Fall in New Jersey is the best! We’ve rounded up seasonal festivals, Halloween happenings, shows and lots more things to do this weekend.
WEEKEND
Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Thursday – Sunday
This old-time festival features outrageously carved giant pumpkins, live music, fire pits, storytelling, games and pumpkin painting.
Newark Arts Festival
Newark Museum of Art and other locations in Newark
Thursday – Sunday
Radical Reimagining is the theme of this year’s festival, with each day highlighting a different goal focused on manifesting radical ideas into reality.
Greek Agora Festival
Thursday – Sunday
St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, Cherry Hill
The largest wine and food festival in the Delaware Valley includes music, dance, song and Greek traditions.
Fall Flower Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Thursday – Monday
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. These are the final dates of the season.
LBI Fly
19th to 24th Avenue beaches, Long Beach Island
The kite festival will line the shoreline with large inflatables and kite shows.
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
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. This is the final weekend of Oktoberfest.
Sinner’s Steakhouse Oktoberfest
Sinner’s Steakhouse, Point Pleasant Beach
Friday – Sunday
Located across the street from the Manasquan Inlet, the restaurant has several giveaways over the course of the weekend, with musical acts as well as German food, beer and cocktails on the tented patio. On Sunday, the Manasquan Inlet Tug of War takes place across the street.
Columbus Day Festival & Parade
Seaside Heights
Friday – Sunday
An Italian festival runs all weekend, including a parade on Sunday that includes clowns, antique cars, bands, floats and contests.
Victorian Weekend
Cape May
Friday – Monday
Celebrate the city’s famous Victorian architecture and history with a holiday weekend of house tours, walking tours, a crafts and collectibles show, murder mystery dinner, a show especially for hat lovers, trolley tours and more.
Somerset County Journey Through the Past
Throughout Somerset County
Saturday – Sunday
Visit 31 historic sites throughout the county, which are all open and free to the public. Join a tour of a historic house, participate in family-friendly activities, listen to live music, see blacksmithing demonstrations, sample historic teas and candies, etc.
Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Saturday – Sunday
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.
OctoberFeast
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Saturday – Sunday
The autumn festival features live music, activities, an outdoor beer garden, and Oktoberfest-inspired food, and your chance to view Scarecrows in the Village. The festival will feature special entertainment by Philadelphia-based German bands including Polkadelphia and the Philadelphia German Brass Band, as well as performances by Give & Take Jugglers and Galena Brass Band. The festival will offer outdoor food and drinks at five restaurant tents and food trucks, pay-as-you-go activities, including ax-throwing, moonbounces, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo, as well as free activities, including hay piles, lawn games, and mural painting.
Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
Heritage Park, Manahawkin
Saturday – Sunday
Nine wineries, four food trucks, two bands and dozens of crafters make up this outdoor fest, which is open to wine tasters and families.
Funtober
The Funplex, East Hanover and Mount Laurel
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Irish Festival
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
There will be a variety of Irish festival music on both the main stage and the gazebo on both days. Plus, there will be games and food.
FRIDAY
Kids Night Out
Marcade Family Fun Center, Dover
Drop off your kids for a night of gaming, pizza and movies.
SATURDAY
Linwood Fields Fall Festival
Linwood Fields at Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
There will be food trucks and a craft fair, plus hayrides, a bounce house, a kid’s corn maze, lawn games, kids’ toys, corn hole, u-pick flowers, and wine from Balic Winery.
Tulpehaking Nature Center 10th Anniversary
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
Families with kids, and residents who are interested in nature and environmental education will want to celebrate 10 years of service at the nature center. The party will include activities, live animal presentations, guided nature walks, cake and ice cream.
Diwali Celebration
Bell Works, Holmdel
HIA will hold a celebration for the Festival of Lights.
Party in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Zumbathon
Bell Works, Holmdel
Join 2-time cancer survivor, Sandy of Fitness Factory, for the 14th annual dance party on The Turf.
Fall Taste of Highlands
Huddy Park, Highlands
Spend 5 hours sampling food and drinks from 18 restaurants and retailers.
Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Trekking Mexico
Union County Performing Arts Center Main State, Rahway
You’ll feel like you are on a journey through Mexico during this multimedia, colorful, educational show. You’ll learn about geographic regions through folkloric music and dance, including the drums of Tenochtitlan and the strings of Jaranas of Veracruz.
Basket & Broom Making
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Take a close-up look at the craftsmanship that goes into making a basket and a broom when the artisans preserving these trades visit the farm for a day of demos. Kids can help the pros, or they can make their own paper basket to take home.
Garba Dandiya Night
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Dance the night away to celebrate the holiday of Navratri.
Trunk-or-Treat
Apple Montessori in Warren and Mount Laurel
Apple Montessori teamed up with the Moms Helping Moms Foundation to offer this event. Kids will trunk-or-treat around the parking lot. Parents are encouraged to donate baby/child items (diapers, formula, wipes, food, etc.) to help local moms in need.
Oktoberfest
Forest Lodge, Warren
The day includes German music from a band and DJ, German food and American BBQ, German craft beer and domestic wine, entertainment, rides and two dozen local vendors.
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
282 Lyons Ave., Newark
Breast cancer survivors will share their stories as you munch on food and drinks.
Diwali in Norwood
Kennedy Field, Norwood
Curated by Kanika, the kid-focused and family-friendly event will celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights.
Oktoberfest
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be lots of Hungarian and German foods and desserts and vendors.
SUNDAY
Walk n’ Roll for Children’s Specialized Hospital
Colonial Park, Piscataway
Walk n’ Roll supports life-changing care for kids living with complex medical conditions and special healthcare needs–from chronic illnesses, complex disabilities, and brain and spinal cord injuries to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns.
Kids Art Carnival
Westerhoff School of Music & Art, Metuchen
Your child will explore activities like puppet making, origami creations and more led by expert teachers.
Hub City Sounds: Corazon Latino Festival
Joyce Kilmer Park, New Brunswick
Mercado Esperanza wraps up its 2024 events with a family-friendly community festival celebrating the food, arts and culture of New Brunswick and its Latino community.
Califon Street Fair
Main Street, Califon
The historic downtown area will be transformed into a scene of fall fun, shopping, food and entertainment. Stroll along Main Street and check out the artisans and crafters, a variety of food trucks and vendors, a beer garden, pie-eating contest and live music.
Oktoberfest
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
The fall celebration includes local and traditional German foods, craft brews, a steinholding competition, traditional German music, performances by Who Brought The Dog and Nuggets of New Brunswick, music by DJ Brian Bratwurst, pumpkin decorating, face painting and caricatures.
Fall Fest at Birchwood Lake
Birchwood Lake, Mountain Lakes
During prime fall foliage time, enjoy fall-themed games, crafts, face painting, a nature scavenger hunt along the scenic lake.
Cranford Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Cranford
There will be a day of family fun, with arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Berlin Craft & Vendor Show
Berlin Borough Community Center, Berlin
Shop for crafts – including No. 95 Candles, created by Melyssa Murray, and meet James “Murr” Murray of “Impractical Jokers” TV fame.
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
While you watch Disney’s “Encanto” on screen, Banda de la Casita will play the soundtrack’s Colombian rhythms live. You’re encouraged to dress as your favorite character from the film.
Manasquan Inlet Tug of War
Point Pleasant Beach
The annual tradition has teams competing on both sides of the street, presented by Jersey Mike’s and 95.9 WRAT. Teams can be 6, 12 or even 24 members.
The Vampire Circus
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
Consider this a mix of cabaret and theater, the fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil. International performers showcase theater, dance and gymnastics talents, taking you on an immersive ride through the Underworld and vampires.
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.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
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 a hungry T-Rex is 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.
Haunted House & Hayride
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.
AddamsFest
Westfield
Throughout October
Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, was a Westfield resident, so every year the town goes all out to celebrate Halloween with events like a heritage trail tour, Ouija fun, Family Fun Day, tours of the Addams house, a full moon gathering and a house decorating contest.
“Halloween Capital of the World”
Cranford
Throughout October
A Cameo video by actor David Arquette is getting a lot of attention, because he calls Cranford the Halloween Capital of the World. Events this month include Monster Mash, a candy stroll, Ghostbusters day, horror movies, Witches Night Out, movie trivia and a pet parade.
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.
Haunted Theater
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
October 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Known as one of the scariest and most immersive Halloween attractions in Monmouth County, this year’s title and theme, Haunted Theater 2024: Out of Time!, takes you on a horrifying journey through time travel. You’ll experience intricate mazes, pitch-black zones and haunting special effects as you go through the haunted houses. If you’re young or faint of heart, try the special Scaredy Cat tours that don’t have all the scares. There’s also a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” night on October 18, with a drag pre-show and prop sales.
Circus Vazquez
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
October 11-28
If your kids love Cirque de Soleil, get ready for the next high-energy, all-human, international circus coming to NJ. After the show you can meet some of the circus stars, which include clowns, acrobats, the Bone Breakers, daredevils, Olympians, gymnasts and jugglers.
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park: James and the Giant Peach
Stephen J. Capestro Theater, Roosevelt Park, Edison
October 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.
Seth’s Big Fat Broadway LIVE! Concert Series
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
October 12, November 9, December 7
SiriusXM Radio host Seth Rudetsky will host an up-close-and-personal concert series that will be a mix of the greatest hits from a star’s Broadway career, plus behind-the-scenes stories. Adam Pascal, a member of the original company of Rent, is Rudetsky’s guest on October 12. J. Harrison Ghee, who won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Some Like It Hot, will appear on November 9. Krysta Rodriguez from Broadway’s The Addams Family and TV’s Smash, will perform on December 7.
Earth Science Week & National Fossil Day Events
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
October 13 and 19
Drop in to the STEAM Center to try the new augmented reality sandbox and explore rocks and minerals at the gallery cart stationed in the “Written in the Rocks” exhibition. National Fossil Day is October 16, so drop by again to play a Bone Wars game in the STEAM Center and explore the fossil show & tell.
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.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 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.
Freehold Borough Spooktacular
Downtown Freehold
Through October 27
Halloween events throughout the month include 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.
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 Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
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 park includes 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.
Jacks & Lights
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.
Fall Fun Weekends
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, through 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.
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 buy pumpkin-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 Sunflower & Fall 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.
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.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31, 2025
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.
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