Fall is over a week away, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to dive into fall fun with a bunch of family-friendly things to do this weekend. Dance your best chicken dance at Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, celebrate art and music at the Edgewater Arts and Music Festival in Edgewater, or get all the fall feels at the Allaire Apple Fest in Wall Township. And to fill up your September calendar, don’t miss all of the free September things to do. (featured photo credit: Morey’s Piers)
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(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Back to School Tools
September 14 at 11 AM
Drop by the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center in Eatontown to hear about healthy, simple back-to-school lunch ideas, ways kids can destress after a long day, and fun activities to join in on in your free time. While you are here, check out the LiveWell Center too.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Nutrition for Healthy Kids: Family Cook-along
September 14 at 6 PM
Join pediatricians and a registered dietician as they talk about tips for building healthy eating habits and making wise choices. Together, everyone will bake a healthy dessert for all to enjoy.
Event DatesSelect an event date to start registration.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Halsey Festival
September 15 at 3 PM
See DJs, bands, performances, a fashion show, art activities, interactive games, and so much more at this event.
Cost: Free
Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
September 16-October 31
Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Rides in the Dark can only mean one thing—Fright Fest is back. This event is recommended for ages 13 and over, and no costumes for guests over 12. Enter if you dare!
Cost: Starting at $34.99
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
Medford Oktoberfest and Music Festival
September 16-17
Put on your lederhosen and come out to celebrate Oktoberfest with authentic German food, a stein holding competition, multiple music stages, and Saturday kids’ activities.
Cost: Free
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Boots at the Beach
September 16-18
This lively weekend festival in the North Wildwood Entertainment District, along Olde New Jersey Avenue, features live country music, merchandise vendors, dancing, crafts, and food.
Cost: Free
Old New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers
September 16-18
Get ready for four consecutive weekends of German-themed goodness with “Oktober das Oktopus,” live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a Biergarten at the festive Oktoberfest on Morey’s Piers.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 729-3700
44th Annual Festival of the Sea
September 17 at 10 AM
Over 250 craft vendors and local restaurants will be at the 44th Annual Festival of the Sea. Listen to live music, play games, taste fresh seafood, and peruse the vendors.
Cost: Free
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, 601 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
17th Annual Festival in the Borough
September 17 at 10 AM
This rain or shine event is for the whole family. There will be three music stages, vendors, food, and a fun family area. The family area includes games, art, and free stuff too.
Cost: Free
Downtown Washington Boro, NJ 07882
Hopewell Harvest Festival
September 17 at 10 AM
It’s the 34th annual fair with contests, entertainment, games, and a Kids Korner. The rain date is September 18.
Cost: Free
35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Ridgefield Park Downtown Street Fair
September 17 at 10 AM
There will be live music, dancing, karate demonstrations, and The “Kidz Traveling Shindig,” a section dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art, and games.
Cost: Free
234 Main Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Smithville Artwalk
September 17 at 10 AM
It’s a biannual curated gathering of 75 artists celebrating lowbrow and pop art. But, this art show has more, including live music, entertainment, contests, and special guests. The rain date is September 18.
Cost: Free
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Absecon, NJ 08205
Allaire Fall Apple Fest
September 17 at 11 AM
Join the villagers in celebrating the harvest and try your hand at apple cider pressing, enter an apple pie baking contest, strolling villagers, historical demonstrations, games, and more fall fun. There will also be demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, fiber arts, tinsmithing, and weaving throughout the day.
Cost: Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for ages 3 -12 years, and two years and under are free. Day of tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-12
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Manasquan Bank Presents 9th Annual Community Day 2022
September 17 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 again be on the grills, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza in downtown Manasquan, NJ 08736
Newark Family Festival
September 17 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
Mulberry Commons, Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Wind and Sea Festival
September 17 at 11 AM
Come to celebrate all things water with plenty of coastal activities, including kayaking, fishing, kite flying, crabbing, sandcastle building, seining, shelling, children’s crafts, naturalist activities, and food vendors.
Cost: Free
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
All About Downtown Street Fair
September 17 at 12 PM
It’s the premier event in downtown Jersey City with vendors selling everything from handmade candles and jewelry to local businesses promoting their services and wares. The fair also has rides and face painting, beer gardens, and live music throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Coles Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Atlantic City Latino Festival
September 17 at 12 PM
Watch Mariachi, Salsa, Cumbia, and Folkloric dance groups while checking out authentic food, vendors, and a children’s entertainment area.
Cost: Free
543 N Albany Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Community Day: Fiesta Latina
September 17 at 12 PM
It’s time to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive outdoor celebration at the Newark Museum of Art. There will be live music, vendors, dance, and various activities celebrating the culture and traditions of many Latin American and Caribbean countries. In case of rain, the event will move inside the museum.
Cost: Free
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102
Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival
September 17 at 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
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
September 17
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
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show of Ocean City
September 17 at 8 PM
Watch as several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax™ demonstrators exit an aircraft 6,000 feet above the boardwalk. Check out the multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics as the jump lands on 7th Street Beach.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Boardwalk
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest
September 17-18
Get on your lederhosen to listen to live music while sampling german, domestic and seasonal beers, ciders, and authentic german food. The kids will love the petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin picking, and musical entertainment.
200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Bridgewater Community Day
September 18 at 11 AM
See everything from the Batmobile to Touch-a-Truck vehicles. There will also be food trucks, music, inflatables, artisans, and loads of family fun.
Cost: Free
400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Edgewater Arts and Music Festival
September 18 at 11 AM
Listen to music, shop, try different foods, and have fun with the whole family at this lively cultural festival.
Cost: Free
Veterans Field is next to the Community Center along the Hudson. In case of rain, it will be held inside the Community Center, Edgewater, NJ 07020
Englewood Community Fall Festival
September 18 at 11 AM
Listen to a live DJ, see live performances, jump in the bounce house, and don’t miss the free petting zoo. There will be over 50 merchants and vendors.
Cost: Free
8 Depot Square, Englewood, NJ 07631
Fanny Wood Day
September 18 at 11 AM
Vendors, contests, live music, a Kids Zone, and food all in one place. This year’s event will include a bandstand, a kids’ stage featuring local bands, Rogue the Magician, a bubble gum contest, kiddie rides, and a scavenger hunt.
Cost: Free
Downtown Fanwood, NJ 07023
Glen Rock Street Fair and Craft Show
September 18 at 11 AM
Bring your crew to this lively street festival where there will be artists, crafters, a live band, vendors, food, and fun.
Cost: Free
Downtown Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Sussex County Day
September 18 at 11 AM
It’s the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce’s celebration of everything Sussex County with live music, fun activities for kids, vendors, exhibitors, the Chopped Sussex Cooking Challenge, a law enforcement chicken wing eating contest, and more.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Newark Puerto Rician Day Parade and Boricua Music Festival
September 18 at 12 PM
Don’t miss the 61st Puerto Rican Day parade with performances, entertainment, and much more.
Cost: Free
Lower Broadway (Avenida Puerto Rico) via Bloomfield Avenue and run up to 1st Avenue, Newark, NJ 07105
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
September 18 at 1 PM
Watch stunt pilots and aerobatic champions perform in an airshow over Ocean City. There will be military demonstrations too.
Cost: Free
6th – 14th Streets over the ocean, Ocean City, NJ 08226
September 18 at 1 PM
It’s the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day—celebrate with Irish music, Pipes and Drums, Irish Craft vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
1 Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Ongoing Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
September 13, 20, 27
Come in person or join virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and learn knife skills.
Cost: Free
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Live Outdoor Jazz! 4th Annual Jersey City Pier Fest
September 16, 23, and 30 at 6 PM
It’s the 4th annual Pierfest on Friday nights on the water. There will be live music, classic Latin Jazz, Salsa dancing, and food.
Cost: Free
Exchange Place, 10 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Great Pumpkin Festival
September 17-November 6
Head to Heaven Hill Farm for this fall-themed festival featuring the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, hayrides, farm animals, pedal carts, a 40th anniversary-themed corn maze, gem mining, apple cannons, and more fall fun.
Cost: $14.99-$22.99
451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
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