The weather is still nice, which means it’s the perfect time to find things to do in NJ this weekend—and it’s the last official weekend of summer, so let’s make the most of it! Kick it at the Butterfly Bonanza in Montville, or if you’re already in full pumpkin mode, head to Holmdel as A. Casola Farms kicks off their annual Fall Fest.
For more fun, check out our complete list of fairs and festivals, and if rain puts a damper on your plans, take a look at our favorite indoor activities. Got a bunch of five-and-unders to entertain? We’ve got activities that cater just to them, plus free events for the whole fam. Check out our calendar for events near you, or browse things to do in NJ this weekend by county below.
THINGS TO DO IN NJ ALL WEEKEND
Saint Anne Carnival & Food Fest
Fair Lawn
There are rides and games for all ages, and the beer garden boasts TV with all the big games, so no one will miss the game by staying home.
Free
Great Pumpkin Festival
Vernon
This year’s 10-acre Maize Quest corn maze has a Down on the Farm theme, and is filled with questions, pictures and more interactive activities to keep your kiddies busy for ages. After they find their way out, there’s carnival rides, pony rides, hayrides and more!
$12, free/ages 2 and under
Apple Days Harvest Festival
Princeton
It’s time for fall family fun! Check out all Terhune has to offer, including activities like an adventure barn, live music, wine tastings and of course, plenty of apple-themed foods.
$10, free/ages 3 and under
Bergen County Food and Wine Festival
Paramus
If the kids are busy with birthday parties or activities, sneak away to this adult-only celebration of food and spirits. On Saturday, it’s all about burgers and brews, and on Sunday, there’ll be 70 NJ restaurants to choose from.
Tickets start at $55
Many Inspired Steps
Trenton
The New Jersey State Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with an exhibition explaining the US’ journey to put the first man on the moon—and New Jersey’s connection to the feat.
Free
FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 13)
Can-Am Playoff Series
Augusta
Local teams Sussex County Miners and New Jersey Jackals will face off in the Can-Am playoff series for the first time. Head to Skylands Stadium to watch these Garden State teams duke it out.
Costs vary
Nocturnal Neighbors: Barn Owls
Summit
Take advantage of the full moon, with this night hike! Work on activities, roast s’mores while listening to stories around the campfire and learn all about barn owls (and why they don’t want to hear their hoots at night!) at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Registration required.
$10/non-members, free/members
SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 14)
Piano Men: A Night of Billy Joel & Elton John
New Milford
Rocketman and Uptown Girl are coming to Castle Theater, thanks to tribute artist Lee Alverson (plus his exact replicas of Elton’s costumes).
$15+
New Jersey Storytelling Festival
Lambertville
Join storytellers from around the tri-state area as they enchant young audiences with their stories. Visitors will also learn storytelling techniques and how to use them. Registration required.
Free
Fall Festival at Great Swamp
Chatham Twp.
This year’s theme celebrates a furry, misunderstood creature: the bat! Go on a guided walk, try archery, see the river and more. Before you leave, snag some hot dogs hot off the grill.
Free
Spirits of the Jersey—State History Fair
Manalapan
Ever wondered what New Jersey was like in the past? Come find out at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, where history comes to life via demonstrations, exhibits, arts and crafts and more.
$10/parking
Insect Festival
Mercer
Watch insects do things you’ve never imagined like the bug olympics, bugs in water, bee dances, insect hunts and more.
Call for costs
2019 Bound Brook RiverFest Art & Music Fair
Somerset
Spend the day elbow-deep in arts and crafts, hop rides with the kids, indulge in fair foods and dance along to live music.
Free
Butterfly Bonanza
Montville
Check out New Jersey’s own beautiful butterflies and learn about the importance they have in nature. This event will be packed with entertaining and educating tours, plus shows for all ages.
$4/adult, $3/ages 3-10, free/ages 2 and under
Jersey City Craft Brew Fest
Jersey City
For your date night (or day!), head to this event was born from a German celebration of craft beer—with more than 150 styles of beer from local breweries.
$70, $15/designated driver
Trucktemberfest
Oceanport
With more than two dozen food trucks to choose from, you’ll need to bring a lot of friends to share all your food with! Try something new and exciting like the frozen cheesecake dipped in all the toppings you can imagine.
$10
SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 15)
Bridgewater Community Day
Bridgewater
Pump the brakes at Somerset County Vo-Tech High School has combined Touch-A-Truck and Dog Day for this community event. Bring your four-legged friend or visit adoptable ones, then check out emergency vehicles, a medical rescue helicopter and construction trucks. The kids can hop on inflatables, get their faces painted or hop in a game truck. There will also be food trucks for all your snacking needs.
Prices vary
Casola Farms Fall Fest
Holmdel
This massive farm is perfect for some corn maze and pumpkin picking fun during the day, and at night your braver kids can tackle the haunted greenhouse, house of horror and more.
Call for costs
Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Fair
Ridgewood
This Bergen fair is bringing more than 175 exhibitors with arts and crafts, festival foods, a children’s area, pony rides, a petting zoo and all-day music to downtown Ridgewood.
Free
Van Houten Ave. Street Fair
Clifton
There’ll be martial arts demos from Clifton Martial Arts Academy, a classic car show and an entire marketplace to explore.
Free
Sussex County Day
Augusta
Celebrate community at this local fair where there’ll be exhibits, vendors, food, contests and giveaways, so take your chance.
Free
Fall Harvest Fest
Morris Twp.
Jump aboard an open-air ride for a scenic ride around the farm, spend some time with cute farm animals or watch a blacksmith work his craft.
$8/adult, $6/ages 3-16, free/ages 3 and under
Playday South Orange
South Orange
One of the village’s largest public events, fun activities include mini golf, bungee jumping, rock climbing and rope jumping.
$10/all day access,$20/access to extra activities
Food, Trucks & Craft Beer Festival
Fairfield
Run by the Fairfield Police Foundation, this event boasts inflatable and football-themed games, craft breweries, food trucks and even a live streaming of the NFL RedZone.
Call for costs
Fannywood Day Street Fair
Fanwood
In its 24th year, this fair has an array of kid-friendly activities, like a trackless train, petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks and live entertainment.
Call for costs
P.A.L. Classic Car Show & Summit Arts Festival
Summit
Scoot over to downtown Summit for classic cars, kids’ activities, a beer garden, food trucks, artists, live music, a farmers market and more.
Prices vary
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND
If you have any upcoming events you’d like to add to our calendar, click here! And if you know of other things to do in NJ this weekend, leave us a comment.