October might be the month of spooky vibes, but there’s nothing to fear with all the FREE things to do this month. See Oompa Bands and dancers, participate in stein-holding or costume contests at the Atlantic Highlands Oktoberfest, round up the family and head to Hoboken for unique handcrafted goods, live music, activities, and more at the Hoboken Artisan Market, or dress in your best costume and head to Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade. For more fall fun, check out fall festivals all season long. (Featured photo credit: iStock/FooTToo)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Free things to do in New Jersey this month
JC Harvest Fest
October 3 at 10 AM
Enjoy dance performances, arts and crafts, and food for the whole family. And don’t miss the pumpkin painting station.
Cost: Free
Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ 07302
North Brunswick Heritage Day
October 3 at 3 PM
It’s the 44th Annual North Brunswick Heritage Day at Community Park, with vendors, entertainment, and an art contest. After the evening band performance, fireworks will follow.
Cost: Free
Community Park, 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
Ridgefield Park Music Fest & Street Fair
October 3 at 10 AM
Head to this lively fair with music, dancing, karate demonstrations, and The Kids Zone, 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
Atlantic Highlands Oktoberfest
October 3
At this Oktoberfest event, you can see Oompa Bands and dancers, try authentic German food, or participate in stein-holding or costume contests. The rain date is October 4.
Cost: Free admission and parking
Veterans Park, 51 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732
The Craft Show at Oktoberfest
October 3
This Oktoberfest has enough fun for the whole family. You can also get a head start on holiday shopping with makers and crafters offering handmade wares. Don’t miss out on the live music, food, and canoe rides on the pond.
Cost: Free
Demarest Duck Pond, 24 Park Street, Demarest, NJ 07627
Hightstown Harvest Fair
October 3 at 11 AM
This annual festival in the cozy town of Hightstown is a fun way to spend time with the fam and take in all those fall feels. 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
Annual Cranberry Fest
October 3-4
Spend time at the 36th annual Maker Fest on Farnsworth, with over 100 crafters, artists, and vendors. Live music and children’s activities will be held on both days.
Cost: Free
Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown City, NJ 08505
Historic Smithville Oktoberfest
October 3-4 at 10 AM
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
LBI Fly International Kite Fest
October 9-10
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
Lima Bean Festival
October 10 at 9 AM
West Cape May was once the lima bean capital of the world. Celebrate this quirky history at this festival, featuring vendors, live music by Nolan Quinn, and a 45-minute magic act from The Great Loudini.
Cost: Free
732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 10 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, fireworks will light up the boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street.
Cost: Free
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Fall Fest
October 10 at 10 AM
Looking for something fun to do with the fam? Head to this 13th-annual event featuring vendors, crafters, food trucks, antique cars, and tons of fun. Don’t miss the Mutt Strut dog costume parade.
Cost: Free
Berlin Boro County Park, 43 S. Park Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009
Bloomfield Harvest Festival
October 10 at 11 AM
This exciting event is one you definitely won’t want to miss. You’ll find many ways to celebrate the season, including delicious food, live music, carnival games, and fun for the whole family. The rain date is October 11.
Cost: Free
Glenwood Avenue & Washington Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Historic Skillman Camp Meeting Reenactment
October 10-11
Step back in time at this fun living-history event to experience an 1899 Camp Meeting and enjoy live music, costumed reenactors, and horse-and-buggy rides.
Cost: Free
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, 189 Hollow Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Somerset County’s Journey Through The Past
October 10-11
Learn about Somerset County’s history and what life was like 100 years ago by visiting sites and museums, and enter to win great prizes from local stores. Download the activities guide to explore museums and events.
Cost: Free
20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Allentown Fall Festival
October 10-11 at 10 AM
This adorable town will be decorated for all things fall for this festival. It will be packed with fun, including food trucks, live music, a kids zone, line dancing, a beer garden, and more, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Historic Village of Allentown, Allentown, NJ 08501
Glen Rock Street Fair and Craft Show
October 11 at 11 AM
Bring your crew to this street festival, with artists, crafters, a live band, vendors, food, and fun.
Cost: Free
Downtown Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Hoboken Artisan Market
October 11 at 11 AM
Round up the family and head to Hoboken for a day of fun, including unique handcrafted goods, live music, activities, and more.
Cost: Free
770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Middlesex College HarvestFest
October 15 at 5 PM
Gather the family and head to this fall festival for hayrides, music, inflatable games, food trucks, a classic car show, and a pumpkin patch. The rain date is October 16.
Cost: Free
Middlesex College, 2600 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
Gardens Aglow at Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
October 16 at 6 PM
Looking for something unique to do? Head to this event where you can view the gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully jack-o-lanterns, grab a glass of cider at sunset, take part in activities, watch a mad science show, and more. Rain date is October 17.
Cost: Free
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular
October 17 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 Avenue, Edison, NJ 08817
Annual Sussex County Harvest, Honey, and Garlic Festival
October 17 at 10 AM
Celebrate the fall harvest at this event, where Garden State Garlic Growers and the Sussex County Beekeepers will host educational displays and materials, along with an array of honey and garlic products. Local artisans, crafters, hayrides, pumpkin painting, face painting, and crafts will also be available.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ, 07822
Historic Smithville’s Costume Pet Parade
October 17
Do you have a furry family member you love dressing up? Or maybe you want to match with them this Halloween? 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
Long Branch Fall Festival and Pooch Parade
October 17 at 12 PM
Celebrate this beautiful season with family fun, delicious fall flavors, and all the furry friends you could imagine. Kids will love face painting, trick-or-treating, live music, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and the cutest pet parade.
Cost: Free
Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 17-18 at 9 AM
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
Fall Festival
October 18 at 1:30 PM
This festival includes family-friendly fun, such as crafts, a petting zoo, vendors, a garden tour, and more.
Cost: Free
John Patrick Sports Complex, Vine Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701
2026 Italian Heritage Parade
October 18 at 1 PM
October is a great time to get outdoors with the family and head to this fun parade. Spend the afternoon watching the parade go by and all things Italian heritage.
Cost: Free
From 56th to Devlin Drive, Bayonne, NJ 07002
Boo At The Zoo
October 24 at 10 AM
Get those costumes ready—this Halloween celebration will include games, a kids’ costume contest and parade, a pirate ship, craft stations, and a performance by the Cape May Dancers.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse, Middle Township, NJ 08210
Fall Market at Horseshoe Lake Park
October 24 at 11 AM
Did someone say vendors, food trucks, music, and fall weather? You will find all of this and more at this event, which will include trick-or-treating, so come dressed in your best costume.
Cost: Free admission
Horseshoe Lake Recreation Complex, 72 Eyland Avenue, Roxbury Township, NJ 07876
Princeton’s Annual Hometown Halloween Parade
October 30 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, then move to the YMCA for trunk-or-treat and free family fun.
Cost: Free
Palmer Square, 1 Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542
More Fun Left In September
The Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival
September 25-27
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 Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Shamrocks by the Sea Celtic Festival
September 26 at 11 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
Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 26 at 9 AM
This huge Bayfront street festival will kick off the new season with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and more. At dusk, fireworks will go off.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park & Sunset Lake, New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Oktoberfest in Cape May
September 26 at 9 AM
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition as Cape May transforms 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 27.
Cost: Free
Carpenter Lane between Ocean and Perry and Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Festival in the Borough of Washington
September 26 at 10 AM
It’s a full day of fun at the Festival in the Borough. Music, entertainment, vendors, food, and a family fun area will keep the whole family happy all day.
Cost: Free
44 E. Washington Avenue (Route 57), Washington, NJ 07882
Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 26 at 9 AM
This huge bayfront street festival will cap off the summer 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
Margate Fall Funfest By the Bay
September 26-27
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 from Washington Avenue to Coolidge Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 26-27
Kick off fall with a town-wide Oktoberfest event featuring kids’ activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, and food.
Cost: Free
Main St., Valentine Street, and Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Harvest Home Festival
September 27 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
Fannywood Day
September 27 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
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