It’s the first official weekend in October, and with it, lots of fall feels and things to do with the fam. Celebrate the season with pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, tractor rides, and more at the Stella Farms 3rd Annual Fall Festival in Berlin, jump in a bouncy house and go on a pony ride at the Turkey Brook Park Octoberfest in Budd Lake, or get the whole family moving at the Tot Trot and Fall Festival in Metuchen. And for more family fall fun, hit up one of the many fall festivals this season. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/ Fly View Productions)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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South Jersey Pumpkin Show Fall Festival
October 6-8
This pumpkin show includes artists and craftsmen, 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 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
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
Camden Jam
October 7 at 12 PM
Spend a crisp October day filled with live music from some amazing artists, family activities to keep the kids entertained, and delicious vendors to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Stella Farms 3rd Annual Fall Festival
October 7 at 9 AM
Enjoy all things fall at this fun festival. There will be vendors, food, pumpkin picking, tractor rides, a petting zoo, and so much more.
Stella Farms, 15 School House Lane, Berlin, NJ 08009
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 8.
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
Pick Of The Batch Fall Festival
October 7 at 12 PM
Did someone say fall fun? From brews on tap and live music to fall-themed contests and various kid-friendly activities, it’s a day filled with lots of things to do for the whole family.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Cape May Brewing Co, 1250 Hornet Road, Lower Township, NJ 08242
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
October 7 at 11 AM
What’s the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous October weather in NJ? At a street fair and craft show, 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 food artist Nancy Baker from Food Network’s Halloween Wars, Disney Plus Foodtastic, and the Kelly Clarkson Show. There will also be events and games, sweets, delicious 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 with 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. With food trucks, live music, a dunk tank, The Duck Derby, and so much more, there are tons to do for everyone.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, North Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Nature Halloween Scavenger Hunt
October 7 at 10 AM
Enjoy the outdoors and get started on your Halloween celebrations early. This Halloween-themed scavenger hunt is perfect for all ages and every ghoul in your family.
Cost: Free
Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826
Atlantic Highlands Oktoberfest
October 7
See Oompa Bands and dancers, try authentic German food, or participate in stein-holding or costume contests at this Oktoberfest event. The rain date will be October 8.
Veterans Park, 51 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732
Turkey Brook Park Oktoberfest
October 7
Bring your crew to this day-long, family-friendly event where you can listen to live music, peruse vendors, and play plenty of games. Kids will love the pony rides, sliding down the inflatables, and corn hole.
Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Road, Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Sussex County Last Blast Food Truck and Music Festival
October 7 at 11 AM
It’s all about food trucks, arts, and live music at this last blast of an outdoor fun event. Bring your family and dog; don’t forget your blankets and chairs.
Cost: $5, kids under 10 are free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
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 a vast array of recipes and crafts and purchase products.
Cost: Free
732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
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. There will be fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street at night.
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
Annual Wheaton Festival of Fine Craft
October 7-8
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. Live music, specialty food trucks, a beer garden, and the WheatonArts signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser will be there.
Cost: $12 for adults, $11 for senior adults, $7 for students, and 5 and under are free
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332
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
Five Star Swim School Pumpkin Plunge 2023
October 8 at 1:30 PM
Since 2014, Five Star Swim School’s Pumpkin Plunge Party has been an event so many families enjoy. And it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween at the pool. There will be swimming with pumpkins, party games, snacks, and pumpkin decorating. Your little ones can bring their Halloween costume or Halloween pajamas to change into after swimming.
Cost: $20 per child, register in advance
Five Star Swim School, 5 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents a Food and Music Street Fair with food, music, shopping, a pie-eating contest, and kids’ activities.
Cost: Free
Downtown Wildwood, starting at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues.
Tot Trot & Fall Festival
October 7 at 12 PM
Get moving with the whole family at this fun event. There will be running races, games, vendors, food, and so much more. Each child who participates receives a t-shirt and a medal.
Cost: Prices vary to register
Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840
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