From farm trips to craft fairs, the first official weekend of Fall is here, and we’re all in with lots of fun things to do with the fam. Celebrate the autumnal equinox with fall-themed games and rides at the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival in Ridgefield Park, pick up pumpkins, pet animals, and go on a guided nature walk at the Fall Family Festival in Roseland, or celebrate Hispanic cultural heritage at the Latino Festival in Atlantic City. And for more family fall fun, hit up one of the many fall festivals this season. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/FatCamera)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
The Wildwoods Irish Fest
September 21-24
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
AsburyFest
September 22-24
Is there anything better than spending a cool weekend at the Jersey Shore? This annual event features delicious festival food, live music, and surprises all weekend long.
Cost: Friday, free & Saturday & Sunday $5 entry fee
Bradley Park, 101-199 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
September 22-24
Usher in fall and celebrate the autumnal equinox with three fun days packed with carnival rides, a farmers market, animals, music, and much more.
Cost: Free
Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival
September 22-23 at 4 PM & 12 PM
See a variety of artists perform on the Morristown Green. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ 07960
September 22-24
It’s all Greek at this festival, with live outdoor music, shopping, and delicious Greek food in one spot.
Cost: Free
80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
September 22-24
Everyone is a little Greek at this festival, where you can dance to Greek music, feast on homemade dishes, shop the vendors, and have fun with the whole family.
Cost: Free
467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Branchburg County Fair
September 23 at 11 AM
Spend the day taking in the fun at the fair, including a pumpkin ring toss, a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and more, before watching the night light up with gorgeous fireworks.
Cost: Free
White Oak Park, 235 Baird Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Hopatcong Food Truck, Music Festival & Car Show
September 23 at 11 AM
The food trucks are making their way to Hopatcong this month with this fun event. There is so much to do for the day, including a petting zoo, pony rides, axe throwing, rock climbing, live music, and more.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Hilltop Fields, 32 Lakeside Boulevard, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Fall Apple Fest
September 23 at 11 AM
It’s time to join the villagers in celebrating the harvest and try your hand at apple cider pressing and entering the apple pie baking contest. There will also be live animals, music, a stilt walker, and a wood carver.
Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for kids 3-12, free for kids 2 & under
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Fall Family Festival
September 23 at 11 AM
Bring the family for a fun day of free activities, including crafts, a live reptile show, live butterflies, and an inflatable corn maze. And don’t miss hitting the trails with a guided Seasonal Discovery Nature Walk offered during the event.
Cost: Free
Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
Trenton Family Festival
September 23 at 11 AM
This First Lady Tammy Murphy Family Festival is to connect families with state, county, and local resources. There will be healthcare, childcare, pediatric services, food, energy, and housing assistance programs. Children can enjoy free food, music, face painting, and more while you sign up for services.
Cost: Free
Hedgepeth-Williams Elementary School, 301 Gladstone Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08629
Hopewell Harvest Festival
September 23 at 10 AM
It’s the 35th annual fair with contests, entertainment, games, and a Kids Korner. The rain date is September 24.
Cost: Free
35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Manasquan Bank Presents 10th Annual Community Day 2023
September 23 at 11 AM
This family-friendly festival will have everything from carnival games, arts and crafts, amusements, and food and refreshments. The Manasquan Bank management team will be on the grills, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza in downtown Manasquan, NJ 08736
Arts Fest
September 23 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
Shamrocks by the Sea Celtic Festival
September 23 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 and prizes.
Cost: Free
101 J Street, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular
September 23 at 1 PM
Bring the family to this festival with kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, a remote-controlled car track, food, crafts, exhibitors, a Wine & Beer Garden, and live music.
Cost: Free
1011 Amboy Ave., Edison, NJ 08817
Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 23 at 9 AM
This lively bayfront street festival will kick off the new season with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and more. Fireworks go off at dusk.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park & Sunset Lake, New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Smithville Italian Festival
September 23 at 10 AM
It’s the 11th annual Italian Festival with food, live entertainment, refreshments, wine tasting, vendors, bocce, and a children’s area.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, NJ 08205
Fall Family Festival
September 23 at 12 PM
This 3rd annual event features an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Usher in the new season with kid-friendly activities like live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, crafts, games, and more.
Cost: Free
Seaview Orthopaedic and Medical Associates, 2139 Route 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Middletown Day 2023
September 23 at 11 AM
Come together with the community of Middletown and celebrate the town with a food court, first responder demonstrations, live entertainment, and more. The event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Croydon Hall School, 900 Leonardville Road, Middletown, NJ 07737
Touch-a-Truck
September 23 at 12 PM
If you have a little one who loves all kinds of trucks, you won’t want to miss this—kids can sit behind the wheel, take photos, and learn all about police cars, fire trucks, and more.
Cost: Free
Foschini Park, 278 River Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Chester 25th Annual Oktoberfest
September 23-24
Get ready for a day of cars, food, and lots of German fun. Make your way to Chubb Park with a car show featuring vintage and modern sportscars, then celebrate Oktoberfest with German-themed music, authentic German food, dancing, games, rides, and craft activities for the kids.
Chubb Park on Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930
Atlantic City Latino Festival
September 23-24 at 12 PM & 9 PM
Watch Mariachi, Salsa, Cumbia, and Folkloric dance groups while visiting authentic food, vendors, and a children’s entertainment area.
Cost: Free
543 N Albany Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Margate Fall Funfest By the Bay
September 23-24
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
2023 New Jersey Shore Walk & Roll
September 24 at 10 AM
Get moving with the family for a good cause—helping support those with FSH Muscular Dystrophy. (FSHD) and get closer to finding a cure. Grab everyone you know and walk along the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and take in the gorgeous weather. Every dollar raised will go towards helping those affected by FSHD.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, 1521 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Glen Rock Street Fair and Craft Show
September 24 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
26th Garfield Fall Family Street Fest
September 24 at 10 AM
It’s a giant block party with shopping, craft vendors, live entertainment, kiddie rides, games, food, and more. The “Kidz Traveling Shindig” will also have kiddie bounce rides, slides and interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art, and games.
Cost: Free
500 Midland Avenue, Garfield, NJ 07026
Nutley Fall Fest In The Park
September 24 at 11 AM
Vendors, food trucks, activities, and events for the entire family will be at the Nutley Fall Fest. Children’s activities include face painting and more. DJ MC will provide live music. The rain date for this event is October 1.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park I (the Mud Hole) is located at the corner of Vreeland Ave and Passaic Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110
Harvest Home Festival
September 24 at 11 AM
It’s an old-fashioned fair reminiscent of the 1890s at the Historic Longstreet Farm. Visitors can enjoy games and live entertainment.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Red Bank Oktoberfest
September 24 at 1 PM
The first-ever Oktoberfest promises fun and time with the fam. There will be samples from breweries, wineries, and distilleries, along with Red Bank’s restaurants and stores, as well as food and crafts.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Red Bank RiverCenter, 46 English Plaza Suite 6B, Red Bank, NJ 07701
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