October is here, bringing a spooky season and tons of FREE fun for the whole fam to enjoy. Dress in your favorite costumes and see bands march along at Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade, dance to live music and go on a scavenger hunt at Fanny Wood Day in Fanwood, or get tips from watching a celebrity food artist carve pumpkins in front of your eyes at a Fall Festival in Little Egg Harbor. And for more things to do this month, check out our #NJMOM guide to filling your fall bucket list. (Featured Photo Credit: Arts Council of Princeton)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Hoboken Fall Arts and Music Festival
October 1 at 11 AM
Over 300 artists, crafters, makers, local businesses, and food vendors will come together with live entertainment from local musicians on two performance stages.
Cost: Free
Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030
Somerville Street Fair & Craft Show
October 1 at 11 AM
There is something for everyone here, with artists, vendors, food, rides, live music, and so much more. For the kids in the fam, enjoy the children’s rides and games.
Cost: Free
Downtown Sommerville, W. Main Street and Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Tiny Tot Halloween Weekend
October 6-8
Have little ones who aren’t into the tricks of Halloween? Bring your smallest ghouls for a fun time of treats, costumes, and celebrating Halloween.
Cost: Free
Sun Outdoors, 491 US Route 9 South, Cape May, NJ 08204
LBI Fly International Kite Fest
October 6-8
Soak up the last of summer fun at this kite festival with colorful artist-designed kites, fun flying giant inflatable kites, and sport kiting all along the beach.
Cost: Free
Long Beach Island, NJ
Jersey City Night Market
October 7 at 3 PM
There’s so much to do at this fun event you won’t know where to begin. A celebration of small businesses, you can eat delicious and international food, shop from local artists and artisans, and dance to DJ music. The best part? Bring your fur friends with you.
Cost: Free
179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
North Brunswick Heritage Day
October 7 at 3 PM
It’s the 40th Annual North Brunswick Heritage Day at Community Park, with vendors, entertainment, and an art contest. There will be fireworks after the evening band performance. The rain date is Sunday, October 2.
Cost: Free
Community Park, 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
Ridgefield Park Downtown Street Fair
October 7 at 10 AM
Head to this lively fair with 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 kids’ games.
Cost: Free
234 Main Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
West Milford Autumn Lights Fest
October 7
This is one of North Jersey’s largest street fairs, with over 300 vendors, live music, children’s activities, games, and rides.
Cost: Free
1490 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480
Lima Bean Festival
October 7 at 9 AM
West Cape May will celebrate the area’s farming heritage with the Annual Lima Bean Festival in the Borough’s Backyard Park. Learn about various recipes and crafts and shop for lima bean products.
Cost: Free
732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
October 7 at 11 AM
What’s the best way to enjoy the gorgeous October weather in NJ? At this Westfield Street fair, you can indulge in delicious foods, watch performances, listen to live music, let the kids run around at the children’s games, and more.
Cost: Free
221 South Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090
Fall Festival
October 7 at 11 AM
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate all things fall, look no further. This fall festival will feature a live pumpkin carving demo with Nancy Baker from Food Network’s Halloween Wars, Disney Plus Foodtastic, and the Kelly Clarkson Show. There will also be events and games, sweets, BBQ, and special guests.
Cost: Free
Bob’s Garden Center, 6610 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Bloomfield Harvest Festival
October 7 at 11 AM
This exciting event is one you definitely won’t want to miss. From delicious food, live music, carnival games, and so much fun for the whole family, the day is packed full of ways to celebrate the fall season.
Cost: Free
Glenwood Avenue & Washington Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Hightstown Harvest Fair
October 7 at 10 AM
This annual festival in the cozy town of Hightstown is the perfect way to spend time with the fam and take in all that fall has to offer. Everyone in your crew will have a blast with food trucks, live music, a dunk tank, The Duck Derby, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, North Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 7 at 9 AM
With over 400 crafters, food vendors, music, and tons of fun for the whole family, this is one event you won’t want to miss. At night, there will be fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street.
Cost: Free
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Annual Cranberry Fest
October 7-8
It’s the 32nd annual Maker Fest on Farnsworth, with over 100 crafters, artists, and vendors. There will be live music and children’s activities on both days.
Cost: Free
Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown City, NJ 08505
Historic Smithville Oktoberfest
October 7-8
Get the whole family ready for a family-friendly Oktoberfest with over 100 juried crafters, an International food court, live music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations, and more. The Villages 60 Shoppes, train and carousel rides, paddle boats, 7 Eateries, and antique arcades will also be open.
Cost; Free
Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Somerset County’s Journey Through The Past
October 7-8
Learn about the history of Somerset County and find out what life was like 100 years ago by visiting sites and museums and entering to win great prizes from local stores. Download a free guidebook and activities guide to explore museums and events.
Cost: Free
20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Fanny Wood Day
October 8 at 10 AM
With plenty of kid activities, you can find fun for the day. Events 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
Wildwoods Food and Music Festival
October 8 at 11 AM
Formerly known as the Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival, head down to Wildwood for an entertaining day packed with food, music, shopping, a pie-eating contest, and kids’ activities.
Cost: Free
Downtown Wildwood starts at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues.
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
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
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
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
Seacaucus Spooky Friday
October 20 at 6 PM
Visit this “Not So Haunted” house with all the little ones in your family. It’s the perfect event for everyone to enjoy and will include children’s activities. Got tweens or teens? Dare them to go on the haunted trail (not suitable for small children or anyone faint of heart).
Cost: Free
Schmidts Woods Park, 26 Millridge Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Annual Sussex County Harvest, Honey, and Garlic Festival
October 21 at 10 AM
Celebrate the fall harvest at this event, where Garden State Garlic Growers and the Sussex County Beekeepers will have educational displays, materials, and an array of honey and garlic products. There will also be local artisans, crafters, hayrides, pumpkin painting, face painting, and crafts.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822
Historic Smithville’s Costume Pet Parade
October 21
Have a furry member of your family that you love dressing up? Or maybe you want to match them this Halloween? Then this is the event for you. Bring your pet and dress them in their Halloween best, and check out all the cute costumes.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
Trunk-or-Treat
October 21 at 12:30 PM
With over 1,000 lbs of treats for anyone who comes to the event, your little ones will love going to each car and getting candy. There is also a best truck competition and fabulous raffle prizes.
Cost: Free
Elite Martial Arts, 295 US Highway 46, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade
October 27 at 5:15 PM
Dress your little ones in their Halloween costumes and participate in this lively hometown parade. This tradition will start at Palmer Square Green with a Halloween-themed performance by kids’ favorite storyteller, Jeff, and will make its way to the YMCA with circus entertainment and free family fun.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 1 Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542
Halloween Kids Magic Show
October 28 at 1 PM
Get in the Halloween spirit with a magic show featuring lots of spooky elements. Come dressed in your Halloween costume, and when the show is over, trick-or-treat through the property.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Bay Head Halloween Parade & Costume Contest
October 28 at 11 AM
Dress up in your Halloween costume and walk in the parade before entering the costume contest. Once the participants from each age group will be seen, there will be medals for the best costumes. P.S. Dress up with your little one for a chance to win an award.
Cost: Free
Mount Street, Bay Head, NJ 08742
Boo At The Zoo
October 28 at 10 AM
Get those costumes ready—there will be games, a kids’ costume contest and parade, a pirate ship, craft stations, and a performance by the Cape May Dancers at this Halloween celebration.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Middle Township, NJ 08210
Halloween Parade
October 28 at 7 PM
Each year, hundreds of kids dress in their favorite Halloween costumes and parade down Main Street. There will be marching bands, cheerleaders, princesses, and firemen all walking in the fun parade.
Cost: Free
St. Mary of the Lakes School, 196 NJ-70, Medford, NJ 08055
3rd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat
October 28 at 10 AM
Come out for this annual event where your little ones can go car to car, taking in the decorations and filling their bags with candy. Dress up in costume to add to the fun.
Cost: Free
Prestige Family of Dealerships, 4271 Black Horse Pike, Washington Township, NJ 08012
Fall Festival
October 28 at 12 PM
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather while you enjoy games, arts and crafts, a truck or treat, costume photos, a costume parade, a trackless train ride, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Little Genius Academy of Edison, 38 Vineyard Road, Edison, NJ 08817
Halloween Parade & Harvest Fest
October 29 at 11:30 AM
There are so many activities planned to get a head start on your Halloween celebration. This is a full day of family fun, from a parade and costume contest to hayrides, arts and crafts, and rides.
Cost: Free
900 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013
Halloween Magic Show On The Square
October 30 at 5 PM
This family-friendly magic show will feature lots of Halloween excitement with face painting, tattoos, and more. After the magic is over, grab a free hot cocoa to warm up with.
Cost: Free
Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Toms River Halloween Parade
October 31 at 7 PM
The 84th year of this parade, started by the Toms River Fire Department in 1919 (with a few gaps over the years), is one for the books. Dress warm, line up to see the fantastic costumes that parade down the street, and take in all the Halloween celebrations.
Cost: Free
Main Street & Highland Parkway, Toms River, NJ 08753
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