Even if you’re not quite ready for a pumpkin spice latte you can enjoy the fact that it’s the beginning of festival season! We’ve compiled a list of the latest and greatest events that will keep your whole family entertained this weekend. Whether it’s apple picking, trying a McBeast Burger or heading to Broadway, you are sure to have an amazing time.
ALL WEEKEND
Greek Fest
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Union
Thursday – Sunday
There will be a four-day lineup of homemade Greek food and desserts, full bar, plus live music, dancers, vendors, rides and games.
Volkswagen Car Show
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Check out Volkswagen cars pre-2000 inside of the Convention Center and more than 2,000 cars outside.
Central Jersey Jazz Festival
Flemington, New Brunswick, Metuchen + Somerville
Friday – Sunday
Acclaimed jazz musicians will perform throughout Central New Jersey in a series of concerts.
Grape Stomp Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
If you’re familiar with the iconic grape stomping scene from “I Love Lucy,” you’ll have a chance to reenact it in person! There will also be gourmet food trucks, live music, arm painting by Macaroni Anne Cheeze the clown, country line dancing, vineyard tours – and fireworks on Saturday night.
Wine on the Beach
South Beach, Seaside Heights
Saturday – Sunday
Stroll along the iconic boardwalk sampling wine from various vendors. Shop at local artisans and vendors along the way. If the weather is nice, head to the beach, too!
Bergen County Food & Wine Festival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Saturday – Sunday
The Bergen County Food & Wine Festival will shine a spotlight on dozens of Bergen County’s best restaurants that will offer samples while guests spend the day sampling different wines, spirits and beers. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Grand Reopening of Medusa
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Saturday – Sunday
Ride for the first time, or the 100th time, the world’s first top-rail floorless roller coaster. Season Passholders will receive a special pin and free donut.
Home for Good’s Woofstock
Brook Valley Farm, Chatham
Saturday – Sunday
Home for Good Dog Rescue’s largest adoption day of the year is a blast for the whole family. 2022 Woofstock is pet-friendly, so be sure to bring your beloved pup to join the fun! There will be dog adoptions, food trucks, beer and wine, craft vendors, K-9 contests and prize raffles. Enjoy two days of Battle of the Bands, plus live music from the B-Street Band and Brian Kirk & The Jirks. All Home For Good alums are invited to reunite with their siblings and former foster families!
Fall Craft Show
Municipal Field, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
Find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list as well as beautiful handcrafted furnishings for your home. Experience a wide variety of handmade items including traditional craft, fine art and country crafts.
First Responders Weekend
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Secure your spot along the parade route because emergency vehicles will drive down the block in their first responder gear. After, kids can take a close look at emergency vehicles. There will be photo ops throughout the day with Elmo and friends who will be dressed up in police and firefighter uniforms. Plus, there will be special “Thank You Moments” outside the Sesame Place Neighborhood Theater: music and a special announcement will ask the first responders in the audience to stand and asks the remaining guests to clap in recognition of all they do for our communities.
Scarecrows in the Village Kickoff Weekend
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Saturday – Sunday
This fall family fun weekend includes scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live musical entertainment and children’s activities.
FRIDAY
Moonlit Market
Cream Ridge
Take some time after work to decompress, grab a bite, relax and walk around the market and do a little shopping. Bring your man, gal pal or your favorite four-legged friend along.
Extraordinary Still Life
New Jersey City University Visual Arts Gallery, Jersey City
Come by on Friday for the opening reception of this two-month art exhibit that will focus on the art genre of still life.
Dancing Under the Stars
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Members of Central Jersey Dance will demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds.
Multiple Sclerosis Benefit
CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Twp.
The 21st annual Multiple Sclerosis Benefit will include an abundance of food, auctions, games and liquor tastings. Proceeds will benefit The Linda E. Cardinale Multiple Sclerosis Center at CentraState.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Meet in this historic apple orchard for Terhune wine, music and light bites. It’s a great way to unwind after the week, meet friends, bring your family and enjoy the sunset on the farm.
SATURDAY
Rutgers Boardwalk
Scarlet Way, Piscataway
Before each Rutgers University Football home game this season, enjoy food trucks, go on rides, win prizes and take in live entertainment. Kids can visit the balloon artist, photo booth, get an airbrush tattoo and play various games. The cannon crew, the Scarlet Knight and his horse Excalibur, plus Sir Henry, will be among those in attendance on the boardwalk. The excitement builds towards the parade and pep rally three hours before the game, including the Marching Scarlet Knights, spirit squads and other special groups and guests. This all leads into team arrival and the Scarlet Walk. Stay tuned for a postgame fireworks show.
Sailfest
Island Heights
For anyone who loves sailing, sailors or anything nautical, this is the place to be! Enjoy music, food and fun along The Toms River during NJ’s largest sailing festival.
Railroad Festival
Phillipsburg
Learn about the history of the railroad in the area at three different locations in town. The first-ever fest will include food, music, tours and lots of fun.
Insect Festival
Mercer Educational Gardens, Hopewell Twp.
“Bugs Need Homes, Too!” There will be educational activities for visitors of all ages, including the popular scavenger hunt and metamorphosis game. Other highlights include “Bugs in Water,” “Insect Hunt in the Meadow,” and Q&A with the Mercer County horticulturist. View six demonstration gardens on site and learn how the different plants provide safe habitats for a wide variety of insects.
House Music Festival
Weequahic Park, Newark
Spend the day listening to a star-studded lineup of festive Caribbean Soca music during the largest house music festival in New Jersey! The lineup includes DJ Punch, DJ T-Wise, Kevin Lyttle, Evelyn “Champagne” King, CeCe Rogers, DJ Hippie Torrales, DJ Dan Dan, The Basement Boys, Crystal Waters (of “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” fame), DJ Martin Gee and Joe Claussell. Enjoy food and craft vendors as well as rides for the kids at this family-friendly event.
Ocean County Irish Festival
Manahawkin Lake Park, Manahawkin
Whether or not you’re Irish, celebrate Irish heritage with step dancing, food, fun, games, craft vendors, Irish music and the Ocean County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band.
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market
New Jersey Convention Center, Edison
Spend the day visiting setups from 400 small businesses, including artists, makers, celebrity guests, food trucks, live tattooing, music and more. This DIY craft fair is a collection of more than 500 unique vendors hailing from more than 25 states and Canada that sell everything from vintage clothing and toys, original artwork, vinyl and cassettes, oddities, taxidermy, handmade jewelry, unique collectibles, horror memorabilia, interesting curiosities, antiques and collectibles, comics, original artwork, cosplay contests and more.
NJ Taco Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
If a whole day of tacos isn’t appetizing enough, come down for an event filled with live music, a pepper eating contest, a Margarita Mix-Down and a taco contest between all your favorite taco joints!
“New Year’s” Parade
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The top Mummers String Bands from the New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will parade along Olde New Jersey Avenue, where you can get up-close views of the beautiful costumes and intricate dance steps. Come join in the fun and learn the famous Mummers Strut!
Back to School Carnival
The Learning Experience, Rivervale
Join a morning full of fun activities: carnival games and cool prizes, spin-art, cotton candy, snow cones and other yummy treats for the children to enjoy.
Car Show & Blessing of the Autos
Freehold
Have you ever had your vehicle blessed? Enjoy music and activities all day, plus tons of raffle prizes.
All American Motorcycle Ride & Veterans Music Festival
Marlboro Township Municipal Complex, Marlboro
The police-escorted motorcycle ride culminates with a huge music festival to celebrate veterans. There will be live music from bands, food trucks, a beer garden, raffles and more festivities.
Full Moon Meditation
Sunset Beach, Seaside Heights
This evening of healing and intention setting will include guided meditation along with a full moon ritual. You will listen to the soothing sounds of the chakra crystal singing bowls. There will be optional sage energy clearing. The class will close with messages from angel affirmation cards.
Fall Wildflower Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Join the Wildflower Team and check out the magical sights and sounds of fall in the woodlands of the Wildflower Garden.
Giant Fall Flea Market
Ocean Grove
Put on your walking shoes, because there will be dozens of vendors lined up from the Great Auditorium to the ocean.
Pop-Up Beer Garden
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Old Hights Brewing Company will serve up their handcrafted beers at this pop-up event held inside the Arts Council of Princeton’s ceramic studio. The Sourland Mountain String Band will supply the live tunes, and Old Hights will supply the snacks.
Wine on the Beach
South Beach, Seaside Heights
Adults can enjoy wine tastings, food, and wine-related seminars and presentations.
Hand Lettering Workshop
METC Education Annex, Madison
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is partnering with The Book Arts Roundtable to offer a hand lettering workshop. The session will include instruction on design and hand lettering of a small (4-inch by 6-inch) art project that can be framed.
Rocktoberfest Preview & Car Show
Upper Milburn Avenue, Short Hills
Enjoy live music, a car show with over 30 classic cars, free face painting and take a selfie with Chase from “Paw Patrol.”
Roast Beef and Ham Dinner
Host Lodge No. 6, High Bridge
Take your pick of roast beef or ham, then add your choice of sides plus dessert.
Steinway Piano Recital
Museum Auditorium, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown
Listen to Dr. Toth play a recital prior to his concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. He will play the park’s 1873 Steinway Grand Piano, which has been restored to its 19th century pitch.
SUNDAY
Bark in the Waterpark
Runaway Rapids, Keansburg
Bring your pup to the park for an afternoon of splashing around!
Sunday Brunch White on the Green
Par 440, Millburn
Expect even more fun the day after the House Music Festival with performances by Eddie Thompson, Keith Thompson, Ladies of Sky, DJ Kevin Chillis, DJ/Producer Duce Martinez, DJ/Producer Dawud Johnson and DJ/Producer Beloved, all hosted by Ras Anthony. Come dressed in white.
Morris & Essex Limited Train Ride
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Treat your grandparents to a leisurely ride on the non-profit Whippany Railway Museum’s Morris & Essex Limited excursion train. Sit back and relax during the 45-minute, 10-mile round trip ride through Morris and Essex counties.
Street Fair & Craft Show
Red Bank
The downtown area will come alive as Monmouth and Broad streets are closed off to vehicular traffic so you and your family can roam the streets exploring food, music, vendors, artists, shopping, performances and lots of fun.
Art All Day
Downtown Somerville
Coinciding with the Central Jersey Jazz Fest, local artists will be creating and selling original works and art activities for children will be presented. The Artisan Market will offer jewelry, paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, woodwork, art clothing and a variety of other unique artworks.
Schnitzelfest
German American Society of Trenton, Trenton
Enjoy a schnitzel supper in the garden, or take some food to go.
Restaurant Week
Wildwoods
Enjoy a 4-course dinner for $40 per person plus tax and gratuity at participating restaurants from Sept. 11 – 15.
Hot Rods for Heroes Classic Car Show
Huddy Park, Highlands
Bring the kids to check out antique, classic and custom hot rod cars. While there, enjoy great food, crafters and vendor shopping around the park.
You can also attend a commemorative ceremony to mark the 21st anniversary of 9/11.
ONGOING
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It!
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Saturdays
From pollinators to plant dyes, each Saturday discover something new in nature! Rain or shine. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
PierFest
Exchange Place, Jersey City
Fridays in September
Put on your dancing shoes because there will be salsa demonstrations and dancing during four Friday nights of live Latin jazz music!
Broadway @GSPlaza
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Saturdays (Sept. 10 – Oct. 22)
Each week, see a different Broadway performance of a Disney musical geared toward kids.
Virtual Reality Experiences
Harry Potter New York, New York City
Select dates (through Sept. 12)
“Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight” give fans of the Wizarding World and thrill seekers the chance to explore the magical world as never before through virtual reality.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
New York, New York
Fridays (through September)
Enjoy the history and magic of the Intrepid for free on select Fridays through September.
Circus Vazquez
Garden State Plaza Mall, Paramus: Sept. 9 – 26
Woodbridge Center Mall, Sept. 30 – Oct. 10
Every day, varying times
See unforgettable one-of-a-kind performances by an international all-human cast of circus superstars in this exciting all-new show. The new 2022 is presented in English for the first time. Led by Ringmaster Memo Vazquez, Circus Vazquez features Columbia’s X-Metal Riders inside the Globe of Death, Duo Vanegas defying gravity on the Wheel of Wonder, acrobatic displays by America’s own Super Tumblers, Mexico’s Jan & Carolina on the Rolla Bolla balance board, the Medini Xtreme Skaters from Italy, Ukraine’s Bingo Group of hand balancing and dance performances, Italy’s famed clown Fumagalli and the musicians of the live Circus Vazquez Band.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Sept. 10 – 18
Celebrate Chinese culture as 20 illuminated, handmade Chinese lanterns up to 10 feet high will hang throughout the mall on the first two levels. There will also be live dance performances in Center Court and lantern making workshops at Community Hub on Main Level that will round out the week-long happenings.
Fall Festival Days
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Sept. 10 – Oct. 30
Spend all day with the kids at the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission!
Stargazing Boat Cruises
Belmar
Fridays and Saturdays (through September)
Take a sail out to the ocean while gazing up at the moon, stars and constellations.
Sunrise Wellness Sails
Wilbert’s Marina, Lacey Twp.
Saturdays (through September)
Anyone who is interested in yoga, meditation and mindfulness is welcome to take part in a 3-hour Sunrise Sail along the Barnegat Bay. Sail into rejuvenation with Jaime Zazzara and Captain Dave from Jersey Coastal Adventures for the wellness retreat. There are options to enjoy a swim or float in a tube when the boat anchors out at sea.
Chowder Traveling Taster
Beach Haven
Through Sept. 30
You can join the Chowder Trail as a VIP Traveling Taster: visit every stop along the way in a day or take the whole month of September to taste and visit the LBI Region. The month-long cookoff ends with the Chowderfest celebration on Oct. 1.
Tours of Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum
215 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
Second Sunday of every month (through October)
Docents will lead tours of the house, which dates back to 1730.
Seward Johnson Sculptures
George Street, New Brunswick
Every day (through Oct. 15)
A series of sculptures by renowned artist Seward Johnson are placed along George Street in New Brunswick for public viewing.
Half Mile of Horses Artwork
Downtown Freehold Borough
Every day (through Oct. 15)
There are 12 painted horse sculptures decorating Main Street. The display honors the equine heritage of Freehold Borough, home of the oldest half-mile horse racing track in the country. Vote for your favorite one!
Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Every day (through Oct. 31)
One hundred scarecrows handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations line the paths of the village. The display is free and on view every day through Oct. 31. Visitors can vote on their favorites through Oct. 10.
Art Exhibit: Joe Whale AKA “Doodle Boy”
Through Oct. 31
Asbury Ocean Club, Asbury Park
Be part of the debut of this brand new art gallery, which will feature works from 12-year-old internationally acclaimed artist Joe Whale, also known as “Doodle Boy.” Inspired by his life and interests, his black-and-white drawings sprawl across numerous surfaces, including murals, canvases and even books.
Outdoor Walking Tours
Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays (through Nov. 20)
Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Sunday Farmers Market
Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17
Sundays (through Nov. 20)
Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am-2pm.
Weekend Wine Tasting
Weekends (through Dec. 31)
Tomasello Winery, multiple locations
Plan a relaxing evening sipping wine at any of their five locations in the South Jersey region. Choose from a wide variety of award-winning wines and bubblies, accompanied by assorted cheese boards and truffles. Wine Tastings are available every day, but reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend wine tasting.
Don’t miss one of the great festivals taking place this month, or some of our favorite free activities you can do with the kids!