Must-See 2025 Columbus Day Weekend Events in New Jersey
NJ columbus day weekend brings plenty of events and celebrations across the state. While many towns and cities now recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day alongside Columbus Day, the second Monday in October still means parades, festivals, and community gatherings.
New Jersey has seen some communities mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For example, Newark and Princeton have made it an official event, either replacing or pairing it with the holiday. While Indigenous Peoples' Day isn't a federal holiday, it’s celebrated at the same time as columbus day.
Columbus Day acknowledges Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. In the mid-1800s, the influx of Catholic immigrants led to the growth of columbus day as an event to promote unity and address discrimination. These celebrations grew, making columbus day parades a familiar sight in many Nj towns.
Below you’ll find a list of can't-miss columbus day weekend events for 2025 across North, Central, and South Jersey. You’ll find parades, food festivals, art fairs, and unique ways to spend a fall day with friends and family.
Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as our sponsors confirm this year's events
2025 North Jersey Columbus Day Weekend Parades and Festivals
Pumpkin Patch Trains
October 5, 11, 12, 2025 | Whippany Railway Museum
Hop on a 45-minute train ride. Each child gets to pick out a pumpkin and a decorating kit. Costumes make the trip even more fun.
Clark Unico's Annual Italian-American Feast
October 9–12, 2025 | Clark Recreation
Try Italian food and enjoy live music, games, vendors, rides, raffles, and more. Every night offers something different.
Jersey City Columbus Day Parade
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | Jersey City
Columbus Day parades are a must, and this one starts at 1 pm from Dickinson High School.
Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | Belleville
Line up begins at noon at Belleville High School. Parade steps off at 1:30 pm and heads along Joralemon Street before ending at John H. Walker Middle School in Nutley.
2025 Central Jersey Columbus Day Weekend Festivals and Parades
Allentown Fall Festival
October 11–12, 2025 | Allentown
Shop for handmade goods, take in live music, and taste food from local vendors.
Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival
October 10–12, 2025 | Seaside Heights
Celebrate with a weekend of Italian food, culture, and music. The big parade happens Sunday at 1 pm along the Boulevard.
Fall Taste of Highlands
October 11, 2025 | Atlantic Highlands
Sample food and cocktails from many local restaurants during this festival.
Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past
October 11–12, 2025 | Multiple locations
Explore up to 30 historic sites around Somerset County. Chat with costumed guides and join fun, hands-on activities.
Long Branch Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | Long Branch
Starts at 1 pm from Middle School. The parade follows Bath Ave, Broadway, and Morris Ave, ending at the Morris Ave School.
Indigenous People's Day Hike & Picnic
Monday, October 13, 2025, 10 am | South Brunswick
Enjoy a three-mile hike at a gentle pace with garden views and a butterfly house, followed by a picnic lunch.
2025 South Jersey Columbus Day Weekend Events and Parades
Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival
October 10–11, 2025 | Long Beach Island (Ship Bottom)
Watch the skies fill with color as professionals show off their kites. See creative kite displays and art.
Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | Waretown
A day of live music, crafts, kids’ games, and nature walks. Enjoy bluegrass and traditional music under the tent, courtesy of Albert Music Hall.
Atlantic City Comedy Festival
October 11–12, 2025 | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Catch top comedians performing two nights of back-to-back shows for some holiday laughs.
Berlin Fall Festival
October 11, 2025 | Berlin Boro County Park
Classic cars, live music, local food, and pumpkin painting for kids are just the start.
Lima Bean Festival
October 11, 2025 | Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
Taste unique lima bean dishes, browse craft vendors, and celebrate local farming.
Ocean City Fall Block Party
October 11, 2025 | Asbury Ave, Ocean City
Shop, eat, and enjoy live music all day on Ocean City’s lively main street.
Atlantic City Comedy Festival
Saturday, Sunday, October 11th, 12th, 2025 | Atlantic City
The Atlantic City Comedy Festival features two days of hilarious entertainment. There are a total of 2 shows, with one show each day. Each show typically features 5, and sometimes more, comedians each day.
Why is Columbus Day No Longer Celebrated in Some Areas?
In recent years, more towns and states have chosen to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of—or alongside—columbus day. Some believe it’s a way to honor indigenous people and their history in America. Yet, Nj columbus day parades and plans continue to be an important tradition for many communities and families every October.
