Hey fall, is that you? Leaves are starting to show their colors, and with it, a bunch of autumn things to do this weekend with the fam. Check out all the intricately carved pumpkins and Jack O’Lanterns at the Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve in Titusville, get those costumes on and stop by the scarecrows for the Downtown Candy Stroll in Cranford, or bring the whole family to enjoy an inflatable corn maze, get your face painted, or take in the live butterflies at the Fall Family Festival in Roseland. For more family fall fun, hit up one of the many fall festivals this season. (Featured Photo Credit: @hvartscouncil artist Curtis May)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve
October 11-15
Halloween is still two weeks away, but get ready by watching these amazing carves and seeing jaw-dropping giant Jack O’Lanterns at this 8th annual event. There will also be storytelling by the firepits, games, live music, and pumpkin painting.
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for kids under 18, and kids in strollers are free.
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
Family Pumpkin Painting Night
October 13 at 6 PM
Come enjoy a fun and spooky night and paint pumpkins for the season. All supplies will be provided.
Cost: Free
Recreation and Cultural Center, 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Fun Friday
October 13 at 6 PM
Take in the gorgeous October weather and enjoy time with the fam. There will be entertainers, vendors, farmers, food, and live music throughout the night.
Cost: Free
Hightstown Memorial Park, N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
2023 Downtown Cranford Candy Stroll
October 13 & 15
Is there anything better than candy during the month of October? Celebrate the Scarecrow Stroll in Downtown Cranford and get your ticket for the Candy Stroll. Kids will get a tote with each ticket and can get candy from participating stores.
Cost: Free
Eastman Clock Plaza Park, North Union Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Berlin Boro Fall Fest
October 14 at 10 AM
Looking for something fun to do with the fam? Head to the 12th annual festival featuring vendors, crafters, food trucks, antique cars, and lots of fun. Don’t miss the Mutt Strut dog costume parade. The rain date is October 15.
Cost: Free
Berlin Boro County Park, 43 S. Park Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009
New Jersey Botanical Garden Harvest Fest
October 14 at 10 AM
Hayrides and pumpkin painting are just part of the fun during this NJ fall festival. Enjoy games, face painting, applesauce making, booths, exhibits, free activities, food, all-day music and dancing, an autumn Plant Sale, free garden tours, and many photo ops.
Cost: Free Admission
Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Pack the Park
October 14 at 1 PM
Head to the park for an art show, car show, live music, and beer garden all in one place this October in Gloucester City.
Cost: Free
Proprietors Park, 225 S. King Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Pine Barrens Jamboree
October 14 at 10 AM
Take a trip to the Pine Barrens for this lively festival featuring Music of the Pines, cultural demonstrations, nature and history programs, food, vendors, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
905 Wells Mills Rd. (Rt 532) Waretown, NJ 08758
Forest Lodge Oktoberfest
October 14
Celebrate Oktoberfest in New Jersey by putting together your “Wies’n” feast with beers, wines, and mouth-watering German foods, like wurst. Don’t miss the authentic German entertainment and decor.
11 Reinman Road, Warren, NJ 07059
The Craft Show at Oktoberfest
October 14
This Oktoberfest has enough fun for the whole family, and you can also get a head start on holiday shopping with makers and crafters offering handmade wares. Don’t miss the live music, food, and canoe rides.
38 Park St., Demarest, NJ 07627
Brick Township’s Fall Fest
October 14 at 1 PM
This fall fest is a fun staple for celebrating all things that have to do with the season. There is so much to do, from a hay maze and fire pits to food trucks and games. There will also be a Corn Hole Tournament and a dazzling fireworks display to end the day.
Cost: Free
Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Avenue, Brick Township, NJ 08724
GBBPA Berlin Boro Fall Fest
October 14 at 10 AM
Looking for something fun to do with the fam? Head to this 12th annual event featuring vendors, crafters, food trucks, antique cars, and tons of fun. Don’t miss the Mutt Strut dog costume parade. The rain date is October 15.
Cost: Free
Berlin Boro County Park, 43 S. Park Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009
4th Annual Witches Paddle For A Cause
October 14 at 10 AM
The witches and warlocks are back on the water. This year’s event recipient is Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center. You can either participate or watch them as they paddle along the lake.
Cost: $35 to participate
1207 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Bird Walk
October 14 at 8 AM
Have someone in your fam who loves birds? Join expert birder Winnie Hughes Spar on a guided bird walk where you can observe Princeton’s birds and learn about their habits.
Cost: Free
Mountain Lakes House, 57 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08540
Halloween Fun & Wellness Fest
October 14 at 3 PM
Get into the Halloween spirit a little early at this fun event. With kickboxing, yoga, magic, music, trick or treating, and more, there is something for everyone to do.
Cost: $25-$35
Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts, 485 Mola Boulevard, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Evening Hike to the Old Foundation
October 14 at 6 PM
Does the sun going down earlier make you sad? Then this is the event for you. Take advantage of the beautiful sunset and take a 2.5-mile walk to explore the Old Foundation at golden hour.
Cost: $10
Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Apple Cider Fall Festival
October 14 at 11:30 AM
Apples are in season this time of year, which makes it the perfect time to enjoy all things apple cider. This is a family favorite event, from apple cider press demos and kids crafts to nature walks and selfie stations.
Cost: Free, pre-registration required
Lorrimer Sanctuary, 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Fall Taste of Highlands
October 14 at 12 PM
Head to the Highlands and spend the day sampling delicious fall food from 18 restaurants and retailers. The event will take place rain or shine, and they are asking attendees to consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food items for the Fall Food Drive.
Cost: $45
Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues, Highlands, NJ 07732
Renaultber Fest
October 14-15
Take a scenic tractor ride or try traditional grape stomping at this lively festival. Kids can participate in a vine sack race relay or decorate at the Paint a Pumpkin Workshop. There will also be a Donuts on a String Contest and a Pie Eating Contest, offering chances to win ice skating tickets and gift cards. There will also be a fun run, 5K, and stein holding contest.
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Allentown Fall Festival
October 14-15 at 10 AM
This adorable town will be decorated for all things fall for this festival. Packed with fun, including food trucks, live music, a kids zone, line dancing, a beer garden, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Historic Village of Allentown, Allentown, NJ 08501
51st Annual Mullica Hill Fall Festival
October 14-15
A traditional Fall Festival with free games, a bounce house, live music, food trucks, and battles each day—make sure to add this event to your calendar.
Cost: Free
41 S. Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Hamilton Oktoberfest
October 15
Celebrate Oktoberfest with lots of fun activities for children, hayrides, crafters, a pumpkin patch, and more.
Veteran’s Park South, Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690
Thompson Park Day
October 15 at 11 AM
Celebrate the fall in New Jersey at this family-friendly event. There will be kids’ races, apple cider demos, wagon rides, 4-H animals, and a pie-eating contest.
Cost: Free
Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Fall Family Festival
October 15 at 11 AM
Have nothing on your calendar? Come to this fall festival, where you will find a pumpkin patch, music, live butterflies, an inflatable corn maze, face painting, and more. While you’re there, join a naturalist for a FREE seasonal discovery nature walk.
Cost: Free
Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 15-16
Bring out the family to peruse a juried craft show, shop from over 150 vendors, taste cranberry foods, and enjoy live music.
Cost: Free
3980 Main Street, Chatsworth, NJ 08019
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