It’s officially fall and the perfect time to head outside for a fall festival, corn maze, Oktoberfest and more at these events around the state!
WEEKEND
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.
Express Yourself: A Youth Mental Health & Wellness Experience
Sussex County YMCA, Hardyston
Thursday
Youth ages 11-17 will be treated to entertainment, dinner and an ice cream sundae bar; receive a gift bag filled with wellness and self-care items and a gift card; and have the opportunity to participate in fun activities throughout the evening. Joined by John Franklin from The Circle on Netflix, teens will be able to hear their comedy style that focuses on mental health, their careers and how they deal with the stressors of being in the public eye.
South Orange Downtown Fashion Show
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Thursday
Have a “fabulous” time watching models from JESPY House showcasing the latest trends from Sadie’s and Artistry by Ampy Salon. Three Daughters Baking Co. & Miti Miti will have free snacks. There will be a cash bar that will benefit JESPY House.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat. This is the final weekend until the spring.
Family Photo Scavenger Hunt: It’s a Seedy Business
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown
Thursday – Monday
Search for all sorts of seeds, and complete the hunt to win a prize.
Olde Time Italian Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
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.
Monsters on the Beach
Wildwood Crest
Friday – Saturday
On Friday, eight Renegade Monster Trucks will be on display before they fire up and parade through Wildwood Crest. There are two shows on Saturday where you can see the trucks up close, meet the drivers and watch the battles along the obstacle course.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Friday – Sunday
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Autumn Lights Festival
Jungle Habitat, West Milford
Friday – Sunday
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.
Funbox
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Friday – Sunday
There will be 25,000 square feet of inflatable bounce house space in 10 different bouncy sections, plus an inflatable obstacle course.
SolMar Seafood Festival
SolMar Restaurant, Newark
Friday – Sunday
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.
Country Music Festival
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Hopewell Tour Des Art
Hopewell Borough
Saturday – Sunday
As you take a self-guided tour you will meet 60+ artists in their studios and group locations.
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar 2024
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Impressions of the Alhambra
First Congregational Church of Montclair, Montclair
Saturday – Sunday
In 1829, American writer Washington Irving went to Spain. He documented his journey, his stay at the Alhambra, and the legends of that magnificent Moorish palace in Granada. Mosaic Dance Theater Company brings Irving’s book to life through dance, movement and spoken word.
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.
FRIDAY
Block Party
Riverbend Park, Harrison
The evening includes jazz music, artisan vendors and food trucks.
Glen Burtnick’s Summer of Love
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Glen Burtnik and the Summer of Love Experience perform the iconic music of the ’60s from the Woodstock generation, from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.
Free Fridays
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
The museum will be open late until 9 pm, with free admission starting at 5 pm, so you can see all the astronomy-themed programs and exhibits the museum has to offer.
Paint & Sip
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
Unleash your inner artist during a creative evening of painting.
SATURDAY
Wheat Planting, Wheat Weaving, Threshing & Baking
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
When last fall’s wheat crop is ready to harvest, farmers will need help in the field to follow behind the horses and gather wheat. In the barnyard there will be a wheat weaving demonstration.
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.
Ballet Hispánico
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The largest Latinx/e/Hispanic organization in the country, Ballet Hispánico fuses classical ballet, modern dance and Latin rhythms.
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.
Celebrate Fall: A Shopping Extravaganza
St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, Hopatcong
Kick off your holiday shopping while supporting 50+ local businesses.
Run the Vineyards 5K
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
The course is mostly flat with smooth packed dirt trails. It is all off road and very scenic. After the race, stay for an afterparty with live music, food trucks, wine and more fun. Matt Noffsinger will perform live music from after the race until 1 pm.
Blippi: Join The Band Tour
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
There will be two shows starring Blippi, his pal Meekah and a live band who will teach kids about what it’s like to make music.
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.
Diwali Play Date
Park Villa, South Plainfield
Hosted by New Jersey Family Mompreneur finalist Modi Toys, a pioneer in children’s brand of modern toys and books rooted in ancient Hindu culture, you and the kids can attend a jam-packed afternoon of culturally curated activities, including creating rangolis, making, painting diyas, learning traditional dance forms, a cooking workshop, fresh mehndi, storytime, and a lad00 making workshop.
Ballet Hispánico Tour
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Hispanic dancers from around the world join together for this tour.
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.
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.
enAUDACY / New Kids on the BlockAudacy’s We Can Survive Concert
Prudential Center, Newark
The 11th annual concert will feature performances by Justin Timberlake, New Kids On The Block, Tate McRae, Benson Boone, Khalid and Isabel LaRosa. We Can Survive supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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.
Sensory-Friendly Diwali Cultural Parade
Town Lake Gazebo, Robbinsville
Line the streets to celebrate Diwali; it will be sensory-friendly so that everyone can enjoy.
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.
GO9o Workout Event For ALS
Life Time Fitness locations in Montvale, Berkeley Heights, Bridgewater, Florham Park, Red Bank, Mount Laurel, Plainsboro
Anyone can join the workout fundraiser to raise money for Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS and the Life Time Foundation. The 90-minute circuit-style workout will feature GTX, Alpha and/or Ultra Fit. The length of the classes are in recognition that someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 minutes.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap
Thompson Park, Lincroft
If you’re a jigsaw puzzle fan with tons of puzzles sitting in your closet, swap them at the first-ever swap.
Official Celebrity Boxing
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, Chester, PA
The boxing match returns to Philadelphia, with New Jersey native Drew Mournet taking on the biggest fight of his career against Kimbo Slice Jr. The main event is “Sugar” Shane Mosley vs. Bob Kofroth for the OCB World Light Heavyweight Title.
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.
SUNDAY
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.
Kids’ Hike For Fun
Wescott Preserve, Stockton
Kids will explore and wander through the woods, embracing the wonders of the season.
Twin Lights Bike Ride
Huddy Park, Highlands
Cyclists have a choice of five routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles, for all age levels, along some of New Jersey’s most spectacular seashore and countryside scenery. Fresh, local seafood and other food will be for sale at the post-ride festival, with nearly 20 restaurants to choose from in town. Stop by the beer garden after the ride. There will be live music as well.
Pups & Pints
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
The only ride dogs can go on is the carousel if they sit with you in your chariot. There will be beer specials as well.
Vines of Line Walk to Cure Cancer
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Snack on wine and cheese at three stations along the route of the walk. Everyone gets cheese but only adults 21+ can have some wine.
New Concepts For Living Walk-athon
Wood Dale County Park, Woodcliff Lake
The walk celebrates adults living with I/DD such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome, as well as some rarer conditions.
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.
Fall Kids Concert
Manalapan Community Center, Manalapan
The Little Rockers will put on a free, indoor concert for kids. Stay until the end of the show for a special appearance by a surprise character.
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.
The Bergen All Star Jazz Blast
Wortendyke Barn Museum, Park Ridge
Bring blankets, chairs and food for the third concert in the free outdoor music series.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
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.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Under the 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken
Select Sundays, through December
Local makers and creators from the area sell their unique handmade creations, ranging from fashion and jewelry to art and photography to home decor and vintage finds to artisanal foods and pet products to kids stuff. There is also live music and outdoor games. Special holiday markets are planned for December 8, 15 and 22.
Bronx Zoo Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, September 26 – October 27
Follow an animal-themed illuminated pumpkin trail (we’re talking 5,000 gourds!) and learn about animal behavior after dark, plus enjoy live pumpkin carving, games, treats, costumed characters, fog and bubbles, and bioluminescent bays.
Scare Farm
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Fridays – Sundays, September 27 – October 27
This year’s three horror-filled attractions include Creepy Hollow, Paranoia Walking Trails, and The Slayride – Hayride.
Tricks and Treats
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27
Fun at the theme park includes a fall festival, Halloween activities, live entertainment, Patch’s Pumpkin Party, the Mask Maker’s Mash, a trick-or-treat trail and a costume contest.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, September 27 – October 31
Pack everyone into your car for a guided tour through 32 acres of Halloween light displays. There will be farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, fire pits, make-your-own s’mores, and hot cocoa.
Nature Game Nights
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, September 27, October 25, November 29
Inside the nature center, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Birdwatching for Kids
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Saturdays, September 28 – October 19
A Girl Scout who is working on her Gold Award project will lead kids on a hike of the trails of the preserve where they will learn to identify different birds by sight and sound.
DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Saturdays – Sundays, September 28 – October 27
Plus Monday, October 14
Your admission includes a train ride through a little-goblin friendly Halloween Town, entrance to the Halloween corn maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, the giant slide, an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, five trick-or-treat spots, a meet-and-greet and photos with a local witch, entrance to The Toy Market with its Pop-Up Snack & Toy Cottage, and one free game of bowling plus shoe rental per person.
Pumpkin Train
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturdays – Sundays, September 28 – October 27
Take a train ride to Everitt Farms, and when you stop at Pumpkin Junction there will be various autumn attractions, including pumpkin picking, a wagon ride, a corn box, and other activities.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays – Sundays, September 28 – October 27
Plus Monday, October 14
New this year, chills and thrills include a Trick of Truth Maze, face painting, a Creepy Mystery Wall and the Halloween Mashup. Returning favorites include the costume parade, live pumpkin carvings, Halloween crafts, magic shows, mind rinding, pumpkin trails, and an extinct animal graveyard.
Rohsler’s Old-Fashioned Hayrides
Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery, Allendale
September 28 – October 27; plus Monday, October 14
Hop on a hay wagon for a family-friendly ride through 16+ acres of a horse farm. See the mum fields, horse barn and “haunted” lagoon. At the corral in Saddle River, kids can find their way through a maze, play carnival games, and meet chickens and goats. There is also a pumpkin patch.
Bear Mountain Fall Cruise
Pier 83, New York, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, September 28 – November 10
The Floating Oktoberfest Cruise travels 50 miles through the fall foliage of the Hudson River Valley. On board you’ll eat pork schnitzel, bratwursts and Bavarian pretzels and drink Warsteiner and Spaten beer. When you get to Bear Mountain you’ll have at least two hours to explore trails, the lake, the zoo, the Merry-Go-Round and more before heading back to Manhattan.
New Jersey Arts Annual: Exploring Our Connections
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
September 28 – January 5, 2025
The exhibition showcases contemporary art from across the Garden State, based on the themes of family, community, and belonging, expressed through different mediums of art.
Off-Broadway Week
New York City
September 30 – October 15
Score 2-for-1 tickets to any of 29 Off-Broadway shows during this biannual promotion.
Halloween Happenings
Throughout Cape May
October 1-31
In one of the most haunted cities in the country, Halloween activities include specially-themed tours and events daily, including Murder Mystery Dinner: Bumped Off & Bottoms Up!; Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Living Library; Historic Haunts House Tour; Historic Haunts Combo Tour; Voices from Beyond House Tour; Cherry House Haunting Tales Tour; Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour; Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour; Spirits, Oddities & Obsessions Combo Tour; Graveyard Ghosts & Mansions Combo Tour; and a Ghost Walk with Craig McManus.
Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Select dates, through October 27
Ride, walk then run for your life at New Jersey’s original Halloween-themed haunted attraction.
Glow! The Spooky Speedway
Glow!, Sicklerville
October 1 – November 2
Drive along an illuminated version of Route 66 – look for the glowing pumpkins, friendly ghosts and whimsical witches that are brought to life by thousands of synchronized lights in a non-jump scare environment.
Restaurant Week at The Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
Through October 6
Sit-down restaurants will offer prix fixe menus at special prices.
Empire Records
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Through October 6
Nineties teens who loved the cult-classic film can see it brought to life on stage in a new musical comedy.
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Fridays – Sundays, through October 13
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.
Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Through October 14
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.
New Jersey International Film Festival
Voorhees Hall of Rutgers University, New Brunswick; and virtually
Fridays – Sundays, through October 18
A series of films will be screened during the fall iteration of the film festival. On October 18, electronic music artist Jim Haynes will perform an audio-visual concert.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
Lentini Farms Fall Festival
Lentini Farms, Newton
Fridays – Sundays, through October 27
There will be a different live band and food trucks each weekend, along with a 10-acre corn maze, scenic hayrides, the sunflower field, a beer tent, a pumpkin patch and haunted hayrides (starting September 27).
Maple Leaf Farms Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27; plus Monday, October 14
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.
Halloween Weekends
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp & Resort, Williamstown
Weekends, through October 27
Camp out in a tent, cabin or trailer for the weekend. Activities will include trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, and haunted hot cocoa, among sports, lakeside activities, a hayride, gem mining, candy bar bingo, and visits from Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo and Cindy Bear.
Harvest Village
Pantano Home & Garden, Holmdel
Weekends, through October 27
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.
Fall Festival Weekends
Von Thun’s, South Brunswick and Washington Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
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.
Fall Fun Harvest Weekends
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
Plus Monday, October 14
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.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farm, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, through November 1
After conquering the corn maze, relax on a leisurely hayride through the starlit fields, warm up by the cozy bonfires, and listen to local music. Try locally crafted hard ciders, apple cider donut ice cream or pumpkin ice cream, or food from the food trucks in the FarmHouse District.
Jack ‘O Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through November 3
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.
Jacks & Lights
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3; plus Monday, October 14
Aside from the fall festival activities at Argos Farm, you can return at night for Jacks & Lights. The main hit is a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns. There is also a lighted pumpkin trail, pumpkin patch, flashlight maze, Spook-Easy, and tons of photo ops.
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 3
During this fall festival, look for carved pumpkins that glow on land or in the water. New this year is a nearly 10-foot underwater octopus shaped out of pumpkins, and a snorkeling scarecrow that’s overlooking an underwater pumpkin patch. There will be seasonal sensory tables set up, with pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences. You can pay to paint a pumpkin, or buy pumpkin-themed souvenirs from the gift shop. You can also tune into the aquarium’s “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which focuses on animals that live in the depths of the ocean.
Fright Fest Extreme
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select nights, through November 3
There will be haunted houses, scare zones, rides in the dark and special shows specially tailored for Halloween inside the theme park. Themes include Stranger Things, The Conjuring, SAW’s 20th anniversary, Army of the Dead and Texas Chain Saw.
Great Adventure’s Oktoberfest Food Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
Explore German-inspired cuisine, brews and desserts all around the theme park.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through November 3
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.
Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through November 3
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.
The Red Barn Farm Sunflower & Fall Festival
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Fridays – Sundays, through November 3
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.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
The Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Select dates, through November 3
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, apple cannon, paintball range, gem mining, wine tasting, food vendors, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, pumpkins and gourds, and mums.
Fall Festival
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3; plus Monday, October 14
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.
Kids Boo Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
The daytime Halloween event is family-friendly, with trick-or-treating, unique fall festivities, fun character photo opportunities and treats.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 3
Family fun on the farm includes pumpkin painting, apple picking, pony rides, a corn stalk and hay bale maze, the Adventure Story Barn, farm animals, the sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt and live music.
The Count’s Spooktacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 3
The theme park will be transformed for Halloween. Activities include Halloween-themed shows and parades, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, pumpkin decorating with Abby Cadabby, and a Halloween costume contest (October 27).
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
A Haunted and Hilarious Dinosaur Halloween
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Weekends, through November 10
The dino theme park puts a haunted Halloween spin on paleontology with ghostly and funny versions of dinosaur-themed shows, games and activities, along with the return of Dinosaurs After Dark, the popular spooky nighttime adventure.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through November 23
Enjoy a quiet morning walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. You’ll learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that are natural wonders of the area.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville; or virtual
Saturdays, through November 23
Teens and adults can join a 75-minute yoga practice that will help you relax and stretch while immersed in nature.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
Monmouth Museum, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Tuesdays – Sundays, through January 2, 2025
This interactive exhibit explores the bones and fossils of the giant creatures that once roamed the Earth. See full-size T-Rex and velociraptor models, footprints and eggs. Special events will be announced during the duration of the exhibit, including guided tours, a special museum fundraiser, a Christmas tree lighting and Noon Year’s Eve.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The Duke Theater at New 42 Studios, New York, NY
Through January 5, 2025
The show returns to NYC to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This production will feature two tales from Eric Carle: The Artist That Painted a Blue Horse and Mr. Seahorse. You will also see The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar during the 50-minute show. During the holiday season, Dream Snow will be added to the story rotation for the first time in New York City.
New Jersey/New Sculpture
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through February 2, 2025
Eleven sculptors who worked with malleable aluminum, cold-worked glass, and industrial robotics join the more traditional media of ceramics, forged iron, and steel in this exhibit that showcases 40 works based on The Garden State.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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