Yup, it’s fall, and we’re leaning in, especially with all the family-friendly activities to do over the weekend. Meet and greet your favorite characters and have a ball with children’s activities, games, and rides at the three-day Autumn Lights Fest in West Milford, take in live Irish music, traditional Irish craft vendors, Irish fare, and beverages at the Shamrocks by the Sea Celtic Festival in Seaside Park, or bring the family for a fun day of free activities, including crafts, a live reptile show, live butterflies, an inflatable corn maze, and more at the Fall Family Festival in Roseland. Want to find out more about the 70+ fall festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the fall festivals here. (featured photo credit: West Milford Autumn Lights Fest)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
DiDonato’s Trick or Treat Train
Get ready for the spookiest, silliest, and most spectacular Halloween event of the year at DiDonato Family Fun Center! This Halloween season, they’re rolling out a ghoulishly delightful experience that promises endless giggles, thrills, trick-or-treat stations, and magical moments for the entire family. Hop aboard the enchanting train and journey through a goblin-friendly Halloween Town where every twist and turn brings a new surprise. Navigate the spine-tingling Halloween Corn Maze, snag a perfectly plump pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, and take on the giant slide for a spine-tingling descent. Challenge your agility on our colossal 40’ inflatable obstacle course, and don’t miss the five trick-or-treat spots brimming with sugary delights. Meet and snap a spooky photo with their local witch, and explore the Pop-up Snack & Toy Cottage for a treasure trove of treats and toys!
Cost: $16.95 per person
DiDonato Family Fun Center, 1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, New Jersey 08037
Avalon Oktoberfest
September 27
It’s time to lift your stein for the Avalon Oktoberfest at ICONA resort. There will be live entertainment, drinks, food, dancing in the sand, and kiddo activities, including games like corn hole and Jenga and a kids’ craft activity.
The Sandbar Village, 125 79th Street, Avalon, NJ 08202
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
September 27-28
Live German music and a German Polka Band will perform during Oktoberfest. And you can’t miss the German dinner.
1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423
German-American Oktoberfest 2024
September 27-29
Raise a stein at this traditional Oktoberfest, which features live entertainment from German-style bands, authentic foods, and lots of German fun. The entertainment lineup includes the Philly German Brass Band, Aqua String Band, and The Ruckus.
215 Uncle Pete’s Road, Trenton, NJ 08691
Roseland Greek Fest
September 27-29
It’s all Greek at this lively festival, with live outdoor music, shopping, and delicious Greek food in one spot.
Cost: Free
80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
Saint Barbara Greek Festival
September 27-29
Head to Toms River to taste authentic Greek food and drink, try Greek dancing, and watch entertainment. There will also be outdoor rides for kids. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: $2
2200 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753
West Milford Autumn Lights Fest
September 27-29
Bring your crew to one of North Jersey’s largest street fairs, with over 300 vendors, live music, children’s activities, games, and rides. Don’t miss the nightly light displays and authentic Biergarten.
Cost: Free
1490 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480
Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers
September 27-29
Get ready for four consecutive weekends of German-themed goodness with “Oktober das Oktopus,” live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more at the lively Oktoberfest on Morey’s Piers.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Diggerfest
Weekends starting September 28-November
Pumpkins are popping up all over Diggerland USA for this season’s annual Diggerfest. Enjoy hayrides, live music, games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
Cost: $45.99
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Delaware River Festival
September 28 at 10 AM
Get ready to celebrate the beauty of the Delaware River. Enjoy a day filled with music, food, and lots of water activities. Hop on the RiverLink Ferry and cruise over to the Philly side, where there will be face painting and free entry into the Independence Seaport Museum.
Cost: Free
Wiggins Waterfront Park, Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Community Day: Fiesta Latina
September 28 at 12 PM
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive outdoor celebration at the Newark Museum of Art. There will be live music, vendors, dance, and activities celebrating the culture and traditions of many Latin American and Caribbean countries. In case of rain, the event will move indoors.
Cost: Free; registration is required.
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular
September 28 at 1 PM
Bring the family to this festival, which features kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, a remote-controlled car track, food, crafts, exhibitors, a Wine and Beer Garden, and live music.
Cost: Free
1011 Amboy Ave., Edison, NJ 08817
FEATURED
Moms Helping Moms Diaper Drive
September 23-29
During diaper need awareness week, help out by donating new and opened packs of diapers to help Moms Helping Moms reach their goal of collecting 30,000 diapers.
Shamrocks by the Sea Celtic Festival
September 28 at 10 AM
We’re halfway to St. Paddy’s Day, so it’s time to celebrate. Enjoy live Irish music, traditional Irish craft vendors, Irish fare and beverages, and your chance to win swag/prizes.
Cost: Free
101 J Street, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Oktoberfest in Cape May
September 28 at 9 AM
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition as Cape May is transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. There will also be a Beer Garden, Food Court, and artisans’ tables selling crafts, antiques, and collectibles. The rain date is September 29.
Cost: Free
Carpenter Lane between Ocean and Perry and Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Chester Oktoberfest
September 28-29 at 12 PM
Check out this family-friendly celebration featuring live music, authentic German food, entertainers, rides, games, and crafts for kids. There will also be an antique car show, and all proceeds will go to various charities and causes.
Cost: $7 and free for children under 12
Chubb Park on Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930
Margate Fall Funfest By the Bay
September 28-29
Visit over 125 booths and activities loaded with music, games, back-bay nature tours, live music, and educational exhibits. Check out crafts from over 65 juried artisans, a Cornhole Tournament, a dog show, parades, and more.
Cost: Free
Amherst Avenue in Margate from Washington Avenue to Coolidge Avenue
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 28-29
Kick off fall with a town-wide Oktoberfest event featuring kids’ activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, and food.
Cost: Free
Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave., Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Hispanic Heritage Month Family Celebration
September 29 at 1 PM
Come enjoy this FREE family friendly fiesta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with face painting, interactive art, surprise costume characters for photo ops, dancing and a live DJ, cool prizes, and more.
Cost: Free
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Fall Family Festival
September 29 at 11 AM
Get ready to kick off the fall season at this lively festival for all ages. Bring the family for a fun day of free activities, including crafts, a live reptile show, live butterflies, live beehives, an inflatable corn maze, and a seasonal nature discovery walk.
Cost: Free
Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
Woodbridge Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day
September 29 at 1 PM
Enjoy Irish music, Monmouth County Police and Fire Pipes, Drums, and Irish Craft vendors, and celebrate halfway to St. Pat’s Day.
Cost: Free
95 Port Reading Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Hoboken Fall Arts and Music Festival
September 29 at 11 AM
Over 300 artists, crafters, makers, local businesses, and food vendors will gather on two performance stages for live entertainment from local musicians. The rain date is October 6.
Cost: Free
Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030
2024 New Jersey Shore Walk & Roll
September 29 at 10 AM
Get moving for a good cause—each year, the Walk & Roll to Cure FSHD brings together the community to change the future for all those living with FSH Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). Grab everyone you know and walk along the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, 1521 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Kindle Oktoberfest
September 29
Grab a beer from local breweries on hand at this craft, food, and drink festival that gives back to the Cape May County Chamber Education Foundation.
525 Stone Harbor Blvd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
ONGOING EVENT
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 AM 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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