If it’s a fall weekend in New Jersey chances are rain is in the forecast. Check your weather app and make a plan with your crew. From the circus to Halloween train rides or a haunted car wash, here’s what’s happening in NJ this weekend:
WEEKEND
WPL Jazz Concert Series
Wayne Public Library, Wayne
Thursday
The band Cubano Be, Cubano Bop perform their songs using the saxophone, timbales, bongos, congas and bass.
Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Woolsey Park, Titusville
Thursday – Sunday
Local artists transform colossal pumpkins into masterpieces—grinning skeletons, gooey goblins, and more. Enjoy live music, a kid’s maze with hay bales, face painting, cornhole, and games.
Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Thursday – Sunday
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.
Jersey City Art Week
Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
The event brings together Art Fair 14C, the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour, Mana Contemporary’s Fall Open House, and the International Sculpture Center’s annual conference. There will be exhibits, galleries, open houses and art placed all around the downtown.
New Brunswick Harvest Weekend
Downtown New Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
There’s an entire weekend filled with music, live entertainment, dog-friendly events, family activities and weekend brunch specials. Take a self-guided tour of the Seward Johnson Sculptures. CluedUpp Games is planning the Alice in Wonderland Experience, or challenge yourself to The Smurfs Great Escape by City Quest. It’s Rutgers Homecoming Weekend, which includes football, The Rutgers Boardwalk and visits to the Douglass campus. The Rutgers African-American Alumni Association will hold a gathering at the Zimmerli Art Museum.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.
Rutgers Homecoming and Family Weekend
Rutgers University-New Brunswick Campus
Thursday – Sunday
Cheer on teams of students as they race down Sicard Street for a chance to win a highly coveted trophy for the Bed Race. The Friday Night Alumni and Friends Homecoming Pregame Party at Tavern on George includes food, drink specials and live music. The Rutgers Boardwalk is set up with activities for the whole family before the Scarlet Knights take on Michigan State; and tailgate before the football game. Douglass Day showcases Douglass College’s programs, leadership, history and future.
Wildwoods ’50s, ’60s, ’70s Weekend
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
The Wildwoods played a huge role in the birth of Rock ‘n Roll music. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a ‘50s Dance Party featuring The Cameos. Saturday will feature a Street Fair at Fox Park with the music of Animal House, Living Proof and The Deck Band; vendors; a classic car show; and a concert in the Oceanfront Arena with The Temptations Review, The 5th Dimension, The Miracles featuring Sydney Justin; and The Voice of Tribute, starring Tommy C as the voice of Frankie Valli, Lou Christie, Bobby Darren, and Frank Sinatra.
Sustainable Health and Wellness Village
Showboat Atlantic City
Friday – Saturday
There will be live music, DJs, bands, vendors, free eyeglass screenings and glasses for children, free giveaways and prizes, fresh produce giveaways, free health and clinical screenings and free health education.
Irish Festival
Village Green, Historic Smithville
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from two days of Irish festival music on two stages, other acts include the ACFD Sandpipers and Drums and Irish Explosion Dancers.
Engineering Day
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Saturday – Sunday
Fifth through eighth graders who are interested in engineering can take part in a day of engineering challenges and competitions using physics, math and their imagination. They will also have a chance to drive FRC Team 2590’s award-winning robot.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
There will be live bands, gourmet food trucks, artisan vendors and lots of wine. Open to the entire family.
FRIDAY
Taylor-Gate Party
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Calling all Swifties! To celebrate the release of “Taylor Swift: The ERAS Tour Concert Film” stop by Center Court to dance and sing along to your favorite Taylor Swift tracks, make friendship bracelets, and step into the Eras-inspired 360-degree video booth.
Art Palooza
The Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster
The party and fundraiser for adults 21+ includes an auction of ceramic plates designed by local and regional artists, cocktails from Claremont Distillery, games of chance, the Và Fa Napoli Pizza food truck and live music from Hoi Polloi.
Scary Stories To Tell By Candlelight
Crane House and Historic YWCA, Montclair
You’ll travel back in time to explore ghastly tales from Montclair’s history on this candlelight tour. Good for teens and adults 15 and older.
The Doo Wop Project
Strand Theater, Lakewood
The Doo Wop Project features stars of Broadway hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical for a pop and blues concert.
Fall Food Truck Festival
Sayreville Middle School, Sayreville
There will be music, kids’ activities, games, a mini tricky tray, a 50/50 raffle, vendors and special Star Wars guest appearances. Food trucks include Latin Bites, Mexi Boys, FoodEnvi, Garden State Deli, Frank’s Italian Ice & Ice Cream and Dags Dippers.
Jersey Devil Homecoming Event
Old City Hall, Bordentown
The Jersey Devil legend starts in 1735 when state colonist Jane Leeds gave birth to a “cursed” 13th child that turned into a winged creature that continues to haunt the state. A trained historian and direct descendent of the Leeds family, William Sprouse will present his research with digital images, a book presentation and signing, and questions from the audience. The program moderator is Dan Aubrey, a Bordentown-based reporter and a U.S. 1 Newspaper editor who has written on the Jersey Devil.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert
State Theatre NJ, New Brunswick
You’ll watch the movie as you listen to live musicians from a symphony play along with a DJ scratching hip-hop tunes.
Southern Rockfest
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
A Brothers Revival came together in 2019 as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band. Classic Skynyrd Live, performed by Southern Steel, pays tribute to this iconic band.
Friday the 13th
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
Come for the movie, then stay for Haunting Hour in the Café Bar immediately after the film. There will be free popcorn, photo ops, a costume contest, spooky drinks and more.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat Bash
Bierman Autism Centers, Eatontown
The trunk-or-treating event will be designed for kids with autism and other sensory issues to have a fun, relaxing time.
SATURDAY
Pumpkin Plunge Halloween Party
Five Star Swim School, East Hanover and Galloway
Families can swim, play party games, eat snacks and decorate a pumpkin. Feel free to change your child into their Halloween costume after swimming.
Coco Live-to-Film Concert
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour features a screening of the movie Coco, with the musical score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclorica Nacional de Mexico.
Diwali Parade
West Lake Gazebo, Robbinsville
Celebrate heritage with a cultural showcase and colorful performances during Robbinsville’s annual Diwali Parade. There will be DJ music, marching by the Raven Regiment, food stalls and vendor booths.
Ballet Hispánico’s Tour
Pollak Theatre, West Long Branch
Hispanic dancers from around the world join together for this tour.
A Night at the Races
Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford
The National Thoroughbred League is hosting the inaugural New York Cup at the Meadowlands Racetrack, in partnership with the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. The league’s six teams will race against each other, including the hometown New York Knights and first-place New Jersey Degens, along with the Philadelphia Stallions, California Shamrocks, Nashville Dreams and the Seattle Racing Club. Andrew Zimmern hosts (and cooks), as 20 celebrity chefs craft dishes inspired by the six NTL cities. During a post-racing afterparty, celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, including a special performance by Ja Rule. Wear your Kentucky Derby best and join a mid-event fashion show, with the winners escorted to the winner’s circle.
Central Jersey Beer Fest
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Blend Bar + Bistro in Hamilton hosts this tasting event every year. Adults 21 and older can sample pours of wine, beer, seltzers and spirits. No kids allowed.
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.
Haunted Bernardsville
Bernardsville Train Station, Bernardsville
Haunted History Productions presents a one-hour walking tour where you will meet famous and infamous residents who “still reside” on the streets of the town. It’s family-friendly, but it will still spook you.
Fall Harvest Arts & Crafts Show
Ocean Grove
Along Main Avenue, Pilgrim Pathway and Auditorium Square Park, there will be artists and makers of handmade items plus food vendors lined up.
Spooky Haunted Peep House Event
Zoe’s Glitter and Glitz, Bayonne
Instead of a gingerbread house, make a spooky haunted house you can eat. There will also be a pumpkin patch with paint-your-own pumpkins.
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour.
Lantern Cemetery Tours
The Presbyterian Church of Westfield, Westfield
A young Charles Addams spent his time hanging out in Westfield’s oldest cemetery, The Presbyterian Church of Westfield’s Burial Grounds, so find out the allure during a lantern tour of these historic grounds.
Breast Cancer Awareness Ride
Williams Harley-Davidson, Lebanon
The third annual ride is fully escorted throughout Hunterdon County, about a 90-minute ride. Wear pink and deck out your bike in pink. Return to the dealership after for a BBQ.
Mission Kid Success Halloween Fun and Wellness Fest
Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts, Elmwood Park
There will be trick-or-treating, kickboxing, yoga, touch-a-truck, food, music, magic, arts and crafts, sensory zones, retro video games, a bounce house and more. This event raises funds for children with special needs to help their families afford services the kids need to reach their greatest potential in life.
Fall Come Out & Play Camp Out
Rosedale Park, Pennington
Bring your tent, family and friends to the annual community campout for some fun under the stars. There will be s’mores, hot dogs, campfires, night hikes, a nature craft and complimentary breakfast.
Basket and Broom Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
You’ll get a close-up look at the craftsmanship that goes into making a basket and a broom when the artisans preserving these trades visit the farm for a day of demonstrations and teaching. There will be opportunities to try your hand at some of the steps involved. Kids can make their own paper basket.
Saucetoberfest
Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington
The 9th annual Saucetoberfest festival in Flemington will feature the best of the best hot sauce makers, artisan market, spicy eating contests, craft beer, food trucks, live music, games, and activities. Sample the spicy sauces, drink craft beer by Lone Eagle Brewing, and hang out with the family at the Family Fun Zone, complete with axe throwing, corn hole, and other activities. The festival is family- and dog-friendly, and open to the public.
Black Sheep Mafia’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
Rack’s Pub & Grill, Williamstown
The meet is open to anything with a motor! Show off your vehicle and shop at the vendor tables.
Trucktoberfest
Van Sant Avenue, Island Heights
Island Heights Fire Company’s fifth annual Trucktober Fest includes live music by the Drunken Clams, craft beer and food trucks.
Ceramics Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Princeton
Members of The Arts Council of Princeton will hide handmade, limited-edition ceramic pieces around town. If you find one, it’s yours to keep. To play, follow the Arts Council on Instagram at @artscouncilofprinceton. On October 14, check the IG Stories for clues as to where you can find each piece.
Oktoberfest
Downtown Tenafly
There will be festive food, live music, local artisans and vendors, and lots of family fun.
Middlesex County Pancreatic Cancer Walk For The Cure and Fun Run
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Register as an individual, family or team for this fundraising walk that will benefit pancreatic cancer research at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Bergen County Art in the Park
Van Saun Park, Paramus
View the work of more than 100 of North Jersey’s finest artists. There will also be public art demonstrations featuring watercolors, collages, acrylics and pottery. Certain organizations will feature art by artists with disabilities. Live music will be by blues guitarist Dean Shot and West Coast guitarist Junior Watson.
Health Fair and Blood Drive
Knights of Columbus and Academy of Greatness & Excellence, Ridgefield Park
This year’s health fair will feature over 80 exhibits and is meant to be a one-stop-shop that will provide participants with easy access to information and presenters who will offer materials, services and free items that you can use to improve your health. There will also be a blood drive.
Diwali Celebration
Island Beach, Mountain Lakes
There will be children’s activities and snacks followed by cultural music and dance performances, and then a diya lighting with sparklers.
Haddonfield Music Festival
Kings Highway, Downtown Haddonfield
The town’s first-ever free music festival will feature live, original music by popular headliners on the main stage and Haddonfield-based talent on a local stage.
Eli Castro
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
From Puerto Rico, Eli Castro is a comedian who uses language and culture to create humor that appeals to audiences of all ages. He has written and performed eight one-man shows including “Made in Puerto Rico” which ran Off-Broadway for seven sold-out weeks.
Linwood Fields Festival
Linwood Fields, Monroe Twp.
Across from Pop’s Farm Market and Garden is a field where you can pick your own veggies in addition to the u-cut flower field. During the festival, 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.
Dancing & Dessert
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
You and your partner will be given a ballroom dance lesson and a selection of desserts.
Fall Taste of Highlands
Huddy Park, Highlands
There will be a fall theme during five hours of food samplings and cocktails from 21 restaurants and retailers in the area.
Saturday Fall Food & Music Fest
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
You can choose foods from more than a dozen vendors, listen to live music and play games. Activities include an airsoft shooting range, bounce house, bungee trampoline, face painters, Henna by Dana and more. There will be local craft beer as well as wine, sangria and hard seltzers available for adults. Live music is by Naughty Humphrey.
Hungarian Artisan Market and Oktoberfest
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
The event is still on, but it’s been moved inside. Vendors include HIRS Sausage Market, E&Z Catering, The Chimney Cake Factory, Euro Dough, AHF Noodles, Paprika, Mannasuit Pastries and Magyar Apparel. Seven Tribesmen Brewery will be supplying the beer.
Honor Yoga Open House
Honor Yoga of Pennington/Hamilton
Everyone is welcome to take free yoga classes all day. There will be food, giveaways, and discounts for joining.
SUNDAY
Fall Fest
Camp Veritans, Haledon
Event highlights include hay rides, inflatables, various sports and a kickball game, special snacks, a pumpkin patch and arts activities. The event is open to everyone, and is free, but anyone who takes a camp tour and signs up for 2024 summer camp will get a discount.
Breast Cancer Awareness Car Show
American Legion, Kearny
Classic cars will be on display, and then win awards for Best Classic, Best of Show, Deepest Club and Top 15.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Take an easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands, where you’ll learn a bit about the plants and animals around you.
Patch & Halloween Trains
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
The Pumpkin Patch Train is a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland and the return trip. After each ride, kids with a valid train ticket can go to the Pumpkin Patch and pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit, while supplies last. Kids can come dressed up in their Halloween costumes.
Thompson Park Day
Thompson Park, Lincroft
There will be tons of fall-themed entertainment: Zany Zombies, Nature on the Move, Corn Husk Ghosts, apple cider demos, Deep Cut Zombie Gardens, Spider Zone, pottery demonstrations, bottle cap art, Golfrilla, a putting green, wagon ride, 4-H animals, recreation rodeo, an art gallery, family build-it, a photo scavenger hunt and a pie eating contest.
PBA 206 Food Truck Festival
Tice’s Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake
There will be food, drinks, and fun for kids. Kids get in free.
Feria de Sevilla
Parker Press Park, Woodbridge
Modeled after the weeklong Feria de Sevilla in Spain, this festival held by Alborada Spanish Theatre Company includes Flamenco dance performances; traditional Spanish foods and Sangria; workshops on how to twirl a Spanish fan, play castanets, play the cajon and dance Flamenco; arts and crafts activities; pony rides; face painting; tarot card readings; and vendor shopping.
Line Dance
Spiritual Center of St. Barnabas Church, Bayville
Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcome. Lessons will be provided by different local instructors. DJ Mike Hull will play a mix of music genres, then he will take requests. This is a fundraiser for Catholic Relief Services.
Fall NJ Jeep Beach Invasion
Boardwalk, Ocean City
There will be 400 Jeeps parked along the boardwalk and sand for you to check out.
Intro to Mapmaking For Tabletop Gaming
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
By the end of this beginner-friendly class, you’ll be able to create your own custom maps that will bring your tabletop games to life. You’ll learn how to make a world map and how to design individual dungeons and cities. You’ll use basic map design principles, assets and brushes, details and textures, and then export your maps.
Wake the Dead Zombie Stroll
Mini Park, Keyport
Book your zombie hair and makeup session at participating salons, and then enter the Zombie costume contests. Pick up your Operation Zombie Game Sheets to help the zombie collect all his body parts around downtown. Zombie Mini Bay Cruises take place before the stroll along the Zombie Waterfront. There’s a “Thriller” Zombie Dance Party that includes a performance by Perna Dance Studio dancers. There will be a series of after-parties at Burlews Seafood and Steak & Bar & Grill, McDonagh’s Pub & Restaurant and 3BR Distillery.
Haunted Hayride
Wells Fargo Parking Lot, Downtown Freehold
While you wait for your designated time on the wagon, grab a hot drink or let the kids take part in activities. There will be a trunk-or-treat at the end of the hayride.
Diwali Celebration
Surati Studios, Jersey City
There will be live performances, a rangoli and dance workshop, and a sneak preview with the cast of Rimli Roy’s Ramaavan: A Musical (which will take place Oct. 21-22 at the NJCU Center for the Arts in Jersey City.
Walk A Loop
Deer Path Park, Round Mountain, Flemington
Your young hikers age 12 and above can join you on this walk. This mountain offers a steady uphill climb through mature woods, some meadows, and a maze of trails.
Calais Foundation 5K Charity Race
Calais School, Whippany
Help the school race to raise $50,000 to benefit students with disabilities who attend the Calais School in Whippany. The 5K Charity Race begins at the school campus and continues throughout the local residential neighborhood on a marked USATF-sanctioned 3.1-mile Grand Prix route.
Forest Bathing Walk
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
The walk will be at an easy pace and focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness. Explore your senses and the present moment through short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest.
British Invasion Years
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
The concert starts with music from British groups such as The Zombies, Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Moody Blues and Herman’s Hermits. Then, listen to 1960s Americana from The Monkees, The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Mamas and The Papas, Neil Diamond, and The Turtles. The finale features the music of The Beatles.
Artrageous: The Electrifying Art & Music Circus
Monroe Township High School Performing Arts Center, Monroe Twp.
Artrageous is a troupe of multi-talented live performance artists, singers, recording artists, dancers, audience motivators, and musicians from the high desert of New Mexico. Artists, using hands, brushes and other objects, create visual art pieces on giant canvases while the audience watches.
Jackson Day
Johnson Park, Jackson Twp.
Start with a parade, continue with a beer garden, DJ music, cornhole and activities, and end the night with fireworks.
ONGOING
AddamsFest
Westfield
Throughout October
Westfield was home to Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, and that’s a big reason to celebrate. The town gets its Halloween on with everything from an art exhibit and wicked window decorations to a lantern sail and masquerade ball. You can even see the house that inspired the show, but only from the outside since it’s private property.
Halloween in Cape May
Cape May
Throughout October
Ghost walks, graveyard tours, Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tour, historic haunts and a Magic and Mystery House Tour abound in Cape May, plus trick-or-treating and a Halloween Craft and Collectibles Show. There will also be a Halloween village exhibit on display.
Haunted Ridgewood
Downtown Ridgewood
Fridays in October
Ridgewood Walks and the Ridgewood Halloween Maze put on a popular walking tour of the year called Haunted Ridgewood. Find out what secrets hide behind certain stately mansions in Ridgewood’s historic district. See the houses where some guests have never left and hear the history that marks them forever. End up at Ridgewood’s notorious haunted maze. Find your way through the maze’s one secret passage. Spooky attire is encouraged. Note: The Ridgewood Walks are currently sold out.
Haunted House and Hayride
4-H Youth Center, East Brunswick
Fridays and Saturdays in October
Older kids will like the haunted house and hayride, but there will be less spooky activities for younger kids, such as pumpkin decorating and snacks.
Dinosaurs After Dark
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Fridays – Saturdays, throughout October
A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead you on a dino hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails. Try to escape from the hungry T-Rex. If you survive, you’ll gather around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-along, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Harvest Moon Hayrides
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, throughout October
You will go across acres of scenic farmland in a tractor-drawn wagon ride, navigate the corn maze by flashlight, and sit by the bonfire while listening to live music.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
First Sunday of every month, through April
The show features over 150 vendor tables in two large rooms and the front lobby where you can find vintage and sterling jewelry, glassware and Lenox, toys and trains, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, vintage postcards and photos and artwork, military, political and sports memorabilia including cards, magazines and newspapers, vintage coins and watches, classic rock CDs and more.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Red Bank
October 13-17
Take a lantern-lit tour throughout the borough, starting at The Dublin House, where Red Bank’s most well-known ghost resides.
FLIP Circus
October 13-19, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
October 19-23, Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
The Vazquez Family created this new high-energy show that features an international cast of clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and daredevils. Stiv and Ronni Bello, brothers from Italy, are known for their comedy. The X-Metal Motorcycle Riders ride at breakneck speeds inside a steel ball. Alexa Swing Pole and Shirley Larible will fly high above you with their aerial maneuvers. America’s own Afrobatics have their own acrobatic tricks to display. Keep your eyes open for two of the world’s finest jugglers, Dede Larible and Luva. The Bingo Troupe from Ukraine performs hula-hoop and body-bending performances.
Princeton Ghost Tour, Ghost Hunt and Cemetery Visit
October 13-28
This tour through the historic Ivy League college town is more informative than scary. With the help of real ghost hunters, you’ll venture into the campus’s darkest corners with thermal meters, dowsing rods and more with hopes of interacting with the other side. Bring a flashlight.
The Woman in Black
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
October 13-29
This is the original London production of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story haunts. It inspired the film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe. An old man recounts the eerie events of his youth. He is conflicted by settling the estate of a family who has a tragic history that continues to haunt (quite literally!) anyone who dares come too close.
Haunted Car Wash
Team Car Wash, Westfield
Select nights, October 14-29
Bring your car to get cleaned – but expect spooky, scary surprises along the way. Thirteen local kids will be dressed up to scare you as you go through the car wash.
Hulda: The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow, NY
October 14-29
In this one-woman show, learn about Hulda of Bohemia, a woman who was originally shunned in Sleepy Hollow for being a witch, but later became a Revolutionary War hero. The tale is told from the perspective of Abby, an enslaved African girl whom Hulda befriends at a time when both of them would have been forced to live on the edges of society.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Trains
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturdays – Sundays, October 14-29
Take in the scenic farmland as the train travels to Fenwick Grove. At the stop, you’ll get off for 30 minutes and pick out a pumpkin, have some apple cider and a donut, and play fall-themed activities.
Mercer County Ropes Course
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
October 14; November 5, 18
The ropes course contains 12 “challenges” or elements, including the Zigzag, Swinging Logs, and the Postman’s Walk. You’ll have to use balance, focus and teamwork skills to get across. There is also a zipline. The course is open to kids and adults 12 and older.
Ridgewood Halloween House
West End Avenue, Ridgewood
Fridays – Saturdays, October 13-28
Plus October 30 and 31
This zombie cemetery walkthrough is good for all ages. On Saturdays, there will be a “less scary” hour from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, October 13-28
Take a harvest moon hayride, spend the night wandering through the corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment and sip fresh pressed cider.
Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Haunted House
The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of NJ, the Historic Palace Theatre, Netcong
October 13-29
Suspicious circumstances surround an eerie mansion on the edge of Barmet Bay. Amateur detectives Frank and Joe Hardy’s father is placed in jeopardy as the smugglers go on with their schemes.
The Science Behind Pixar
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
October 14 – May 5, 2024
Learn all about the science behind Pixar’s animated films. Kids can try a bunch of hands-on experiences like making a short film, creating a robot friend for “WALL·E” and designing a new movie set using props from “Monsters University.” Learn what animation rendering is, then practice it by rendering a scene from “Inside Out.” Create a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch. Use lights to solve challenges similar to the ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in “Finding Nemo.”
Family Fun Football Sundays
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Sundays, October 15-November 19
Sundays, November 26 – December 17
While the adults are watching NFL games, the kids can play in the arcade, get their face painted and meet special costumed characters.
Sensory Sundays
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Sundays, October 15, November 19, December 17
This new program is part of the aquarium’s commitment to creating an inclusive, entertaining and educational experience for all guests, including anyone with autism or sensory sensitivities. There will be lower music and lighting as well as limited capacity.
East Brunswick Restaurant Week
East Brunswick
October 16-22
About two dozen restaurants, cafes and specialty shops will offer specials and discounts.
Xiomáro’s Street Haunting: Photographs Virginia Woolf Might Have Taken
Starlight Gallery of the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
October 17 – November 28
The artistic roots of street photography can be traced as far back as da Vinci’s street sketches. For Xiomaro, New York City is a source for creating candid photographs of dramatic, weird, and ghostly moments – while not using Photoshop, filters, or other manipulations. There are 16 large prints on view in this exhibition.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
Through October 22
This stage version is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature.
Mountain Creek Resort Fall Fest
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 22
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.
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia by Candlelight
Signer’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Through October 22
Join a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses and eerie graveyards are along the way. Experience history brought back to life with a costumed tour guide. Hear seldom-told tales about the city’s historic sites, such as Independence Hall, Washington Square, Powel House, City Tavern, and more.
Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
Halloween Haunt is not recommended for kids under 13 because of its haunted scare mazes, scare zones and live entertainment. There will be zombies and vampires walking around.
Ode to New Jersey Opening Reception
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
Through October 28
Celebrate New Jersey, known as The Garden State, the Diner Capital of the World and the Crossroads of the American Revolution. Our state is famous for the Jersey tomato, cranberry bogs and growing blueberries (the state’s official fruit). An opening night reception is planned for September 8.
Kids Boo Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through October 29
Bring your little goblins to Great Adventure for daytime Halloween fun. There will be family-friendly trick-or-treating, fall festivities, character photo opportunities and treats. This is not Fright Fest.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
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.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 29
Dress as your favorite animal (or in any costume) and listen to folktales from around the world featuring animals you can see in the zoo, check out skeletons from a collection of animal species you see at the zoo, watch the costume parade and pumpkin carving demos, make your own Halloween crafts, play in the Boo Playground and go trick-or-treating.
Great Pumpkin Fest
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
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.
Misfits Farmstead Festivals
Manalapan and Monroe Twp.
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 29
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.
Fall Family Fun & Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Select dates, through October 29
Take your family on a scenic hayride to 40 acres of homegrown 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.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, through October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Fall Into Fun
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, through October 29
The park will be decorated with haystacks, cornstalks and fall fun activities. Climb aboard the Happy Hayride, decorate a mini pumpkin and go through Elmer’s Hay-Mazin Maze. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume.
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Through October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length.
Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
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 barnyard, pig races, goat mountain, hay maze, 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.
Fall Festival
Wightman Farms, Morristown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
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.
Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through October 29
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.
Welcome to Matteson
New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch
Thursdays – Sundays, through October 29
A suburban couple hosts a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party for their new neighbors — a couple recently relocated from Cabrini Green, Chicago’s roughest housing project — but it’s anything but welcoming. This is a dark comedy about reverse gentrification and how we deal with the “other” when the other looks just like us.
Pumpkin Trains
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Catch the train at Flemington Station for a ride to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction. Your ticket includes the round-trip train ride, entry to the corn maze, a kid’s corn box activity, a wagon ride, music and games. You can also pick your own pumpkins.
Fall Farm Run
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Start with a wagon ride around the 200-acre property. Watch apples being pressed into cider and take your “turn” with the old-fashioned screw press. Pick your own pumpkin from the patch. Take a guided tour of The Willows 1854 mansion. Visit the farm animals and see a corn cracking demonstration and then feed the chickens. Check out Well Played, an exhibit about childhood 100+ years ago, and the Transportation Exhibit which features a climb-on Model T truck and restored antique vehicles that were driven around town in the 1920s.
Bordentown Haunted History Tour
Old Town Pub, Bordentown
Through October 29
Get the facts on notoriously mysterious town sites where many passers-by have experienced strange occurrences. The family-friendly route was recently updated to include new twists, turns and tales.
Spooky Fest
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through October 29
Watch Boo! A Halloween Laser Show or the Haunted House 3D. Hunt for creepy, giant spiders in the Spider Scavenger Hunt, and seek 13 Spooky Skeletons, too. See what’s inside every jack o’ lantern in the Pumpkin Dissection Lab, and check out real animal skeletons in the Boneyard. LSC’s resident bugs, spiders, and more critters are the stars of the Creepy Crawler Corner shows. Work it out on the dance floor at the daily Halloween Dance Party.
Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, through October 29
Pumpkin Nights tells the story of What Animals Do After Dark through intricately carved pumpkin sculptures and scenes, music and special lighting. The zoo’s newest attraction features more than 5,000 carved animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail, food trucks and fall treats, live pumpkin carving, seasonal games and more. Even though it’s at night, the activities are family-friendly.
The Great Pumpkin Train
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Through October 29
Ride along the Delaware River and get off at Snyders Station, where you will spend 2 hours at the mine panning for gemstones you can take home and/or take on the challenge of the corn maze. Every train stops at the Pumpkin Patch on the way back so kids can pick a pumpkin for free, and you can all check out the century-old Carpentersville Lime Kilns which date back to before the Revolutionary War.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through October 31
Drive through 32 acres of Halloween lights displays, enjoy farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, warm up by the fire pits, make your own s’mores, and sip hot cocoa.
Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough
Select dates, through 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, where the farm transforms into nightly terrors.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through October 31
This is not for the faint of heart! Recommended for teens and adults 13 and older, this is one of the area’s scariest Halloween events. Nighttime festivities include a ghoul parade, live stage shows, terrifying scare zones, plus six haunted houses designed for the ultimate scare.
Monsterville
Downtown Merchantville
Select dates, through October 31
Throughout the month the downtown will be transformed into a Halloween scene. Events include Spooky Story Time, the Merchant School Haunted House, a Mystery and Magic Street Fair, a Zombie Run and trick-or-treating.
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, American Dream, East Rutherford
Through October 31
Watch the new LEGO 4D Halloween Movie: The Great Monster Chase. Have a meet-and-greet with the BOOtastic LEGO Witch. Find all the monsters that have hidden in Miniland and bring the Monster Band back together for a reward. Take a picture with the new LEGO pumpkin. Add your own terrifying touches to make the Monster House a home. Enjoy Halloween treats at the LEGO Café. And of course, play with the LEGOs in the build areas.
Halloween House Paramus
Paramus Mall, Paramus
Through November 1
Halloween House has a series of fully immersive, uniquely themed rooms including the Trick or Treat Room, the Glow in the Dark Room, the Horror Movie Graveyard, the Vampires’ Lair, and the pumpkin patch. These rooms are designed to be more fun than scary. There are no actors, jump scares or strobe lights. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through. Note: The attraction is closed on Sundays.
Little One’s Nature Class
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, through November 3 (no class Oct. 27)
Learn about the squirrels, turkeys and changing leaves in the Plainsboro Preserve through stories, crafts and nature exploration. This series of classes is for kids ages 3 to 5, plus an adult.
Grow Little Gardner
Veblen House Lawn, Princeton
Fridays, through November 3
Certified Master Gardener and local mom Mathilde Burlion will teach a weekly youth gardening class in Herrontown Woods. In these sessions, kids ages 6-12 will learn and grow by exploring the woods and interacting with nature.
LuminoCity Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Through November 5
From the triceratops to the Pterosauria to the brachiosaurus to the oviraptor, your kids will have a roarin’ good time checking out the lifelike animatronics that have special effects like their jaws opening, heads and tails swaying, the sound of breathing and wings fluttering. A special Halloween makeover with gigantic, illuminated jack o’lanterns, spiders, graveyard stones and skeletons goes through October 31.
Jack O’Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through November 5
There will be thrills and chills for the whole family, including seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting, and a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
Fintastic Fall Days Festival
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 5
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 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.
Oktoberfest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 5
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.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 5
Dress your kids in their Halloween costumes and bring them to the Sesame Street-themed theme park for Halloween-themed shows and parades, a scavenger hunt, a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin decorating, photo ops with their favorite furry friends, and the new Count’s Hello Halloween Spectacular.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Through November 5
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.
Hill Creek Farms Fall Season
Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill
Fridays – Sundays, through November 5
2023 season highlights include u-pick apples, Asian pears, sunflowers and vegetables; live music at The Loft; kids’ activities, including a moon bounce, barrel train rides, gem mining and a playground; photo ops around the farm; local wine, small bites, food trucks, ice cream and freshly baked apple cider donuts.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
Chrysanthemum Festival
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through November 12
Walk through displays of 5,000 yellow, orange, lavender and maroon chrysanthemums. It’s based on an ancient art from Japan and China, where flowers are arranged in the shape of spirals, obelisks, columns and clouds.
T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park is home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt. Starting now, you can go for Dinosaurs After Dark on Friday and Saturday nights.
Aerial Adventure Park Night Climb
Great Gorge Golf Club, Vernon
Select dates, through November 18
Night climbs give you three hours of access to the 10 original aerial obstacle courses, plus the new zipline course, The Black Creek Flyer. You can spend the night climbing, zipping, scrambling and scampering through the trees. Stop for something to eat or sit by the fire to relax before heading up again.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through November 18
During a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walk the trails with an NJ Audubon staff member or associate naturalist and learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that you come across.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus a glass of wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
Hopatcong Sunday Market & Craft Fair
Park & Ride, Hopatcong
Sundays, through November 26
Each week, bring the kids and shop from a variety of food, produce and craft vendors.
Diggerfest
Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 26
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.
Read More:
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New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals
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