Things to Do This Weekend In and Around New Jersey September 22-24

It's the beginning of fall! Welcome in the cooler weather at a festival or farm.

XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Fall is finally here! Celebrate the season at a festival, on a farm, at the circus or at one of these fun events.

WEEKEND

Brooklyn Night With Judy Torres
Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar, Marlboro
Thursday
Freestyle superstar Judy Torres will be singing her hits like “No Reason to Cry” and “Come Into My Arms” while DJ Frank S. and MC Dave A. keep the music going all night.

Celebracion
Arts District Park, Rahway
Thursday
Watch live dancing performed to original and classic Latin hits. Local restaurants will share a taste of their Hispanic foods as well.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off & Fiesta
Downtown Hammonton
Thursday
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. 

Cultural Trivia Day
Inland Family Success Center, Egg Harbor Township
Thursday
The purpose of this event is to teach all families from Atlantic County about Hispanic culture, which will be done through trivia games.

LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Night
Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar, Marlboro
Thursday
Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player who was paralyzed during a game in 2010, is now in the spirits business. There will be specials during the night featuring his new bourbon whiskey.

Liu Shiming Life Gives Beauty Form
Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Thursday – Friday
The exhibition will feature more than 80 sculptures made over the Chinese artist’s 60-year career, including 27 works that are being exhibited for the first time in the United States. The exhibition has an emphasis on popular fairy tales, family life and animals, with a Family Guide created by Mason Gross Galleries to help spark conversations around the pieces so that everyone can attend. There is also an interactive clay room set up inside the galleries where guests can try their hand at sculpting in Shiming’s style.

Hawk Watches
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Thursday – Friday
Join a Naturalist from the New Jersey Audubon Society on the observation deck for a bird’s eye view of fall migration. You will be looking for migrating raptors, passerines, broad-winged hawk kettles and Bald Eagles as they pass through the sanctuary.

Royal Canadian International Circus
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Saturday
Circus acts under the Big Top include the Wheel of Destiny with Joseph Bauer, Mexican Senorita aerialists, trapeze, The African Bone Breakers Contortionists, the motorcycle Fernandez Globe of Death, speed juggler Nilson Escobar, the Duo Domingues Crossbow Thrill Act, Fantastic 5 Guerrero High Wire and comedy acts.

Rise of the New Jersey Diner
Hannah Memorial Garden at Paterson Museum, Paterson
Thursday – Saturday
The newest exhibit, “Order’s Up!” Paterson and the Rise of the New Jersey Diner acknowledge what we already know: that New Jersey is the “Diner Capital of the World.” Learn how Paterson played a role in this statewide phenomenon. This is the last weekend the exhibit will be open to the public.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Irish Fall Festival
North Wildwood
Thursday – Sunday
On Thursday, start with a golf tournament, and then Team USA vs. Team Ireland Amateur Boxing between No Limits Academy from Rio Grande and Crumlin Boxing Club from Dublin, Ireland (Conor McGregor’s amateur boxing club). Vendors will sell Irish merchandise from Friday to Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, watch Irish entertainment such as music and dancing. Saturday includes a 5K run and 1-mile family walk, plus performances during the day and free Irish dance lessons. On Sunday, attend a special Mass followed by a parade.

Fuerza Regida
Prudential Center, Newark
Friday – Saturday
Fuerza Regida will perform Mexican music. The group combines sounds of Regional Mexican, Urban Corrido and Trap with East LA vibes.

Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Pioneer’s Plaza and the Morristown Green, Morristown
Friday – Saturday
On Friday, the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble features musicians from Morristown High School, followed by jazz singer Ty Stephens with Soul Jaazz. The music turns to Chicago blues with guitarist Debra Devi and her group taking the stage. Direct from the South Side of Chicago, it is the Downtown Charlie Brown Blues Band; singer Charles Brown returns to Morristown to celebrate his 50th reunion from Morristown High School. On Saturday, kick off the day with the U.S. Navy’s Big Band, The Commodores. Next up is Gotham City Latin Jazz Band featuring pianist Bill O’Connell, followed by The Hot Sardines. Closing out the festival is blues guitarist Ana Popovic who will be followed by Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Fall Custom Rod and Muscle Car Show
Boardwalk and Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Classic cars, hot rods and vintage vehicles will be lined up along the boardwalk and inside the convention center. Check out high-end specialty cars, along with cars for sale and parts and accessories.

The (Mini) Life of Henry V
The Paterson Museum, Paterson
Friday – Saturday
The King is coming! And he’s bringing swordfights, drama and suspense. There are three different performances, both outside and inside, appropriate for all ages.

CUT International Short Film Festival
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
Friday – Saturday
The theme of the film fest is Short Films for Quick Minds. Watch the premiere of “SHOWTIME!: The Story of Walter Webster & the Off Broad Street Players,” regional student films and short film presentations.

XPoNential Music Festival
Wiggins Park, Camden
Friday – Sunday
The 2023 lineup features Old Crow Medicine Show, Tegan and Sara, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, The Hold Steady, Margo Price, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Allison Russell, Low Cut Connie, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Bailen, Wednesday, Wilder Woods, Celisse, Leyla McCalla, Bobby Rush, Say She She, Sunny War, Don McCloskey, Julia Pratt, Nik Greeley and the Operators, Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz, Moustapha Noumbissi, Mobbluz and Velvet Rouge.

Bergen County Fall Harvest Fest
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
Friday – Sunday
The fair features 4-H and Master Gardener displays and exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, local farm vendors, a petting zoo, chick hatching, educational and hands-on activities for children, games, county organizations, live music, a midway and more. NOTE: The festival has been canceled for Saturday due to the impending rainstorm. Come by from 6-9 pm Friday for rides and food trucks. Visit Facebook for an update on Sunday.

AsburyFest
Across from Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Friday – Sunday
There will be food, drinks, crafts and music, in addition to special surprises during this weekend-long culinary festival.

Greek Festival
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River
Friday – Sunday
Order some authentic Greek food and either stay outdoors by the food court or eat inside the dining room. Grab some homemade pastries, too. While you digest, listen to a live band, play games and raffles, and take part in authentic Greek dancing.

Latino Festival 
Showboat Resort, Atlantic City
Saturday – Sunday
With more than ten musical performers, both days of this event include dance parties, food, and lots of vendors selling items from Hispanic countries around the world. 

Fall Festival
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from the merchant shops, the weekend will include craftsmen, artisans and food vendors, along with 4-H-hosted crafts, a basket raffle and train and/or trolley rides.

WARREN COUNTY HOT AIR BALLOON, FUN & GAMES FESTIVAL

Warren County Hot Air Balloon, Fun & Games Festival
Warren Community College, Washington
Saturday – Sunday
Hot air balloons will take off each evening, and you can choose to take a tethered ride or a full flight. There will be food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment, drone demos, PGA golf, ax throwing, a bounce house, magic and comedy from Balloons the Clown, the Phydeaux Flying Flea Circus, live bands and DJ, games and the balloon glow with Fred G. Monster.

Fall Come Out & Play Camp Out
Rosedale Park, Pennington
Saturday – Sunday
Whether or not you live in Mercer County, you are invited to join an overnight campout in the park. After you set up your tent, go for some s’mores, hot dogs, campfires, night hikes, a nature craft, and complimentary breakfast the next morning.

Rose Squared Art Show
Anderson Park, Upper Montclair
Saturday – Sunday
As you walk through the park you’ll see displays by 130+ Rose Squared artists in media including ceramics, paintings, photography, art clothing and jewelry, metal, mixed media and wood, plus artisanal food.

Fall Festival
The Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday – Sunday
Music and craftsmen will kick off some shopping, including train rides, food trucks, vendors and merchants.

Chester Lions Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
Chubb Park, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
There will be many craft beers and authentic German cuisine, including bratwursts, kielbasa, chicken schnitzel, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and more. Kid-friendly options like hot dogs and giant soft pretzels will be available. Live music and dancing will be happening all weekend, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Jersey Shore Cake & Cookie Convention
Oceanfirst Bank Center at Monmouth University, West Long Branch
Saturday – Sunday
Whether you are a newbie, a novice or a pro baker, you will find something to entertain you. There will be dozens of vendors, a free live demo stage running all weekend, dozens of hands-on classes, cake and cookie competitions, raffles, hourly giveaways, as well as a special Saturday night event with several popular TV personalities.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale
ISP Event Center, Randolph
Saturday – Sunday
Do you still need to do more back-to-school shopping? Shop for your kids’ needs at discount prices, including shoes, toys, clothing, baby equipment, books, arts and crafts, and games.

FRIDAY

Baby Walk
Columbia Trail, High Bridge
Get outside with your baby and explore the local trails. You will listen to some nature education in the company of other parents and caregivers before walking at the pace of the adults; babies should be carried or in a stroller.

Big Apple Comedy Club
Newton Theatre, Newton
Carie Karavas, Charles McBee, John Moses and Joey Vega will perform a night of standup comedy.

Oktoberfest Golf Outing
Picatinny Arsenal Golf Club, Dover
The golf outing is open to the public; there will be 18 craft and German beer tastings during your round. After you put your clubs away, stay for food, drinks and live music. Lunch and a German buffet dinner will be served.

ANDREW MC ALLISTER / Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project

Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project
Pfleeger Concert Hall of Rowan University, Glassboro
The Fry Street Quartet and physicist Dr. Robert Davies will pair original music, visuals, environmental photography and scientific prose to discuss global sustainability.

A Night of Jazz and Blues
Theatre Barn at Thompson Park, Lincroft
Listen to the talents of artists from the Jersey Shore, including Ryan Gregg, Peter Veteska & Blues Train, and James Dalton.

SATURDAY

Autumn Equinox Hike
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
Join Laura Bush, principal park naturalist, for an afternoon walk to see what is happening in nature during the transition from summer to autumn.

Claim to Fame At The Museum
Historic Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
If you’ve seen the TV game show, now you’ll get to play in person. You choose a card that shows what celebrity you are related to. During the game you get clues, and at the end, everyone has to figure out who everyone else is related to.

Monroe Township Green, Health & Wellness Fair
Monroe Twp. High School, Monroe Twp.
Check out exhibits on green and sustainable living products, recycled/upcycled creations, organic food, environmental and wildlife protection programs, and environmentally-friendly products. Stop by the children’s activities wing for environmental craft-making. Drop into the health and wellness area for free flu shots and wellness checks. Outside, visit the EnviroMobile, shredding truck, freecycling booth, locally grown farm table, and a bike collection.

Hotel California
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
An Eagles tribute band will perform all of their greatest hits.

Fall NJ Jeep Invasion
Ocean City Boardwalk
There will be around 400 Jeeps parked on the boardwalk for you to check out.

Canning Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn the ins and outs of canning as you help prepare summer produce for use in the fall and winter. You will use equipment you can get at the store as well as farm antiques.

Walk the Forgiveness Labyrinth
Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, Lacey Twp.
Celebrate World Labrynith Day with a cord-cutting ceremony and ritual; guided forgiveness and letting go meditation; forgiveness prayer to release what no longer serves you and set your new intentions; a walk through the labyrinth; and a live sound healing session with chakra singing bowls.

F.I.S.H. Night
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Family Inclusive Sensory Hours is geared toward guests with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The aquarium will limit its capacity, turn down the sound, and soften the lights to provide a sensory-friendly experience for anyone who may experience sensory overload during a typical trip to the aquarium.

Essex County 4-H Fall Family Festival Celebration
Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland
The county’s 4-H Fall Harvest Showcase will be held in partnership with the Fall Family Festival Celebration. All projects will be showcased and awarded based on the Danish judging system: cash prizes are awarded for Best in Division and Best in Class, sponsored by the Essex County 4-H Leaders Association. Residents can submit projects in any of the fall divisions including Gardening, Food and Nutrition, and Fruits and Vegetables.

WOOPS! MACARONS AND GIFTS AT WESTFIELD GARDEN STATE PLAZA

Woops! Macarons and Gifts Grand Opening
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
To celebrate its new location, Woops! will be giving out a free macaron and 10% off coupon to all customers who join their email list.

Picnic in the Park
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
Monmouth County seniors, adults with disabilities, and veterans are invited to a free picnic with lunch, music, games and giveaways. Resources from community partners will be available.

Feast of San Gennaro
Gordons Corner Fire Company, Manalapan
Come by for Italian food trucks, beer and wine, pastries, live bands, a petting zoo and pony rides, family entertainment, and lots of games for the kids.

Country Fair
Veterans Community Park, Randolph
The main purpose of this event is to celebrate local businesses. There will be live music, food trucks, inflatables and a tricky tray. Additionally, there will be pumpkin painting, vendors, axe throwing and a video game truck.

Fall Family Festival
Seaview Orthopaedics, Holmdel
Seaview Ortho’s third annual Fall Family Festival will be an afternoon of live music by No Standards, food trucks, a petting zoo, crafts, games, vendors, face painting and an ice cream truck.

Stella Farms Fall Festival
Stella Farms, Berlin
There will be live music, food and alcohol, tractor rides, pumpkin picking and other fun activities for your children.

Townwide Tea Party
Metuchen
In the pocket park across the street from What’s the Scoop you’ll come across characters from “Alice in Wonderland” as you sip on tea and eat treats from local businesses, including Genius Boni, which will feature samples of two new types of tea.

WILDWOOD CREST RECREATION / Seafarers Celebration

Seafarers Celebration
Sunset Lake and Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Start the day at 9 am with a massive street festival along the banks of Sunset Lake. The live music lineup includes performances by the Star Band (Motown, oldies, pop), Animal House (dance/party hits) and the Billy D. Light Trio (classic rock and pop hits). Magic shows, a live turtle exhibition, interactive games for children, bounce houses, roving street performers, children’s pie-eating contests, face painting, and more take place during the day. At 7 pm, move to Centennial Park for a Motown rock performance by Big Bleu, and the annual beachfront fireworks show.

Maplewood Meditates
Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood
Anne Sussman will lead families in a lightly guided 20-minute meditation. Dr. Shirley Matthews will close the session with a gong bath.

Moonlight Tavern Night
Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway
Adults 21+ can welcome the arrival of autumn with beer, wine, warm mulled wine, Ann’s famous colonial punch and light hors d’oeuvres. The Brooklyn Bards will play Irish folk music, sea shanties and other traditional tavern-drinking songs using the fiddle, mandolin, tenor banjo, tin whistle, guitar and percussion. As you hang out, roast marshmallows around the fire pits.

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 eating Hispanic food for sale at food trucks. Kids can have their faces painted or play on the bounce house.

RiverFest Art & Music Festival
Downtown Bound Brook
From Main Street to Hamilton Street, walk along for arts, crafts, food and live performances.

Gospel Folk Jam ’23 
Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown
Listen to different local and regional Gospel music. Headlining this year is Grammy and Dove Award nominee, Bill Itzel.

Italian Festival
Village Green, Historic Smithville
Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in the presence of Italian music greats Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Louie Prima, when Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All-Star Band featuring Tony DeLuca sing Italian tribute music. Accordionist Carmen Vitanza and drummer Harry Himies perform throughout. There will be a bocce area, Italian food and dessert, wine tasting and Italian folk dancing.

Train Show and Open House
InfoAge Science & History Museum, Wall Twp.
After you look through all the model train displays set up by the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club Museum, see if there are any you want to buy to take home.

Merchantville 10th Annual Music Festival
Eclipse Brewing, Merchantville
There will be five bands plus lots of food trucks and vendors on site. Headlining this year’s festival is Edgardo Cintron’s Inca Band, celebrating the music of Carlos Santana, Also appearing are local favorites the Mark Stinger Band, surf rockers Blue Wave Theory, classic rockers Fair Use and the Laura Shay Band. Michael Jackson impersonator Buddy Katz makes a special appearance.

KidsFest and Porch Fest
Ballantine Gate, Forest Hill Historic District, Newark
Residents from the neighborhood will turn their porches into stages for more than 50 performing and visual artists of all styles and genres. The entertainment kicks off with KidsFest, a fun-filled hour of kid-friendly activities and entertainment including a performance by members of The New Jersey Symphony. There will be food trucks along the route.

Latino Fest
Broadway Bandshell, Long Branch
Hosted by the Long Branch Free Public Library, this event includes food vendors, music played by the DJ, domino tables and face painting.

2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Riverside Gardens, Red Bank
Join the town’s event filled with lots of vendors, live music, food vendors with their creations of Hispanic dishes, and more family fun.

Woofstock
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees
The 27th annual animal festival includes dog demos, food trucks, craft and retail vendors, a beer garden the Voorhees Animal Orphanage Alumni Parade, booths set up by animal rescue groups, and a basket raffle pavilion. Enter your dog into the Woofstock Pet Contest to win awards for best costume, most glamorous, best pet trick and friendliest.

Leonia Oktoberfest
Wood Park, Leonia
The Rotary Club of Palisades puts on this fundraiser to benefit the Weekend Snack Pack Program and other charities. There will be a beer garden, live music, authentic German food and a photo booth.

THE SEEING EYE

Seeing Eye Open House
The Seeing Eye, Morristown
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of the world’s oldest existing guide dog school with a self-guided tour of the campus. You’ll get to see places that aren’t typically showcased during regular tours, such as the inside of a student dorm room. You’ll also get the chance to meet Seeing Eye dogs and puppies, watch a training demonstration and talk to Seeing Eye dog handlers and trainers.

Roaring 20s Jazz Party
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Cut a rug as you learn the steps to the Charleston, which celebrates its 100th anniversary. There will be music from the 1920s, classic cars from back then, plus food trucks.

Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival
Maimonides Park, Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island will be the hot spot this weekend, where more than 35 pizzerias from NY and NJ will provide all-you-can-eat samples during the part food, part music festival.

Minecraft Build Challenge
Paley Center for Media, New York, NY
Kids can put their Minecraft build skills to the test. Each of the timed rounds will be judged based on creativity. Two groups will tackle two build challenges each, and the top three winners from each group will battle it out in the finals. Only the top two gamers will win the title of Minecraft Challenge Winner.

What’s My Name 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk
Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville
Support rideshare safety by attending this fundraising event, which honors Samantha Josephson of Robbinsville, who was killed by a man posing as a fake Uber driver while in college at the University of South Carolina in 2019.

Walk for AIR
Duck Pond Park, West Windsor
After the Walk for AIR, which fundraises for AIR® (Attitudes in Reverse®), you can stay for a butterfly release at 1 pm in honor of those who have passed away from mental illness or suicide.

Roll and Stroll for Hope
Memorial Park, Maplewood
Lace up your shoes, grab your wheels, and come together with friends, family and neighbors to help Family Connections reach its goal of raising $15,000. Family Connections serves over 4,000 individuals and families in northern NJ on an annual basis. Programs range from mental health and substance use support to domestic violence services and supportive housing. Additionally, Family Connections runs five school-based programs, two of which are in Maplewood.

Jazz & Roots Music Festival
Kean University, Union
Acclaimed bassist/producer Mike Griot helped put together this free, public, outdoor music event on The Lawn at Enlow Hall. While you listen to the music, there will be food trucks and vendor shopping.

Out of the Darkness Jersey Shore Walk
Bar Anticipation, Lake Como (Belmar)
After an opening ceremony to honor those lost to suicide, walk 3 miles toward the boardwalk with the group, then come back to Bar A for lunch.

IAN CURCIO / Story Pirates at MPAC

SUNDAY

Story Pirates: The Amazing Adventure Tour
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Two shows will feature fan-favorite songs from the multi-award-winning Story Pirates podcast and improvised sketch comedy based on ideas from kids in the audience.

Red Bank RiverFest Oktoberfest
Two River Theater Plaza, Red Bank
The first-ever Red Bank Oktoberfest will be a sampling event, meaning that for one ticket price, you’ll be able to sample from all of the Monmouth-based brewers, distillers and wineries on site.

North Brunswick Dog Walk-a-thon & Adoption Day
Community Park, North Brunswick
Dress up your pet in costume and take them on a walk around the park. After, there will be a pet-themed festival with vendors, music, food and a pet adoption event.

Autumn With the Animals
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
There will be wildlife programs, live music, nature hikes, games, crafts, food and other fun activities to help the whole family connect with nature.

Edison’s Fun Family Spectacular Street Fair
Clara Barton section of Edison
There will be eight blocks of family fun. Bring the kids for kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, remote control car track and more. Shop at the exhibitor booths along Amboy Avenue. There will be two stages of live music, and two different food courts, plus a beer and wine garden.

Fall Fest
Heavy Reel Brewing Co., Seaside Heights
Heavy Reel Brewing Co. and Donuts Plus are putting on this festival, so there is sure to be great beer and treats. Jelly Fingers will celebrate the release of its apple cinnamon and pumpkin beers. Watch NFL football. Shop at the craft fair. Listen to live music. Paint pumpkins. This is dog- and kid-friendly so bring everyone.

PLEIN AIR JC

14C En Plein Air Gathering
CRNNJ Terminal, Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Artists can paint, draw and create in and around the Terminal Building including the Concourse area and waterfront.

Audubon Autumn Nature Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Members of the Bergen County Audubon Society will lead a walk through the gardens and fields, looking for the migrating birds and butterflies that visit the garden. You’ll also learn about the important trees, shrubs and plants that provide much-needed food and cover during migration.

Britain’s Vagabond Duo
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Westfield
The British are coming to kick off the Steeple Concerts’ 2023-24 season. This concert launches a U.S. tour for “traditional Brit rebel” Vagabond.

Raritan River Environmental Festival
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
Celebrate the environment, and the community, through live music, vendors, the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, activities for children, cardboard canoe races and more along the waterfront.

Woodbridge Psychic Fair
Acacia Youth Center, Woodbridge
There will be private and group readings, free lectures and vendors.

FRANK WOJCIECHOWSKI / Lewis Center for the Arts Program in Theater

Putting It Together: A Program in Theater Celebration
Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts Complex, Princeton
Lewis Center for the Arts will honor the 50th anniversary of the Program in Theater and chronicle the history of theater at Princeton. You’ll get to see a permanent archive of the history of Princeton’s academic theater program for the first time. The afternoon of events includes two panel discussions with current and past faculty, program directors, and alumni; an open mic session; and a closing reception.

New York/New Jersey Water Lantern Festival
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Although this festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday tickets are already sold out.
Design a lantern that will be launched into the water after dusk so that the area is illuminated. During the day there will be food trucks and music.

AL VICIEDO / Dance Festival at Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall Dance Festival
Liberty Hall Museum, Union
Ten different performance groups will combine history with dance through cultural performances.

Burlesque Brunch
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse, Red Bank
Adults can enjoy brunch while watching a burlesque performance set to high-energy music.

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
The orchestra was founded in 1956 and has been touring since with a mix of concert, big band and swing music.

Music at Midvale
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation
Whether you’d like to perform or sit back and listen, bring a chair or blanket to this outdoor concert where you can sit on the lawn after touring the circa-1800s farmhouse.

Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
Historic Batsto Village, Hammonton
Expect almost 100 dealers offering all types of antiques and bottles that you can add to your collection. Take a wagon ride around the historic grounds of the village. Then, stop by a food vendor for an afternoon treat.

Harvest Home Festival
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
During this old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890s, you’ll go back in time with wagon rides, games and live entertainment. The Home & Garden competition will feature needlework, baked goods, and a brand-new harvest-themed artwork category. All day, there will be old-fashioned games, beekeeping demos, blacksmith demos, woodworking demos, cider making, two-man saw, craft demonstrations (like rug hooking, felting, lace making, spinning and knitting, chair caning, basket making, etc.). Entertainment includes the Wahoo Medicine Show and Phydeaux Flea Circus, Jugtown Mountain Band and banjo music. Take part in corn husking, potato sack and pie eating competitions. There will also be timber frame building and potato harvest gleaning.

The Music of ABBA
Newton Theatre, Newton
The tribute band is made up of several handpicked members from some of the greatest ABBA tribute acts. Dance, sing along and enjoy hits such as “Dancing Queen”, “Chiquitita”, “Waterloo”, “Mamma Mia”, “The Winner Takes It All”, “Fernando”, “SOS”, “Take A Chance”, “Money Money Money”, “Knowing Me Knowing You”, “Super Trouper”, “Gimme Gimme Gimme”, “Voulez-Vous” and many more.

Skullduggery: A Magical Pirate Adventure
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
Illusionists John Bundy and Morgan present pirate-themed illusions during this family-friendly, sensory-friendly theatrical show.

Garfield Fall Family Street Fair
Garfield
No cars allowed! The street will be closed off so you can shop from vendors, do arts & crafts, listen to music, take your kids on rides, play games, eat at the food trucks and get some free gifts.

ONGOING

LuminoCity Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
September 21 – 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.

ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

Fintastic Fall Days Festival
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
September 21 – 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.

Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week
Throughout Monmouth County
September 22-30
Any restaurant that’s on the list must feature at least one dish made with ingredients grown in Monmouth County.

Newark Restaurant Week
Newark
September 22 – October 1
Sign up for the NewarkRW Foodie Passport and dine at your favorite restaurants, or discover new ones. There will be =pre-fixe menus, limited-edition menu items, events and offerings.

Little One’s Nature Class
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, Sept. 22 – Nov. 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.

Jack O’Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, September 22 – 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.

Misfits Farmstead Festivals
Manalapan and Monroe Twp.
Saturdays-Sundays, September 23 – 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.

DEMAREST FARMS

Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, September 23 – 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.

Diggerfest
Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Saturdays-Sundays, September 23 – 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.

Circus Vazquez
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, through September 25
Woodbridge Center Mall, Woodbridge, Oct. 27 – Nov. 13
This is no ordinary circus. Instead, watch as an international cast of performers do trapeze acts, juggle faster than you can imagine, ride a unicycle through a 15-wheel vertical cycle; and perform a rarely seen Palo Hindu act.

Newark Arts Festival
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
September 27 – October 1
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, and the Newark Arts Festival 2023 will feature arts and culture events spanning all five wards of Newark over four days. A signature event to celebrate Hip Hop will be on Saturday, September 30, at The Newark Museum of Art. This one-night-only experience, called “Strings and Stanzas,” will honor the music genre and also Newark-area pioneers who paved the way in Hip Hop. Some of the famed rappers who hail from Newark include Redman, Lords of the Underground, and Rah Digga.

Seuls en Scene: Princeton French Theater Festival
Around Princeton University campus, through September 28
McCarter Theatre Center, September 29
Ten different works by French writers, actors and directors, all of which were recently presented on stages in France, will be shown around Princeton. Most are performed in French, but some have English subtitles.

Fall Family Fun & Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Select dates, September 29 – 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.

Kayak Eco Tours
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Select dates, through September 30
From the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the Park Office, climb into your boat for a guided tour that will highlight the wildlife and habitats of Caven Point.

Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Fridays – Sundays, through October 8
The German-style activities and food include keg tapping, a stein holding contest, a Muddy Schnitzel Family Fun Run, German bands on stage and strolling throughout the fair, authentic German food and beer, and a hotel-ride package at the four Morey’s resorts.

Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Through October 15
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.

DORNEY PARK & WILDWATER KINGDOM / Halloween Haunt

Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
Also Sunday, October 8
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.

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.

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.

Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
Through September 29
On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.

Cowtown Pro-Rodeo
Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove
Saturdays, through September 30
There will be tons of bull riding fun, including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and team roping.

We+They=Us Exhibit
The Gallery Space, Rahway
Through October 6
Artists will showcase their art to the Hispanic community during Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month.

Festival of Sunflowers
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Through October 8
The golden fields include not only sunflowers but also dahlias this year. The farm is open every day, but there will also be Oktoberfest and the Two Bridges wine trail announced later in the season.

NEW JERSEY FALL FILM FESTIVAL / Breaking the Surface

New Jersey Film Festival
Voorhees Hall, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Plus Virtual Option
Fridays and Sundays, through October 8
The films range from the topics of nature to culture to history to music documentaries to romance, and everything in between.

Quest Middlesex County
Throughout Middlesex County
Through October 11
Solve riddles and take photos from 25 different spots throughout the county. Prizes will be awarded.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Through October 15
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.

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.

Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough
Select dates, September 16 – October 31
Start with the Fall Harvest Days, which include the corn maze, farm tours, a Kids CORNer, pumpkin patch and food stand. Then, mark your calendar for Scare Farm starting September 23.

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.

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.

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE

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.

Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through October 31
This is not for the faint of art! 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.

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.

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

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 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.

T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park will be 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.

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.

Read More:
A Day Trip to Longwood Gardens Is Just What We Need Right Now
New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals
The Best Spots to Get An Apple Cider Donut

Pick Your Own Sunflowers At These NJ Farms
The Best Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey in September
Where to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in New Jersey
Celebrate Navratri At These Fun Dance Parties
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ
60 Things to Do Outdoors in NJ
50 Things to Do Indoors in NJ

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