The first day of fall is technically a week away, but we’re already making it official with lots of fall activities this weekend. See over 6,000 carved Jack O’Lanterns take over Skylands Stadium for some Halloween fun at the Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience in Augusta, kick off the season with carnival rides, a farmers market, animals and more at the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival in Ridgefield Park, or enjoy food, live entertainment, refreshments, wine tasting, vendors, bocce, and a children’s area at the 12th Annual Smithville Italian Festival in Historic Smithville. Want to find out more about the 70+ fall festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the fall festivals here. (featured photo taken at Skylands Stadium)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
St. Peter’s Parish Carnival
September 19-22 at 6 PM
This annual four-day fair features fun and games for the entire family. With carnival rides, delicious food, prizes, a giant 50/50, and more, this one should be on your calendar.
Cost: Free admission
St. Peter The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 445 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661
Medford Oktoberfest and Music Festival
September 20-21
Put on your lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest with authentic German food, a stein-holding competition, multiple music stages, and Saturday kids’ activities.
Cost: Free admission
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
September 20-22
Don’t miss three fun days packed with carnival rides, a farmers market, animals, music, and so much more. Kick off the fall season and take in the cool September weather.
Cost: Free admission
Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
The Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival
September 20-22
Erin Go Bragh—everyone’s Irish at this fest with dancing, music, food, and craft vendors daily. Other festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1-mile walk, a pipe exhibition, a food court, and a parade.
Cost: Free
Old New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Saint Nicholas Greek Fest
September 20-22
At this festival, everyone is a little Greek, with Greek music, homemade dishes, vendors, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Skylands Stadium Jack O’ Lantern Experience
September 20-November 3
See over 6,000 Jack O’Lanterns take over Skylands Stadium for some Halloween fun. Enjoy a 45-minute walk-through experience mixed with a family-friendly fall festival with pumpkin picking and painting, s’mores, festive food, and live music.
Cost: $19 and up
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
September 21 at 11 AM
Join us in person for this Mommy & Me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one present. This exciting cooking class uses simple recipes to encourage toddlers to try new foods through texture and flavor. Hannah’s Kitchen welcomes all children with diverse learning abilities in our inclusive, adaptive kitchen. Classes are free and graciously funded by the Hannah Peretsman Breene Foundation.
Cost: Free
Hannah’s Kitchen at the Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
September 21
Celebrate Latino culture with dancing, live performances, food, and lots of fun during this cultural festival.
Cost: Free
1 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
All About Downtown Street Fair
September 21 at 12 PM
Come to this beloved street fair and enjoy amazing vendors, rides for kids, face painting, live music, and a beer garden for the 21+ crowd.
Cost: Free
Newark Avenue, Between Grove Street and Coles Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
46th Annual Festival of the Sea
September 21 at 10 AM
Over 250 craft vendors and local restaurants will be at the 44th Annual Festival of the Sea. This festival is the place to be if you are a seafood lover.
Cost: Free
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, 601 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
September 21 at 9:30 AM
Join us in person for this hands-on cooking class for ages 5-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun class, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies. This interactive cooking class introduces young children to basic kitchen skills and new foods. Hannah’s Kitchen welcomes all children with diverse learning abilities in our inclusive, adaptive kitchen. Classes are free and graciously funded by the Hannah Peretsman Breene Foundation.
Cost: Free
Hannah’s Kitchen at the Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave. Newark, NJ 07112 RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Branchburg County Fair
September 21 at 11 AM
Spend the day at this festive fair with a pumpkin ring toss, a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and more. Stay all day and then watch the night light up with gorgeous fireworks.
Cost: Free admission
White Oak Park, 235 Baird Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Italian Festival
September 21 at 12 PM
Enjoy delicious Italian specialties at the Jersey Shore with this Italian Festival. Then, after you have sampled the amazing things to eat, stroll downtown and stop into the shops for a day of fun.
Cost: Free
Downtown Business District, Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Festival in the Borough
September 21
Get into a full day of fun at the Festival in the Borough. Music, entertainment, vendors, food, and a kids’ area will keep the whole family happy all day.
Cost: Free
44 E. Washington Ave. (Route 57), Washington, NJ 07882
Hopewell Harvest Festival
September 21 at 10 AM
It’s the 36th annual fair with contests, entertainment, games, and a Kids Korner. The rain date is September 28.
Cost: Free
35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Allaire Fall Harvest Festival
September 21 at 11 AM
Join the villagers in celebrating the harvest and try your hand at apple cider pressing, enter an apple pie baking contest, interact with strolling villagers, see historical demonstrations, play games, and have lots of fall fun.
Cost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-12
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Arts Fest
September 21 at 2 PM
Engage in an artist marketplace, see emerging artists, and watch urban and eclectic performances and interactive art. There will also be wearable art and gifts, culinary arts, art classes, and face painters.
Cost: Free
Irving Street from Central Ave. to Elizabeth Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065
Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 21 at 9 AM
This huge Bayfront street festival will kick off the new season with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and more. At dusk, fireworks will go off.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park & Sunset Lake, New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Smithville Italian Festival
September 21 at 10 AM
It’s the 12th annual Italian Festival with food, live entertainment, refreshments, wine tasting, vendors, bocce, and a children’s area. The rain date is September 22.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, NJ 08205
Pitman Fall Craft Show
September 21 at 9 AM
Looking for a place to peruse fall crafts from local vendors? This craft show will feature over 350 vendors, food trucks, and tons of fun.
Cost: Free
Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071
Glen Rock Street Fair and Craft Show
September 22 at 11 AM
Bring your crew to this street festival, where there will be artists, crafters, a live band, vendors, food, and fun.
Cost: Free
Downtown Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Brews & BBQ Tailgate
September 22 at 1 PM
Celebrate the start of fall at this fun event with something for everyone in the family. There will be football, live music, family-friendly games, a delicious feast, and adult beverages.
Cost: $75 per adult and $30 per child
The Barn on South Holland, 279 South Holland Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Ongoing Event
Swim Clinic at First Star Swim School – Eatontown
Fridays starting September 13 at 5:30 PM
Starting September 13, our program is designed to help swimmers focus on stroke technique, build endurance, and improve starts and turns. Learn about distance and stroke counting, and understand the rules and regulations for competitive swimming—all in a supportive team atmosphere. This is 8 weeks of swimming, and pre-registration is required to secure a spot in this program.
Cost: $259 per student
1 Corbett Way #2, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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