Must-Visit October Events and Festivals in New Jersey: 2026 Edition

Updated: September 28, 2026

As the crisp fall air arrives, Bavarian-inspired Oktoberfest celebrations, family days, and fall fairs fill the calendar.

If you are searching for a New Jersey Oktoberfest or even new jersey october events and nj october events near me, October 2026 has plenty to plan around.

Experience the best parts of fall at a New Jersey October 2026 festival or event. Here is why the month feels packed and memorable:

Peak foliage magic: Colors often peak mid to late month. Small towns, parks, and back roads glow, which makes every drive and festival feel photo ready.
Family-friendly fun: Haunted houses, pumpkin patches with games, hayrides and rides, live music, and fall markets are everywhere. From ghost tours to cider tastings, there is something for every age.
Charming backdrops: Many events take place in historic villages, on farms, or by the shore. You get warm small-town vibes, local food, and great views in one outing.
New Jersey's October 2026 event calendar includes fall festivals, Oktoberfests, Halloween events, film festivals, food events, cultural celebrations, and family activities.
Northern New Jersey listings include Mountain Creek Fall Fest, the Queen City Film Festival, the Montclair Film Festival, the New Jersey African Restaurant Festival, and Disney on Ice in Newark.
Central New Jersey listings include the Diwali Festival of Lights in Sayreville, Night of Frights at Historic Village at Allaire, the Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival, East Brunswick Restaurant Week, and Halloween events in Asbury Park and New Brunswick.
Southern New Jersey events include Cape May's Victorian Weekend and the Ocean City Halloween Parade.
Event costs range from free admission to ticketed events with prices that vary by venue, activity, and package.

Plan your weekends with live music, craft vendors, food trucks, wine tastings, and seasonal treats. Start with these top new jersey october events across the state.

Northern New Jersey October 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover the best Northern New Jersey October 2026 festivals and themed events, featuring fall celebrations, Oktoberfests, harvest festivals, Halloween events, and family-friendly activities.

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)

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

Mountain Creek Fall Fest

Weekends, Octoer 3, 4 to October 10, 11, 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.

Haunted Red Mill 2026: Lurking in the Shadows

Friday, Saturday evenings, October 2,3,9,10,16, 17,23,24, 2026
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main St, Clinton, NJ
Expect a high intensity haunted walk through with tight corridors, pitch black sections, sudden jump scares, and atmospheric storytelling that leans into the mill's authentic 19th century eeriness. Guests move through multiple themed zones—both indoors and outdoors—where live actors, special effects, and the mill's natural darkness work together to create a deeply unsettling, adrenaline charged experience.
Recommended Ages: 12+. Teens and adults will get the full impact of the attraction's intensity.
Cost: $42.38-$57.89

Hispanic Heritage Celebration - Hawthorne

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Hawthorne, NJ
It features music, dance, food, and community pride to the heart of town, offering families a lively afternoon of cultural performances, local vendors, and children's activities. its an easy, festive way to honor Hispanic heritage in Passaic County.
Cost: free to attend, with food and marketplace items available for purchase.

Jersey City Columbus Day Parade

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Columbus Day parades are a must, and this one starts at 1 pm from Dickinson High School, 2 Palisade Ave, at 1PM
Cost: Free to attend

Turkey Brook Park Oktoberfest

October 10, 11, 2026
Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Rd., Flanders, NJ
This family-friendly outdoor celebration features live music, local food, beer, a hayride, bounce houses, games, pony rides, and contests. Bring chairs and blankets
Cost: $5 per person. Free Ages 17 & under

Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Parade steps off at 1:30 pm beginning at Belleville High School, continues along Joralemon St., turns on Franklin Ave., before ending on Chestnut St.
CostL=: Free to attend

Queen City Film Festival

October 15th - 18th, 2026
Cinemark Watchung and XD, 1670 US-22, Watchung, NJ
This 4 day film festival dedicated to uplifting underrepresented filmmakers and communities through high quality screening events, continuing education, professional development and audience cultivation opportunities for filmmakers regardless of experience level? The festival also offers youth mentoring and internships for college level youth and area high school students.
Deadline: April 12, 2026, Final Deadline
Cost: All access pass, $85.00

Annual Montclair Film Festival

October 16th - 25th, 2026
486 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
The Montclair Film Festival is an annual celebration of film that brings together audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals for a week of exceptional cinema and meaningful conversation.

Featuring international and independent films, panel discussions, special guest appearances, and community engagement events, the festival transforms Montclair into a destination for film lovers from across the region. Hosted across multiple cinema venues and partner locations throughout Montclair, the festival creates an immersive experience that celebrates the power of storytelling and the art of filmmaking.
Cost: Varies, depends on event. Membership receives discount on admission.

New Jersey African Restaurant Festival

Saturday, Sunday October 17, 18, 2026
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of the diaspora during the Newark, New Jersey African Restaurant Festival.

This vibrant community celebration invites diners to explore an array of authentic flavors from across the continent and beyond, featuring everything from spicy West African jollof rice and grilled suya to fragrant Ethiopian injera platters and North African couscous.
Cost: Small bites ranging from $5 to $25. Special prix-fixe menus ranging from $10 to $30 for lunch and $25 to $50 for multi-course dinners.

Disney on Ice-Spotlight Magic!

October 28 - November 1, 2026
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Experience the magic of Disney on Ice. This enchanting ice-skating show includes over 30 Disney characters, featuring Gary De'Snake and Gazelle (Zootopia 2), Angel (Lilo & Stitch), as well as a showcase of Disney's iconic villains including the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent, and Ursula!
Cost: $33.75 - $220.40

Central New Jersey October 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover the best Central New Jersey October 2026 festivals and themed events, featuring fall celebrations, seasonal activities, cultural festivals, food events, and family-friendly things to do.

Scare Farm at Norz Hill, Hillsborough

Fridays to Sundays, October 2 to November 1, 2026
Norz Hill Farm, 120 S. Branch Rd, Hillsborough, NJ
A high-intensity Halloween experience with four haunted attractions, including terrifying hayrides and haunted walking trails filled with creatures, eerie environments and psychological scares.
Recommended: 13 and older due to its very scary content.
Cost: $45 - $85

Asbury Park Zombie Walk

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ
A beloved Shore tradition, the Asbury Park Zombie Walk transforms the boardwalk into a playful, theatrical parade of the undead. Thousands of participants—some in elaborate makeup, others in simple spooky attire—shuffle, groan, and grin their way from Convention Hall down the boards.
Recommended Ages: Ages 10+ Ideal for kids and adults who enjoy Halloween fun, costumes, and light spooky themes.

Sayreville Diwali Festival of Lights

Saturday, October 3, 2026: 3pm to 9 p.m (rain date Saturday, Oct. 10)
John F. Kennedy Park, 807 Washington Road, Sayreville, NJ
This festive event features live cultural performances, music, a Garba dance celebration (a traditional folk dance often performed during Diwali celebrations), international food vendors, arts and crafts, specialty vendors, and activities for all ages. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
Cost: Free to attend

Historic Village - Night of Frights

Friday, Saturday Nights, October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 2026: 6pm - 9pm
Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township, NJ
Experience spine-tingling thrills at this immersive Halloween event where 18th- and 19th-century buildings come alive with ghosts, ghouls, and eerie entertainment. See the Village at night where everything that goes bump in the night comes out to play.
Cost: $21.97, Child 4-12 $16.73

Allentown Fall Festival

October 10, 11, 2026
Main Street, Allentown
Features crafters, food trucks, kid zones, street music and a Beer & Wine Garden.
CostL Free to attend

Dushahra The Night of Triumph

October 10, 2026
Lake Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd, Edison, NJ
The evening features traditional music and dance, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities, and the dramatic burning of the Ravan effigy's signature moment symbolizing the victory of Lord Rama. The festival is a family friendly way to experience one of the most beloved celebrations in the Indian cultural calendar.
Cost: Free admission

Fall Taste of Highlands

October 10, 2026: Rain or shine
Highlands, NJ
Features a Fall theme with 5 hours of delicious food samplings and cocktails from 18 restaurants and retailers. Tickets include a map of participating businesses, samplings of delicious food and cocktails, and access to the Seastreak Courtesy Shuttle to take you to and from each stop and free parking.
Cost: $50.00

New Brunswick’s Annual Oktoberfest

October 11, 2026; Noon - 6pm
Monument Square Park, 2 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ
A fall celebration of music, food, and community held in New Brunswick's City Center. Enjoy a variety of local and traditional food, craft brews, and German beers.
Don't miss the Steinholding Contest as competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein out in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground, and the last person holding with good form is the winner!
Cost: Free to attend, food and beverages are available for purchase

Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival

October 9th, 10, 11th, 2026
Grant Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ
Three days of lively, old world charm filling the boardwalk area with Italian food vendors, live music, cultural displays, and family activities, creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere that leads into Sunday's colorful parade featuring floats, community groups, and traditional Italian pride.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee

Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past

October 10, 11, 2026
Multiple Somerset County locations
Explore up to 30 historic sites around Somerset County. Chat with costumed guides and join fun, hands-on activities.
Cost: Free

Lambertville Halloween Film Festival

October 16th - 18th, 2026
25 South Union Street , Lambertville, NJ
Features three days of indie horror, supernatural shorts, and imaginative genre filmmaking to one of New Jersey's most atmospheric river towns. The event blends screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and community friendly Halloween flair, creating a lively autumn gathering for cinephiles and creatives. It's a compact, walkable festival with plenty of charm, offering an easy way to dive into spooky season while supporting emerging voices in horror and fantasy.
Cost: $35.00 - GA

Middlesex College HarvestFest

Thursday, October 16, 2026L 5pm - 8pm
Middlesex College, Edison, NJ
Clebrate 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

East Brunswick Restaurant Week

Monday, October 19 to Sunday, October 26, 2026
Savor the township’s vibrant culinary scene with exclusive menus, discounts, and diverse flavors from over 30 participating eateries. Expect casual cafés, family eateries, and upscale spots to roll out prix-fixe offerings.
Cost: Lunch typically ranging $15–$25 and dinner specials landing around $30–$55, depending on the restaurant.

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, Childen under 10, free

Último Domingo, Día de los Muertos at the Zimmerli Art Museum

Sunday, October 25, 2026
Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St, New Brunswick, NJ
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series celebrating Latinx culture and invites bilingual communities to come together through the experience of art
Celebrate Latino heritage at this vibrant, family-friendly afternoon filled with art-making, bilingual performances, and cultural exhibitions. This free event invites visitors of all ages to honor the Day of the Dead through interactive experiences that blend tradition and creativity, making it one of New Jersey’s top cultural happenings for fall 2026.
Cost: Free to attend. Pre-register for free parking

Southern New Jersey October 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover the best Southern New Jersey October 2026 festivals and themed events, featuring fall celebrations, food festivals, cultural events, Halloween activities, Oktoberfests, and family-friendly things to do.

Jacks & Lights

October 1 - 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

Tri-State Sunlower Festival

Dalton Farms, 660 Oak Grove Rd. Swedesboro, NJ
October 1 until November 1, 2026
Wander acres of towering sunflowers in peak bloom. The festival blends vibrant fields, U-pick stems, photo-ready backdrops, hayrides, a variety of fun attractions and events for the whole family. With its sweeping views, it’s an ideal spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a slow, scenic afternoon surrounded by golden color.
Cost: Weekday: $16.95 online / $20.00 at the gate - Weekend: $18.95 online / $25.00 at the gate

Terror in the Junkyard

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during October, 2026
Fleming's Junkyard, 353 Zion Rd., Egg Harbor Twp. NJ
Terror in the Junkyard transforms a working junkyard into a gritty, high intensity Halloween experience. Expect dark, industrial themed scare zones, tight corridors, loud effects, and actors who lean into jump scare energy.
Recommended Ages: Ages 13+. Best suited for teens and adults who enjoy intense scares, loud environments, and close up actor interaction.
Cost: $10-$20. $2 discount for Military & First Responders

Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off

October 3, 4, 2026: 10am-4pm
Taylor Avenue, Behind Bay Village, Beach Haven, NJ
This annual culinary festival gathers chowder enthusiasts, local restaurants, and food lovers for a day of taste-testing, entertainment, and community fun in the Queen City. Enjoy live music, food, 100 vendors, and more. Sunday is the official Chowder Cook-Off!
Cost: $35. Kids under 10 years old free

Smithville Oktoberfest

October 3, 4, 2026: 10am-5pm
Historic Smithville and Village Green, Smithville, NJ
This huge festival features craft vendors, food from around the world, music, rides, and activities that everyone can enjoy.
Cost: Free to attend

Cape May's Annual Victorian Weekend

October 9 – 12, 2026
Downtown, Cape May, NJ
This is the best time of year to visit Victorian Cape May and celebrate the unique heritage of America's first seashore resort. This celebration brings the town's historic district to life with elegant tours, costumed interpreters, vintage themed events, and charming autumn ambiance.
Downtown streets and landmark homes showcase Cape May's 19th century heritage through guided walks, lectures, living history programs, and festive gatherings
Cost: Varies depending on booked tours

Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival

October 9, 10, 2026
Long Beach Island
Watch the skies fill with color as professionals show off their kites. The family event features brilliant colorful artist design kites, fun flying giant inflatable kites, and interactive events.
Cost: Free to Attend

Berlin Fall Festival

October 10, 2026: 10am-4pm
Berlin Boro County Park
Classic cars, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, crafters, pumpkin painting for kids, and the infamous Mutt Strut (dog costume parade).
Cost: Free

Lima Bean Festival

October 10, 2026; 9am - 4pm
Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
Taste unique lima bean dishes, browse craft vendors, and celebrate local farming. The festival will have live music performed by Nolan Quinn and will feature a 45-minute magic act from The Great Loudini.
Cost: Free to attend

Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills Park

Saturday, October 10, 2026: 10am -4pm
Wells Mills County Park, 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.
Cost: Free

Ocean City Fall Block Party

October 10, 2026:9am-5pm
from 5th – 14th Streets on Asbury Ave.
Features over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more
Cost: Free to attend

Durga Puja

October 16, 17, 18, 2026
Indian Cultural Center at 820 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ
The three day Bengali Hindu cultural festival brings genuine depth and tradition to the calendar, showcasing elaborate classical dance performances, Rabindra Sangeet musical tradition, traditional folk rituals including the dhunuchi naach, and authentic Bengali cuisine, giving South Jersey's Bengali community, and anyone curious to experience the tradition firsthand.
Cost: Adult: $103.00, !3-18 years: $51.50, 6-12 Years: $41.20

The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival

October 17, 18, 2026: 9am - 4pm (rain or shine)
Downtown Chatsworth, NJ
This a vibrant Pine Barrens tradition that 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

Ocean City Halloween Parade

Thursday, October 29, 2026
Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ
The Ocean City NJ Halloween Parade is a beloved family-friendly event that lights up Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Street starting at 7:15 p.m. This festive parade features vibrant floats, creative costumes, marching bands, and plenty of candy and activities for all ages.
Cost: Free to attend

Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey October 2026 Events

What are the best October 2026 festivals and events in New Jersey?

Popular options in the article include Mountain Creek Fall Fest, Cape May's Victorian Weekend, the Montclair Film Festival, the Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival, and the Ocean City Halloween Parade. The full list also includes food festivals, cultural events, Halloween attractions, and family activities across northern, central, and southern New Jersey.

Are there free October events in New Jersey in 2026?

Yes. The Sayreville Diwali Festival of Lights, the Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival, Último Domingo at the Zimmerli Art Museum, and the Ocean City Halloween Parade are listed as free events. Some free events may still require registration or charge separately for parking, food, or activities.

Where can families find Halloween events in New Jersey in October 2026?

Families can attend Night of Frights at Historic Village at Allaire, the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival, and the Ocean City Halloween Parade. These events include activities such as costume contests, seasonal entertainment, parades, and Halloween-themed attractions.

When is Cape May's Victorian Weekend in 2026?

Cape May's Victorian Weekend is scheduled for October 9 through October 12, 2026, in downtown Cape May. Activities include historic tours, costumed interpreters, lectures, guided walks, and living history programs. Costs vary by tour.

Which New Jersey October events include food and dining?

The New Jersey African Restaurant Festival features African cuisine and prix-fixe dining options. East Brunswick Restaurant Week includes special menus and discounts at more than 30 participating eateries, while the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival features food trucks, live music, and an adult beverage garden.