It’s a new month, and we’re ready to embrace all that’s fall this weekend. Pick apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers, get lost in a corn maze, and hop on a hayride tour at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm Fall Extravaganza in Jobstown, explore a mysterious prehistoric world with the Dinosaur Seance at Dinosaurs After Dark in Leonia, or get in a ghoulish mood at the Zombie Walk in Asbury Park. Want to find out more about the 70+ fall festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the fall festivals in NJ. (featured photo taken at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Haunted Wild West Fest
Daytime events start October 5; the night events start October 4
Come during the day or be daring with a night visit to the Haunted Wild West Fest. Check out the live-action shows, explore museums in the town, view historical demonstrations, get a hole-in-one in miniature golf, and more. At night, things get scarier for ages 12 and up.
Cost: $24.50 and up for the daytime, $18 online, and $20 at the gate for nighttime
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Snyder’s Farm Fall Festival
Weekends starting October 5 through October 27
Step out this season to a corn maze, pumpkin picking, fire pits, comfort food, and more during Snyder’s Farm Fall Festival weekends.
Cost: $18 and under age 2 is free
586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873
Dinosaurs After Dark
Fridays and Saturdays, October 4-26 at 7 PM
Explore a mysterious prehistoric world after dark where you can dare to partake in the Dinosaur Seance, a thrill ride into the realm of dinosaur ghosts. There’s also a nighttime offering of a dinosaur sing-a-long at the campfire.
3 Overpeck Park Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605
Jersey City Night Market
October 5 at 3 PM
There’s so much to do at this fun event you won’t know where to begin. A celebration of small businesses, you can eat delicious and international food, shop from local artists and artisans, and dance to DJ music. The best part? Bring your fur friends with you.
Cost: Free
179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Garden State Plaza Salsa Festival
October 5 at 6 PM
Head to this FREE event, where you will be moving and grooving with a night of non-stop dancing, vibrant culture, and festive fun. There will be six professional salsa performances, a salsa dance lesson, live DJ sets, a live salsa band, and photo booths.
Cost: Free
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
JC Harvest Fest
October 5 at 10 AM
Check out the dance performances, arts and crafts, and food for the whole family. And don’t miss the pumpkin painting station.
Cost: Free
Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ 07302
North Brunswick Heritage Day
October 5 at 3 PM
It’s the 40th Annual North Brunswick Heritage Day at Community Park, with vendors, entertainment, and an art contest. After the evening band performance, there will be fireworks. The rain date is October 6.
Cost: Free
Community Park, 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
Ridgefield Park Downtown Street Fair
October 5 at 11 AM
Head to this lively fair with music, dancing, karate demonstrations, and The Kids Zone, a section dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art, and kids’ games.
Cost: Free
234 Main Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Hightstown Harvest Fair
October 5 at 10 AM
This annual festival in the cozy town of Hightstown is the perfect way to spend time with the fam and take in all things fall. Everyone in your crew will have a blast with food trucks, live music, a dunk tank, The Duck Derby, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, North Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Fall Festival
October 5 at 11 AM
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate all things fall, look no further. This fall festival will feature pumpkin carving, events and games, delicious food, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
Bob’s Garden Center, 6610 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
October 5 at 11 AM
It’s the 16th year of spooky fun in Asbury Park, otherwise known as the official kick-off event of the Halloween season. Watch zombies and ghouls take over the streets of Asbury Park for a day of thrills, chills, and laughter for all ages.
Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Annual Cranberry Fest
October 5-6 at 11 AM
Head to the 34th annual Maker Fest on Farnsworth, with over 100 crafters, artists, and vendors. Live music and children’s activities will be held on both days.
Cost: Free
Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown City, NJ 08505
Historic Smithville Oktoberfest
October 5-6 at 10 AM
Get the whole family ready for a family-friendly Oktoberfest with over 100 juried crafters, an International food court, live music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations, and more. The Villages 60 Shoppes, train and carousel rides, paddle boats, eateries, and antique arcades will also be open.
Cost; Free
Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
The Pumpkin Patch Train at Whippany Railway Museum
October 5-6, times vary
Climb aboard a train at the Whippany Railway Museum to admire the changing leaves. Littles can dress in Halloween costumes as you ride past the reds, yellows, and oranges and enjoy the chilly weather. After the ride, kids can visit the pumpkin patch, pick out the perfect-sized pumpkin, and get a decorating kit for free while supplies last.
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981
Annual Wheaton Festival of Fine Craft
October 5-6 at 10 AM
This two-day event will host a collection of 150 artists exhibiting and selling their handcrafted works of art. The whole family can experience crafting demonstrations or create hands-on family art activities. Live music, specialty food trucks, a beer garden, and the WheatonArts signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser will be there.
Cost: $12 for adults, $11 for senior adults, $7 for students, and 5 and under are free
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332
Lakewood Renaissance Faire
October 5-6 at 10 AM
Step back in time and enjoy entertainment, delicious food, and a joust performance by the Knights of Valour.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Lakewood Pine Park, 562 Country Club Drive, Lakewood, NJ 08701
FallFest Food Truck Festival
October 5-6 at 11 AM
Bring your appetite and enjoy the October weather at this food truck festival that will feature Cold Stone Creamery, Gimmie Hibachi, Latin Bites, and more. Listen to the live music while you take in all the food.
Cost: $13 online, $15 at the gate, anyone under 21 is free
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Caldwell Street Fair
October 6 at 12 PM
Kick off the first weekend in October at this street fair where you will find vendors, delicious food, and live music.
Cost: Free
348 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006
Oradell Touch-A-Truck Event
October 6 at 1 PM
If you have a little one who loves trucks, then this is an event you won’t want to miss. There will be all kinds of trucks to explore. From 1 to 2, there will be a quiet hour for any children who prefer the event without noise.
Cost: Free
Memorial Field, Oradell, NJ 07649
3rd Annual Fall Festival
October 6 at 11 AM
It’s the perfect time for a fall festival filled with food trucks, mums, inflatables, a kids corner, pumpkin decorating, and more.
Cost: Free
Fair Lawn High School, 14-00 Berdan Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Freehold Oktoberfest
October 6 at 12 PM
Get ready for a fun-filled day of vendors, food, live music, games, and a beer garden for the adult crowd.
Cost: Free
Downtown Freehold, 20 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
ONGOING EVENT
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm Fall Extravaganza
Saturdays and Sundays from September 7-October 27
Enjoy a jam-packed day full of family fun that will keep you entertained with live music, a delectable Farmhouse Grill, Food Trucks, and a wine-tasting experience with Tomasello Winery. Indulge in the quintessential fall activities, such as picking your own apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers, getting lost in the family-friendly corn maze, or hop on a hayride tour of the 325-acre farm.
Cost: $8.00-$16.00 + fees
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday starting October 3 at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday, starting October 3, from 10 to 11:30 AM, and enjoy a morning of swimming, fun, and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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