The start of harvest season means many events focusing on freshly grown food and local drinks from the Garden State. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of other festivals to enjoy in October; from kite celebrations to haunted seaports. Mark those monthly planners, because we’re listing off the best October festivals in New Jersey.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best October Festivals near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
More from Best of NJ
North Jersey
Lenape Day
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township
When: October 12 from noon to 4:00 pm
Price: $5 per person, free for children 2 & under
Details: Celebrate Lenape culture by learning about its traditions and history. Take part in hands-on activities, watch demonstrations and view Lenape artifacts on display. Guided walks along the wooded trails are also offered.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
Where: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morris Township
When: October 12 & 13 from noon to 5:00 pm
Price: $25 admission, $5 for non-drinkers, free for those under 21
Details: Enjoy the picturesque farm setting at Fosterfields as you sample offerings from New Jersey’s best wineries. Over 300 wines will be available, as well as live music, delicious foods and crafts for purchase. Discount tickets are available for pre-purchase online, but day-of tickets are cash only.
More info: Visit the website.
Hoboken Harvest Festival
Where: Pier A Park, 1st Street & Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
When: October 19 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views from the Hoboken waterfront at the city’s annual Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event offers live music, craft activities, hay rides, pumpkin painting and a petting zoo. While you’re there, be sure to also check out the dance, gymnastics and soccer demonstrations from local groups.
More info: Visit the website.
NJBG Harvest Fest
Where: New Jersey Botanical Garden, 2 Morris Road, Ringwood
When: October 19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission; $5 parking fee per car
Details: The Harvest Fest at New Jersey Botanical Garden offers a day full of fun for the whole family. Kids can enjoy pumpkin painting, applesauce making, hayrides and other festive activities. Visitors can also take a free tour of the beautiful garden grounds or stop by the Fall Plant Sale for great deals on autumn plants.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Central Jersey
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Where: Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville
When: October 11 to 14, hours vary
Price: $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-17, free for children under 5
Details: The Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s biggest event of the year is its annual four-day fall festival featuring pumpkins, cider and all things autumnal! Gather ‘round the fire pit for storytelling and s’mores each night. Paint or carve pumpkins, listen to live music and peruse the local art show.
More info: Visit the website.
New Brunswick Oktoberfest
Where: George Street, New Brunswick
When: October 12 from noon to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Take a stroll down George Street in downtown New Brunswick to celebrate fall. This third annual event will have both local and traditional German food, craft beers (and German ones!), live music and vendors.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Weekend Journey Through the Past
Where: Various places in Somerset County
When: October 12 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm & October 13 from noon to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Journey through the past as you tour various Somerset County historic sites, all open to the public, free of charge for the weekend. You will see quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Visit the website for a Weekend Journey guide book, activities brochure and an interactive map.
More info: Visit the website.
Jersey Shore
Ocean Grove Fall Harvest Fest
Where: Auditorium Square Park, Main Avenue & Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove
When: October 5 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Bring the whole family down to Ocean Grove’s Fall Harvest Fest, offering plenty of fall fun! Enjoy live music as you stroll, eat and shop. Sidewalk sales, pumpkin painting and over 200 crafters and artisans will be on-hand.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
LBI FLY International Kite Festival
Where: Beaches and parks throughout Long Beach Island
When: October 11 to 13, hours vary
Price: Free admission
Details: The fifth annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival features kite-making, kite-flying demonstrations, a silent kite auction, crafts for kids and kite races, just to name a few of the events. The festival takes place at various locations throughout Ship Bottom and Brant Beach, so be sure to check the schedule for all the details.
More info: Visit the website.
Haunted Seaport
Where: Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: October 17-20 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Price: $10 admission, free for children under 5
Details: Join in the spooky fun at Tuckerton Seaport, but beware of scary pirates and sea captains roaming the grounds. Visitors can take a hayride through the Haunted Woods or, if they’re brave enough, encounter the Jersey Devil. For the little ones, there are some non-scary activities like crafts, games and pumpkin slime.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Harvest Arts Festival
Where: Washington Street, Toms River
When: October 19 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Live music from local bands set the scene for a lovely Sunday in Toms River. Food, craft vendors, a beer and wine garden, plus tons of kids’ activities like inflatables and free pumpkin decorating will have you and your family getting into the fall spirit.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Thompson Park Day
Where: Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft
When: October 20 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Take the entire family to Thompson Park for this fun festival featuring pie-eating contests, zombies (for a little bit of Halloween fun), cross-country skiing, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, kids’ races, canoeing and more. Register in advance to participate in the Scarecrow Contest or Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Contest.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
South Jersey
Cranberry Fest
Where: Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown City
When: October 5 & 6 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Head to downtown Bordentown for their 30th annual Cranberry Fest. Check out the wares on display from over 150 crafters, plus special offerings from local restaurants. Live music, a children’s zone and the addition of a craft beer garden make this an event you don’t want to miss!
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Fall Float Festival
Where: Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton
When: October 6 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Float down Rancocas Creek and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage as you relax on the water during the Fall Float Festival. Afterwards, spend the day in Smithville Park to enjoy food, activities and entertainment. Kids can play games, take tractor rides, watch a magic show, get their faces painted and check out the Scarecrow Parade. Canoes will launch from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, while land activities will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Preregistering online for the canoe rides is encouraged.
More info: Visit the website.
South Jersey Pumpkin Show
Where: Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown
When: October 12 from 10:00 pm to 8:00 pm & October 13 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission; $5 parking fee per car
Details: Highlights of the 16th annual South Jersey Pumpkin Show include a live Headless Horseman story presentation, the big pumpkin weigh-off and the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Show. Wear your most creative costumes for the Halloween Costume Contest and bring the dogs for the All Breed Fun Dog Show & Contest. You’ll also find rides, food, wine tastings, crafts and more.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Looking for year-round listings of more great activities? Check out our roundup of New Jersey’s Best Fairs & Festivals.
Statewide October Festival Events
Check back for more Best of NJ Events Soon!
