Top Harvest Festivals, Street Fairs, and Events to Enjoy in New Jersey This October 2024
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, New Jersey transforms into a haven of autumn festivities. From charming harvest festivals to bustling street fairs, October is packed with exciting events that celebrate the season. Here’s your guide to the must-visit harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, and cultural events happening across the Garden State this October.
Harvest Festivals and Fall Celebrations:
Date: October 19-20
Location: Downtown Chatsworth, NJ
Description: This iconic festival is a celebration of the cranberry harvest and one of New Jersey's most popular fall events. Stroll through the town and enjoy a wide array of handmade crafts, cranberry-themed goods, food vendors, and live music. Set in the heart of cranberry country, this festival offers a unique cultural experience that you won't find anywhere else.
Why Go: As one of the largest and oldest festivals in New Jersey, it’s perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture and the cranberry harvest season.
Admission: Free; pay-as-you-go for food and crafts.
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM both days.
Date: October 11-13
Location: Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Hwy, Woodstown, NJ
Description: Celebrate all things pumpkin at this family-friendly festival. Enjoy pumpkin displays, hayrides, craft shows, live entertainment, and a trick-or-treat trail for kids. There's a giant pumpkin pyramid and vendors selling delicious seasonal treats like pumpkin pie and apple cider.
Why Go: It's a fantastic event that offers shopping, activities, and food, providing fun for the whole family.
Admission: $20 Per car load.
Hours: Friday 5 PM – 9 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM.
Date: Every Weekend in October
Location: 133 Church Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
Description: Experience fall on the farm with hayrides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, live music, and a farmers market filled with seasonal produce. The farm also features an animal farm, playgrounds, and a farm store stocked with fresh produce and fall goodies.
Why Go: It's an ideal family-friendly spot to enjoy classic fall activities in a scenic farm setting.
Admission: Varies by activity. Farm admission starts at $10 and combo packages are available for pumpkin picking and corn maze.
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM on weekends.
Date: Every Weekend in October
Location: 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
Description: Terhune Orchards brings the harvest season to life with over 30 activities like apple picking, pony rides, live music, and fresh apple cider. Don’t miss the farm's freshly baked pies, donuts, and farm animals. For adults, the winery offers tastings of their farm-grown wines.
Why Go: Perfect for families seeking an authentic farm experience, complete with food, animals, and seasonal beverages.
Admission: $18 per person in advanced (children under 3 are free). Includes access to most farm activities.
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM.
Date: Every Weekend in October
Location: 1111 Mt Kemble Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Description: Embrace the fall season at Wightman Farms with activities like a corn maze, hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and more. The farm store offers fresh produce, baked goods, and fall decorations to take home.
Why Go: With a variety of family-friendly activities in a beautiful farm setting, it’s a great destination for a full day of fall fun.
Admission: $25 per person (under 3 are free).
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM on weekends.
Date: Throughout October
Location: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930
Description: Alstede Farms offers apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, corn mazes, farm animals, and a farmer’s market with fresh produce. Enjoy food trucks, freshly made cider, and baked goods as you explore the extensive orchards and farm. Experience the farm at night with Harvest Moon Nights.
Why Go: A must-visit destination for those looking for a welcoming farm atmosphere with plenty of fall-themed activities.
Admission: Ranges depending on day and activities.
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM daily.
Date: Throughout October 14th
Location: 86 Rues Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Description: Holland Ridge Farms is home to one of the largest U-pick flower festivals in the state. During October, the farm opens its fields for visitors to wander through acres of vibrant sunflowers. There are plenty of photo opportunities, as well as food trucks, a bakery with Dutch delicacies, and hayrides. Aside from sunflowers, you can find a variety of fall-themed activities and freshly picked seasonal produce.
Why Go: Holland Ridge Farms offers the perfect fall flower experience, with endless rows of sunflowers creating a picturesque landscape. It’s a great outing for families, friends, and photographers alike.
Admission: $15 per person weekdays- $17 Weekends. (ages 3 and up), free for children under 2. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM daily.
Oktoberfests and Fall Food Celebrations:
Date: October 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Location: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Description: This festival brings a German twist to the Wildwood boardwalk, featuring seasonal beers, bratwurst, schnitzel, and authentic Oktoberfest decor. Kids can enjoy rides, pumpkin decorating, and other family-friendly activities.
Why Go: It combines traditional Oktoberfest vibes with seaside fun, making it a unique fall experience.
Admission: Free; pay-as-you-go for food, drinks, and rides.
Hours: Friday 5 PM – 11 PM, Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM, Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM.
Date: October 11-13
Location: 20 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Description: Sinner’s Steakhouse hosts a weekend of Oktoberfest celebrations on their scenic patio. Enjoy live music, giveaways, contests, and German-inspired food and drink specials, perfect for the whole family.
Why Go: A laid-back Oktoberfest experience with delicious food, entertainment, and ocean views.
Admission: Free; pay-as-you-go for food and drinks.
Hours: 6 PM – 10 PM daily.
Date: October 7-8
Location: 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205
Description: Each year, Historic Smithville celebrates Oktoberfest with an event that transforms the charming village into a bustling festival. With over 100 unique vendors offering crafts, artwork, and seasonal goods, this event is a fall favorite. Enjoy traditional German food, beer, and live music as you explore the cobblestone paths of Smithville. The event also features a variety of activities for kids, making it a perfect family outing. Stroll through the village's shops, check out the train and paddle boats, or simply enjoy the fall atmosphere.
Why Go: Historic Smithville's Oktoberfest is more than just a food and drink celebration—it’s a blend of history, culture, and autumn fun. The village itself, with its old-world charm, provides a unique and festive backdrop for this annual event.
Admission: Free admission and free parking; pay-as-you-go for food, drinks, and shopping.
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM both days.
Street Fairs and Cultural Events:
Date: October 5-6
Location: Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ
Description: This annual festival is one of the state's oldest and largest street fairs, featuring over 100 artisans selling handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, and more. Local food vendors offer delicious eats, while live music fills the streets of downtown Bordentown.
Why Go: The Bordentown Cranberry Festival is a true celebration of fall, with plenty of shopping, food, and entertainment in a charming small-town setting.
Admission: Free.
Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM.
Date: October 13
Location: Maplewood Village, NJ
Description: Stroll through the streets of Maplewood Village, explore art exhibits, enjoy live music, and savor food from local vendors. This arts and crafts fair is perfect for discovering unique handmade items.
Why Go: It offers a cultural celebration in a charming small-town setting, ideal for art lovers and families.
Admission: Free.
Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM.
Date: October 5
Location: Asbury Park Boardwalk, NJ
Description: Join thousands of zombies for a fun-filled day on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. The event includes live music, a costume contest, and plenty of photo ops.
Why Go: One of the largest zombie walks in the world, offering a spooky and entertaining experience.
Admission: Free.
Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM.
Farm Festivals and Outdoor Events:
Date: Select Nights in October
Location: 120 S Branch Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Description: Scare Farm features multiple haunted attractions, including a haunted hayride, corn maze, and haunted house. During the day, enjoy pumpkin picking and hayrides for family-friendly fun.
Why Go: A versatile event that caters to both families during the day and thrill-seekers at night.
Admission: $50 for a 4-attraction pass.
Hours: 6:30 PM – 10 PM.
Date: Weekends in October
Location: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Description: Join us for this Spooky Event at Allaire Village! See the Village at night where everything that goes bump in the night comes out to play. Enjoy the village grounds and historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries...visit with our ghosts, ghouls, and monsters. Glow-in-the-Dark Bubble Shows Fire Juggler & Sword Swallower, Scary Displays & Scenes, A Fortune Teller, Scary Storytelling at the Chapel, Live Blacksmith Shop demos, a special dinner scene at Mr. Allaire's House; Live ghosts and goblins, the Carriage House with legendary spirits; the towering four-story shadows of the General Store stocked with seasonal goods; and don't forget treats at the Bakery!
Why Go: Ideal for families looking for a spooky autumn adventure in a historical setting.
Admission: Train rides $15 - $20 per person.
Hours: 6 PM – 9 PM on weekends.
Don’t Miss Out on These Iconic Fall Events!
New Jersey offers a diverse lineup of fall festivals and events that capture the magic of the season. Whether you're looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a pint at an Oktoberfest, or stroll through a vibrant street fair, there's an event for everyone this October. Mark your calendars and make the most of autumn in the Garden State!
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