October is here, with lots of fall and spooky things to do with the fam this weekend. Get lost in the kid-friendly Halloween playground at Haunt O’Ween in Holmdel, mix a little country with Halloween at the Haunted Wild West City Fest in Stanhope, or celebrate Oktoberfest at the Historic Smithville Oktoberfest in Smithville. And if you want to check off that fall bucket list, our Fall Activities in NJ Guide will keep you and the kiddos busy this season. (featured photo credit: Hitchhiker Photos and Haunt O’ Ween)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
September 28-October 1
Live German music and a German Polka Band will perform during Oktoberfest. And you can’t miss the German dinner.
1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423
(201) 445-4115
Avalon Oktoberfest
September 30
It’s time to lift your stein for the Avalon Oktoberfest at ICONA resort. There will be live entertainment, drinks, food, dancing in the sand, and kiddos’ activities, including games like corn-hole, Jenga, and a kids’ craft activity.
The Sandbar Village, 125 79th Street, Avalon, NJ 08202
Live Outdoor Jazz! 4th Annual Jersey City Pier Fest
September 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
Cranberry Harvest at the Whitesbog Preservation Trust
September 30 and October 1
Take staff-guided hikes to see New Jersey cranberries, learn about cranberry history, and taste cranberry products with a harvest activity for the kiddos.
Cost: Free
120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
An Olde Time Italian Festival
September 30-October 1
It’s the 16th Annual Olde Time Italian Festival with a Procession of the Saints, Italian food, vendors, games, and live entertainment. A grape stomping contest and Italian Folk dancing will take place as well.
Cost: Free
Fox Park at Ocean Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260
Haunt O’Ween at Bell Works
September 30-October 31, dates and times vary
Explore over 200,000 square feet at this interactive Halloween playground. Go trick-or-treating in the Town of Haunt O’ Ween, walk through thousands of pumpkins, play games, hop on rides, get your face painted, and enjoy food and drinks.
Cost: Tickets start at $40
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Hamilton Irish Music Festival
September 30-October 2
Enjoy Irish music, a petting zoo, Irish dance, vendors, food, and a kid-friendly area.
Cost: Free
2419 Kuser Road, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers
September 30-October 2
Get ready for German-themed goodness with “Oktober das Oktopus,” live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more at the lively Oktoberfest on Morey’s Piers.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 729-3700
October 1
Step out this season to a corn maze, pumpkin picking, fire pits, comfort food, and even a horror movie at night (for older kids and adults).
Cost: $15 for the movie night, $18 for the fall festival, and under age 2 is free
586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873H
Haunted Wild West Fest
October 1
Come during the day or dare to come at night for the Haunted Wild West Fest. Check out the live-action shows, explore museums in the town, view historical demonstrations, get a hole-in-one in miniature golf, and more.
Cost: $24.50 and up for the daytime and $18 online, and $20 at the gate for nighttime
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874
9th Annual Somerville Oktoberfest
October 1
Get ready to try traditional Oktoberfest brews, plenty of food from local restaurants, and live music throughout the day. There will be an annual Stein Holding Contest, a pumpkin painting experience, a custom beer puppeteer setup, and temporary tattoos for the kids.
N. Bridge St., Somerville, NJ 08876
Atlantic Highlands Oktoberfest
October 1
See Oompa Bands and dancers, try authentic German food, or be a part of stein holding or costume contests at this Oktoberfest event. The rain date will be October 2.
Veterans Park, 51 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732
Kindle Oktoberfest
October 1
Grab a beer from local breweries on hand at this craft, food, and drink festival that gives back to Cape May County Chamber Education Foundation.
525 Stone Harbor Blvd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-5000
Fairy Day Fest
October 1 at 10 AM
At Deep Cut Gardens, you can build a fairy house for your garden fairy to live in all winter.
Cost: Free
Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown, NJ 07748
LBI Chowderfest
October 1 at 10 AM
Take a trip to LBI to see vendors, live music, and of course, indulge in lots of delicious chowders.
Cost; Free
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
JC Harvest Fest
October 1 at 10 AM
There will be 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
New Jersey Botanical Garden Harvest Fest
October 1 at 10 AM
Hayrides and pumpkin painting are just part of the fun at the NJBG. 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. The rain date is October 2.
Cost: Free Admission. Parking $5
Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
2nd Annual Hunterdon Harvest Fest
October 1 at 11 AM
It’s a farm-to-festival harvest celebration with live music, local foods, craft beer, and games for all ages. Bring your own chair, and the rain date is October 2.
44 Stangl Rd., Flemington, NJ 08822
Giant Pumpkin Carve and Pumpkin Pageant
October 1 at 3 PM
The Giant Pumpkin Carve displays over 70 giant pumpkins carved by artists and volunteers of all ages. The event includes hayrides, children’s activities, vendors selling various goods, and food trucks.
Cost: $8 and up and free for six and under. All proceeds benefit the mission of Meals on Wheels of Salem County.
Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Hwy., Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
October 1 at 3 PM
Celebrate 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
October 1-2
Head south to 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
October 1-2
This two-day event will host a collection of 150 artists exhibiting and selling their handcrafted works of art. The whole family can experience crafting demonstrations or create hands-on family art activities. There will be live music, specialty food trucks, a beer garden, and the WheatonArts signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser.
Cost: $12 for adults, $11 for senior adults, $7 for students, and 5 and under are free
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332
October 1-2
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
October 1-2, 15-16
Oktoberfest is happening more than once at Laurita Winery. Free parking, a free face painter for the kids from 1 PM-4 PM, and Saturday fireworks. Don’t miss the yummy food from the food trucks.
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
October 2 at 9 AM
Take a stroll through our sunflowers, then gather lakeside for Dalton Farms’ first Oktoberfest. Sunday will feature food, local craft brewers, and live authentic Oktoberfest music.
Dalton Farms, 660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
(856) 628-7313
October 2 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
October 2 at 12 PM
Listen to talented and well-known musicians from the Tri-State Area and beyond. Visit a variety of vendors and enjoy the music.
Cost: Free
West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
October 2
Kick back in their spacious pavilion to sample authentic German fare like brats, spaetzle, and schnitzel, as well as enjoy the beers and sounds of traditional bands at this German club, which is one of the largest in North America. Admission at the door only.
787 Featherbed Ln., Clark, NJ 07066
Alpaca Visit: Tour and Feeding
October 5
Morning Glori Farmette will be open for group tours and walks with alpacas. Build a Bailey’s (stuffable alpacas), and other crafts will be available during this time.
Cost: 1 walk ticket ($25) for one person in your group and the tour tickets ($5) for the remaining people in your group.
131 Navy Lane, Evesham Township, NJ 08053
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
September 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
Running with the Devils 5K Run and Wellness Walk 2022
October 1-30 virtually, October 30 in-person
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are teaming up again this year at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex to honor RWJBarnabas Health’s 38,000 healthcare workers with the Running with the Devils 5K and Wellness Walk. Besides all the fun and NJ Devil players lending a hand, your family can feel good about participating—100% of the proceeds will benefit RWJBarnabas Healthcare Heros in their efforts to protect and build healthier communities. You can register here ahead of time for the in-person run, live walk, or virtual experience.
Registration Fee: Registration starts at $30 for adults, $25 for RWJBarnabas employees, and children under 11 are free
Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex/Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ 07052
Ongoing Events
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Train at DiDonato’s
Now-October 23
Take a train ride through a kid-friendly Halloween Town, try the Halloween corn maze, or pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Don’t miss the giant slide, inflatable obstacle course, photo ops, and more.
Cost: $15.95 per person or $17.95 at the door
1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Holland Ridge Fall Flower Festival
Now-October 23
Come for fall flower picking, pumpkin picking, and photo ops galore. Special weekends include a Food Truck Weekend, Fall Craft & Live Music Festival, and a Family Fun weekend.
Cost: $13 per person ages 3 and up
86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Ort Farms Fall Festival
Now-October 23
It’s opening weekend to pick your own apples, take the sunflower trail, wander through the corn maze, and don’t miss the apple cannon.
Cost: $10 per person; 2 and under are free
25 Bartley Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Zeppelin Hall Oktoberfest
Now-October 24
During this almost-a-full-month-long celebration, they’re serving Oktoberfest beer, Bavarian dishes, and pretzels – with kid-friendly options like burgers and mac and cheese. On weekends, your whole family can relax and enjoy the live German bands that play from 2 PM to 7 PM (on both days) on stage.
88 Liberty View Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Terhune Orchards Fall Family Fun Weekends
Now-October 29-30
Get all the fall feels at Terhune with their adventure barn, live music, pony rides, pumpkin picking, duck races, and pick-your-own opportunities.
Cost: A variety of packages are available
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Argos Farm Festival
Now-October 30
Visit the pumpkin patch, Double Hay Slide, Bee Zip Line, Jumbo Jumper Air Pillow, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Cow Train Rides, Peddle Carts, Ball Zone, Wall Ball, Checkers, Corn Hole, and so much more.
Cost: $13.95 and up during the week and $16.95 and up on weekends
1250 Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ 08731
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Now-October 30
Spend the day at Happy Day going from giant checkers to an inflatable corn maze, horse swings to petal carts, and all of the fall fun you can imagine in one place during their annual fall festival.
Cost: $24 per person
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Fall Festival Weekends at Von Thun Farms
Now-October 30
Two locations are full of fall fun for the whole family, with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, corn cannons, and apple blasters. Events may vary by location.
Cost: $16.99-$17.99 and up, depending on location and package
505 Ridge Road, Dayton, NJ 08810
438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
Sunflower September & Fall Festivals at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
Now-October 30
Sunflowers and fall fun will fill the weekends at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm until the end of October.
Cost: $12.95
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Donaldson Farms Fall Harvest Weekends
Now-October 30 and October 10
Head to the farm for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn cannons, and apple cider samples, and seasonal treats.
Cost: Free to enter
358 Allen Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Now-October 30
Spend the day at Happy Day going from giant checkers to an inflatable corn maze, horse swings to petal carts, and all of the fall fun you can imagine in one place during their annual fall festival.
Cost: $24 per person
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
20th Anniversary Fall Festival
Now-October 30
It’s the 20th Anniversary, and it’s time to celebrate at the 10 Acre corn maze at Lentini Farms. There will be live bands and food trucks every weekend. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 8, for a fireworks show at 9 PM.
Cost: $3-$4 online or $4-$5 at the gate
251 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Diggerfest Fall Festival
Weekends in September-October
Pumpkins are starting to pop up all over Diggerland USA. Enjoy hayrides, live music, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
Cost: $45.95
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
Now-October 31
Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Rides in the Dark can only mean one thing—Fright Fest is back. This spooky event will keep older kids and adults on their toes (recommended for ages 13 and over). Enter if you dare!
Cost: Starting at $34.99
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
Great Pumpkin Festival
Now-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
Skylands Stadium Jack O’ Lantern Experience
Now-November 6
It’s the first weekend to see 6,000 Jack O’Lanterns take over Skylands Stadium for some Halloween fun. Enjoy a 45-minute walk-through experience mixed with a family-friendly fall festival with rides, vendors, and food.
Cost: $19 and up
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
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