23 Must-Visit Fall Festivals in New Jersey for 2026

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Updated: September 18, 2026

Get ready for crisp air, changing leaves, and the best fall NJ activities across the state. Whether you’re planning fall day trips NJ with the family or looking for something special with friends, New Jersey delivers big on autumn fun like hayrides and pumpkin patches.

The north sees leaves turn by mid-October (think gold, orange, and red in places like the Skylands and Highlands), with color working its way south through early November.

New Jersey's 2026 fall calendar includes family festivals, farm attractions, scenic train rides, harvest markets, live music, and Halloween events.
Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey offer fall activities from September through November.
Free events include the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, Hardyston Fall Family Festival, Morristown Fall Festival, and several harvest festivals.
Ticketed attractions include pumpkin festivals, corn mazes, sunflower farms, hayrides, train rides, and family amusement events.
Event dates, prices, admission rules, and activities vary, so visitors should check the linked organizer website before planning a trip.

All around the state, you’ll find ways to make memories with fall festivals—think kids' activities featuring food trucks, games like cornhole and apple bobbing, and options for every age.

Northern New Jersey Fall 2026: Top Activities, Events & Things to Do

Discover the best Northern New Jersey fall activities, festivals, seasonal events, family attractions, and things to do throughout autumn 2026.

Great Pumpkin Festival

September 12th – November 8th, 2026
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
Transforms the property into a festive fall attraction with pumpkin picking, hayrides, a sprawling corn maze, barnyard animals, live entertainment, and dozens of family activities. Visitors can expect a lively, carnival-style atmosphere with food vendors, photo spots, and rotating weekend themes.
Cost: Weekend & Holiday General Admission $26.98 (children 2 years & younger are free)

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, Sunday, September 19, 20, 2026: 10am-5pm
Over Peck Park, 199 Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park, NJ
A fun-filled family event featuring 4-H and Master Gardener displays and hands-on activities, a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers market, a petting zoo, live music, face painting, food trucks, and more!
Cost: Parking and admission are free

Hardyston Fall Family Festival

Friday, September 25th, 2026: 6pm -Dusk
Wheatsworth Sports & Recreation Complex, Wheatsworth Rd, Hardyston, NJ
This family event features ice cream for purchase, live music by The Kootz band, ice cream for purchase & fireworks. Please be sure to bring lawn chairs/blankets
Cost: Free

Jack O’Lantern Experience

Selected dates from September 25 until November 1, 2026
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
A glowing autumn walk-through filled with thousands of hand carved pumpkins, whimsical displays, and larger than life themed scenes that transform Skylands Stadium into a nighttime Halloween wonderland. Guests stroll along an outdoor trail lined with illuminated jack-o'-lanterns, creative sculptures, and photo ready installations, with seasonal treats and stadium concessions available before or after the experience.
Recommended Ages: Ideal for all ages, especially families with children ages 3 and up.
Cost: $20- $45

Harvest Festival & Artisan Market

Saturday, September 26, 2026: 10am - 4pm
Wagner Farm Arboretum Foundation, 197 Mountain Avenue, Warren, NJ
Features a day of community, color, and the charm of our historic farm, featuring local crafters, artisans, and food vendors - right beside their iconic red silos.
Cost: Free to attend

Mountain Creek Fall Fest

Weekends, September 26 to October 25, 2026
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon, NJ
Experience the vibrant colors and crisp mountain air at this family-friendly event. Features scenic sky rides, thrilling mountain coaster adventures, live music, local food vendors, and seasonal favorites like hay mazes, bounce houses, and pumpkin shopping.
Cost:$9.99 - $29.99 for selected activities.

Morristown Fall Festival on the Green

September 27, 2026: Noon -5pm (rain or shine)
Downtown, Morristown, NJ
This family-friendly event features non-stop entertainment for all ages including live music on multiple stages, children's amusements, carnival games, a beer tent and 165+ exhibitors showcasing local businesses, restaurants, and notable community groups.
Cost: Free to attend

Central New Jersey Fall 2026: Top Activities, Events & Things to Do

Discover the best Central New Jersey fall activities, festivals, seasonal events, family attractions, and things to do throughout autumn 2026.

Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival

September 10 - October 12, 2026
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
Stroll through acres of sunflowers and fall blooms, pick your own flowers, and visit the farm animals.
Cost: $17, $20, Infants 2 and under FREE.

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival

Select Dates | September 19th - November 8th 2026
Manalapan Township, NJ
This family-friendly event is packed with over 35 activities, including hayrides, pony rides, pig races, sunflower mazes, a corn maze, petting zoo with farm animals, giant slides, and popular seasonal snacks.
Cost: Tickets are required for Adults and Children Ages 2 and Older. Mon, Wed & Thurs: $23. Sat & Sun Plus Monday, Columbus Day: $29

Fall Festival Weekend at Von Thun’s

Saturdays & Sundays | September 19th – November 8th, 2026
Monmouth Junction, NJ
Von Thun offers a patchwork of seasonal fun designed for everyone, from toddlers toddling after baby goats to friends staging friendly corn maze races. Bring a camera—there are plenty of Instagram-worthy moments across the 20+ attractions, and every weekend introduces new reasons to return.
Cost: On-line September: $21.99, October: $24.99. Online ($25.99 In-Person) Tickets purchased on-site are $1 more. Kids 2 and under free

The Great Pumpkin Train

September 19th to November 1st, 2026
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ
Kids get a pumpkin after a scenic train ride to Snyder Farm. Enjoy picnic spots, corn mazes, and lovely river views.
Cost: Adult $20, Child $14. Additional cost for Mine Train $6 & Corn Maze $5

Middlesex College HarvestFest

Thursday, October 16, 2026: 5pm - 8pm
Middlesex College, Edison, NJ
Celebrate this fall season with colorful foliage and apple cider. There will be plenty to enjoy – hayrides, music, inflatable games, food trucks, a classic car show, and even a pumpkin patch where you can choose your own pumpkin!
Cost: Free to attend

Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival

Weekends, October 16 - 18 & 23- 25, 2026
East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ
This family-friendly event features living history interpreters, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, seasonal crafts, and live music by the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band. Guests can enjoy fresh pies, apple cider, and cider doughnuts while exploring the historic village grounds.
Cost: Free to attend

Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival

Saturday, Sunday, October 24, 25, 2026
Bradley Park, 101 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Celebrate spooky season at the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival, a two-day family-friendly event across from Convention Hall. Featuring 20 gourmet food trucks, live bands, costume contests for all ages, a vendor shopping village, and an adult beverage garden, this festive fall gathering blends delicious eats with seasonal entertainment in one of New Jersey’s most iconic shore towns.
Cost: $5, Children under 10, free

Fall Foliage Wagon Rides:The Howell Living History Farm

Saturday, October 31, 2026: 10am - 4pm
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp., NJ
Celebrate the spirit of the season. See the fall colors on display in Pleasant Valley as you take a wagon ride around the farm!
Cost: Free admission & parking

Southern New Jersey Fall 2026: Top Activities, Events & Things to Do

Discover the best Southern New Jersey fall activities, festivals, seasonal events, family attractions, and things to do throughout autumn 2026.

Tri State Sunflower Festival

September 10 to November 1, 2026
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro, NJ
Guests get to enjoy strolling through fields of blooming sunflowers, participate in U-Pick Zinnias and sunflowers, and experience a variety of fun attractions and events for the whole family.
Cost: $16.95. All guests 3+ require a ticket

Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium

September 18 through November 1, 2026
Dive into autumn magic at the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow. This family-friendly fall event features glowing pumpkin sculptures floating above and submerged among sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Guests can explore aquatically themed gourd displays, enjoy hands-on activities like Paint-A-Pumpkin, and experience a non-spooky seasonal celebration perfect for all ages.
Cost: $$32.99 - $43.99. Seniors save $2 and Children save 15% off adult prices

Jacks & Lights

September 18th - November 1st, 2026
Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Experience the jaw-dropping magic of thousands of carved jack o'lanterns lighting up the night sky. It's a family-friendly Halloween walk through filled with whimsical jack o'-lantern displays, themed light installations, and cozy fall atmosphere.
Cost: Online $19.95 - $24.95 | Gate $24.95 - $29.95

Cape May Harvest Brew Fest

September 19, 2026: 10 AM to 5 PM
Historic Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, NJ
The festival celebrates the South Jersey fall harvest season with local craft beers, food vendors, artisan crafts, and live music on the beautiful grounds of the 1879 Victorian estate.
Cost: Free to attend

Pine Barren Makers Fall Fest

September 19th & 20th, 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3610 Nesco Rd., Hammonton, NJ
This family oriented fun for all ages Fest features food trucks, handcrafted vendors, kids activities, photo ops, and a scavenger hunt map on your way in to win a prize!
Cost: $5, Free for kids under the age of 12. Parking is free

Diggerfest Fall Festival

Weekends: September 26 -November 15, 2026
Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ
Kids get a chance to operate machines in this family-friendly atmosphere, while the whole family enjoys music, food, hayrides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo with farm animals.
Cost: Valid for date selected. $47.98. Senior Citizen $24.98

Blackwood Pumpkin Festival

Sunday, October 4, 2026: 11am - 4pm ((Rain Date: Sunday, October 11)
Downtown Blackwood, NJ and adjoining streets
A vibrant community event featuring hundreds of vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, family activities, and festive fall fun.
Cost: Free to attend

The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival

October 17, 18, 2026: 9am - 4pm (rain or shine)
Downtown Chatsworth, NJ
This vibrant Pine Barrens tradition celebrates the heart of New Jersey’s cranberry growing country. The village comes alive with craft vendors, seasonal foods, live music, and plenty of cranberry themed treats, all set against the rustic charm of historic Chatsworth. It’s a relaxed, family friendly autumn outing where visitors can enjoy local heritage, browse handmade goods, and savor the flavors of the harvest season.
Cost: Free to attend

Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Fall Activities and Festivals

What are the best fall activities in New Jersey for 2026?

New Jersey's 2026 fall activities include pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, sunflower fields, harvest festivals, scenic train rides, live music, food festivals, and Halloween events. The article organizes events by Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey.

When do fall festivals take place in New Jersey?

Most events listed in the article take place between September and November 2026. Northern New Jersey's fall foliage typically begins around mid-October, while peak color reaches southern parts of the state later in the season.

Which New Jersey fall festivals are free?

Free events listed include the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, Hardyston Fall Family Festival, Harvest Festival & Artisan Market in Warren, Morristown Fall Festival on the Green, Middlesex College HarvestFest, Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival, Howell Living History Farm wagon rides, Blackwood Pumpkin Festival, and the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival.

Which New Jersey fall events are best for families?

Family-friendly options include Great Pumpkin Festival, Happy Day Farm Fall Festival, Von Thun's Fall Festival, The Great Pumpkin Train, Diggerfest Fall Festival, and Mountain Creek Fall Fest. These events offer activities such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, farm animals, rides, games, and live entertainment.

Where can visitors find New Jersey fall festivals by region?

The article groups events into Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey sections. Each listing includes the event date, location, activities, cost, and a link to the organizer's website.