The Best Upcoming Fall Events in New Jersey

Leaves changing color and crisp breezes mean fall events in New Jersey are on the horizon. From harvest festivals to corn mazes, the options are endless for family-friendly activities. You can enjoy delicious local fare and unique community gatherings to embrace the season’s spirit. Here is what you need to know about autumn in the Garden State. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The Best Fall Events in New Jersey

Exciting events are happening across the state, so mark your calendars for must-see events. Here are 11 festivities from the Appalachian Valley to the Jersey Shore.

1. Ocean City Half Marathon

Ocean City kicks off fall with a half-marathon, 10-mile and 5K run on September 21. These races take you across the famous boardwalk, downtown Ocean City and along the Atlantic. Each course is fast and flat, giving runners a fun time through the towns. The half-marathon and 10-mile races start at 8:30 a.m., whereas the 5K begins at 8:40 a.m. 

These races are exciting, and the proceeds benefit Ocean City scholarships and other programs. You must register before September 22 to run the half-marathon or 10-mile race. However, the 5K run and walk permits same-day registration. Competitive runners may enjoy the event because the half-marathon’s overall top three win cash prizes.

2. WXPN XPoNential Music Festival

WXPN offers another terrific way to start the fall. The XPoNential Music Festival in Camden runs September 19-21, bringing exciting artists to Wiggins Park. From Courtney Barnett to Greensky Bluegrass, the family can celebrate live music at New Jersey fall festivals. Artists perform all three days, providing more opportunities to embrace the atmosphere. 

Wiggins Park is conveniently located on the Delaware River, providing waterfront views across from the City of Brotherly Love. The XPoNential Music Festival offers daily and three-day passes, depending on your preferences. WXPN members, college students and children get a discount, making the event terrific for back-to-school festivities. 

3. Howell Living History Farm Fall Foliage Hayrides

Howell Living History Farm hosts hayrides in October, one of the best fall events in New Jersey. On October 25, the famous Hopewell Township property will provide trailer rides towed by beautiful horses. Families can rest on hay bales and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery. Mercer County is excellent for appreciating nature and the autumn transition.  

In addition to hayrides, Howell Living History Farm hosts fun fall activities like the Maple Sugar Maze. You can weave around the corn husks and give your family an exciting autumn afternoon. From September through October, there are plenty of events where you can enjoy the cool air and inviting atmosphere. Corn shucking, basket-making and forging are only some farm experiences. 

4. Heaven Hill Farm Great Pumpkin Festival

Heaven Hill Farm is home to the Great Pumpkin Festival from September 13 through November 2. For nearly two months, you can enjoy 35 attractions, tasty fair food and endless games. Buying tickets includes a scenic hayride through a pumpkin patch, admission to the corn maze and interactions with farm animals. What is better than watching pups at the dog show?

The hands-on activities make the Great Pumpkin Festival worth a family trip. Your kids can ride pedal cars, climb straw pyramids and test their baseball pitching skills.

While games are fun, food is essential when traveling to Heaven Hill Farm. The location is famous for apple cider doughnuts, in-season fruits and locally raised meat at the farm market and bakery. 

5. Six Flags Great Adventure Boo Fest

Six Flags Great Adventure is popular during the summer because kids are out of school. However, you should make time during the fall because of the exciting fall events in New Jersey.

Head to Jackson Township during autumn to celebrate spooky season the right way. Admission to this Six Flags location includes live shows, rides and fun throughout the park. 

Kids Boo Fest is a must-attend event because it includes a fall festival, a trick-or-treat trail and family rides. The festivities last from September 13 through November 2, giving your group plenty of time to attend.

If you want more of the scary Halloween atmosphere, participate in Fright Fest. These activities make Six Flags spooky at night, featuring live shows and haunted mazes. 

6. Ocean City Halloween Howl-O-Ween Parade  

Celebrate Halloween with your furry friends at the Howl-O-Ween Parade on October 25. Dress up yourself and your dog for this fun event hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. 

Even if you don’t have a dog, who doesn’t love seeing pups in costumes? You can watch the procession along the Boardwalk for some wholesome Halloween fun. 

7. Highlands Oktoberfest

Highlands Oktoberfest is among the best New Jersey fall festivals celebrating German culture. The event will occur on September 20 in Veterans Park, though rain could push it back to September 27. Highlands is a short ferry ride from New York City, so you can invite your friends from the Big Apple to join. 

From dancing to live concerts, there is plenty to do at Highlands Oktoberfest. Stop by the food vendors for authentic German cuisine, such as knockwurst and potato pancakes. Foodies can also enjoy beer at Veterans Park, as the event will have light and dark pints. Participate in the costume contests with a show-stopping lederhosen or dirndl to show off your German spirit. 

8. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival 

The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival lets you take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Head to Brown Mills on October 18 and 19 for this unique celebration, celebrated rain or shine.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you can enjoy the festivities at the White Horse Inn. The event will feature a craft show with up to 150 vendors, live music and food merchants. 

While the celebration is popular, people also come to Chatsworth for the car show. Gearheads can enjoy hot rods at the Woodland Township Municipal Building. 

9. Black River Railroad Pumpkin Train Rides

Black River Railroad has been a New Jersey fall events staple for over 50 years. These scenic railroad rides take your family from Flemington to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction for quintessential fall activities. From pumpkin picking to hayrides, there are plenty of family-friendly activities. It is excellent for enjoying the fall spirit and the unique seasonal scenery. 

Train tickets include a round-trip ride from Flemington, entry to the sunflower field and the corn maze. Admission also lets you enter the pumpkin patch, corn boxes and authentic wagon rides. Before you get to the farm, enjoy the 6-mile stretch between Ringoes and New Jersey. Later in the fall, you can enjoy Santa-themed rides on the train. 

10. Stony Hill Farms Corn Maze

Stony Hill Farms in Chester is a famous New Jersey spot because of its 10-acre maze. The giant labyrinth has exciting themes yearly, with dairy farmers as the 2025 concept. Past themes have included endangered animals, honeybees and sea turtles. Organizers encourage guests to learn more about Stony Hill’s dairy farm history through interactive activities. 

Check out the adults-only glow maze on September 26 if you want fun with your older friends. The 10-acre facility has four glow stations, where you can pick up glow items and exchange them for wine and cider. In addition to the puzzle, you can enjoy music, axe-throwing and delicious s’mores. Spots may fill up, so your family will need to reserve tickets. 

11. Morristown Festival on the Green

Morristown has held fall events in northern New Jersey since 1994, and its 2025 edition will be held on September 28. The Morristown Festival on the Green will feature live entertainment from noon to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. Families from the Mid-Atlantic flock to the grounds to see entertainment areas, children’s activities and carnival games. 

Festival on the Green has over 170 vendors showcasing local businesses, community groups and restaurants. Adults who enjoy alcohol can enter the beer tent to taste the best of New Jersey breweries.

Grab a seat for live music from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. to see Joe Bilotti’s Heart of Gold Band. Other music groups include TropyBand Orquesta and Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns. 

12. Allaire Village Fall Harvest Festival

Allaire Village is another must-see living history museum in New Jersey. The location is famous for architecture, reenactments and the Fall Harvest Festival. Starting September 20, the village provides seasonal entertainment, crafters and historical demonstrations. While you are there, enjoy the apple and pumpkin baking contests that weekend.

The event features 50 craft vendors, live animals and all-day music. Kids can enjoy free glitter tattoos, wood carving demonstrations and hands-on games. History lovers should head to the blacksmithing, carpentry and fiber arts exhibitions.

Once the calendar turns to October, check out the Night of Frights and ghost tours. From storytelling to goblins, there are spooky elements across Allaire Village. 

New Jersey Fall Festival Line-Up

Event	Key Features
Ocean City Half Marathon	Half-marathon, 10-mile run, 5K and walk
WXPN XPoNential Music Festival	Live music, waterfront views, reduced admission for children
Howell Living History Farm Fall Foliage Hayrides	Hayrides, maze, basket-making
Heaven Hill Farm Great Pumpkin Festival	35 attractions, pumpkin patch hayride, farm animals
Six Flags Great Adventure Boo Fest	Kid-friendly atmosphere, live shows, trick-or-treat trail
Ocean City Halloween Howl-O-Ween Parade	Dogs (and humans) in Halloween costumes
Highlands Oktoberfest	Authentic German food, light and dark beer, costume contest
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival	Craft show, live music, food vendors
Black River Railroad Pumpkin Train Rides	6-mile train ride, pumpkin patch and wagon rides
Stony Hill Farms Corn Maze	Corn maze, axe-throwing, adults-only night
Morristown Festival on the Green	170 vendors, live music, carnival games
Allaire Village Fall Harvest Festival	Pumpkin and apple pie contests, historical demonstrations, blacksmithing exhibitions

What to Bring to New Jersey Fall Festivals

Train rides, carnivals and half-marathons highlight the Garden State’s autumn activities. While activities are fun, bringing the right gear can make the trip easier. Here is what you need for fall events in New Jersey: 

• Walking shoes: Expect to be on your feet, so bring comfortable tennis shoes. 
• Payment: Bring cash and cards to accommodate vendors with different payment requirements. 
• Tickets: Check the requirements to see whether you need printed or digital tickets. 
• Layers: New Jersey nights can be chilly, so bring layers to warm up. 
• Blankets: If you watch live music at night, you may need a blanket to stay cozy. 
• Tote bag: A small bag would be convenient for packing festival swag and your essentials. 

Finding Fall Events in New Jersey for Your Family

Lively festivals and outdoor adventures are enjoyable with crisp air and vibrant foliage. As the weather changes, communities celebrate with local traditions and fun events. Navigate a corn maze and enjoy live music as you soak in the season. Thanks to these events, you can connect with your family and neighbors as you appreciate autumn’s uniqueness.