The weather finally feels like fall, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a bunch of family-friendly things to do this weekend? Get into a spooky spirit watching artists carve Jack O’Lanterns at the Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve in Titusville, and enjoy an art show, car show, live music, and beer garden all in one place at the Fall Festival and Riverfront Car Show in Gloucester City, or watch apples get pressed into cider and enjoy kids crafts at the Apple Cider Fall Festival in Franklin Lakes. Want to find out more about the 70+ fall festivals happening? Check out our guide to all the fall festivals here. (featured photo credit: @hhvartscouncil & Ted Inoue. Carver: Matt Derby)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Five Star Swim School Pumpkin Plunge
October 13 at 4:30 PM
Join us for a SPOOK-tacular Halloween-themed pool party – Pumpkin Plunge! Five Star Swim School’s Annual Pumpkin Plunge Party has been a tradition since 2014. It is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween at the pool! Enjoy swimming with floating pumpkins, decorating trick-or-treat grab bags, eating snacks, and decorating a pumpkin you can take home. Feel free to bring your Halloween costume or Halloween pajamas to change into after swimming.
Cost: $25 per child – parents can join for free or swim for just $10
Five Star Swim School, 127 Main St, Princeton, NJ 08540
Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve
October 11-13
See amazing carvings and Jack O’Lanterns at this 8th annual event, where 35 pumpkins weighing 125 pounds and up will be carved by local artists.
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for kids under 18, and kids in strollers are free.
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
South Jersey Pumpkin Show Fall Festival
October 11-13
This pumpkin show includes artists and artisans, rides, live entertainment, ponies and hayrides, a pumpkin pageant, and a Fall Home and Garden Show.
Cost: $20 per carload
Salem County Fairground, 760 Harding Hwy, Woodstown, NJ 08098
LBI Fly International Kite Fest
October 11-12
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
Ryser’s Fall Festival
October 12 at 12 PM
Grab the fam and visit this fall festival, which features vendors, an ice cream truck, kids’ activities, photo ops, face painting, and music.
Cost: Free
Ryser’s Landscape Supply, 145 White Road, Little Silver, NJ 07739
2nd Annual Bark Bash
October 12 at 10 AM
Head to the 2nd annual event, which will benefit the Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. There will be vendors, kids’ crafts, live music, adoptable dogs, and more.
Cost: Free
Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia-Farmingdale Road Howell, 462 Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Lima Bean Festival
October 12 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 a vast array of recipes and crafts and purchase products.
Cost: Free
732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
5th Annual Witches Paddle For A Cause
October 12 at 10 AM
The witches and warlocks are back on the water. This year’s event recipient is Blue Dot Community. You can either participate or watch them as they paddle along the lake.
Cost: $35 to participate
1207 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Birding & Stewardship Series: Palm Warbler
October 12 at 7 AM
If you are an early riser, head to this birding walk through different types of restored habitats at Duke Farms, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. The bird of the month is the palm warbler and you will have the chance to learn about their restoration efforts.
Cost: $10 per person
Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway, West Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Fall Festival and Riverfront Car Show
October 12 at 1 PM
This October, bring your crew to the park in Gloucester City for an art show, car show, live music, and beer garden all in one place.
Cost: Free
Proprietors Park, 225 S. King Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 12 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
Berlin Boro Fall Fest
October 12 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
Pack the Park
October 12 at 1 PM
This October, head to the park in Gloucester City for an art show, car show, live music, and beer garden all in one place.
Cost: Free
Proprietors Park, 225 S. King Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Harvest Fest
October 12 at 12 PM
There are so many activities planned to get a head start on your Halloween celebration. This festival is full of family fun, from a corn maze and food trucks to apple cider, a petting zoo, and pumpkin painting.
Cost: Free
Bubbling Springs Park, 1468 Macopin Road, West Milford, NJ 07480
Berlin Boro Fall Fest
October 12 at 10 AM
Looking for something fun to do with the fam? Head to the 13th annual festival featuring vendors, crafters, food trucks, antique cars, and lots of fun. Don’t miss the Mutt Strut dog costume parade.
Cost: Free
Berlin Boro County Park, 43 S. Park Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009
Forest Lodge Oktoberfest
October 12
Celebrate Oktoberfest in New Jersey by putting together your “Wies’n” feast with beers, wines, and mouth-watering German foods, like wurst. Don’t miss the authentic German entertainment and decor. The rain date will be October 13.
11 Reinman Road, Warren, NJ 07059
Apple Cider Fall Festival
October 12 at 11:30 AM
Apples are in season this time of year, making it the perfect time to enjoy all things apple cider. This fair is a family favorite event featuring apple cider press demos, kids’ crafts, nature walks, and selfie stations.
Cost: Free; pre-registration required due to limited parking
Lorrimer Sanctuary, 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Fall Taste of Highlands
October 12 at 12 PM
Head to the Highlands and spend the day sampling delicious fall food from 18 restaurants and retailers. The event will take place rain or shine, and please consider donating non-perishable food items for the Fall Food Drive.
Cost: $45
Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues, Highlands, NJ 07732
2024 Downtown Cranford Candy Stroll
October 12-13
Is there anything better than candy during October? Celebrate the Scarecrow Stroll in Downtown Cranford and get your ticket for the Candy Stroll. Kids will get a tote with each ticket and can get candy from participating stores.
Cost: Free
Eastman Clock Plaza Park, North Union Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
52nd Annual Mullica Hill Fall Festival
October 12-13
A traditional Fall Festival with free games, a bounce house, live music, food trucks, and battles each day—make sure to add this event to your calendar.
Cost: Free
41 S. Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Renaultberfest
October 12-13
Renaultberfest at Renault Winery is full of family-friendly festivities. Take a scenic tractor ride or try some traditional grape stomping. Kids can participate in a vine sack race relay or decorate at the Paint a Pumpkin Workshop. There will also be a Donuts on a String Contest and a Pie Eating Contest, offering chances to win ice skating tickets and gift cards. Don’t miss the Stein Holding Contest, and on Sunday, October 13, run at the Renaultberfest 5K & Grape Stomp. The 1 Mile Kids Fun Run (ages 14 and under) kicks off at 9:30 AM, followed by the 5K Run at 10 AM.
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Somerset County’s Journey Through The Past
October 12-13
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 the activities guide to explore museums and events.
Cost: Free
20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Allentown Fall Festival
October 12-13 at 10 AM
This adorable town will be decorated for all things fall for this festival that’s packed with fun. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including food trucks, live music, a kids zone, line dancing, a beer garden, and more.
Cost: Free
Historic Village of Allentown, Allentown, NJ 08501
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday starting October 3 at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday, starting October 3rd, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, and enjoy a morning of swimming, fun, and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 am. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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