The first full weekend of October brings Oktoberfest, pumpkin picking and Halloween fun and so much more!
WEEKEND
Bomba Beats
Woodbridge Public Library, Woodbridge
Thursday
Bomba is a Puerto Rican musical genre from West African enslaved individuals and their descendants over 400 years ago on colonial plantations. This program will be a journey into the African influence on the Hispanic Caribbean, as you watch members of the academy demonstrate Bomba skills, guided by instructors Nelson Baez, a drumming master, and Magda Baez, a dance virtuoso.
Hub City Jazz Festival: Jazz Around Town
New Brunswick
Thursday – Saturday
Local Jaz musicians will perform at different venues around Hub City. Most of the concerts are free.
Restaurant Week at The Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Sunday
Sit-down restaurants will offer prix fixe menus at special prices.
Empire Records
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
Nineties teens who loved the cult-classic film can see it brought to life on stage in a new musical comedy.
The Race of Gentlemen
Wildwood
Thursday – Sunday
Check out the vintage vehicles that are pre-1934, and pre-1947 motorcycles, racing along the water’s edge. There will be exhibition-style beach racing, live music, a kids’ area, food, and beer vendors, and more.
New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness March and Rally Mural
St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, New Brunswick
On Friday, come by to see a new mural being painted; and on Saturday, the New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition will hold its annual march and rally.
35th Jersey City Art & Studio Tour
Newport Centre, Jersey City
Friday – Sunday
The mall will be filled with different art exhibitions, galleries, and open studios. Sunday is a closing party at night at Canopy Hotel.
NJ Hispanic Film Fest
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
Friday – Sunday
The first-ever New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival takes place as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. New Jersey’s Latinx population now exceeds 2 million people, or 21% of the entire state’s population. There will be a showcase of 15 films, plus talkbacks, panel discussions and parties.
Oktoberfest Celebration
Readington Brewery & Hop Farms, Neshanic Station
Friday – Sunday
The spirit of Munich comes to Readington with a weekend full of traditional German brews, authentic food, live music, and fun activities. The Oktoberfest-ivities take place on Saturday, but the Oktoberfest menu is available all weekend. Some key activities include live music, a steinholding competition, goat races and merch. The farm is child- and dog-friendly.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Listen to live music, sip wine, order gourmet food and browse artisan crafts.
Englewood Family Wellness Weekend
Depot Square Park, Englewood
Saturday – Sunday
The Department of Health and the Hadnott Foundation will honor breast cancer warriors during a community festival and health fair. The bilingual fair will include health screenings, breast cancer resources, self-care resources, senior services, flu vaccines, mental health resources, cancer prevention tips, info on healthy pregnancy, diabetes information, and dental health resources. The fun continues with food trucks, kids’ activities, a live salsa band, a DJ, dozens of vendors, Double Dutch, a live cooking demo, group yoga and giveaways.
Fall Wine & Food Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
The winery holds Food Truck Festivals every weekend, and this one has a fall twist. Come by for pumpkin picking, a corn maze, live music, wine and sangria, and assorted food trucks.
Oktoberfest
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
There will be more than 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations, and more. All of this is in addition to 50 shops, seven eateries, a carousel ride, a train ride, paddle boats, an arcade, on-site lodging at the Colonial Inn and more than 26 free weekend events.
Festival of Fine Craft
WheatonArts, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Check out a diverse collection of 125+ artists exhibiting and selling their handcrafted works of art. Experience crafting demonstrations, relax in the Beer & Wine Garden, and create hands-on family art. Listen to live music in the food court with a selection of gourmet food vendors and specialty food trucks.
Apple Fest
Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill
Saturday – Sunday
You can pick the last of the sunflowers and fresh vegetables, plus pumpkins and apples. There will also be music, activities, and a chance to have wine from Auburn Road Wine Garden.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton
Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair
Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street, Newark
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive free general admission to six cultural attractions in NJ on the first full weekend of each month.
FRIDAY
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
American Dream, East Rutherford
The stage will be set up as Abuelita’s Cocina, featuring food prepared by Chef/GM Franklin Rosario from Yard House, who has become a personal chef to celebrity Cardi B. The event will include Hispanic-inspired food, music, art, performances and appearances. There will also be arts and crafts tables, a meet-and-greet with Dora The Explorer, a performance by Mia “Tiny Singer” Soleil Sanchez, a panel discussion, and Latin dance by Piel Canela Dance Company.
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, indulge in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
Soccer Game & Sensory Safe Space
Veterans Park South, Demeo Field, Hamilton Twp.
Members of the Hamilton fire and police divisions will take the field for a soccer match. Prior, kids will play a soccer game. There will also be activities for the special needs community, including bounce houses, bubbles and a quiet area.
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The interactive performance and screening features live music by Banda de la Casita. Dress up as your favorite character and sing along.
Hoffman Park, Hampton
Bats can consume as many as 8,000 insects in a single night. Explore the insect life in the fields, and watch as the bats glide through the air to catch their “dinner.”
Latin American Chamber Music Ensemble
Bridgewater Library, Bridgewater
The free concert features the Latin American Chamber Music Ensemble. Dance along to an array of Latin American music from Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela and more.
SATURDAY
Catsbury Park Cat Convention
Bell Works, Holmdel
Celebrate all things feline, with tons of vendors related to all your cat needs. Meet Hannah “Kitten Lady” Shaw during a 90-minute workshop session. You can visit the on-site cat café to spend time with adoptable kitties. Learn from expert speakers and panelists about wellness, rescue, and TNR, or join an interactive event.
Highlands Oktoberfest
Veterans Park, Highlands
Experience Germany in the Highlands with Oompah and polka music, performances by the Bayern Verien Newark Dancers, food from Bahrs Landing Restaurant, a variety of Oktoberfest beers, a Best-Dressed Contest, and a Beer Stein Holding Contest.
4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Perth Amboy Free Public Library, Perth Amboy
Grupo Warachando and the Viva Vallenato Cumbia Band, plus guitarist Alejandro Ataucusi, will perform, in addition to captivating dances by Sol Azteca (Mexican folkloric dance) and Nancy Ynchastegui. Artist Julisa Mugica will have artwork on display. Kids can take part in activities or get their faces painted.
Red Bank Porchfest
Red Bank
Huge crowds who walk around town, listening to great live music from local musicians on residents’ porches.
Bergen Town Center Fall Festival
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
In the parking lot near Kohl’s, food trucks, a beer garden, NFL Red Zone on the big screen, music by Sticky Wickets, henna, face painting, and mini golf will be set up for family fun.
NAMI NJ Walk 2024
Middlesex College, Edison
Hosted by the New Jersey chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness, this walk supports mental health support and initiatives.
Halloween Themed Evening Sensory Walk
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Walk the preserve’s trails for some seasonally festive and spooky-themed activities appropriate for the whole family.
Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Festival
East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold Twp.
The third annual fundraiser will include big rigs, large cranes, fire trucks, police cars, exotic cars, a helicopter, hot air balloon, motorcycles, back hoes, boats, scissor lifts, UTVs, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, classic busses, boats, military vehicles, and the Bumblebee Transformer. There will be several food trucks,a petting zoo, bubbles, face painting, boutiques, trackless train rides, inflatables, a gaming trailer, pet adoptions, ride-on cars, walking characters and stage performances.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Boro Bandshell, Hawthorne
Come to this free family event with live entertainment and food vendors that serve some of the best Latin food in the area. Stay to dance the day away with family and friends as you listen to the multiple types of music the Latin scene has to offer.
Jersey Shore Breast Cancer Walk
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Warm up during a Zumba class before walking through the historic park.
Bottle Hill Day
Kings Road, Madison
Madison’s signature street fair has expanded to six blocks, and includes sidewalk sales, four stages with live music, a car show, a beer garden, food trucks, three amusement areas, and 225+ vendors.
Makerspace
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
During Bottle Hill Day, kids ages 5 to 12 can visit the collaborative workspace for hands-on, STEAM-based activities.
From Harvest to Hearth
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Kids will make a dried apple garland as part of the activities related to life in the 1800s on this working, living history farm.
Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival Tour
Showboat Resort, Atlantic City
Among the family activities are live entertainment featuring local and regional artists, but the main focus is connecting with primary care providers and specialists so you can get free eye exams and eyeglasses, health screenings, vaccinations, fresh produce, and physician-led education and resources on maternal, infant, child, and senior health.
Mendham Fest
Borough Park, Mendham
Celebrate the end of summer and the arrival of fall with a day of food, a beer garden, family-friendly activities, live concerts, a Dash N’ Splash slide, inflatable games, food trucks and craft vendors.
Tim Kubart and The Space Cadets
Berrie Center for the Arts, Ramapo College, Mahwah
Tim Kubart’s “Really Real You” show is a full-band musical experience for families, featuring sing-along songs, tap dancing, and heartfelt storytelling. You may recognize him from Sprout’s “Sunny Side Up” and from Postmodern Jukebox. He helps kids understand complex emotions like guilt, empathy and resilience through a fun dance party.
Johnson Park, Piscataway
All event proceeds will support free and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence and their children in Middlesex County.
Princeton Children’s Book Festival
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Young readers will meet their favorite authors and illustrators, hear about their work and inspiration and have their books signed.
Run the Crest
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Choose from the 5K, 10-mile race, Crest Combo Half Marathon or The Crest Kids Fun Run. For any race, you’ll start and end in the park, running pastbayside lakes, causeways, fishing ports, wildlife reserves, the ocean and bike paths. Proceeds benefit Amanda’s Wish Foundation, which supports children’s programs, camp activities and youth scholarships. Post-race festivities include vendors, food trucks and live entertainment in the park.
The Hoboken Pepper Fest
Willow Avenue, Hoboken
Contestants will try to eat hot chili peppers through 20 rounds to compete for cash prizes.
Touch a Truck
Roebling Museum, Roebling
Check out big trucks from local industries and learn about the big machines at the historic steel mill.
Haddon Township Music Festival
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
From Strawbridge Avenue to Cooper Street in the heart of the downtown, the streets will be lined with food trucks, local artisans, beer gardens, and a kid zone with a 70-foot Ferris wheel.
Concert on the Green: Yacht Rock Gold
Fellowship Village, Basking Ridge
Listen to Yacht Rock Gold perform your favorite hits from the 1970s and 1980s. There will be food trucks, and a beer and wine garden, on the green.
Blippi: Join The Band Tour
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
There will be two shows starring Blippi, his pal Meekah and a live band that will teach kids about what it’s like to make music.
Run the Crest
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Racing options include Run The Crest 5K, Run, The Crest 10-Miler, Crest Combo, and Crest Kids Fun Run. After you run, post-race festivities include vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and family fun.
Pop’s Goes Pink: Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Linwood Fields at Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
There will be a Balic wine tasting, food trucks, vendors, pet adoptions, a corn maze, a bounce house, hay rides and pumpkin picking, all to fundraise for breast cancer. Admission is free but certain activities have additional fees.
Collingswood Book Festival
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
The award-winning festival is the longest-running, largest literary event in the Delaware Valley. Readers will connect with over 60 presenting authors and an additional 275 authors and exhibitors, plus music, food, and literary games and activities.
Harvest Fest
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Hayrides and pumpkin painting are just the start of family day. There’ll also be games, face painting, food trucks, an autumn plant sale, photo ops, and free activities for the youngsters.
Hispanic Heritage Month Salsa Festival
Family Entertainment Center of Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Partnering with MDN International Salsa Congress, GSP will present six professional salsa performances, a 20-minute salsa dance lesson, a live DJ playing salsa, merengue and bachata, a live salsa band, and pop-up booths from GSP restaurants.
Zoo Done It?
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Hire a babysitter because kids will be too spooked for this after-hours scavenger hunt and mystery adventure throughout the zoo. Clues are scattered throughout the exhibits, and you’ll hear about forgotten tales of animals, keepers and the zoo’s founding. Keep your eyes peeled for the ghosts of the zoo’s former inhabitants, who hold the key to solving the mystery.
SUNDAY
Oktoberfest
Downtown Freehold
Main Street will be lined with booths for beer, food, games, entertainment, vendors, crafters and more.
Cranford Street Fest!
Downtown Cranford
This is a street-fair style event featuring 100+ artisans and Cranford businesses along North Union Avenue and Alden Street. Food trucks and live music will be in the fire department parking lot next to the gazebo.
Opening Night for Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, October 6 – December 31, 2025
The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more. During the opening night reception, light snacks will be served.
Essex County 4-H Fall Family Festival Celebration
Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland
The county’s 4-H Fall Harvest Showcase will be held in partnership with the Fall Family Festival Celebration. Projects will be awarded for Gardening, Food and Nutrition, and Fruits and Vegetables.
An Evening with Natalia Lafourcade
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The most awarded female artist in Latin Grammy history, Lafourcade will play solo guitar and share stories.
Your First Mud Run
Splash Park, Fair Lawn
Kids and parents can get dirty together, running along courses that are 1.5 – 2 miles and include 10–16 obstacles designed to test your physical skills.
Mission Gratitude
Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, Randolph
The touch-a-truck experience honors first responders, military personnel and service dogs. There will be a DJ, food, face painting, and a lineup of fire trucks, rescue vehicles, police cars, and military trucks. Kids can climb into the trucks and meet the real-life heroes who drive them.
Joey’s Fund 10th Annual Charity Classic Car Show
Closter Plaza, Closter
Aside from the car show, there will be door prizes, giveaways, 50/50 raffles, trophies and concessions.
Ridgewood PBA Food Truck Festival
North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
Aside from the obvious food trucks, there will be bounce houses, games and beer. Proceeds benefit, in part, The Golden Lights Foundation which supports pediatric cancer research; and Brick City Rescue, a local dog rescue.
Harvestfair Fair
Veterans Park, Westwood
Find treasures among 125 vendor booths, including arts, crafts, foods, antiques, estate pieces and other collectibles.
New Jersey Fun 4 Hope Half-Marathon
All American Ford, Old Bridge
JAR of Hopeis holding a unique half-marathon to save kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This will be the first time Route 9 is shut down for a race,starting at All American Ford in Old Bridge and ending at iPlay America in Freehold.
Lake Loop
Hopatcong State Park, Landing
Choose from a 62-mile, 40-mile or 20-mile bike ride, or a 5-mile paddle, plus an interactive hike through the park.
A Celebration of Pets
Verona Town Hall Center, Verona
Whether or not you have your own pet, you can come by to celebrate animals by supporting pet-oriented businesses, music, food, activities for kids, a pet parade and pet blessings.
Fall Festival
West Windsor History Museum, West Windsor
This free community event will include museum tours of the 1700s-era Schenck Farmstead, pumpkin picking and painting, a petting zoo from the Monmouth County 4-H/Baird Homestead, kiddie crafts, activities around the farm by Plainsboro’s Historic Wicoff House Museum, craft vendors, artifacts on view, and opportunities to volunteer.
Woodlands Wildlife Refuge Community Day
Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Pittstown
The public will have a rare opportunity to visit the wildlife rehabilitation facility and see its work firsthand. The afternoon includes self-guided tours, the Kid’s Den, expert discussions, live animal presentations, and visits with several of the animals.
Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway
Tour the Rahway Cemetery and meet the “ghosts” of some of Rahway’s notable citizens. Costumed actors will be positioned at the gravesites of individuals to give accounts of their biographies. The theme for the 2024 performance is “Rahway Works” and will feature industrialists, artists, writers, and architects, factory workers, and laborers.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Dinosaurs: After Dark
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Fridays and Saturdays in October
In Halloween spirit, the trails are dark and there’s a hungry T-Rex lurking in the shadows. A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead a Tyrannosaurus Hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails with a stop at every dinosaur with surprises along the way. At the end of every night, everyone gathers around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-along, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Saturdays and Sundays in October
You are invited to experience a night of thrills and fun at this family-friendly event, which features a haunted house and a hayride.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Under the 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken
Select Sundays, through December
Local makers and creators from the area sell their unique handmade creations, ranging from fashion and jewelry to art and photography to home decor and vintage finds to artisanal foods and pet products to kids stuff. There is also live music and outdoor games. Special holiday markets are planned for December 8, 15 and 22.
The C Word
Mill Ballet, New Hope, PA
October 4-6, October 25-27
The stage play examines breast cancer and the meaning of life through a multimedia blend of music, dance and spoken word.
Freehold Borough Spooktacular
Downtown Freehold
October 4-27
Halloween events throughout the month include screenings of Beetlejuice and Frankenstein on October 4, the placing of corn stalks throughout the business district on October 5, a house decorating contest from October 9-17, haunted hayrides on October 13, a scarecrow contest on October 18, a Monster Mash and Jack-o-Lantern Contest on October 19, and the Main Street costume parade on October 27. Dates for walking ghost tours will be announced.
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
October 5-6, 12-13
The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip includes a stop at the pumpkin patch where kids can pick their own small pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit. Kids can come dressed in their costumes.
Funtober
The Funplex, East Hanover and Mount Laurel
October 5-6, 12-13
In addition to all the regular park attractions, there will be special fall and Halloween activities like pumpkin decorating, face painting, trick-or-treating in the park, rides, Halloween-themed games, crafts, live DJ, balloon art, photo booth, inflatable obstacle course, tractor cars and fall foods.
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park: James and the Giant Peach
Stephen J. Capestro Theater, Roosevelt Park, Edison
October 5-6, 12-13, 19
The children’s musical based on Roald Dahl’s classic book is about Young James, who discovers a magic potion that grows a gigantic peach, leading to an adventure with a quirky crew of insect companions. This magical and fantastical tale promises to entertain audiences of all ages. The 1 pm performance on October 13 will include American Sign Language interpretation.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturdays-Sundays, October 5-27
Take in the breathtaking scenery of southern New Jersey. When you get to Fenwick Grove you’ll have 30 minutes for pumpkin picking, a free cider and donut, and fall-themed activities.
Fall Fun Weekends
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, October 5 – November 3
Take in the breathtaking fall foliage on a sky ride in the mountains, race down the Mountain Coaster, enjoy live music, and bring the kids to bounce houses, a hay maze and lawn games.
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
Atlantic City
October 6-11
There will be six days of fixed-price, multi-course meals at a mix of restaurants – from inside the casinos to landmark dining spots to local favorites.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, October 6 – December 31, 2025
Sports foster a connection between towns, their athletes and teams, and community pride. Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more. Several sports are represented in the exhibit.
Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Woolsey Park, Titusville
October 9-13
This old-time festival features outrageously carved giant pumpkins, live music, fire pits, storytelling, games and pumpkin painting.
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Fridays – Sundays, through October 13
Bust out your lederhosen and raise your steins as you enjoy live music, traditional German food, and all the games and rides you love at Morey’s Piers. Bands play on the Coca-Cola stage all weekend long with daily strolling entertainment by the Oompah Delics.
Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Through October 14
There will be thousands of rainbow blooms including sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias, calla lilies and mums; dozens of food options; dozens of floral photo activations; a hundred vendors; live music and more family-friendly activities.
Off-Broadway Week
New York City
Through October 15
Score 2-for-1 tickets to any of 29 Off-Broadway shows during this biannual promotion.
New Jersey International Film Festival
Voorhees Hall of Rutgers University, New Brunswick; and virtually
Fridays – Sundays, through October 18
A series of films will be screened during the fall iteration of the film festival. On October 18, electronic music artist Jim Haynes will perform an audio-visual concert.
Birdwatching for Kids
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Saturdays, through October 19
A Girl Scout who is working on her Gold Award project will lead kids on a hike of the trails of the preserve where they will learn to identify different birds by sight and sound.
The Headless Horseman Rides Again
Mile Square Theater, Hoboken
Through October 20
The tale of Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horseman, and the town of Sleepy Hollow comes to life on stage during an 80-minute show told by one man, Shawn K. Jain, performing courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Hill Creek Farms Fall Season
Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill
Fridays – Sundays, through October 27; plus October 14
As you pick pumpkins and apples, listen to lively music, take part in activities, and relax with wine from Auburn Road Wine Garden.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27; plus Monday, October 14
There will be live bull riding and country music, plus more than 30 activities, including a wooden train, pumpkin village, hay ride, corn maze, animal barnyard, pig races, hay maze, backhoe play yard, corn tunnel, rubber duck races, pillow jump, and candy corn toss.
Halloween Weekends
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp & Resort, Williamstown
Weekends, through October 27
Camp out in a tent, cabin or trailer for the weekend. Activities will include trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, and haunted hot cocoa, among sports, lakeside activities, a hayride, gem mining, candy bar bingo, and visits from Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo and Cindy Bear.
Lentini Farms Fall Festival
Lentini Farms, Newton
Fridays – Sundays, through October 27
There will be a different live band and food trucks each weekend, along with a 10-acre corn maze, scenic hayrides, the sunflower field, a beer tent, a pumpkin patch and haunted hayrides (starting September 27).
Bronx Zoo Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, through October 27
Follow an animal-themed illuminated pumpkin trail (we’re talking 5,000 gourds!) and learn about animal behavior after dark, plus enjoy live pumpkin carving, games, treats, costumed characters, fog and bubbles, and bioluminescent bays.
Scare Farm
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Fridays – Sundays, through October 27
This year’s three horror-filled attractions include Creepy Hollow, Paranoia Walking Trails, and The Slayride – Hayride.
Tricks and Treats
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27
Fun at the theme parkincludes a fall festival, Halloween activities, live entertainment, Patch’s Pumpkin Party, the Mask Maker’s Mash, a trick-or-treat trail and a costume contest.
DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27
Plus Monday, October 14
Your admission includes a train ride through a little-goblin-friendly Halloween Town, entrance to the Halloween corn maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, the giant slide, an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, five trick-or-treat spots, a meet-and-greet and photos with a local witch, entrance to The Toy Market with its Pop-Up Snack & Toy Cottage, and one free game of bowling plus shoe rental per person.
Pumpkin Train
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27
Take a train ride to Everitt Farms, and when you stop at Pumpkin Junction there will be various autumn attractions, including pumpkin picking, a wagon ride, a corn box, and other activities.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 27
Plus Monday, October 14
New this year, chills and thrills include a Trick of Truth Maze, face painting, a Creepy Mystery Wall and the Halloween Mashup. Returning favorites include the costume parade, live pumpkin carvings, Halloween crafts, magic shows, mind rinding, pumpkin trails, and an extinct animal graveyard.
Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Select dates, through October 27
Ride, walk then run for your life at New Jersey’s original Halloween-themed haunted attraction.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through October 31
Pack everyone into your car for a guided tour through 32 acres of Halloween light displays. There will be farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, fire pits, make-your-own s’mores, and hot cocoa.
Halloween Happenings
Throughout Cape May
Through October 31
In one of the most haunted cities in the country, Halloween activities include specially-themed tours and events daily, including Murder Mystery Dinner: Bumped Off & Bottoms Up!; Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Living Library; Historic Haunts House Tour; Historic Haunts Combo Tour; Voices from Beyond House Tour; Cherry House Haunting Tales Tour; Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour; Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour; Spirits, Oddities & Obsessions Combo Tour; Graveyard Ghosts & Mansions Combo Tour; and a Ghost Walk with Craig McManus.
Fall Festival Weekends
Von Thun’s, South Brunswick and Washington Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
The weekend festivals feature hayrides, access to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, and more than 20 games and attractions for kids and adults. The corn maze is open daily through Halloween.
Fall Fun Harvest Weekends
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 31
Plus Monday, October 14
During the apple and pumpkin harvest season, the 500+ acre family-owned and -operated farm market and activity area includes a 9-acre corn maze. This year, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farm, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, through November 1
After conquering the corn maze, relax on a leisurely hayride through the starlit fields, warm up by the cozy bonfires, and listen to local music. Try locally crafted hard ciders, apple cider donut ice cream or pumpkin ice cream, or food from the food trucks in the FarmHouse District.
Glow! The Spooky Speedway
Glow!, Sicklerville
Through November 2
Drive along an illuminated version of Route 66 – look for the glowing pumpkins, friendly ghosts and whimsical witches that are brought to life by thousands of synchronized lights in a non-jump scare environment.
Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking
Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff and Hillsborough
Through November 2
Visit the farms to hop on a hayride through the scenic fields, pick the perfect pumpkin to take home, and meet the friendly barnyard animals. There’s a corn maze at the Hillsborough location.
Jack ‘O Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through November 3
Festival-like activities include seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting, a beer garden, live music, and a 45-minute stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3; plus Monday, October 14
Aside from the fall festival activities at Argos Farm, you can return at night for Jacks & Lights. The main hit is a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns. There is also a lighted pumpkin trail, pumpkin patch, flashlight maze, Spook-Easy, and tons of photo ops.
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 3
During this fall festival, look for carved pumpkins that glow on land or in the water. New this year is a nearly 10-foot underwater octopus shaped out of pumpkins, and a snorkeling scarecrow that’s overlooking an underwater pumpkin patch. There will be seasonal sensory tables set up, with pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences. You can pay to paint a pumpkin, or buypumpkin-themed souvenirs from the gift shop. You can also tune into the aquarium’s “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which focuses on animals that live in the depths of the ocean.
Fright Fest Extreme
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select nights, through November 3
There will be haunted houses, scare zones, rides in the dark and special shows specially tailored for Halloween inside the theme park. Themes include Stranger Things, The Conjuring, SAW’s 20th anniversary, Army of the Dead and Texas Chain Saw.
Great Adventure’s Oktoberfest Food Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
Explore German-inspired cuisine, brews and desserts all around the theme park.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through November 3
Activities include the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission.
Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through November 3
The next few months, celebrate everything Fall with various dates for the scarecrow display and festival, pet photo contest, Food Truck Thursdays, a murder mystery dinner, an outdoor screening of “The Wizard of Oz,” a wedding show, a Peddler’s Village Book Club, a terrarium-making workshop, the annual OctoberFeast weekend, Halloween parties, and the Peddler’s Village Apple Festival.
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Fridays – Sundays, through November 3
Take a hayride to the sunflower fields for photo memories and a sunflower each. Get lost in nearly 10 acres of the giant corn maze, this year dedicated to country music star Luke Bryan. When you escape, head to the fairgrounds and bounce around on the Jumbo Air Pillow, try your hand at lassoing the bull targets and other activities at the fairgrounds.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
The Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Select dates, through November 3
Included with admission are 35+ family fun outdoor activities, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, “The Big Top” themed corn maze, farm animals, pig races, Canine Dog Show, pedal cars, touring cars, giant slingshot, giant straw pyramid, boo barn, Baseball Speed Throw, and more activities for the entire family. For an additional fee, there are carnival rides, apple cannon, paintball range, gem mining, wine tasting, food vendors, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, pumpkins and gourds, and mums.
Fall Festival
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 3; plus Monday, October 14
Walk through the Snoopy-shaped corn maze, take photos in the pumpkin field and listen to live music. There are tons of fun activities such as the Pumpkin Bounce Pad, Hayrides, Double Hay Slide, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Bee Zip Line and Cow Train. There’s also a quarter-mile walking trail of thousands of carved pumpkins called Jacks & Lights that opens on September 20.
Kids Boo Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 3
The daytime Halloween event is family-friendly, with trick-or-treating, unique fall festivities, fun character photo opportunities and treats.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 3
Family fun on the farm includes pumpkin painting, apple picking, pony rides, a corn stalk and hay bale maze, the Adventure Story Barn, farm animals, the sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt and live music.
The Count’s Spooktacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 3
The theme park will be transformed for Halloween. Activities include Halloween-themed shows and parades, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, pumpkin decorating with Abby Cadabby, and a Halloween costume contest (October 27).
A Haunted and Hilarious Dinosaur Halloween
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Weekends, through November 10
The dino theme park puts a haunted Halloween spin on paleontology with ghostly and funny versions of dinosaur-themed shows, games and activities, along with the return of Dinosaurs After Dark, the popular spooky nighttime adventure.
Bear Mountain Fall Cruise
Pier 83, New York, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 10
The Floating Oktoberfest Cruise travels 50 miles through the fall foliage of the Hudson River Valley. On board you’ll eat pork schnitzel, bratwursts and Bavarian pretzels and drink Warsteiner and Spaten beer. When you get to Bear Mountain you’ll have at least two hours to explore trails, the lake, the zoo, the Merry-Go-Round and more before heading back to Manhattan.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through November 23
Enjoy a quiet morning walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. You’ll learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that are natural wonders of the area.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville; or virtual
Saturdays, through November 23
Teens and adults can join a 75-minute yoga practice that will help you relax and stretch while immersed in nature.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
Monmouth Museum, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Tuesdays – Sundays, through January 2, 2025
This interactive exhibit explores the bones and fossils of the giant creatures that once roamed the Earth. See full-size T-Rex and velociraptor models, footprints and eggs. Special events will be announced during the duration of the exhibit, including guided tours, a special museum fundraiser, a Christmas tree lighting and Noon Year’s Eve.
New Jersey Arts Annual: Exploring Our Connections
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition showcases contemporary art from across the Garden State, based on the themes of family, community, and belonging, expressed through different mediums of art.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The Duke Theater at New 42 Studios, New York, NY
Through January 5, 2025
The show returns to NYC to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This production will feature two tales from Eric Carle: The Artist That Painted a Blue Horse and Mr. Seahorse. You will also see The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar during the 50-minute show. During the holiday season, Dream Snow will be added to the story rotation for the first time in New York City.
New Jersey/New Sculpture
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through February 2, 2025
Eleven sculptors who worked with malleable aluminum, cold-worked glass, and industrial robotics join the more traditional media of ceramics, forged iron, and steel in this exhibit that showcases 40 works based on The Garden State.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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