As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, New Jersey transforms into a fall wonderland with festivals celebrating everything from pumpkins to Oktoberfest. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these fall festivals offer something for everyone—from food and music to seasonal fun for the whole family. Plan your autumn weekends with this comprehensive guide to the best fall festivals in New Jersey, listed in order of start date.

1. Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm (Sept 14th - Nov 3rd)

Location: Vernon, NJ

Kick off your fall festivities with one of the largest pumpkin festivals in New Jersey. The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm offers a wide array of activities, including hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and more. It's the perfect family outing to embrace the fall spirit.

2. Haddon Twp. Fall Festival (Sept 14th)

Location: Haddon Township, NJ

Celebrate the start of fall with the Haddon Township Fall Festival. Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, and plenty of activities for kids. This one-day event is a great way to enjoy a slice of small-town charm.

3. Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Fest (Sept 13th - Oct 14th)

Location: Cream Ridge, NJ

Visit Holland Ridge Farms for a stunning display of fall flowers. The Fall Flower Fest features fields of vibrant blooms, including sunflowers and chrysanthemums. It's an Instagram-worthy spot that also offers hayrides, u-pick flowers, and other seasonal activities.

4. Fall Family Fest (Sept 14th-15th)

Location: Sea Isle City, NJ

Head down to the Jersey Shore for Sea Isle City's Fall Family Fest. This event offers a weekend full of activities, including a massive vendor market, live music, a food court, and a variety of children’s activities. It's a perfect weekend escape for the whole family.

5. Irish Fall Fest (Sept 19th-22nd)

Location: Wildwood, NJ

Experience a taste of Ireland in Wildwood during the Irish Fall Fest, one of the largest Irish festivals on the East Coast. Enjoy Irish music, dancing, food, and more. The festival also features a parade and a Sunday morning Mass, making it a culturally rich experience.

6. Medford Oktoberfest (Sept 20th-21st)

Location: Medford, NJ

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Medford with a weekend of German food, beer, and live music. The Medford Oktoberfest is a lively event featuring traditional German bands, local craft brews, and plenty of bratwurst and pretzels to go around.

7. Red Bank Oktoberfest (Sept 21st)

Location: Red Bank, NJ

Red Bank's Oktoberfest brings Bavarian culture to the heart of New Jersey. Enjoy live music, a beer garden, and authentic German cuisine in a fun and festive atmosphere. This one-day event is perfect for beer lovers and families alike.

8. Hopewell Harvest Fair (Sept 21st)

Location: Hopewell, NJ

The Hopewell Harvest Fair is a community celebration filled with local vendors, delicious food, and entertainment. With activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, and craft stalls, it's a wonderful way to spend a fall day in a picturesque setting.

9. Allaire Fall Harvest Festival (Sept 21st-22nd)

Location: Farmingdale, NJ

Step back in time at the Allaire Fall Harvest Festival, held in the historic Allaire Village. This festival offers a unique experience with 19th-century demonstrations, craft shops, and live music. It's a perfect blend of history and fall fun.

10. Mountain Creek Oktoberfest (Sept 21st-22nd)

Location: Vernon, NJ

Head to Mountain Creek Resort for their annual Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy traditional German food, craft beers, and scenic mountain views. The festival also includes games, rides, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect family outing.

11. Edison Fall Family Spectacular (Sept 23rd)

Location: Edison, NJ

Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular is a one-day event that brings the community together with live entertainment, food vendors, and a children’s area filled with activities. It's a perfect event for families looking for a day of fall fun.

12. Evesham Harvest Fest (Sept 28th)

Location: Marlton, NJ

The Evesham Harvest Fest is a vibrant fall festival featuring over 90 craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and family activities. Held in the charming town of Marlton, this festival is a great way to celebrate the arrival of autumn.

13. Chester Lions Club Oktoberfest (Sept 28th-29th)

Location: Chester, NJ

Chester’s Oktoberfest, hosted by the Chester Lions Club, is a two-day event offering traditional German food, beer, and live music. The festival also features family-friendly activities, including hayrides and games, set in the scenic surroundings of Chester.

14. Harvest Home Festival (Sept 29th)

Location: Holmdel, NJ

Celebrate New Jersey’s agricultural heritage at the Harvest Home Festival in Holmdel. This event at Historic Longstreet Farm offers a glimpse into 19th-century farming life, complete with harvest competitions, wagon rides, and old-fashioned games.

15. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure (Sept 30th - Oct 29th)

Location: Jackson, NJ

For those who love a good scare, Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure is a must-visit. The park transforms into a Halloween wonderland with haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky shows. It’s a thrilling way to embrace the Halloween spirit.

16. Cranberry Fest (Oct 5th-6th)

Location: Bordentown, NJ

Bordentown’s Cranberry Fest is one of the largest juried craft shows in the region, featuring over 150 artists and crafters. The festival also includes live music, food vendors, and, of course, plenty of cranberry-themed treats.

17. Oktoberfest at Historic Smithville (Oct 5th-6th)

Location: Smithville, NJ

Smithville’s Oktoberfest is a weekend celebration that includes over 100 vendors, live music, and plenty of German food and beer. The festival takes place in the charming Historic Smithville Village, adding to the festive atmosphere.

18. South Jersey Pumpkin Show (Oct 11th-13th)

Location: Woodstown, NJ

The South Jersey Pumpkin Show is a two-day event that celebrates everything pumpkin. Enjoy pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, a haunted house, and the famous “Pumpkin Pyramid.” It’s a perfect family outing for a fall weekend.

19. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival (Oct 19th-20th)

Location: Chatsworth, NJ

Known as the “Cranberry Capital of New Jersey,” Chatsworth hosts its annual Cranberry Festival to celebrate the local harvest. The event features over 150 vendors, live music, and, of course, plenty of cranberries in every form—from baked goods to jams.

20. Lambertville-New Hope Halloween Parade (Oct 27th)

Location: Lambertville, NJ

Join the spooky fun at the Lambertville-New Hope Halloween Parade, a beloved event that brings out creative costumes and community spirit. The parade is followed by a street fair with food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

21. Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience (Sept 22nd - Nov 5th)

Location: Augusta, NJ

End your fall festival tour with a visit to the Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience. This family-friendly event features over 5,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, arranged in stunning displays throughout the stadium grounds. It’s a magical way to wrap up the fall season.