New Jersey Leisure Guide
September 2026 Monthly Newsletter
September is also the unofficial ending of summer on Labor Day weekend, with the official beginning of fall on September 22nd, 2026. With pleasant temperatures, this is still a popular month for Jersey Shore beaches, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, festivals, and events.
Discover New Jersey Beyond the Turnpike: Top September Events and Activities
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, these top 10 September activities showcase the best of the Garden State before autumn arrives.
Labor Day weekend in New Jersey marks the ultimate summer send-off, packed with vibrant festivals, patriotic parades, and sun-soaked beach adventures.
Discover the best Labor Day weekend happenings—from coastal carnivals to community celebrations—and make your end-of-summer getaway unforgettable.
Beginning in mid-September, as cooler temperatures settle in, the Garden State shifts into full fall mode, bursting with seasonal festivals, family attractions, autumn activities, and crisp-weather things to do.
Every autumn, beginning the third week in September, New Jersey Oktoberfest events fill the state with the energy of German heritage and local flavor. From backyard beer gardens to block parties, each Oktoberfest promises plenty of music, traditional food, and craft brews.
If you’re on the hunt for the best bratwurst, want a kid-friendly spot, or just want to soak up the festive vibe, there’s plenty to discover at Oktoberfest in New Jersey in 2026.
This Months Featured Restaurant
The Windlass Restaurant - Lake Hopatcong
The Windlass is a lively, lakeside restaurant known for its Italian leaning comfort fare, wood fired pizzas, and crowd pleasing cocktails, all served with sweeping views of the water.
With a casual, family friendly vibe, outdoor seating right on the lake, and a menu that runs from shareable starters to hearty pastas and seafood, it's a go-to spot for sunset dinners, weekend gatherings, and relaxed date nights.
If you arrive with the right expectations—casual lakeside energy, solid comfort food, strong drinks, and a busy, social vibe—The Windlass delivers a memorable Lake Hopatcong experience that feels like a mini escape close to home.
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