The fall season brings so many fun things to our great state of New Jersey — pumpkin + apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, corn mazes, hayrides, apple cider doughnuts — you name it, the Garden State has it (we’ve also rounded up 100+ activities for your fall 2024 bucket list for easy browsing here). With these fun foods and activities also comes fall festivals, which are taking place all around New Jersey year. From street fairs and art festivals to Oktoberfest events and harvest festivals, there is truly no shortage of fall festivities in New Jersey — and we’ve rounded them all up to help you plan ahead. Read on for a list of 50+ festivals happening for fall 2024 throughout New Jersey.
Donaldson Farms Fall Fun Harvest Weekends | 358 Allen Road, Hackettstown
Through October 31st
To get in the full fall spirit, this family-friendly farm in Hackettstown holds special fall harvest weekends every weekend from September until the end of October. Apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides are just some of the activities to do when visiting. Also, guests will enjoy the various views of grown crops and mountains as the farm is 500 acres long.
Six Flags Oktoberfest | 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson
Through November 3rd
Head to Six Flags to enjoy German beer, food, + entertainment to celebrate Oktoberfest through the months of September and October.
Read More: Where to Shop in Montclair for Your Fall Wardrobe
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest | 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
September 13th-15th, 20th-22nd, 27th-29th, October 4th-6th, 11th-13th
Through September + October, enjoy traditional live German music with all the rides + games Morey’s Piers has to offer. Grab food at Founders, which will feature specialty food for the festivities, including Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel, among other things. Sample some German beers with beer flight tastings at the Biergarten behind the restaurant.
Six Flags Fright Fest Extreme | 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson
September 13th-November 3rd
Six Flags is home to rollercoaster rides and more, but at Fright Fest, things are worked differently. Haunted attractions and real-life encounters with zombies, witches, and other characters are what guests may encounter when visiting.
Central Jersey Jazz Festival | Somerville + Flemington
September 13th-15th
Visitors to this event can experience the sounds of today’s best live jazz music at two different outdoor venues in Flemington and Somerville. An exact list of performances can be found here. Local businesses will have food and beverages for sale on-site.
Six Flags Kids Boo Fest | 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson
September 13th-November 3rd
All ages can get spooky at Six Flags’ Kids Boo Fest, which will feature family-friendly rides, a trick-or-treat trail, + countless Boo Fest activities. Take a break to snack on some ghoulish food throughout the day to keep you going.
Rocktoberfest | Taylor Park, Millburn
September 14th | 11:30AM-12AM
Rocktoberfest is a fundraiser for the entire family that sees proceeds go towards the Milburn Education Foundation. With over 30 musical performances throughout the day, Rocketoberfest is jam-packed with a variety of musical talent. In addition to music, the Kid’s Zone will have inflatables, rides, carnival games, and more, while various local eateries + retail stores will be set up for food, drinks, + handmade goods.
Sea.Hear.Now Music Festival | North Beach, Ashbury Park
September 14th-15th
With Bruce Springsteen + Noah Kahan headlining the Sea Hear Now Music Festival, this event is a hot ticket in town. Attendees can kick back and enjoy an awesome variety of music on the beach along the Jersey Shore. The music festival will have over 25 food vendors set up, dishing out a variety of delicious eats along with a dozen spaces to drink and socialize.
Von Thun’s Fall Festival Weekends | 438 NJ-57, Washington
Weekends from September 14th-October 27th
Every weekend during the fall, VonThun hosts a fall festival. Unlimited hay rides, duck races, giant pumpkin checkers, barnyard mini golf, and other activities will be available for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Guests will also have access to VonThun’s apple orchard and pumpkin fields when attending the fall festival.
Heaven Hill Farms Great Pumpkin Festival | 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township
September 14th-November 3rd
Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon will be celebrating the fall season with its Great Pumpkin Festival. Hayrides, an Alien Invasion-themed corn maze, farm animals, live entertainment, and more are just some of the activities Heaven Hill Farm has planned.
Medford Oktoberfest | Freedom Park, Medford
September 20th-21st
Known as Medford’s biggest party of the year, the Medford Oktoberfest has tons to provide. With free admission to live music, a beer tent, German dancing, a cornhole tournament, kids’ activities, + much more, everyone can have a fun time at this fall festival.
XPoNential Music Festival | Wiggins Park, Camden
September 20th-22nd
During the third weekend of September, over 20 artists will rock Camden for the 30th anniversary of the XPoNential Music Festival. The music festival is a terrific way to experience well-known and established artists while also discovering up-and-coming new bands.
Jack O’Lantern Experience | Skylands Stadium, Augusta
September 20th-22nd, 27th-29th, October 3rd-6th, 10th-14th, 17th-20th, 24th-November 3rd
The Jack O’Lantern Experience is back for its third year at Skylands Stadium in Augusta. The festival will run for 30 days. Live music, a beer garden, free parking, and most importantly, 6,000 jack-o’ lanterns will be on display to make for some incredible photo opportunities.
HDSID All About Downtown Street Fair | Newark Avenue, Jersey City
September 21st | 12PM-8PM
This Jersey City fair is back again for another year. Since 2011, over two hundred vendors have been coming together to sell an assortment of products from jewelry to artwork. To add to the fun, food trucks also show up to satisfy food lovers’ cravings, and there will also be a new fall festival kids’ area. The fair will take place on the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza across from the Grove Street PATH Station.
Hopewell Harvest Festival | Hopewell Elementry School, Hopewell
September 21st | 9:45AM – 4PM
The Harvest Fair is designed to bring the entire community together for a day of fun, entertainment, and family. Activities like hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and even contests like a bake-off and homegrown vegetable contest will be held. Local vendors will be on hand with produce, baked goods, crafts, and other things.
Milford Alive! | Bridge Street, Milford
September 21st
Milford Alive! is a full-day street festival that will feature live music, street performances, vendors, food, and fireworks in Milford. Highlights from last year’s event included a pie-baking contest, a mini tarot card reading, and a face painter. Each year, Milford brings different activities to the mix to keep the festival unique.
Tewksbury Harvest Festival | 108 Fairmount Road, Califon
September 21st| 12PM-5PM
Tewksbury, New Jersey will host its harvest festival for the 25th year. An arts + crafts sale, food trucks, beer garden, pie baking contest, car show, free kids’ activities, silent auction, hayrides, and more are just some of the many amenities this festival will have. Live music is also part of the fun, with the entire event being a primary fundraiser for the Tewksbury First Aid + Rescue Squad.
Pitman Craft Show | 1 West Holly Avenue, Pitman
September 21st
With over 350 vendors present during the Fall Pitman Craft Show, this is a one-stop-shop event for anyone looking to discover incredible local artistry. From fine art to exterior decor, baking, and even aromatherapy, there are endless vendors to browse and support.
Point Pleasant Beach Festival of the Sea | 601 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
September 21st | 10AM – 7PM
Featuring over 200 crafters + vendors alongside some of Point Pleasant’s best local restaurants, the Point Pleasant Beach Festival of the Sea is an action-packed way to spend a weekend along the Jersey Shore. A beer garden, live music, and kids activities will accompany the event and give everyone something to enjoy.
Hampton Fall Festival | 1 Rumsey Way, Newton
September 21st
The Hampton Fall Festival is back and will feature a wide variety of live entertainment, food, local vendors, + fun games that the entire family is bound to enjoy.
WineFestNJ | 1090 US-206, Shamong
September 21st-22nd | 11AM-5PM
WineFestNJ will be back this fall for its 21st year, featuring over 200 wines from 13 different wineries across the state of New Jersey. In addition to great wines, the event will feature over 60 artisans and craft vendors, live music across three stages, and tons of food options ranging from local restaurants to food trucks.
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township
September 21st-22nd
Mountain Creek’s large-scale Oktoberfest is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is a great event for the entire family to check out. In addition to Oktoberfest staples, such as countless beer options and German classics like sausages, pretzels, + schnitzel, there will also be events ranging from scenic lift rides to inflatables, live music, and even a petting zoo.
Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival | 475 NJ-57, Washington
September 21st-22nd
Take to the skies at this one-of-a-kind festival in New Jersey. The Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival has evolved over the years to now consist of several events throughout the third weekend of September, such as the mass balloon launch, individual tethered balloon rides, + hot rods, hot air balloons, and a car and truck show.
German-American Society of Trenton, NJ Oktoberfest | 215 Uncle Pete’s Road, Trenton
September 27th | 12PM-6PM
It should be no surprise that the German-American Society of Trenton throws an annual Oktoberfest celebration that will feature the best of German beer, food, + music.
Roseland Greek Festival | 80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland
September 27th-29th
For all things Greek, this festival will have delicious Greek-inspired food, shopping, live music, and more in Roseland. The event is family-friendly and a great way to try traditional Greek food, which will be available for purchase on-site and pre-order. Items available from vendors will include Greek treats, artwork of Greek scenes, iconography, Greek jewelry, and other things.
Autumn Lights Festival | 1 Marshall Hill Road, West Milford
September 27th-29th
What started as a community event 27 years ago has now grown into a huge annual event. The West Milford Autumn Lights Festival welcomes over 300 vendors and bills itself as New Jersey’s largest street fair. The event will feature food and beverage vendors, live music, children’s activities, and games, among other things.
Fall Fest at the Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farms | 110 Orange Road, Montclair
September 28th | 11AM-4PM
To celebrate the end of the harvest season, the Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farm will co-host a fun-filled day for all ages. Food and drinks will be sold by local vendors. Various fall activities will be held throughout Montclair History Center’s gardens and property. Festival organizers will bring farm animals from all over Essex County. While enjoying the activities at this fest, live music will be performed by Montclair’s School of Rock.
Evesham Harvest Fest | Main Street, Evesham
September 28th | 10AM-4:30PM
Rain or shine, the Evesham Harvest Fest takes over Main Street to feature live music, local food, arts + crafts vendors, and family activities for all.
Chester Lion’s Club Oktoberfest | 290 West Main Street, Chester
September 28th-29th
This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Chester Lion’s Club and will have a wide variety of beers flowing all weekend long. Along with great beer will be authentic German eats such as bratwurst, German potato salad, and apple strudel, among other delicious eats. German band Die Spitzbaum will play classic German music all weekend long to add to the festivities.
Mountain Creek Country Music Fest | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township
September 28th-29th
Kick back at Mountain Creek for a weekend full of country music, bull riding, games, great food, and additional activities for all ages. In addition to the festival, Mountain Creek will have its scenic lift rides and mountain coaster opened to immerse yourself in the fall leaves.
Margate Fall Festival By The Bay | Amherst Avenue, Margate
September 28th-29th | 11AM-5PM
Set on the bay front of Margate along the Jersey Shore, this fall festival draws an average of over 20,000 visitors per year. The event features over 110 vendors ranging from local food to arts + crafts, kids activities, local retailers, + more. Ten bands will play throughout the weekend on the main stage while 12 acts will rock the kids’ stage.
Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival | Washington Street, Hoboken
September 29th | 11AM-6PM
Washington Street in Hoboken from Observer Highway to Seventh Street will be home to the Hoboken Arts + Music Festival on October 1st. Local artisans, food vendors, and businesses will share their products and services with festival goers. Hence, it’s an arts + music festival — there will be two stages of live musical performances between Sixth and Seventh Streets on Washington Street.
Walnut Street Fair | Walnut Street, Montclair
September 29th | 11AM-4PM
Visitors can enjoy the heart of Walnut Street and enjoy over 250 vendors, live music, delicious food trucks, a beer garden, and a family fun zone with face painting, balloon twisting, arts + crafts, an obstacle course, and more at the Walnut Street Fair.
Morristown Festival on the Green | 10 North Park Place, Morristown
September 29th | 12PM-5PM
Since 1994, the community of Morristown has hosted its Festival on the Green. Carnival games, a beer tent, and more than 150 exhibitors will showcase local businesses. Over 60,000 attendees are expected to attend and enjoy a day full of live music on three stages.
Mountain Creek Fall Festival | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township
October 5th-November 3rd
Guests can enjoy unlimited sky rides to view the fall foliage, unlimited rides on the Alpine Mountain Coaster, and more before Mountain Creek transforms into a winter wonderland.
Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City | 25 West Hamilton Place, Jersey City
October 5th | 10AM-2PM
The Cultural Diversity Festival was started to showcase Jersey City’s cultural diversity, and this year has been combined with the Harvest Festival, making for a day jam-packed with all kinds of fun. In addition to fall-themed attractions like pumpkin painting, the festival will feature musical and dance performances from different traditional dance groups, including flamenco, Indian classical dance, and a martial arts demonstration. The event will take place in Hamilton Park and there will be food, craft, and other vendors on site.
Highlands Oktoberfest | South Street, Highlands
October 5th | 1PM-7PM
The Highlands Oktoberfest is back for its 23rd year and will be featuring authentic German food, live music + dancing, and more. Special contests will also be held for ‘Best Dressed’ at the festival and a beer stein holding.
Hamilton Park Conservancy Music Festival | Hamilton Park, Jersey City
October 5th | 12PM – 8PM
Stop by for the 14th Annual HPC Music Festival to enjoy live music, delicious food, drinks, and fun activities for kids, including a bouncy house and petting zoo. This fundraiser supports the Hamilton Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) committed to aiding Jersey City in maintaining historic Hamilton Park.
Bordentown City Cranberry Festival | Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown
October 5th-6th | 11AM-5PM
With over 100 artisans, local music, award-winning restaurants, + a sprawling beer garden, the Bordentown City Cranberry Festival is a celebration of community that invites everyone to come and visit.
Smithville Oktoberfest | 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville
October 5th-6th | 10AM-5PM
Historic Smithville will be holding an Oktoberfest event that will see over 150 juried crafters on display, alongside an international food court, live music, + plenty of fun activities for kids. In addition, all 50 of the Village Shops will be open, giving visitors of plethora of shopping options.
Caldwell Street Fair | Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
October 6th | 12PM-5PM
The Caldwell Street Fair is both a community celebration and a community fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support grants to the West Essex First Aid Squad, the police departments and fire departments of the Caldwells, and other community-focused projects. Raffles, arts + crafts, kids’ rides, vendor booths, and a wide variety of food + drinks will make for the ultimate street festival. Last year, 30,000 people attended the event.
Newark Arts Festival | Newark
October 9th-13th
New Jersey’s largest city will be home to a free four-day celebration of the arts and culture. Visitors can expect each day of the festival to feature artistic works from Newark’s creative community, including pop-up art installations, performances, and poetry experiences. The Open Doors Kids Festival, film and media events, nightlife, and other panels are planned.
Witch Craft Festival | 500 Paradise Drive, Hammonton
October 11th-12th
If you are looking for a truly spooky experience this coming Halloween, the Witch Craft Festival is what you are looking for. Taking place in the haunted forest in which the infamous Jersey Devil once roamed, the festival will feature scars, spirits, bites, and thrilling entertainment, among other things.
Medford Apple Festival | 275 Church Road, Medford
October 12th | 9AM-4PM
Taste all things apple while browsing over 120 local arts + craft vendors at the Medford Apple Festival. From apple cider to apple ice cream, apple baked goods, and, of course, apple cider doughnuts, this event sums up fall in a nutshell. Live music will accompany the event with pets being welcomed as well.
Maplewood Art Walk + Music Fest | Maplewood
October 13th | 11AM-5PM
Every fall, Maplewood Village hosts its Art Walk + Music Fest. This family-friendly event winds its way through Maplewood Village, allowing guests to stroll the streets to see the various arts, ceramics, jewelry, and more available for purchase. Three stages of live music make up the rest of the festival, as well as children’s activities and local restaurants.
Jersey City Oddities Market | 435 Newark Avenue
The Jersey City Oddities Market will transform the historic Harsimus Cemetery into a market with the strange, eerie, + peculiar. The event will feature unique vendors, atmospheric entertainment, + food and beverages.
Cape May Fall Festival | 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May
October 17th-20th
Cape May will host a three-day-long festival this fall. At this event, festival-goers will experience field trips, trolley trips, indoor programs, and even boat trips. Also, this Cape May-based festival will be hosting once again the live program, Animal Adventures with Nature Nick. In this segment, Nick has live birds and other animals for people to take a look at.
Montclair Film Festival | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
October 18th-27th
The 13th annual Montclair Film Festival welcomes film lovers and professionals from across the region and country. At this festival, independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, and work by upcoming artists are expected to be shown. Also, the festival will expand its local roots and invite filmmakers from around the world to give them a platform to discuss their work.
Sussex County Harvest, Honey, + Garlic Festival | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
October 19th | 10AM-4PM
This annual festival in Augusta returns to celebrate agritourism, ecotourism, and arts + heritage tourism. A farmer’s market will be available to purchase locally sourced produce like fruit, vegetables, cheese, wine, and more. Kids can join in on the fall-themed activities planned, such as a hayrides, pumpkin painting, face painting, and crafts.
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival | Chatsworth
October 19th-20th | 9AM-4PM
The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival is not just about cranberries. This year, the event will feature 150 artisan + craft vendors, 15 food vendors, + live music. On Sunday, a car show will also be held at the Chatsworth Elementary School for all to enjoy.
Hamilton Oktoberfest | Veterans Park, Hamilton
October 20th | 11AM-5PM
Hamilton Township’s family-friendly Oktoberfest will feature not only great food + craft beers but also a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze, and local artisan vendors on display.
Batsto Country Living Fair | 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton
October 20th | 10AM-4PM
The historic site of Batsto Village will be hosting the Batsto Country Living Fair, which will feature dozens of local artisans and crafts vendors that can be browsed at your leisure.
Garfield’s Fall Family Fun Street Fair | 500 Midland Avenue, Garfield
October 27th | 10AM-5PM
The Garfield Fall Family Street Fest event will be held at Midland Avenue between Krakow + Elizabeth Streets in Garfield. It will be a great street festival for all families. There will be live entertainment, kiddie rides + games, festival foods, and food trucks, among other things.
HDSID Halloween Family Bash | Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall + Plaza, Jersey City
October 31st | 3PM-8PM
The HDSID Halloween Family Bash will be a ghoulishly good time in historic downtown Jersey City — complete with games, a corn maze, face-painting, pumpkins, a bouncy house, candy, and a new Terror Tavern for adults, among other things.
See More: 100+ Activities for Your Fall 2024 Bucket List in Hoboken + Jersey City
Darkside New Jersey Film Festival | 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison
November 16th
The Darkside New Jersey Film Festival is not looking to showcase your traditional films. Its goal is to mind the strangest, weirdest, darkest, and most experimental films there are to showcase, opening viewers up to a new way film can be used as an expressive medium.
Mountain Creek Ullr Fest | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township
November 16th
Stemming from a Viking tradition, the Ullr Fest is a celebration of Ullr, the Norse God of Snow. With winter just around the corner, a large bonfire will be lit in hopes of bringing a snow-filled winter with great skiing to be had at Mountain Creek.
