Posted on September 22, 2022 by Hunter Hulbert - Community
This roundup of upcoming fall fairs and festivals covers each corner of the state — and a few in between — for the best celebrations of the season. Photo courtesy of Heaven Hill Farm
If there is a fall weekend that you find yourself with nothing to do, you’re not looking hard enough. New Jersey ushers in the season with gusto; calendars become crowded with statewide festivals celebrating all things autumn as soon as a chill hits the air. We pile on the pumpkin, whether it’s baked into a pie or still out in the field waiting to be picked. The same goes for apples, a harvest in abundance that dangles from local orchard branches and somehow makes doughnuts taste even better.
New Jersey’s stunning fall foliage is a cozy backdrop to street fairs and the festive weekend diversions hosted by resident farms. Home to a large German immigrant population, the Garden State has its share of Oktoberfest celebrations as well, with authentic food and entertainment that shines within a historic village or along a boardwalk.
Hibernation mode tickles our desire to gorge, so it’s no wonder that food trucks are either the main attraction or in abundance at many fall fests. Some are paired with wine, while others are paired with live music — or both.
All of the following festivals welcome children, and some even invite dogs along for the fun as well. This roundup of upcoming fall fairs and festivals covers each corner of the state — and a few in between — for the best celebrations of the season, from now through November.
The headlining activity at the Great Pumpkin Festival in Vernon is, of course, pumpkin picking. Photo courtesy of Heavenly Hill Farm
Great Pumpkin Festival in Vernon (Through Nov. 6)
Heaven Hill Farm returns its annual season-long Pumpkin Festival for 2022, which kicks off the weekend after Labor Day and runs through the first week of November. With mazes and arcade games, you might forget the headlining activity is pumpkin picking, and there are plenty of winners to be had throughout the farm. While some attractions are only available over the weekend, 40-plus activities are on hand for families during its nine-week run, from carnival rides and paintball to pig races and apple cannons. Beyond chowing down on apple cider doughnuts and other tasty delights, kids can mine for gemstones, learn about how bees make honey and create stunning sand art to take home. Admission is ticketed, but children 2 years old and younger are always free. Some attractions are not included in the ticket price (carnival rides are about $5 each). On-site parking is available and free of charge.
Address: 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, N.J. 07462
The Morey’s Piers scene in Wildwood is set for fun-loving festival attendees to enjoy pretzels, bratwurst and other German fare at Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of Morey’s Piers
Morey’s Piers’ Oktoberfest in Wildwood (Through Oct. 10)
The Wildwoods takes an ancient German tradition and adds a little Jersey Shore mythology to it, assigning Oktober the Oktopus as a mascot to its Oktoberfest festival, which runs for four consecutive fall weekends. Claiming that this creature washed up on the shores of the Wildwoods wearing lederhosen, the Morey’s Piers scene is set for fun-loving festival attendees to enjoy pretzels, bratwurst and other German fare; Bier on the Pier, a biergarten with souvenir beer steins; and live oompah entertainment. As a boardwalk mainstay, Wildwood’s Oktoberfest, of course, has rides and activities for kids of all ages.
Address: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, N.J. 08260
Even the shortest attention spans will be piqued by interactive races at Von Thun Farms Fall Festival Weekends. Photo by Jana Murzenski of Jana’s Eye Photography
Fall Festival Weekends at Von Thun Farms (Through Oct. 30)
South Brunswick in Middlesex County is the place to be for down-home family weekends featuring seasonal food, vendors, more than 20 activities and live country music. Passes to Von Thun Farms’ fall festivities vary, but include pastimes such as apple picking, a corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch and something called a “corn cannon.” Even the shortest attention spans will be piqued by rubber duck races, barnyard baseball, mini golf, pumpkin bowling and more. Two weekends in mid-October are considered “Fall Festival PLUS” weekends, with live performances and additional vendors included in the price of admission. Children under 2 are always free. There are two Von Thun Farms locations, so take note of the address.
Address: 505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, N.J. 08852
Pemberton Township and the Whitesbog Preservation Trust are hosting a one-day fall festival at the Whitesbog Historic Farm and Village in Browns Mills that combines Fall Fest and Pinelands Day. Photo by Aleja Estronza
Fall Festival & Pinelands Discovery in Browns Mills (Sept. 24)
Autumn is the time of the cranberry harvest, and New Jersey is the third-largest producer of these berries in the country. This year, Pemberton Township and the Whitesbog Preservation Trust are hosting a one-day fall festival at the Whitesbog Historic Farm and Village in Browns Mills that combines Fall Fest and Pinelands Day. Known as the “Gateway to the Pinelands,” this cranberry-farming village was initiated in 1857 and was once the largest cranberry farm in the state (also the first place ever to successfully cultivate highbush blueberries — initiated by a woman). Today, Whitesbog hosts visitors within the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, and harvest tours of the cranberry bogs might be available for the festival, depending on the timing of the crop. Of course, there will be plenty of craft, food and flea market vendors, alongside booths from nonprofit organizations. Guided hikes, a survival skills workshop, a scarecrow contest and a Jersey Devil presentation differentiate this Piney fest from the rest.
Address: 120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, N.J. 08015
Bound Brook Street Fair and Craft Show (Sept. 24)
The Bound Brook Street Fair is a Saturday dedicated to open-air booths with crafters from around the state, as well as tasty bites, children’s rides and a live DJ. Free admission should draw interested parties from around the Bridgewater area to wander the booths of more than 150 vendors, looking for that perfect new tchotchke. Downtown Bound Brook, from Main Street to Mountain Avenue, will be hopping from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pair some time at the fair with a visit to nearby Duke Farms, and you’ve got an ideal September day in Somerset County.
Address: 7 West Main St., Bound Brook, N.J. 08805
The historic village of Smithville, in Galloway, annually becomes Oktoberfest headquarters with authentic German food, beer and music. Photo courtesy of Historic Smithville
Historic Smithville’s Oktoberfest (Oct. 1-2)
The historic village of Smithville, in Galloway, annually becomes Oktoberfest headquarters with authentic German food, beer and music. In addition to its 60 permanent storefronts, Smithville’s autumnal festival welcomes an additional 100 vendors. A giant bounce house and games on the duck pond will hold kids’ interest. Dogs are welcome; there will even be a booth with information about how to adopt a greyhound. Take the family out on a paddleboat around Lake Meone, and follow it up with some antique arcade games and a carousel ride. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A free shuttle from the Smithville Shopping Center will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville, N.J. 08205
Saturday night fireworks are a standout in the events lineup at the Oktoberfest Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery. Photo courtesy of Laurita Winery
Oktoberfest Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery (Oct. 1-2)
Laurita Winery in New Egypt is a stellar venue that hosts weddings and a busy roster of events, which this year includes a fall food truck festival weekend. Mom and Dad can pair wines with eclectic food truck fare, while face painting, Saturday night fireworks, fire pits and plenty of grass on which to play should accommodate festival-fancying kiddos. Only adults 21 and older pay admission, which is $12 in advance and $14 at the gate. Each ticket comes with a souvenir wine glass. Pets are not welcome, but people are, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and until 9 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
Address: 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, N.J. 08533
Over 15 food trucks, from vendors specializing in waffles to mozzarella and everything in between, will be featured at the Garden State Plaza Food Truck & Music Fest. Photo by Joseph Frazz Photography
Garden State Plaza Food Truck & Music Fest in Paramus (Oct. 2)
The Westfield Garden State Plaza, in Paramus, is the place to be the first Sunday in October for a fall food truck and music festival. Held outdoors, this family- and pet-friendly event will feature 15-plus food trucks, from vendors specializing in waffles to mozzarella and everything in between. Live music will accompany fun activities such as hatchet toss, Grand Prix remote-control cars, boardwalk-style arcade games and face painting. Adults can sip on local craft beer, hard seltzer, wine or sangria. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 13 at the door; children 3 and younger are free. If you book online, adult tickets come to $7.30 (less) while the price of admission for children is $5.20 (more).
Address: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, N.J. 07652
More than 200 craft vendors, makers and artists will be on hand at the Ocean Grove Fall Harvest Festival and Arts & Crafts Show. Photo by Charlotte Pritchard
Ocean Grove Fall Harvest Festival and Arts & Crafts Show (Oct. 8)
Head to Auditorium Square Park in Ocean Grove (Main Avenue to Pilgrim Pathway) the second Saturday in October for a townwide fall festival, held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make a dent in your holiday shopping list, with the appearance of more than 200 craft vendors, makers and artists, as well as sidewalk sales from the cute shops in town. Food booths, live music and pumpkin painting will be featured. Admission is free, and the festival is held rain or shine. Well-behaved pups — and kids — are welcome to wander the stalls with their owners. Parking can be found at the Midtown Community Elementary School, and shuttles will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: Pilgrim Pathway and Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, N.J. 07756
The South Jersey Pumpkin Show returns to the Salem County Fairgrounds for a fall weekend marked by its iconic pumpkin towers. Photo courtesy of South Jersey Pumpkin Show
South Jersey Pumpkin Show in Woodstown (Oct. 8-9)
The South Jersey Pumpkin Show returns to the Salem County Fairgrounds for a fall weekend of pumpkin towers, pumpkin pie by the slice, pumpkin baking contests and a Miss and Mister Pumpkin show. When festivalgoers are a bit tired of the namesake gourd, they can expand their autumn horizons with a hayride, wine tasting, food trucks and booths from more than 125 craftspeople. The event is free, runs rain or shine, and is pet friendly.
Address: 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown, N.J. 08098
Asbury Park invites you to its historic Grand Arcade inside Convention Hall for a celebration of local makers, music, art at its fall bazaar. Photo by Jenny Vickers
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar (Oct. 8-9)
The city by the sea invites you to its historic Grand Arcade inside Convention Hall for a celebration of local makers, music, art — and, of course, autumn. The Asbury Park bazaars are a mainstay throughout the seasons, featuring booths by New Jersey artists and creatives. Shop hanging air plant vessels or sculptures made from melted records to the coolest baby clothes you’ve ever seen. For fall, bring the family to an immersive, fall-themed photo station, let the kids get their faces painted, and then enjoy Oktoberfest food and drink specials from Seahorse and the Asbury Oyster Bar, both located within Convention Hall. The bazaar is free and operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Pets are welcome.
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave. North, Asbury Park, N.J. 07712
Trolley trips are part of the fun that can be found at the Cape May Fall Festival. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Audubon Society
Cape May Fall Festival (Oct. 13-16)
In Cape May, fall is for the birds. The Cape May Fall Festival is hosted by the New Jersey Audubon Society, and its focus is on the region’s diverse avian population. Last year marked 75 years of the festival, making it one of the longest-running birding festivals in the country. Participants gathered at Cape May’s Convention Hall for a long weekend filled with nature-themed vendors, international birding tour companies, artists and kid-friendly environmental experts such as Nature Nick, who puts on live animal shows throughout the day. A selection of field trips, boat and trolley trips, and indoor programming is typically offered. This festival is free and open to everyone.
Address: 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, N.J. 08204
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival (Oct. 15-16)
Every third weekend in October, you can look for the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, held in Burlington County’s Chatsworth and featuring live music, food vendors and a juried craft show with more than 150 merchants. Expect to find great local vendors and culinary delights such as — what else — cranberry ice cream; cranberry jams, jellies and relishes; and cranberry cider.
Address: 3980 Route 563, Chatsworth, N.J. 08019
Sussex County Honey, Harvest and Garlic Festival (Oct. 29)
Honey and garlic might not seem like they go together, but they’ve been celebrated in tandem for the last decade at this festival held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, which aims to celebrate the region’s agricultural offerings and ecotourism. The Garden State Garlic Growers team up with the Sussex County Beekeepers Association to provide educational displays about bees and farms — and, of course, delicious local honey and garlic products. A broader farmers market is held on-site with fresh and local fruits and veggies, or even cheese and wine. In addition to hayrides and pumpkin painting for the kids, there will be artisans and craft vendors for browsing. This event is one day only, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and free for all.
Address: 37 Plains Road, Augusta, N.J. 07822
Brittany Chrusciel is a writer and editor specializing in travel, and a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. When she’s not trotting the globe, she calls Asbury Park home and enjoys seeking out new and quirky experiences around the Garden State.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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