Oktoberfests, Family, and Fall Festivals: Check out New Jersey's October Events: 2025

New Jersey October Events
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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 2025 has plenty to plan around.

Why October Festivals in New Jersey Stand Out

Experience the best parts of fall at a New Jersey October 2025 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.
  • 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.

Key Takeaways

  • October 2025 in New Jersey features peak foliage, family fun, and postcard towns.
  • Top picks include Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lanterns, Montclair Film Festival, Asbury Park Zombie Walk, Oktoberfests, harvest fairs, LBI Kite Festival, Submersion, Cape May Restaurant Week, plus pumpkin trains, hayrides, live music, crafts, and coastal views.
  • Save this list when planning new jersey october events or searching nj october events near me.

Northern New Jersey October 2025 Festivals

Jack O’Lantern Experience
Sept 26 to Nov 2, 2025, Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Walk a 45-minute trail lit by more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Pick up fall snacks and enjoy a family-friendly Halloween scene, perfect for date night too.

Mountain Creek Fall Festival
Weekends, Sept 27 to Nov 2, 2025, Vernon
Ride the Mountain Coaster for sweeping views, hear live music, and let kids explore the hay maze, yard games, and bounce houses.

JC Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct 4, 10 am to 2 pm, Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Pumpkin decorating, crafts, food trucks, and music create a low-key fall outing for families.

PuchiCon NJ 2025
Oct 4 to 5, 2025, Doubletree Hilton, Ft. Lee
Celebrate anime, manga, comics, and gaming. Meet cosplayers, artists, and voice actors in a welcoming space.

Pumpkin Patch Trains
Oct 5, 11, 12, 2025, Whippany Railway Museum
Enjoy a 45-minute ride. Kids get a pumpkin and a decorating kit. Costumes are welcome.

Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Flanders
Join the festive Oktoberfest celebration with authentic German food and beer served in a lively biergarten. Enjoy German music, games, and kids activities including inflatables and pony rides—don your German attire for the full experience at this classic Oktoberfest event.

Brite Nites at Wagner Farm Arboretum
Fridays and Saturdays, Oct 17, 18, 24, 25, 2025, Warren Township
See imaginative pumpkin art and light displays on an evening walk with friends or family.

Queen City Film Festival
Oct 16 to 19, 2025, Cinemark Watchung
Screen films by rising and underrepresented creators. Panels and youth programs add to the lineup.

Annual Montclair Film Festival
Oct 17 to 26, 2025, Montclair
Ten days of independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, and emerging talent, with special focus on New Jersey artists.

Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival
Oct 18, 2025, Sussex County Fairgrounds
Local food, artisan vendors, hayrides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and hands-on activities for kids.

Celebrate Fall at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Oct 19, 2025, Summit
Games, crafts, music, a Spooky Trail, and time with resident goats. Seasonal treats from market vendors.

Dia De Los Muertos in Washington Boro
Oct 23, 2025, Veterans Park, Washington
Celebrate with mariachi, face painting, local vendors, and traditional Day of the Dead customs. Free entry and parking.

Disney on Ice
Oct 29 - Nov 2, 2025
Prudential Center, Newark
Become immersed in the vibrant world of Moana . Meet Moana while hearing tales of her latest adventures and capture the moment with cherished photos. Plus, enjoy a special appearance by Mickey Mouse for even more magical photo opportunities!

Central New Jersey October 2025 Festivals

Edison Expo Navratri
Oct 3 and 4, 2025, NJ Expo Center, Edison
High-energy Navratri events, concerts, and cultural showcases that honor Indo-American traditions.

Hightstown Family Fair
Oct 4, 2025, Downtown Hightstown
Shop arts and crafts, meet local vendors, enjoy food and entertainment, and bring the kids for activities.

U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival
Sept 12 to Oct 13, 2025, Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Pick sunflowers and dahlias by the stem, tour barns, meet farm animals, and capture plenty of photos.

Asbury Park Zombie Walk
Oct 4, 2025, Asbury Park
Dress like a zombie and join the boardwalk takeover. The day ends with a spooky all-ages walk.

Mercer County Italian American Festival
Oct 4 to 5, 2025, West Windsor Township
Rides, Italian food, live music, culture, and family fun that highlights Italian heritage while offering a contrast to nearby German culture celebrations.

North Brunswick Heritage Day
Oct 4, 2025, Community Park
Local bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and fireworks celebrate town history.

Freehold Oktoberfest
Oct 5, 2025, Downtown Freehold
Experience an authentic Oktoberfest with German beers, authentic German food like bratwurst, live music, crafters, and a Main Street party vibe—don your lederhosen for the full effect.

Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Oct 9 to 12, 2025, Hopewell Township
See giant carved pumpkins, hear live music by the fire, try pumpkin painting, and visit food trucks.

Jersey Devil Fable Festival
October 10 and 11, 2025, 600 Block of Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park
A free, family-friendly celebration of folklore and spooky fun. New Jersey’s most infamous cryptid takes center stage.

Lawrenceville Fall Arts Fest
Oct 11, 2025, Main Street, Lawrenceville
Shop from craft vendors, hear local bands, and let kids run free in the Kids Zone.

Red Bank Oktoberfest
Oct 11, 2025, Red Bank
Taste beer, wine, and spirits amid German cuisine like pretzels at this lively Oktoberfest, enjoy live music from German-style bands, browse vendors, and find kids activities—consider a dirndl to join the festive dress-up.

Allentown Fall Festival
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Allentown
Two days of handmade goods, live music, local food and drinks, and small-town charm.

Fall Taste of Highlands
Oct 11, 2025, Atlantic Highlands
Town-wide tastings with bites and cocktails from many local spots.

Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Multiple historic sites
Tour up to 30 sites for free, meet costumed guides, and join family activities.

Hub City Sounds: Corazon Latino Festival
Oct 12, 2025, Joyce Kilmer Park, New Brunswick
DJs, food, dance, live performances, and hands-on fun that honors Latinx culture.

Lambertville Halloween Film Festival
Oct 17 to 19, 2025, Lambertville
Short films with blocks for horror, thrillers, and Halloween themes.

Brick Township Fall Fest
Oct 18, 2025, Windward Beach Park, Brick
Food trucks, vendors, cornhole, games, inflatables, fire pits, fireworks, and more.

The Gazillion Bubble Show
Oct 18, 2025, State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Be entertained by the world of bubbles! This mind-blowing spectacle combines the joy of bubbles, the wonders of lasers and lights, and musical science fun for the whole family.

Thompson Park Day
October 19, 2026, Lincroft
This is Monmouth County's premier fall event. Experience a day of free activities like canoeing, archery, a climbing wall, and wagon rides. It’s an ideal outing for active families and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors

The Diwali, "Festival of Lights"
Saturday, October 18 (Dhan Trayodashi) to Sunday, October 26, 2025
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Hindu temple is getting ready to enjoy the Diwali, "Festival of Lights," holiday with special activities at the Mercer County-based temple, including through a fireworks display to light up the night sky. The Diwali holiday through family gatherings, laughter amongst friends, colorful clothes, tasty sweets, and, of course, special prayers for the upcoming year.Evening activities, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., will include the Diwali Diya Experience, live traditional Indian Music, and Diwali Maha Arti in Nikanth Plaza. On Monday, October 20th, they will celebrate the holiday with a fireworks display between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Temple says that fireworks displays are often used to mirror the excitement and joy of the festival, but more aptly, to celebrate the importance of light and truth overcoming darkness and ignorance.

East Brunswick Restaurant Week
Oct 20 to 26, 2025, East Brunswick
Score deals and specials all week as local restaurants showcase their menus.

Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival
Oct 24 to 26 and Oct 31 to Nov 1, 2025, Piscataway
Meet living history interpreters, hear the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band, enjoy kids crafts, wagon rides, pumpkin picking, and treats like pies, cider doughnuts, pickles, salsa, and preserves.

Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025, Asbury Park
Twenty gourmet food trucks, three live bands, two costume contests, a vendor shopping village, and an adult beverage garden.

Night of Frights
Oct 25, 2025, Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township
Haunted buildings, eerie storytelling, and costumed actors set the stage for a spooky night.

Southern New Jersey October 2025 Festivals

Submersion Festival
Oct 3 to 4, 2025, Paradise Lakes Campground, Hammonton
A two-day camping and music festival with two stages and late-night dancing under the stars.

Bordentown Cranberry Fest
Oct 4 to 5, 2025, Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown
Shop 100 plus artisans, eat local fare, listen to live music, and visit the beer garden for an Oktoberfest vibe along with Kids activities.

Festival of Fine Craft
Oct 4 to 5, 2025, WheatonArts, Millville
Browse handmade work by dozens of artists, watch demos, join art projects, and enjoy food trucks.

Smithville Oktoberfest
Oct 4 to 5, 2025, Smithville and Village Green
Experience the Smithville Oktoberfest with Bavarian flair along the German promenade, featuring crafters, global foods, live music, rides, a stein holding contest, German entertainment, and shopping in a historic village setting.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week
Oct 5 to 10, 2025, Atlantic City
Enjoy multi-course, fixed-price menus at top spots across the city.

Agora Greek Festival
Oct 9 to 12, 2025, St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, Cherry Hill
Classic Greek food, music, and dancing at one of South Jersey’s largest Greek festivals.

Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival
Oct 10 to 11, 2025, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island
The sky fills with giant, colorful kites. Watch expert demos and visit artist displays.

Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills Park
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, Waretown
A full day of live music of the Pines, cultural demos, traditional crafts, kids crafts and games, plus nature and history programs. Enjoy bluegrass, country, and traditional tunes from Albert Music Hall performers.

Atlantic City Comedy Festival
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Big-name comedians take the stage for back-to-back shows.

Berlin Fall Festival
Oct 11, 2025, Berlin Boro County Park
Classic cars, local bands, food vendors, games, and pumpkin painting for kids.

Diggerfest Fall Festival
October 11, 12, 2025 | Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Fall-themed fun for the whole family with exciting activities, seasonal attractions, live entertainment

Lima Bean Festival
Oct 11, 2025, Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
Taste lima bean dishes, shop crafts, and celebrate local farm heritage.

Ocean City Fall Block Party
Oct 11, 2025, Asbury Ave, Ocean City
All-day live music, shopping, food, family fun, and an evening drone show along the avenue.

Smithville Irish Festival
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Smithville
Irish music, food, crafts, and family activities in a lively village setting.

Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
Oct 11 to 12, 2025, Heritage Park, Manahawkin
Taste New Jersey wines and craft beers, hear live bands, try food trucks, and shop craft booths.

Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
Oct 18 to 19, 2025, Downtown Chatsworth
More than 150 craft vendors, food, and live music in the heart of the Pines.

18th Century Field Day
Oct 19, 2025, Red Bank Battlefield Park, National Park
Living history, artillery drills, cannon demos, and talks with Revolutionary War interpreters. Learn about the Battle of Red Bank, tour the grounds, and enjoy vendors and food.

The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
Oct 18 to 19, 2025, Multiple sites
Visit 11 lighthouses, three lifesaving stations, and a maritime museum. Collect small souvenirs and hear coastal stories at each stop.

Cape May Restaurant Weekend – Fall
Oct 30 to Nov 2, 2025, Cape May
Three-course meals at a set price across top Cape May restaurants.

Ocean City Halloween Parade
Oct 30, 2025, Ocean City
One of the longest-running Halloween parades in the tri-state area. The route moves along Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets.

FAQS-New Jersey’s October Festivals and Events

What types of events happen in October?

Expect harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, food truck fairs, winery weekends, craft shows, Halloween parades, ghost tours, and live music. Many towns run fall themed street fairs and farmers markets.

When does fall foliage peak in New Jersey?

North Jersey often peaks in mid to late October. Central and South Jersey usually peak in late October into early November. Weather can shift timing, so check weekly foliage reports.

Do I need tickets or can I just show up?

It depends on the event. Street fairs are often free. Farms, haunted attractions, and some Oktoberfests sell timed tickets. Buy early for popular weekends, especially late October.

Are these events family friendly?

Most are geared to families. Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and town fairs are great for kids. Some haunted houses and late-night shows may be intense. Check each event’s age guidance.

What should I wear?

Dress in layers. Daytime highs often reach the 60s, nights can fall into the 40s. Wear waterproof shoes for farms or fields. Pack a hat, gloves, and a warm layer for evenings.

How do I get there without a car?

NJ Transit trains and buses reach many towns with festivals. Rideshares are common in city centers. Rural farms have limited public transit. Some big events run shuttles from park-and-ride lots.

Where is parking easiest?

Arrive early. Look for municipal lots, school lots used for event parking, or paid farm fields. Follow posted signs. Bring cash since some small lots do not take cards.

Are dogs allowed?

Rules vary. Many street fairs allow leashed dogs. Farms, beer gardens, and busy markets often do not. Service animals are usually allowed. Check the event page before you go.

Can I drink alcohol at festivals?

Beer gardens and winery events serve alcohol with ID checks. Open containers are not allowed outside designated areas. Bring a valid ID.

What happens if it rains?

Some events list rain dates, others go rain or shine. Farms may close muddy fields or rides. Check official updates on the morning of the event.

Are there good options for food lovers?

Yes. Food truck festivals, cider doughnuts at farms, seafood along the coast, and German fare at Oktoberfests are popular. Many events feature New Jersey breweries and wineries.

How scary are the haunted attractions?

They range from mild hayrides to intense haunted houses with actors and strobe lights. Most list scare levels and content warnings. Skip-the-line passes can reduce waits.

What are the busiest weekends?

The last two weekends of October draw the biggest crowds. Go early in the day or try Fridays and Sundays. Weekdays work best for farms and mazes.

Are events accessible?

Large town festivals often have ADA parking, paved routes, and accessible restrooms. Farms may have gravel and uneven ground. Read accessibility notes and call ahead if needed.

Can I bring my own chair or blanket?

Portable chairs and blankets are welcome at many outdoor shows and parades. Some venues limit oversized chairs or coolers. Check each event’s rules.

Is there a cost for kids activities?

Face painting, rides, and games often cost extra. Farms may charge per attraction, like hayrides or corn mazes. Look for combo wristbands to save money.

What about safety and security?

Expect bag checks at bigger events. Costumes with realistic weapons are usually banned. Some venues limit masks for adults. Follow posted rules.

Any tips for seeing fall colors while festival hopping?

Pair a morning hike or scenic drive with an afternoon event. Try the Skylands region and roads near reservoirs in North Jersey for big views. Clear mornings offer the best photos.

When do towns hold trick-or-treating and parades?

Most towns trick-or-treat on October 31. Many run Halloween parades the weekend before. Check local calendars for times and any curfews.