The Best Fall Festivals in NJ

The Best Fall Festivals in NJ:

At the height of this fall season, amazing festivals are coming and going. From live music to apple cider doughnuts to animal costume contests, New Jersey is full of extraordinary celebrations to continue that warm fuzzy fall feeling throughout its fun three months. Whether it be a day trip on a date or a small family holiday, here are NJ’s best fall festivals full of activities for all ages.

Starting in September

1. Wightman Farms Fall Festival—Morristown, NJ—September 9th to October 29th

Wightman Farms fills their Saturdays and Sundays with an abundance of activities. With classics like hayrides, mazes, and apple picking, the festival may seem standard, but their famous pumpkin slingshot brings a more playful feature to normal pumpkin picking that everyone can enjoy. Pumpkins are provided for toddlers to seniors. Shoot one pumpkin for $1, or get 20 pumpkins for $25. Although that may seem expensive, it’s not every day you can find somewhere to slingshot a pumpkin. 

2. Happy Day Farm Festival—Manalapan, NJ—September 9th to October 29th

Each day on Happy Day Farm is not like any other. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays offer minion-themed hayrides and pumpkin houses, and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the big festival days. For $27, guests have access to a plethora of events, including pig races, pumpkin bowling, a zoo and a corn tunnel to name just a few. Concessions such as apple fritters and zeppoles are scattered throughout the farm. With over 35 activities to choose from, the price is right and is fun for all. 

3. Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival—Cream Ridge, NJ—September 15th to October 15th

Known as the most unique festival in the state, this powerful flower show is $15 a ticket but free for ages two and under. Attendees can also create their own bouquet for $1 per stem. Providing over 20 food trucks, over 30 photo ops with flowers, a farmers market, live music on weekends and family-friendly opportunities, this festival is both beautiful and entertaining for all ages—rescue animals and pony rides for the kids and bands like The Strictly 60s Band and Vintage Vibe Tribe for adults.

4. Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm—Vernon, NJ—September 16th to November 5th

From 10am to 6pm, Heaven Hill Farm offers spooky and amusing activities for the whole family. Featuring events such as an alien invasion corn maze, Canine Dog Show, a huge pyramid made of straw, a ‘boo barn’ and a new baseball throwing challenge, there is no shortage of entertainment. These types of ventures are included in General Admission, which is $14.99 on Fridays and $21.99 on Saturdays and Sundays. A seasonal pass costs $59.99 when purchased online, $69.99 onsite, and grants unlimited access to the Great Pumpkin Festival with no date restrictions. Other items like the apple cannon, carnival tickets, pony rides and gem mining cost an additional fee once there. There are discounts for large groups and anyone under three years old is free!

5. Fintastic Fall Days—Camden, NJ—September 21-November 5th

Not much of an outdoor person? Looking for something a little less spooky for the little ones? Want to impress a date? Check out Adventure Aquarium during their Fintastic Fall Days event. Along with seeing real aquatic life, see their figures carved out of giant gourds that hang from the ceiling or are placed around the venue. Divers even carve them during tours in order to show the process. Pricing depends on date and age, children two-12 ranging from $18.99-$37.99, adults 13-64 between $27.99-$47.99 and seniors above 65 can start at $25.99 and go up to $45.99.  For the best fall festivals in NJ that are not as spooky, this is one to try.

6. Jack O-Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium—Augusta, NJ—September 22nd to November 5th

The Skylands Stadium in Augusta, NJ offers a 45-minute walk-through of over 6,000 carved pumpkins during their fall festival. The festival features over 30 seasonal craft beers in a beer garden, pumpkin painting, rides, food vendors and live music with free parking. Regular tickets range from $19-24 depending on the date and time, and VIPs pay $39 per ticket for no lines and a choice of one beer, wine or apple cider. Rain or shine, all are welcome.

7. Mountain Creek Resort Fall Fest—Vernon, NJ—September 23rd to October 29th

For a free fall celebration, head to Mountain Creek Resort on a Saturday or Sunday to hear live music, enjoy fall snacks, take a guided hike, or play games. For an additional fee of $14.99, take a sky ride between 9am and 6pm! From 12pm to 6pm, try out the mountain coaster for $19.99. For both activities, buy a package for $29.99. The resort also recommends turning this trip into a weekend getaway for families or couples, taking pride in the Appalachian hotel that sits just a walk away from the festivities.

Overjoyed through October

8. Music Fest Sundays—Princeton, NJ—October 1st to 22nd

Each Sunday hosting a different band, Music Fest Sundays at the Palmer Square in Princeton allows guests to rock out for free on the lawn. With parking nearby for only $6, attendees bring folding chairs or opt to sit on hay bales from 1pm to 4pm.  Swingadelic Does Sinatra performs Oct. 1, The Fabulous Greasband on Oct. 8, Electric Stingray on Oct. 15 and Don’t Call Me Francis on Oct. 22. 

9. Harvest Fest—Ringwood, NJ—October 22nd

Hosted by the New Jersey Botanical Garden (NJBG), Harvest Fest is a free admission festival with only a $5 fee for parking. All proceeds benefit the NJBG. A craft fair and plant sale will take place, with other activities like applesauce making and tours happening throughout the day.

10. Von Thun’s Country Farm Market Fall Festival Plus—Monmouth Junction, NJ—October 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22

With games like giant pumpkin tic-tac-toe and checkers, barnyard mini-golf and pumpkin bowling, Von Thun’s Country Farm Market Fall Festival is the perfect place to have family fun. Stroll through the bee barn or stop at a food vendor while hearing live country music and passing their many performers. A general admission ticket for $21.99 includes the 6+ acre corn maze, unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch, 20+ activities & attractions and access to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. For $30.99, the ticket will include all of that plus a small quarter peck bag for u-pick apples or seven corn cannon shots and three blaster shots. The ultimate pass for $38.99 includes all of those activities in one ticket. 

11. Howl O Ween—Hoboken, NJ—October 28th

The best fall festivals in NJ would not be complete without one for pets. Fur babies are just as important as children to some people, and thankfully NJ has festivals where they can have fun too. This second annual Howl O Ween costume contest and parade is $15 a ticket and allows buyers to enter one dog per registration. After these adorable animals show off their best costumes, they will be judged and awarded prizes accordingly. Local pet businesses will be vending as well! All proceeds go to the Hoboken Community Center. 

12. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival—Chatsworth, NJ—October 21 to October 22

Offering over 150 craft vendors and 15 food vendors, the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival has been a hit for over 35 years. This event with live music and tons of fun happens rain or shine!

13. Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival—Augusta, NJ—October 21

This food-filled festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds features the Sussex County Beekeepers Association and the Garden State Garlic Growers, joined with the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. Products like cheese, wine and of course, garlic, are available for purchase. Local artists will also be in attendance, some there to showcase the beauty that is NJ. If bringing children along, they will have access to activities like pumpkin and face painting. 

14. Historic Smithville—Smithville, NJ—Varied October dates

Smithville, NJ hosts a wide range of events throughout October, including a car show, Oktoberfest celebration, Irish Festival, Costume Pet Parade, Monster Bash and Witch’s Day Out. The October car show is for corvettes only and is hosted on the 22nd. Oktoberfest occurs on the 7th and 8th, and has over 60 shops and 100 vendors. With an International Food Court and a range of kid-friendly activities, this festival has almost everything to have an interesting time. The Irish Festival, which takes place on the 14th and 15th, has live music and dancers, and of course Irish food and vendors. Hosted by Paw Dazzle, a pet boutique and bakery also in Smithville, the Costume Pet Parade receives over 100 registers. Proceeds go towards animal rescue organizations. On the 28th, Smithville hosts their Monster Bash. Live music, pumpkin carving/painting contests and costume contests make this a wonderful experience. Witch’s Day Out welcomes all witches and offers discounts to all those in a witch hat. This year’s, which will be held on the 29th, will have a scavenger hunt, raffles and a parade. 

15. Kearny Halloween Dog PAWrade and Festival—Kearny, NJ—October 28

Not only is this a festival, but a costume contest and parade as well. At the festival, guests can shop from local pet vendors and take plenty of cute photos. The costume contest is an absolute hit, and is followed by the parade. While pests have to be registered for the contest, anyone can participate in the parade. There will also be pets to adopt from local shelters.

No Nightmares in November

16. Bergen Town Center Fall Festival—Bergen County, NJ—November 5

Featuring face painting, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, a bubble show, hennas and a Football Fan Zone, the Bergen Town Center Fall Festival is a fun and cheap way to celebrate fall. Individual tickets are priced at $5, and family tickets, which include two adults and three children, are $18. 

17. Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Craft & Vendor Fair—Jackson, NJ—November 5

For a celebration that is the best art festival in NJ, the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Craft & Vendor Fair is the place to be. From 10am to 3pm, enjoy crafts, food trucks, pumpkin painting, raffles, live music and a DJ. 

18. Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival—Cape May, NJ—November 9-12

While live music is popular at many festivals, Cape May’s Exit Zero Jazz Festival offers a specific experience. Featuring International artists, the music is unique and offers guests the chance to explore new music and artists. Ticket prices vary depending on the day, as well as General Admission vs. VIP. 

19. New Jersey Vegan Food Festival—Secaucus, NJ—November 11-12

This two-day food festival features not only plant-based food from local cooks, but vegan products like fashion as well. From 11am to 5pm, live music will be playing as folks shop around at the many vendors and try delicious vegan food. One-day tickets are $20, and a two-day pass is $30. Kids 13 and under are free! This is the best fall festival in NJ for vegans.

20. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten—Asbury Park, NJ—November 22

Asbury Park’s first-come, first-serve rooftop Biergarten is absolutely amazing. At 9,000 square feet outside and 6,000 square feet inside, there is plenty of room to enjoy live music, drink tons of beer, watch sports, eat and order cocktails. For the best fall festival in NJ for 21 and over, this is the one.

Pick one, pick two or pick several of these amazing festivals, as they are the best throughout NJ to celebrate fall in the most relaxing and fun way.

Check out Concerts in NJ: The List Everyone Needs For 2023 for more events to attend.