September is prime time for beautiful weather and the start of fall festivals. From craft shows to balloon festivals to festive fall celebrations, here are some of our favorite events in NJ and beyond this month.
September 1
Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Tymor Park, Union Vale (LaGrangeville), NY
Aside from watching the hot air balloons floating in the sky, or taking your own flight, there will be yoga in the morning, live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone and aerial acrobatics.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
Artisan-made and handmade items, boutique goodies, gifts and more will be set up for sale along the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.
Frenchtown’s Riverfest
Sunbeam Lenape Park and Bridge Street, Frenchtown
For the past 20 years, this festival is traditionally held on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate life along the river. Stroll Bridge Street and Sunbeam Park for a fun-filled day of live music, art, food, family-friendly activities, and paper boat races with the Frenchtown Vikings, all with an ecologically- and sustainability-focused lens. There will be 70+ local vendors, 20+ local musicians and six food vendors.
AirFest 2024
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Wildwood
There will be 27 planes and helicopters on display. Events include flyovers from the F-16s, EAA, Aero Club of PA, and other organizations. There will be appearances by the New Jersey State Police, AtlantiCare MedEvac, the Mosquito Commission, and the USCG helicopter and Smokey the Bear. AirFest will also feature live music by Animal House and Devlin, Ted Schwartz’s WWII radio show, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, free caricatures and face painting, as well as vendors and exhibitors, including the 621st Contingency Response Squadron and the F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast. Shore Axes Mobile Axe Throwing will be on-site all four days.
End of Summer Block Party and Music Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
The festivities include hours of continuous entertainment, games, activities for kids, food, merchandise vendors, live music and more.
September 1 – November 3
Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The next few months, celebrate everything Fall with various dates for the scarecrow display and festival, pet photo contest, Food Truck Thursdays, a murder mystery dinner, an outdoor screening of “The Wizard of Oz,” a wedding show, a Peddler’s Village Book Club, a terrarium-making workshop, the annual OctoberFeast weekend, Halloween parties, and the Peddler’s Village Apple Festival.
Fridays – Sundays, September 1 – November 3
The Red Barn Farm Sunflower & Fall Festival
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Take a hayride to the sunflower fields for photo memories and a sunflower each. Get lost in nearly 10 acres of the giant corn maze, this year dedicated to country music star Luke Bryan. When you escape, head to the fairgrounds and bounce around on the Jumbo Air Pillow, try your hand at lassoing the bull targets and other activities at the fairgrounds.
September 2
Vegan Labor Day Wellness Festival
The Villa, Glen Gardner
Eat clean, gourmet, plant-based foods prepared by multiple vegan chefs from tri-state area vegan restaurants. There will be activities and discussions centered around wellness, such as yoga classes, sound healing, biomagnetism, essential oils, make-your-own workshops, a saltwater swimming pool, an outdoor sauna, a Bulgarian Rose Otto Radium Mineral Salt bath, and music.
Mendham Labor Day Parade and Carnival
East Main Street and Mountain Avenue, Mendham
There will be rides, games and carnival food. Stop by Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening for the carnival. On Labor Day, the Mendham Labor Day Parade marches up Main Street ending at Borough Field.
September 5-8
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Union
Come to the largest Greek festival in Union County! Aside from Greek food, music and traditional folk dancing, there will be a full bar, vendors, rides and games.
September 5 – October 27
Tri State Sunflower Festival
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
There will be u-pick sunflowers and zinnias, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, Pumpkin Town, Beach on the Lake, tractor rides, photo ops and more.
September 6
NY Giants Fan Fest
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Celebrate 100 seasons of NY Giants football with a ceremony featuring the Top 100 Giants of all time, a drone light and fireworks show, a players panel, autographs, discussions with Giants legends, historic activations around the plaza, photos with the Lombardi Trophies, and free giveaways
September 7
Victorian Day
Belvidere
Aside from a tea garden party, there will be a fashion show with designs from the 19th and 20th centuries, a vendor and antique market, a car show, an en plein air art competition, exhibits and entertainment.
Bayern Verein Newark’s Oktoberfest!
Deutscher Club of Clark, Clark
The spirit of Bavaria comes to life with traditional music, food, and activities for the whole family. Explore the German market and watch performances by traditional Bavarian Schuhplattlers. There will be a bier stein holding contest, corn hole and Connect Four. Music is by Bernie’s Orchestra.
San Gennaro Festival
Main Street, Belmar
A full day of Italian culture begins with a 10 am Mass of San Gennaro (presented in Italian) at St. Rose Catholic Church. Follow the procession of the statue down the street, leading to a street fair with lots of food, a book signing by Produce Pete, a dog costume contest and a cannoli eating contest.
Caribbean Food Fest
Veterans Memorial Park, Parsippany
There will be Caribbean food, live reggae music, local craft vendors. For the kids, there will be a bounce house, ATV course, henna tattoos and sand art.
Fall Brew By the Bay
The Seafarer, Atlantic Highlands
Each brewery will serve two beer samples. Music, fire pits and food are available for an additional fee.
Ocean County Irish Festival
Manahawkin Lake Park, Stafford Twp.
Show off your Irish heritage through food, craft vendors, a beer garden, live music, pipe bands, Irish step dancing, a super 50/50 raffle, a Basket of Cheer raffle, and kids’ activities.
The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
Formerly known as Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival, the street fair has a range of food options, music, shopping, vendors and more.
Ho-Ho-Kus Day
Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus
Celebrate everything you love about this Bergen County town, which includes rides, games, food and family activities.
Fort Lee Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be vendors, outdoor games, live music and seasonal surprises.
Union County Celtic Festival
Oak Ridge Park, Clark
This family-friendly festival includes live music and entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, craft vendors, dancing, and food vendors.
NJ Taco Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
If a whole day of tacos isn’t appetizing enough, come down for an event filled with live music, wrestling by the Luchadores, spicy challenges and family contests.
Saturdays – Sundays, September 7 – October 31; plus October 14
Fall Fun Harvest Weekends
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
During the apple and pumpkin harvest season, the 500+ acre family-owned and -operated farm market and activity area includes a 9-acre corn maze. This year, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
September 7-8
Chester Fall Craft Show
Municipal Field, Chester
Over 175 artisans from all over will bring their handcrafted wares including jewelry, textiles, accessories, woodworking, metalworks, photography, fine art, glassworks and more. The show is located on the east end of Main Street, close to Chester’s Historic Shopping & Dining District. The Historic Downtown is home to over 80 boutique stores and eateries.
Fiesta Latina
Mercer County Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Saturday – Sunday
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with two days of live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and more. On Saturday, Grammy Award nominee and musician Toño Rosario will take the stage with the legendary salsa group Puerto Rican Power. On Sunday, listen Cumbia, Merengue and Mariachi music. Headlining will be three-time Grammy award-winning salsa and Latin jazz composer and performer Jeremy Bosch, accompanied by Jose Tabares’ All Star Band.
Wine on the Beach
South Beach, Seaside Heights
This upscale event hosts more than a dozen wineries and numerous food venues. You can attend wine-related seminars and presentations. Concerts include Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute, on Saturday; and Ray Anderson & Friends, with Press Play and The Songs of 1981, on Sunday.
Grape Stomp Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Channel your inner Lucy and kick off your shoes to stomp some grapes! Learn about the wine-making process, and stay for food trucks, live music, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
September 7 – October 31
Mid-Autumn Festivals
American Dream, East Rutherford
Performances range from live bands and pop dances to art exhibitions and fashion shows throughout the series.
September 8
Highland Park Arts in the Park Street Fair
Raritan Avenue, Highland Park
There will be a juried art show and local arts and crafts sale in downtown Highland Park. Walk along the streets for live music, entertainment, food from local restaurants, children’s activities, promotional booths, and more.
Atlantic City Latino Festival
Showboat Resort Event Lot, Atlantic City
Celebrate Hispanic heritage through Latin music, folkloric dance, food, vendors and a resource fair.
Philadelphia Pizza Festival
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Try any of more than 200 different varieties of cheesy pies – whether you prefer thick, thin or Sicilian crust – plus dozens of craft beer and wine options. You can walk the bases and warning track of the baseball field and take a selfie in the Phillies dugout. Plus, there’ll be live entertainment and DJs, a huge kids’ zone, fun adult games (think giant Jenga, Baggo, giant Pong, etc.) and local vendors.
September 13-14
The Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
The fairgrounds will be filled with hot air balloons, a Kids Zone, games, rides, a train, bounce houses, live music, craft and retail booths, and food vendors with festival-style food. At night, a synchronized glow show lights up the balloons.
Fridays – Sundays, September 13 – October 13
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Bust out your lederhosen and raise your steins as you enjoy live music, traditional German food, and all the games and rides you love at Morey’s Piers. Bands play on the Coca-Cola stage all weekend long with daily strolling entertainment by the Oompah Delics.
September 13 – October 14
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; dozens of floral photo activations; a hundred vendors; live music and more family-friendly activities.
September 14
Hungarian Artisan Market
Hungarian American Foundation, New Brunswick
Mark 70 years of HAF through food, cake, treats, apparel and shopping.
Haddon Township Fall Festival Street Fair & Jam Fest
Haddon Twp.
The fall fest takes over blocks of the town, from the Crystal Lake Pool Complex where Jam Fest happens, for five blocks to West Park Boulevard as part of the street fair. Street fair activities include a car show, food trucks, fire trucks, rides, bounce houses, an obstacle course, kids’ entertainment, a wing eating contest, an apple pie baking contest, a dunk tank, live music and dancing, and special character appearances. Jam Fest includes the beer garden, food trucks, ping pong and live entertainment.
Great Big Italian Festival
Lake Papaianni Park, Edison
Get ready for a giant fiesta in the park, including lots of Italian food and music.
Rocktoberfest
Taylor Park, Millburn
Now in its eighth year, Rocktoberfest will have an expanded lineup with three stages showcasing diverse musical acts, arts and fitness activities, children’s entertainment, a beer garden, local vendors, and a variety of food options. There will be performances from over 30 bands, including headliner The Gilfords, a premier ’80s rock cover band from NYC; and Rhode Island’s hip-hop/funk/jazz band Toad & the Stooligans. Local acts include Millburn Moksha, The Parkers, Bollywood dancers and teen bands.
Tapas, Taps & Tractors
Friends Village, Woodstown
John Deere Tractors will showcase modern and antique tractors. Taste samples of local wine and beer. Enjoy live music, demonstrations by the Salem Community College Glass Blowing School, and pick-your-own sunflowers.
Linwood Fields Fall Festival
Linwood Fields at Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
There will be food trucks and a craft fair, plus hayrides, a bounce house, a kids corn maze, lawn games, kids toys, corn hole, u-pick flowers, and wine from Balic Winery.
Wine & Jazz Festival
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
There is a special Wine & Jazz All Stars performance concert set for a Friday night preview, but the main action takes place on Saturday when the lineup includes vocalist Dianne Reeves, alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, pianist Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana, bassist Endea Owens & The Cookout, The Dale Melton Trio, and High and Mighty Brass Band. The all-day event ends with a jazz-inspired Illuminated Fountain Performance in the Main Fountain Garden. You can also sample wines from Pennsylvania, as well as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and New Zealand.
Burlington Hops & Rocks Festival
Riverfront Promenade, Burlington
Enter the 5K run, and then reward yourself with beer, music and food trucks at the after-party festival.
Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival
Randall’s Island, New York, NY
More than 35 pizzerias from the Tri-State Area will bring their pies for you to sample, in addition to great music all day.
Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival Tour
Alice Jennings Archibald Park, New Brunswick
Among the family activities are live entertainment featuring local and regional artists, but the main focus is connecting with primary care providers and specialists so you can get free eye exams and eyeglasses, health screenings, vaccinations, fresh produce, and physician-led education and resources on maternal, infant, child, and senior health.
September Sip & Shop Local Craft Vendor Fair
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
This shopping extravaganza showcases local talent, unique products (jewelry, crystals, candles, apparel, soaps, beauty products, sea glass art, candy, handcrafted gifts, and décor) and craft beer from the distillery.
September 14-22
Chinese Mid-Autumn FestivalÂ
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange presents a free traditional Chinese Folk celebration of light. The kickoff on September 14 includes a traditional live performance of music and dance featuring lion dances, Chinese Yoyo, Tibetan dance and more. The centerpiece will be a display of 15 illuminated handmade Chinese lanterns in various forms, from actual animals to mythical dragons, rising up to 10 feet high throughout the first two levels of the center, illuminating walkways and providing a guide to Chinese culture. There will be a Chinese Lantern Making Workshop on September 14, 15 and 22; additional fees apply.
Saturdays – Sundays, September 14 – November 3
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Choose the right pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern or to paint. The kids area has pony rides, pedal and play tractors, games and activities, the Corn Stalk Maze and Hay Bale Maze, Adventure Story Barn and a barnyard of farm animals. Stroll through the sunflower trail and go on a scavenger hunt. There will be live music and lots of fall foods.
September 14-15
Saucetoberfest
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
There will be hot sauce vendors, live music, beer, pumpkin picking, trivia, podcasting games, food trucks, artisan vendors and food trucks.
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Ski Beach, Ventnor City
Try out local restaurants, sip Jersey-made craft beers, cook with local chefs, shop from unique exhibitors, and play in the sand of the Jersey Shore.
Saturdays – Sundays, September 14 – October 27
Maple Leaf Farms Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
There will be live bull riding and country music, plus more than 30 activities, including a wooden train, pumpkin village, hay ride, corn maze, animal barnyard, pig races, hay maze, backhoe play yard, corn tunnel, rubber duck races, pillow jump, and candy corn toss. The farm is also open on Columbus Day, October 14.
Fall Festival Weekends
Von Thun’s, South Brunswick and Washington Twp.
The weekend festivals feature hayrides, access to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, and more than 20 games and attractions for kids and adults. The corn maze is open daily through Halloween.
Select dates, September 14 – November 3
The Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Included with admission are 35+ family fun outdoor activities, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, “The Big Top” themed corn maze, farm animals, pig races, Canine Dog Show, pedal cars, touring cars, giant slingshot, giant straw pyramid, boo barn, Baseball Speed Throw, and more activities for the entire family. For an additional fee, there are carnival rides, an apple cannon, a paintball range, gem mining, wine tasting, food vendors, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, pumpkins and gourds, and mums.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Activities 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.
Fall Festival
Argos Farm, Forked River
Walk through the Snoopy-shaped corn maze, take photos in the pumpkin field and listen to live music. There are tons of fun activities such as the Pumpkin Bounce Pad, Hayrides, Double Hay Slide, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Bee Zip Line and Cow Train. There’s also a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved pumpkins called Jacks & Lights that opens on September 20. Both are open on Columbus Day, October 14.
September 15
Bridgewater Family Fun Day & Touch-a-Truck
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Kids can climb on and pretend to drive a variety of trucks and vehicles, including the Batmobile, emergency services vehicles, construction trucks, delivery trucks, and more. The event will also include rides, games, crafts, inflatables, music and food trucks. New this year is a Special Needs Resource Fair, featuring businesses and agencies that provide programs and services to individuals with disabilities.
September 19
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off & Fiesta
Downtown Hammonton
In the downtown area, there will be food, music from South and Central American cultures and fashion. Check out food vendors of all kinds of Latin countries and art that reflects the Hispanic scene. On the third Thursday of September, attend downtown’s Fiesta filled with Latin-inspired food, drinks, specials and the final GreenMarket of the season.
September 19-22
St. Peter’s Carnival
St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, River Edge
The annual St. Peter’s Carnival returns with rides for all ages, fun games, food, and a 50/50 raffle.
September 19 – November 3
Fintastic Fall Days
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
During this fall festival, you will have the chance to see gourd-geous aquatically-themed displays throughout the aquarium, both floating on the surface and sunken deep below among sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals.
September 20
Fiesta Latina
Village Green, Summit
Summit’s annual Hispanic celebration features a free concert and dance party from Latin and South American bands. Dance demonstrations and lessons are provided for everyone, and food trucks will sell foods from all over Latin America.
September 20-21
Medford Oktoberfest
Freedom Park, Medford
There will be multiple stages of live music, a massive beer tent, German food, food trucks, local business setups, and a stein-holding competition. On Saturday only, there will be German music by Doppelganger throughout the festival grounds, a charity bratwurst eating contest, a cornhole competition, and kids’ activities. Live music on the Cornerstone PEO stage will be by JEM recording artists The Weeklings, Don’t Call Me Francis, Taylor Kelly, The Tisburys, Foes of Fern, Sug Daniels, Kenny Curcio, and Von Roz. Live music on the Archerlaw stage will be from All Systems Go, The Gender Gnomes, Romaine, Swing That Cat, The DT’s, Mars Counsel, Valendina, Tim W. Smith, The Loan Rangers, and more.
September 20-22
Bergen County 4-H Fair: Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
The Fall Harvest Festival features 4-H and Master Gardener displays and hands-on activities, a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers market, a petting zoo, live music, face painting, food trucks, and more carnival attractions.
Irish Fall Festival
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Celebrate Irish heritage with dancing, music, food, and craft vendors. Other festivities include a golf tournament, boxing, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1 mile walk, a pipe exhibition, a food court, and Catholic Mass.
Select dates, September 20 – November 3
Jack ‘O Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Festival-like activities include seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting, a beer garden, live music, and a 45-minute stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
September 21
Merchantville Music Fest
Downtown Merchantville
Music Fest 2024 will feature local bands, a DJ, food trucks and an event-wide beer garden.
Oktoberfest
Edmund Plaza, Red Bank
Red Bank RiverCenter is partnering with Triumph Brewing, Fresh Markets and The Two River Theater for the second annual Red Bank Oktoberfest.
Hopewell Harvest Fair
Hopewell Elementary School, Hopewell Twp.
Crafters, farmers and food vendors will be part of the 36th annual Hopewell Harvest Fair. There will be entertainment, fun and games, a Kid’s Corner and contests, plus exhibits in Town Square.
Allendale Festival Day
Downtown Allendale
There will be music, vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities.
Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Biertümpfel Park, Union
Learn about Hispanic culture, the achievements of Hispanic individuals, and contributions made by some in the community at this celebration. This free family-friendly event has food vendors from Latin Bites Food Truck, Empanada Lady and more. See cultural performances from Latin musicians and shop at the booths set up by Hispanic-owned business vendors. A beer garden will be available.
Festival in the Borough
Downtown Washington Borough
There will be three stages of music with 18 acts, streets lined with vendors, a free children’s fun zone, the Solar Merry Go Round, a free photo booth, a beer garden, food trucks and local shopping.
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro
There will be 50+ breweries, food trucks, craft vendors, live entertainment, photo ops and more.
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Hall of Records Parking Lot, Freehold Borough
Latin food, music, games and entertainment will be used in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Vermeule Community Center, North Plainfield
Taste the foods and shop at Hispanic businesses. Take the kids to the bouncy house and have their faces painted by local artists.
Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration
Sunset Lake and Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
During the day, there is a fun street festival featuring craft and food vendors, children’s entertainment and live music. At night, move to the park for more music and a fireworks show.
Kean University Jazz & Roots Music Festival
The Lawn at Enlow Hall, Kean University, Hillside
Listen to performances by musicians who specialize in jazz, blues, reggae, fusion and more, including Third World, Stefon Harris & Blackout, Solomon Hicks, and Prince Hakim.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Burlington County Amphitheater, Westampton
Created by the Servicios Latinos de Burlington County, this is a one-of-a-kind event allowing families from Hispanic and non-Hispanic backgrounds access to free health screenings. Learn about county and state resources and social service providers and businesses. While you are learning, have fun by dancing to the music performed by live Latin bands and eat Hispanic food for sale at food trucks. Kids can have their faces painted or play on the bounce house.
Festival of the Sea
Beach Area, Point Pleasant
More than 200 crafters and vendors will line the streets, along with live games, music, family activities and a beer and wine garden.
Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival Tour
Branch Brook Park, Newark
Among the family activities are live entertainment featuring local and regional artists, but the main focus is connecting with primary care providers and specialists so you can get free eye exams and eyeglasses, health screenings, vaccinations, fresh produce, and physician-led education and resources on maternal, infant, child, and senior health.
Italian Festival
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Grab some Italian food and sit by any of the three entertainment stages for Italian jazz, a Sinatra/Bennett/Prima tribute show, dance, and the Atlantic City All Star Band. There will be more than a dozen food trucks and dozens of vendors. Opt for a wine tasting or visit to the beer truck. Activities for kids include face painting, sand art and a wheel of chance. Other activities include free bocce ball and a raffle.
September 21-22
A Touch of Italy Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
It’s time to mangia at this food and wine fest. Everyone is invited to pair wine with food truck offerings while listening to live music.
Oktoberfest
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Aside from a selection of beers, ciders, hard sodas and seltzers, and German foods, there will be sky rides, an activity ring, musical entertainment, a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting and balloon animals.
September 21 – October 27
Pumpkin Fest
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
There will be u-pick sunflowers and zinnias, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, Pumpkin Town, Beach on the Lake, tractor rides, photo ops and more.
September 22
Westfield FestiFall
Downtown Westfield
Central Avenue will become a marketplace of crafters, retailers, food truck and a beer garden. The event will also include a kids’ zone with rides and inflatables.
Central Jersey Family Fall Fest
MarketFair, PrincetonThere will be live music, arts and crafts, character appearances, bounce houses, games and more – all for free. Food is available for purchase.
Autumn With the Animals
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
Go wild for wildlife programs and meet-and-greets, storytelling, a guided trail hike, a raptor education program, a tour of the resident animal exhibits, a reptile encounter program, live music, canoeing, food, games, temporary tattoos, make-and-take crafts, food trucks, vendors, and a campfire.
Clover Market
735 N. Atlantic Ave., Collingswood
The award-winning, outdoor pop-up will feature 100 carefully curated vendors offering a selection of handmade and vintage goods. The market will also include a large lineup of food trucks, live music, and crafts and face painting for kids.
Pinelands Nature Fest
Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Southampton
Mark 35 years of work protecting the Pinelands and the surrounding region with activities, a fungi foray and wildlife fun. There are morning field trips and a Moth Night after dark.
Weekends, September 22 – October 27
Harvest Village
Pantano Home & Garden, Holmdel
Come by for the pumpkin patch, food trucks, hay bale maze, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, corn pit with diggers, dress the scarecrow, rope bubbles, apple cider donuts and Halloween cookies. Weekends have different additional items, such as pony rides, face painting, touch-a-truck, a petting zoo and pumpkin painting.
September 25-29
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
Wednesday: Edison
Thursday: Carteret
Saturday: New Brunswick and Edison
Sunday: Woodbridge
Each town has its own lineup of school performers, local artists and regional bands. Metuchen will pay special tribute to Russell Malone, who was set to take the stage but passed away in August while on tour.
September 27-28
Olde Time Italian Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
Celebrate Italian culture, food, and heritage. Experience an “Olde World” family festival, including a Procession of the Saints, Italian food, merchandise vendors, games, and continuous free live entertainment.
September 27-29
SolMar Seafood Festival
SolMar Restaurant, Newark
Try a variety of Portuguese dishes that represent Newark’s culinary scene. The menu has selections like Arroz de Marisco com Lagosta, Açorda de Mariscos, Feijoada de Mariscos, and Caldeirada de Chocos.
Autumn Lights Festival
Jungle Habitat, West Milford
Now in its 30th year, the one-day street fair has become a three-day celebration complete with two stages of national and regional music artists, including CMA Grammy-nominated Eric Paslay, Creed Fisher, Black Dirt Bandits, Whisky Crossing, and Garrett Gardner of The Voice; a marketplace with over 300 vendors; 60+ food trucks and stands; a Biergarten; ornamental lighting displays; axe throwing, and a full-sized carnival.
September 28
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair
Clara Barton section of Edison
There are eight blocks of kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, a remote-controlled car track, crafts, shopping, two stages of live music, food trucks and the Kids Traveling Shindig.
Newark PorchFest
Ballantine Gates, Newark
The historic Forest Hill neighborhood will be filled with music, as amateur and professional musicians use porches throughout the community to play their set. A one-hour KidsFest takes place before the main PorchFest.
Community Day: Fiesta Latina
The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
You’ll get a sampling of Mexican, Ecuadorian, Puerto Rican and other music, plus a variety of other activities at the museum that showcase the vibrant cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean.
2024 Latino Festival
Hightstown High School, Hightstown
Organized by the Hightstown & East Windsor Latino Festival Committee, the purpose of this festival is to increase the knowledge and understanding of Hispanic and Caribbean cultural traditions. The event includes a musical program featuring Latin artists from across the region, craft vendors, food, activities, and lots of raffles.
La Fiesta Hispana
Byrne Plaza, Wildwood
The second annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration gives you a chance to experience different cultures through live entertainment by DJ Chino, a live band, a student showcase, Hispanic foods and desserts made by chefs from local restaurants, Latinx crafts, and specialty items.
Woodstown Fall Festival Train Rides
Woodstown Central Railroad / Downtown Woodstown
Walk down to Wilson Avenue, or hop aboard a restored 1930s passenger train. The festival will have craft vendors showcasing unique handmade goods, live music, and a variety of food options.
Gloucester Premium Outlets Touch-a-Truck and Food Festival
Gloucester Premium Outlets, Blackwood
Kids can meet local fire department and police department members, and see the township’s community trucks like fire trucks, police cruisers and tow trucks. Food trucks include Barkely’s BBQ, Between Friends, and Olivers Essentials, or dine at any of the eateries at the Outlets.
The Baron’s Oktoberfest
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
There’s a birthday party for Major General Baron von Steuben, and you’re invited. As part of the Oktoberfest celebration, sample craft beers, bring the kids for cornhole and pumpkin picking, tour the old-time homes and Jersey-Dutch out kitchen, watch a cannon firing demo and listen to music by Particle Theory.
September 28-29
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar 2024
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
There will be a curated market featuring artisans from the Jersey Shore, a fall photo wall, permanent jewelry, face painting, food and drinks, a Sip & Paint for glass coffee cups, live music and a DJ, photography, vinyl record shopping and a flower bar.
Country Music Festival
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Head to the Great Lawn for a weekend of country music in the mountains. The festival will feature live performances, drinks, mechanical bull rides, games, sky rides, a petting zoo and inflatables.
Oktoberfest
Downtown Hackettstown
Czig Meister, Man Skirt Brewing and Marketspace Vendor Events present two days of food, drinks, activities, contests, vendors, a kid’s corner and live entertainment.
September 29
Walnut Street Fair
Walnut Street, Montclair
The street will be filled with nearly 300 vendors and displays, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a family fun zone with Touch-A-Truck and more. This event is family- and dog-friendly. Erie Park will feature a large family-fun zone with tons of kid-friendly activities and entertainment.
Sea-Con Collectibles Festival
Sea Bright Recreation Center, Sea Bright
Sea-Con is a collectibles festival celebrating comic books, trading cards and toys. Meet artist Criss Madd and author Tony DiGerolamo (The Jersey Devil). Kids can interact with costumed characters from Star Wars.
Bergen County Food & Wine Festival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
The 200 Club of Bergen County supports local police, firefighters and emergency services workers through one of the largest culinary showcases in the state. Sample many of Bergen County’s best restaurants, wine, beer and spirits providers.
Fall Festival
St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church, Bernardsville
Celebrate a year of affiliation between the Church of St. John on the Mountain and St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church, both Episcopal parishes in Bernardsville. There will be fall foods and ice cream, a fall photo station, musical performances, games, arts and crafts, and outreach opportunities.
South Orange Downtown Fall Festival
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Free fall crafts include pumpkin decorating and glam braids; there will also be games, music by DJ Lou Smith, storytimes at the library, and creative stations.
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