Fall harvest season is upon us which means fall flower festivals, PYO fun, Oktoberfests and more.
WEEKEND
Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week
Throughout Monmouth County
Thursday – Saturday
Any restaurant that’s on the list will feature at least one dish made with ingredients grown in Monmouth County.
Kayak Eco Tours
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Thursday – Saturday
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.
Hub City Jazz Festival
New Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
This weekend of jazz and soul started in 2004 and has become a multi-day, multi-venue jazz music festival. There’s lots to eat and drink and there are plenty of opportunities to shop, too.
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
Thursday in Edison
Friday in Perth Amboy
Saturday in New Brunswick
Saturday in Metuchen
Sunday in Woodbridge
Spend the weekend hopping from venue to venue in Middlesex County to hear the best in jazz and blues music.
Newark Restaurant Week
Newark
Thursday – Sunday
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 and events.
Newark Arts Festival
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Thursday – Sunday
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 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.
Hamilton Irish Music Festival
Front lawn of Msgr. Crean AOH Division Hibernian Hall, Hamilton
Friday and Sunday
Because of the forecasted rain for Saturday, Pub Night will still be on Friday, but the festival has moved to Sunday and will still include bands, a free kid’s area, drinks and craft vendors.
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
Downtown Hackettstown: Grand Avenue, Main Street, Valentine Street
Friday – Sunday
Kick off Oktoberfest weekend on Friday with a beer tapping at Grand Ave Tavern. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be street fair-style events, kids’ activities, non-alcohol-related activities, music, craft vendors, live music, food and more.
Belftoberfest
Belford Brewing Company, Belford section of Middletown Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
This is the 10th anniversary of this German-style showcase of seasonal beers and 16+ Jersey Fresh craft beers on tap, plus the brewery’s regular menu. German-style music from Jingleheimer is on Friday night, and Lucky 5 Oktoberfest Band will be Saturday afternoon. Stein holding competitions will be held throughout the weekend with prizes awarded to the winners, and corn hole games take place behind the brewery. Local restaurants are creating menus with a German twist, so bring in food to the tap room.
NJ Greek Fest
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield
Friday – Saturday
Holy Trinity will be selling some of your favorite homemade Greek foods and desserts like pastichio, gyro, souvlaki, baklava, and koulourakia. There will also be dancing and other cultural activities.
Mudhen HarvestFest
Mudhen Brewing Company, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Bring the kids to the pumpkin patch, where they can choose a pumpkin to decorate. On Friday, live music is by Chris Sacks Band and Nummy Pumpkin; on Saturday, The Megan Knight Band performs. On Saturday, Donna Cox will offer face painting and there will be games and fun for all ages all day.
Monsters on the Beach Monster Truck Races & Truck Pulls
Friday: Crest Pier Recreation Center, Wildwood Crest
Saturday and Sunday: Wildwoods Beach, Wildwood
Each show will feature Monster Truck races and freestyle events, Tough Truck racing and the new Diesel Truck pulling exhibitions. The Monster Truck lineup currently includes Toxic, Be Aware, Illuminator, Shockwave, Storm Damage, and Play’n Hookie. Tough Trucks will compete on the same course as the Monster Trucks, while Diesel Trucks will battle in sled-pulling matchups. On Friday night, you can kick off the weekend by meeting your favorite drivers.
Asbury Park Bazaar
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the market; shop from artisans from the Jersey Shore; go for a customized bonded jewelry experience; get your face painted; sip on some craft beers; listen to music by The Wright Trio, DJ Ayo Tay, Songbird and Brent Shibla; go bowling; and customize your own sunglasses.
Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Saturday – Sunday
The free interactive showcase focuses on K-12 students to inspire and energize them to think about STEAM skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. You can see the latest in robotics, experience a live robot battle, participate in sensory-friendly STEAM activities, pose for photos with the famous robot Spot™ by Boston Dynamics and more. Both levels of the mall will be filled with activities.
FRIDAY
Full Moon Walk: Harvest Moon
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Head to Maggie’s Point to view the full moon in all its glory. Enjoy a peaceful evening nearby McCormack Lake.
Texas Flood: A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
Tommy Katona and Texas Flood is a blues bands from north Texas that pays tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn and other legends, and plays the blues in their own music and style.
Hitting New Heights
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz, the Broadway stars of Hamilton and In the Heights, celebrate today’s greatest composers, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz and other songwriters. Together, they share stories and songs from their careers on stage, including music from Wicked, Hamilton and the best of Broadway.
Astronomy Night
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York, NY
This is the final Free Friday of the year. Margaret Weitekamp, curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, will talk about her new book, “Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight,” which pays tribute to almost a century’s worth of real-life space achievements as well as sci-fi media. Local astronomers will be on hand with their high-powered telescopes to help you navigate the night sky and answer questions about astronomy and stargazing.
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
This will be the last bonfire of the season, where you can sit on the beach for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.
Full Moon Meditation
Island Beach Motor Lodge, South Seaside Park
The ritual on the beach under the moonlight includes mindfulness, visualizations and the sound of crystal chakra bowls.
SATURDAY
Cheesesteak Egg Roll Eating Championship
Resorts Atlantic City
World champion Joey Chestnut will face off against top-ranked competitive eaters for eight minutes to eat as many cheesesteak egg rolls as they possibly can.
Fall Fest
Montclair History Center, Montclair
Montclair History Center and Montclair Community Farms will celebrate the end of the harvest season with food and drinks from local vendors, naturally-sourced products from local artisans and creators, farm animals, and live music from Montclair’s School of Rock.
Cowtown Pro-Rodeo
Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove
There will be tons of bull riding fun, including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and team roping.
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour.
Trails, Tails & Ales
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
Anyone can take part in the 5K run, which will be through exclusive trails open only during this event. Stay for the festival after, but only those 21 and older can sample 2-ounce beers from local breweries. Everyone else can take part in nature activities and meet some of the wildlife ambassadors.
Full Moon Bike Ride
Rosedale Lake at Mercer Meadows Park, Hopewell Twp.
The six-mile loop ride on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail and other Mercer Meadow trails will have lights under a tree canopy, live music along the trail, glow-in-the-dark features, and a campfire with s’mores near Rosedale Lake. Riders age 12 and older can join the bike ride, but families can take part in all the other activities.
Harvest Moon Ball
Discovery Center at Point Breeze, Bordentown
In the tradition of Joseph Bonaparte, the exiled King of Spain who lived at Point Breeze in the 1820s and 1830s, you are invited to dress as someone who once visited Point Breeze. Pegasus Theatre will perform improv. There will also be music by a jazz trio. Drinks, desserts and cheeses will be catered by Toscano, a popular Bordentown restaurant.
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. Note: This was rescheduled from September 24.
Night of Opera
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
New Jersey Opera and artists from New York Dramatic Voices will present Robert Wagner’s operas, including arias from Die Walküre, Das Rheingold, Götterdämmerung, Tannhäuser, Parsifal, Die Meistersinger, Lohengrin, and Seigfried.
Dot, Dot, Dot: A New Musical
Wilkins Theatre, Union
The musical is based on a trio of award-winning picture books by author Peter H. Reynolds: The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar.
Diversity Day Children’s Festival
Lake Topanemus Park, Freehold
Kids ages 5- 10 and their families will learn about diversity and inclusivity through live performances and hands-on activities, such as dance groups, children’s choirs, readings from children’s books, crafts projects, basketball teamwork, cultural displays and diversity-themed giveaways.
Chowderfest and Bayfront Festival
Taylor Avenue Waterfront, Beach Haven
Eight local restaurants will compete in the chowder cookoff, and then you can taste what they make. There will also be wine and beer, live music and activities.
Fall Craft Show
Historic Village of Allaire, Farmingdale
There will be more than 120 crafters and artists selling their works of art. You can wander around the village and learn about the former ironworks factory town.
BaronFest Beer Festival
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Look for Major General Baron von Steuben so you can take a photo with him. Adults can sample craft beer from Alementary Brewery, Brix City Brewery and Hackensack Brewery. Activities for families include corn hole games and free pumpkin picking and decorating. Grab something to eat from the food vendors that will be on site. Have a chat with members from the Revolutionary War reenactment group Motts Artillery as they demonstrate cannon firing and military life. Listen to the lively music of Particle Theory.
Strings and Stanzas: 50 Years of Hip Hop
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
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 from September 27 to October 1. A one-night-only experience on Saturday, 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.
Independent Authors Book Expo
Kean University, Union
In addition to the 10th anniversary book expo, there will be a formal Literary Gala to recognize some of the authors and community partners who have supported IABX for several years.
Unforgettable Fire
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
The U2 tribute band has been performing together for 27 years.
Roselle Park Arts Festival
Chestnut Street, Roselle Park
There will be more than 65 art and craft vendors; live street art painting; two music stages; a beer garden; and dance, roller skating and hula hoop performances. Make an instrument and join the New Orleans second-line parade with the Big Noise Brass Band. There will be food trucks and outdoor restaurant dining.
Wheat Planting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Join farmers in the barn to thresh wheat and lend a hand cutting firewood for the kitchen stove, or hang outside the farmhouse to help churn butter for whole wheat bread made with Howell Farm wheat. You’ll receive a sample of homemade bread, and a recipe to make your own at home.
Fall Festival of Antiques
Gloucester County Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
Antique dealers from throughout the Northeast will set up under the pavilion and on the lawn to sell their country and formal furniture, pottery, fine art, glass, stoneware, textiles, quilts, dolls, Americana, jewelry, clocks, porcelain, sterling, toys, advertising, metalware, and more.
All Star Craft Beer & Wine Festival
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Drink beer, wine and cocktails while listening to great live music. There will be 250 different options to try.
Beef & Beer
Jackson Twp. Volunteer Fire. Co. No. 1 Station 55, Jackson Twp.
It’s true: there will be unlimited beef and beer with the cost of admission. Food is provided by Nightingale Catering. There will also be a hot wing challenge. Craft beer provided by Icarus Brewing.
Princeton Green House Tour
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
Learn how your neighbors are creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes and environments with green building practices such as solar panels with energy storage, rain gardens, superior insulation and more. The day kicks off with a screening of videos of four sustainable homes in Princeton. Then, register for a time slot for an in-person, deep-dive tour of Princeton homes with green building features.
Made in Jersey Festival
Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina, Camden
The Made In Jersey Festival is a celebration of all things New Jersey. From tomatoes, peaches, and corn to beers, wines, and spirits, farm fresh food, and world-class artisanal products, New Jersey is home to the best in the country. There will be farmers, vendors and crafters from all over the state. Enjoy live music, family fun, and Jersey-made wine, beer and spirits.
Pink Power Brunch Fundraiser
1776 by David Burke, Morristown
Our favorite NJ celebrity chef has curated a three-course brunch meal that will be served during a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Included with brunch is a complimentary signature pink cocktail sponsored by AIX and Ketel One. The brunch also includes shopping and “pink” experiences, a DJ, a surprise giveaway basket and a special guest speaker. Proceeds benefit the Rippel Breast Center at Morristown Medical Center.
3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Perth Amboy Free Public Library, Perth Amboy
Play a variety of Hispanic-themed games and tournaments. For the kids, there will be activities, face painting and more. Live entertainment includes a Hispanic cultural performance, the Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit, the Manny Pacheco Arts Award Ceremony and info about Latino Greek Life.
2023 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.
Night of Opera
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
New Jersey Opera presents a tour of Richard Wagner’s operas including arias from Die Walküre, Das Rheingold, Götterdämmerung, Tannhäuser, Parsifal, Die Meistersinger, Lohengrin and Seigfried.
Deeds, Not Words: A Ceremony Honoring the Merchant Marine
Elmwood Cemetery, North Brunswick
Honor America’s Merchant Mariners on the 80th anniversary of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. There will be patriotic music, stories from Merchant Mariners, a wreath-laying and a moment of silence. After the solemn ceremony, there will be an ice cream social.
All Star Craft Beer & Wine Festival
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Have a beer, glass of wine or cocktail while listening to live music. There will be 250 different varities to try.
First Responders Day
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Essential first responders and their immediate family members will receive a free Unlimited Ride Wristband in the afternoon.
SUNDAY
Your First Mud Run
Splash Park, Fair Lawn
Courses are 1.5 – 2 miles long and include 10–16 muddy obstacles that are designed for adults and kids to run together.
Holistic Health & Healing Expo
The Westin, Mount Laurel
This will be the go-to resource for natural wellness and green living. Learn how to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet, and how to live a more balanced life.
Oktoberfest
West Main Street, Freehold
There will be a beer garden with tables, chairs, games, vendors and food. Entertainment will be Swedish Meatballs in the beer garden, WCT Band on the main stage, and Turnstyles on the main stage.
Asbury Park Bazaar
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall and Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the market; shop from artisans from the Jersey Shore; go for a customized bonded jewelry experience; get your face painted; sip on some craft beers; listen to music by The Wright Trio, DJ Ayo Tay, Songbird and Brent Shibla; go bowling; and customize your own sunglasses.
Light the House Pink
1201 Hamilton St., Franklin
The breast cancer celebration includes a house lighting ceremony. Minister Joan Marshall will speak about wellness and self-care, while Dr. Coral Omene will talk about breast cancer prevention. Sister 2 Sister supports minority and underserved breast cancer survivors.
Immigrant Children & Youth Walk
Clipper Pavilion, South Mountain Recreation Complex, West Orange
This is a family-friendly event that will feature a nice walk around the scenic reservoir, while also raising funds for and awareness of NJCIC, a statewide nonprofit that provides free legal representation to immigrant children, in addition to its advocacy work focused on healthcare, education and justice.
Balloons Around the World
ScrapU & Artistry Too, Hillsborough
Make a variety of mini balloon crafts including coloring a hot air balloon with oil pastels and watercolors, balloon coloring pages, and acrylic painting with balloons. A free helium balloon will be given to everyone who comes.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pop-Up Shop Event
24 Little Falls Rd., Fairfield
Support women, support the fight against breast cancer and support small businesses by shopping local. There will be music, raffles, vendors, and a swag bag for the first 10 people who enter.
A Celebration of Pets
Verona Town Hall Center, Verona
There will be a variety of pet-oriented businesses, such as animal shelters, fostering groups, pet sitters and more. There will be music, food, activities for kids, and a pet parade (costumes optional). Your pet may also receive a blessing if you choose.
Harvestfest Crafts & Antique Corner Fair
Veterans Memorial Park, Westwood
More than 120 exhibitors will be selling arts and crafts, antiques and gifts. Some unique products include origami, macrame plant holders, placemats, turned wood pens and bowls, egg art, charcuterie boards and more. There will be Halloween- and holiday-themed items for sale, too.
Ghosts of the Park Cemetery Tour
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway
This year’s theme, “Women in Rahway History,” will feature 12 women from the pages of Rahway’s past who played a part in the history of the city. You’ll be guided to gravesites where costumed actors will portray each of the women and tell their stories.
Paulette’s C of Hope
CentraState Medical Center, Freehold
Join a 1-mile course, visit the Survivors Zone to celebrate those affected by cancer, and walk through the Memorial Garden. There will be food trucks, children’s activities, a butterfly release, lawn games, vendors, and raffles and auctions.
Oktoberfest Run
Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Adults 21+ can take part in the 3K run, then head to Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten for some drinks post-race.
Pink Dream PinkNic
Lewis Morris Park, Morristown
The pre-Pinktober fundraiser includes a pink-themed picnic in the park, plus guest speakers, a bra decorating kit, light refreshments and a raffle.
Fall Festival
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Activities and crafts include pumpkin decorating, candy corn and ghost glow-in-the-dark keychains, a fall sensory activity table with fidget toys/sand/water play, sidewalk art, a prize wheel, storytime, coloring, tinsel fairy hair, giant chess, giant Connect 4, a blocks station and corn hole.
The Dinosaur Quest of Dr. T-Rex
The Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River
Using his six totally realistic and life–like dinosaur puppets, Dr. T-Rex involves the audience about why “it stinks to be extinct.” He is a well-versed paleontologist who shares surprises and information with lots of prehistoric mischief.
Vines of Life Walk
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Walk around the vineyard property to raise money to cure cancer. You can decorate and personalize your T-shirt to say “I’m walking for …” There will be three wine and cheese stations along the path for those 21+, but this is open to all ages. After, there will be live music from Steve Berger. Note: This event was postponed from September 24.
NAMI Mercer Harvest of Hope
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
The theme of the 15th annual wellness conference is Building Bridges of Hope. The keynote speaker will be Ashley Judd, an award-winning actress, political activist and advocate for social justice, and global humanitarian.
Good Grief Princeton 5K Walk and Run
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
The 5K Run & Walk joins people together to walk or run in memory of a loved one or someone significant in their lives.
Lake Loop 2023
Hopatcong State Park, Landing
Choose your challenge for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s annual Bike/Run/Paddle fundraiser: 62-mile bike ride, 40-mile bike ride, 20-mile bike ride, 2.5-mile paddle or 5K trail run/walk.
Saddle Brook UNICO Fun Family Street Fair
Saddle Brook
During this giant town block party, there will be merchandise and craft vendors, kiddie rides, great food, local merchants, civic groups and music. See the shows, including dancing and karate demonstrations. The Kidz Traveling Shindig is dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, and interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art and kids’ games.
Breast Cancer Awareness Female Only Spar-A-Thon
Legacy Boxing Club, Wayne
Pretty Strong Project supports women and girls who want to box. They are partnering with Legacy Boxing Club for a morning of boxing training followed by sparring. All ages and levels are welcome. There will also be vendors on site.
Meadowlands Birding Festival
Meadowlands Environmental Center, Lyndhurst
There will be bird walks and talks, live birds of prey, kids’ activities, music and information from NJ Audubon during this celebration of all things birds.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
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.
Twin Lights Bike Ride
Huddy Park, Highlands
Riders can choose between riding 15, 30, 55, 75, or 100 miles. There will be breakfast at the starting line and then a finish festival which includes live music, food vendors, a beer garden and kids activities (such as a bike decoration station and bike swing).
Children’s Specialized Hospital Walk n Roll
Colonial Park, Somerset
Walk n’ Roll brings together people committed to raising funds in support of children and families facing special health challenges.
Joey’s Fund 9th Annual Charity Classic Car Show
Closter Plaza, Closter
There will be door prizes, giveaways, 50/50 raffles, trophies and concessions.
ONGOING
Welcome to Matteson
New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch
Thursdays – Sundays, September 28 – 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 Nights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, September 28 – 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
September 29 – 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.
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
September 30, Garden State Plaza, Paramus
October 7, Menlo Park Mall, Edison
October 14, Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour.
Mountain Creek Resort Fall Fest
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon
Saturdays-Sundays, September 30 – 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.
Pumpkin Trains
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturdays – Sundays, September 30 to 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, September 30 to 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.
Chrysanthemum Festival
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
September 30 – 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.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
First Sunday of every month, October 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.
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
Atlantic City
October 1-6
Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course meal for a fixed price.
STEVE HELPER / Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Trains at Whippany Railway
Patch & Halloween Trains
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sundays, October 1, 8 and 15
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
These Are the Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids
The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals
The Best Spots to Get An Apple Cider Donut
Where to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in New Jersey
Celebrate Navratri At These Fun Dance Parties