogs and cats. There will be more than 12 food vendors, live music and games in addition to the famous doggie agility course, pet fashion show and more. Beer, wine, sangria and hard seltzer will be available for those 21+. Enjoy live music from Naughty Humphrey and Guy Smiley.
Scandinavian Fest
Vasa Park, Budd Lake
Scan-Fest is an all-day celebration of Scandinavia at its best, where you’ll discover the customs, the history and the ethnic variety of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. There will be performers like the Skansen Children’s Club folk dancers, Swedish jazz and fiddling; old Viking games and sports; jigs and reels; a magician; Hans Christian Andersen stories; a storyteller; face painting; crafts; genealogy; demos; contest arena and combat field; the annual Wife Carrying contest; vendors; and lots of traditional food.
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party and Music Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
The festivities will include hours of entertainment, games, bounce houses, crafts, activities for kids, food, merchandise vendors, live music, and much more.
September 4
Labor Day Street Fair
Riverdale
This year’s annual Labor Day party will also celebrate the town’s centennial. There will be exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, great festival foods and food trucks, and so much more. See the shows with live music, dancing, karate demonstrations, and more. Come hungry and eat carnival food favorites, plus order from the food trucks. The Kidz Traveling Shindig is a section in the school parking lot area dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, and interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art and kids’ games.
Read More:
Wine and Beer Fests in NJ
Tap Into Your Creative Side at These Craft Festivals in NJ
Food Truck Festivals in NJ
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ
60 Things to Do Outdoors in NJ
50 Things to Do Indoors in NJ