Best New Jersey Fall Activities, Festivals, and Events

Your Guide to New Jersey's Top Fall Activities, Festivals, and Events

This is an exciting time of the year to experience the many fall activities, attractions, and festivals.

It's also an ideal time of the year to get out and see the beautiful fall foliage and the many harvest end of the growing season celebrations that occur throughout the State of NJ.

COVID-19 executive orders in effect apply to large outdoor public gatherings such as concerts, festivals, and fireworks, and are limited to 500 persons.

indoor performance venues, including concert venues can reopen. Face masks and social distancing will be required and capacity will be capped at the lesser of either 25% of the venue's capacity, or 150 people.. Indoor nightclubs that have dance floors have to remain closed. Restaurants and bars may resume indoor dining at 25% capacity and with social distancing between tables

With near term cancellations occurring at a rapid rate, and despite trying to remove them as soon as we learn of the cancellations or restrictions, we recommend viewers contact the event sponsors before heading out to a listed event to confirm their status.

Northern NJ Fall Activities

The Corn Maze Train
Trips run from Trips run from now until October 27th, 2020; Trips leave 11am , 12:30 and 2pm . 3:30 trips added in the month of October on Saturdays.
The Delaware River Railroad Excursions
99 Elizabeth St.
Phillipsburg, NJ
877-872-4674
Website
Ride the train to the beautiful century old Snyder farm. At the farm the fun begins! There are two games we can play in the maze. While visiting the farm, feel free to use our beautiful picnic grove and return on any train during the day!
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION ---- They will operate according to CDC best practices available at the time of the trip. They will be selling only 25% of their capacity to increase social distancing. Face masks required

Great Pumpkin Festival
Saturday Sept 12th through Sunday, November 8th, 2020, plus Columbus Day; 9am – 6pm
Heaven Hill Farm
Rt. 94N
Vernon, NJ
973-764-5144
Website
Admission: All Weekends and Columbus Day: $15.99 Plus Taxes and Fees. --- *Wednesday Thursday and Friday (October Only) $12.99 Plus Taxes and Fees
Tickets must be purchased online, in advance, utilizing timeslots.
This year, they have revamped and retooled their Farm to bring you a "Safe, Socially-Distant, Family-Friendly Fall Experience."
Their Pumpkin Land Fall Festival features a variety of country-style family entertainment for all ages. Enjoy Pumpkin Picking, Indian Corn & Gourds, Farm Animals, Boo Barn, an old-fashioned hayride, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, Pig Races, Carnival Rides, Gem Mining, Pony Rides, Face Painting, and Sand Art. Weekend & Holidays

Ralston Cider Mill Museun Tours
September: Sundays during the last 2 weeks & October every Saturday & Sunday; 1pm-5pm
336 Mendham Road West
Mendham, NJ
Website
Admission: General Admission $5, Children 7 & under free
The Ralston Cider Mill will open this fall for small group tours by appointment only on the following days. Tours will be given to one individual/group at a time. Face coverings are required. Admission is $5 per person. Visit our Contact Page to arrange your tour.
This is the only operational cider mill in New Jersey functioning as a privately funded museum and educational experience for students of all ages. Built in 1848 with massive stone walls anda heavy timber structure, visitors can discover the hidden still that allowed this distillery to operate through prohibition.

Apple Cider Making at the Tenafly Nature Center
September, October, and November, 2020; (Check web site for dates)
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Phone: (201) 568-6093
Website/Registration
Experience the taste of fresh, crisp apple cider! Participants will use an apple press to help make cider and learn about the history of apple cultivation and cider making. Tenafly Nature Center will provide the apples, but more apples means more cider! Help us out by bringing three or more apples per person. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held under cover. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. No strollers please

Learn How to Make Apple Cider
Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill
104 State Park Rd.
Chester, NJ 07930
(908) 879-6593
Facebook page
Fall activities on late September & October weekends include PYO Pumpkins, Twisty Corn Maze, & Cider Pressing Demonstrations
The historic cider mill built in 1860, is the centerpiece of a farm of 23 varieties of apples. This is a popular place to see the cider making process in action Please call ahead during our hours of operation for cider pressing demonstration times. The demonstration times do vary slightly each weekend. Dogs Welcome on a leash

Annual Peters Valley Fall Craft Fair -- Reimagined!
October 10-11, 2020, 10:00am-5:00pm
Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Road
Augusta, NJ
Website REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
Due to COVID-19 They have cancelled their physical fair this year.
Join in for a a unique, live, and interactive craft fair! Meet over 80 juried artists in their Virtual Booths and shop their incredible selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and other wearable and home items & gifts from the comfort of your home.

West Milford Autumn Lights Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2020; 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Union Valley Rd
West Milford, NJ
Website
This year the event will be a socially responsible celebration.
The Autumn Lights Festival first started 20 years ago as a celebration to West Milford for getting its first traffic light! In the beginning it was just the town gathering on the lawn of Town Hall.
Today it has grown to a street fair that has over 300 vendors, live music, child activities, games and rides. With about 20,000 'ALFers' that visit throughout the day.

Central NJ Fall Activities

Apple & Fall Festival
Saturday, September 19, 2020; 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Historic Allaire Village
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Farmingdale, NJ
732-919-3500
Website/Tickets
Admission: On-line, Adults: $8 each Children: $4 each (ages 3 -12 years), 2 Years & Under FREE. No PARKING FEES.
The Harvest has been gathered and now it is time for the families of the Howell Iron Works to relax. Please join the villagers in celebrating the harvest and try your hand at apple cider pressing, apple pie baking contest, strolling villagers, historic demonstrations, games and so much more! Come and listen to the the band Kickin' Nash and learn line dancing from Dancemaur! There will also be demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, fiber arts, tinsmithings & weaving throughout the day. Our Historic Buildings, Pilsen Gourmet Food Truck, Bakery, and General Store will be open for you to visit.
COVID-19 Rules and Regulations All patrons, visitors, vendors must wear masks. Please practice Social Distancing and maintain 6' from you and other individuals at ALL times.

Sunflower Festival
September 25th through end of October 2020: 9am to 6pm, 7 days per week
Holland Ridge Farms
86 Rues Road
Cream Ridge, New Jersey 08514
Website
In the fall, the fields come alive again for the Sunflower Festival. Guests can wander through the towering rows of Sunflower and enjoy the warmth and happiness they inspire. While you are at the farm take the time to stroll through our barns, visit the animals and enjoy some of the charm of Holland in the Good 'ole Days museum and Holland Shop. Learn about Holland in the Hollandwood Theatre and get all your questions about flowers, including how they get their color, from their Pollinator. The Pollinator helps to create the rainbow of color in our fields.
State guidelines for COVID-19 will be enforced

Pumpkin Train
Every Saturday and Sunday from October 3, 4 to October 31, 2020
Black River & Western Railroad Flemington Station
80 Stangl Road
Flemington, NJ 08822
Website
This event includes:
Entry to 6 acre corn maze.
Tractor-pulled wagon ride.
Petting zoo (additional charge to feed the animals).
Kids' corn box play area.
Hay bale maze for smaller children.
Music / DJ and games.
Aadditional purchase required for:
Pick-your-own pumpkins, cash only.
Concession stand with seasonal treats.
Local produce and seasonal decor for sale.
Covid-19 restructions are in place

Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Wednesday, October 7 to Sunday , October 11, 2020
Woosley Park
221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road
Hopewell Township, New Jersey
(609) 281-5887
info@hvartscouncil.org
Website/tickets (Purchase tickets in advance or at the gate during hours of operation)
Admission: $25 per vehicle (1-6 occupants) $40 per vehicle (>6 occupants) $100 per bus.
This years event will be a drive-thru Event
This family event will feature 40 colossal pumpkins will be carved and electrified by the area's most talented artists and displayed in a beautifully illuminated drive-thru all from the comfort and safety of your vehicle!
Ffriday & Saturday live bands perform from 7pm – 9pm, Sunday all-day fun and DJ with NJ Sings LLC

Somerset County’s 15th annual Journey through the Past
October 10, 11, 2020; (In Person on: Saturday, October 10th from 10:00am to 5:00pm Sunday, October 11th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm …and virtually throughout October)
20 Grove Street
Somerville, New Jersey
Web Site
Contact: Robert Meyer, Phone: 908-231-7021, Email: rmeyer@co.somerset.nj.us
Event Cost: Free
Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County’s 15th annual Journey through the Past! If it is permissible and safe to do so, several Somerset County historic sites will be open free to the public. The Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission asks that all visitors, and all participating historic sites and their attendant organizations comply with the current State and County health, safety and social distancing protocols during this event.
New this year is a series of virtual experiences that can be accessed online. Please visit www.SCHistoryWeekend.com as you plan your trip and before you travel for the most up to date information and to access virtual material.

Southern NJ Fall Activities

Duffield's Food Truck Apple Festival
Saturday, September 19, 2020; 11 AM – 5 PM
Duffield's Farm
280 Chapel Heights Rd
Sewell, NJ
Facebook page
Food Trucks, Hayrides, Apple Picking,Corn Maze, Hot Apple Cider Donuts... Who's ready for some Fall Fun!!
COVID-19 Restrictions will be enforced

Fall Walking Tours
September 24 through October 18. 2020
Historic Cold Spring
Seashore Road/Rt.626 Gate House
Cape May, NJ
Booking/tickets
$20 per person includes box lunch. (18.00 children 3-12) Members receive a $2 discount
Enjoy beautiful autumn weather as you take a guided walk through a portion of Historic Cold Spring Village and experience the mystique of days gone by. Learn the history of several of the Village buildings and the lifestyles of those who worked and lived in them. Visit the Country Store where you can purchase a unique souvenir of the Village, then enjoy a complementary mini flight tasting (4oz.) at Cold Spring Brewery (beer, sarsaparilla, or water). End your visit with a delightful box lunch from Cold Spring Grange Restaurant which can be eaten on the Brewery grounds or taken off-site

Margate Fall Fun
Saturday, September 26. 2020:
Throughout the city of Margate, focusing on business areas.
Margate, NJ
Website
This annual event has been revised this year to comply with COVOD-19 restructions.
Just because there is no Fall Funfest in Margate does not mean there is not ANY Fall Fun in Margate!
There will be classic Fall Funfest decor throughout the city of Margate, focusing on business areas. Strolling acoustic musicians, characters for kids, entertainers, and virtual contests such as a Pumpkin Photo Contest and Receipts are All the Rage. In person activities include a treasure hunt, The Pet Salon Pics with Pets with professional photos by PhotoGraphics Photography and Congo Falls Margate is open for family fun mini golf!

Sip into Autumn Wine Festival
September 26, 27, 2020; Festival is Rain or Shine
Gloucester County Fairgrounds
275 Bridgeton Pike
Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Website/Tickets
Admission: On-Line Only- $25, includes wine glass
Sample & Sales of a wide variety of NJ wines from seasonal favorites to traditional varietals to boutique offerings
Featured Wineries:
Terra Nonno Winery The Vintner's Wife (featuring their unique Cream Collection) Salem Oak Vineyards (featuring homemade chocolate wine pairings by Sweet Mary's Exceptional Chocolates) Villari Vineyards Wagonhouse Winery
Live Music:
Saturday, September 26th Big House Trio Sunday, September 27th Right Turn at 40
COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced

Glocester County 4H Fall Festival
Saturday, October 3, 2020; 4 - 9pm (rain date: October 4th)
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds
275 Bridgeton Pike
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Website
(856) 224-8040 x3
Cost: $10/car
This family event features some great fall activities including: a slingshot pumpkin chunkin, hayrides, a haunted house, games, activities, and more.

Lima Bean Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2020; 9am-5pm (rain date Oct 11th)
Wilbraham Park
Perry Street
West Cape May, NJ
609-884-9325
Website
The lowly legume takes center stage delighting locals and visitors alike with her vast array of recipes, crafts and products available. Come out and celebrate West Cape May's farming heritage with lima bean soup, tacos, salad, jewelry, T-shirts and more! Enjoy great food, quality vendors, antiques, crafts, entertainment and fun.

Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills Park
October 10th, 2020; 10am - 4:30pm (rain or shine)
905 Wells Mills Rd,
Waretown, NJ
Website
Parking and admission FREE
This annual family event features a fun filled day of music of the pines, cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, & Crafts, Kids Crafts and Games, nature and history programs. Attendees will sit under the big tent and enjoy a fun filled day of county, bluegrass and traditional music presented by the musicians from Albert Music Hall.
Bring your own Chairs --- COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced