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

Updated: September 14, 2026

Looking for the best September festivals near me? September in New Jersey shines as the bridge between summer and fall, filled with pleasant weather, unique local flavor, and fewer crowds.

New Jersey offers September 2026 festivals and events across North, Central, and South Jersey.
Highlights include cultural festivals, fall harvest events, Oktoberfests, food festivals, concerts, parades, fireworks, and family activities.
Northern New Jersey events include the Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival, Mountain Creek Oktoberfest, and Morristown Fall Festival on the Green.
Central Jersey highlights include Sea.Hear.Now, the Festival of the Sea, the Indo American Fair, and the Mercer County Italian American Festival.
Southern Jersey events include the Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival, XPoNential Music Festival, Downbeach Seafood Festival, and Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow.

Grab your friends and family—this month is packed with some of the state’s most exciting and colorful festivals.

Northern New Jersey September 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover Northern New Jersey’s top September 2026 festivals, cultural celebrations, seasonal attractions, and themed events for families, food lovers, and visitors.

Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Parade, Carnival, Fireworks
September 3, 4, 5, 6, 2026; 3pm until 11pm
Boonton High School Field, Boonton, NJ
The celebration features a carnival with rides, live music, a seafood & food tent, a parade on Saturday @ 1:30pm, and fireworks on Sunday evening @ dusk

Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival
Friday to Monday, September 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026
St. Bartholomew Church, 2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ
Four days of a classic Italian-American celebration. The church grounds fill with the aromas of homemade specialties, lively music, games, and family friendly entertainment. it’s one of Union County’s most beloved late summer festivals.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

The Meadowlands Tattoo Arts Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026
Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ
This festival brings three days of live tattooing, body art showcases, and creative expression from top artists across the country. Expect a vibrant marketplace of tattoo styles, piercing specialists, seminars, and unique vendors, all set within a high-energy atmosphere that celebrates the craft and culture of modern tattooing.
Cost: $25 for a 1-day pass, $50 for a 3-day pass. Children under 12 are free

Dream Asia Festival
September 5, 6, 7, 2026
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ
A three-day Labor Day Weekend celebration of Asian food, culture, and entertainment — now featuring a Rico Rico Fiesta food village and Latin cultural performances. Explore flavors from across Asia and Latin America, enjoy vibrant live performances, and dive into hands-on cultural experiences — all in one destination.
Cost: $12, $45

Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival
September 19, 20, 2026!
Camp Sacajawea, 844 White Lake Road, Sparta, NJ
Step into medieval times with costumes, stage shows, and games set against Sussex County’s scenic backdrop.
Cost: At the Gate: Adult $25, Child (6-12) $10, Child (under 6) - FREE

Riverdale Labor Day Street Fair
Monday, September 7, 2026: 10am-5pm
Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ
Enjoy live music, festival treats, food trucks, arts and crafts, rides, and plenty of activities for all ages. Local shops and restaurants join in for a real neighborhood feel.

Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri - The Hoboken Italian Festival
September 10th - 13th, 2026
Sinatra Drive between 1st Street to 3rd Street
Hoboken, NJ
The Hoboken Italian Festival is a four day festival of music food and fun. The highlight is on Saturday, their “Feast” day, when the 800lb statue of Madonna Dei Martiri is carried through the streets of Hoboken. This includes a reenactment of the Blessing of the Fleet in the Hudson River. Sunday evening is the grand finale fireworks show over Sinatra Park.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's Annual Greek Festival
September 10, 11, 12, 13, 2026
721 Rahway Avenue, Union, NJ
This annual festival features Moussaka, pastitsio, leg of lamb, dolmades, spanakopites, tiropites, and more food along with folk dancing, live music, childrens activities and a fun zone.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions

Nutley America 250 & Constitution Day Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, September 19, 2026; 6pm to dusk
Nutley Park Oval, 325 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ
A celebration of our nation's birth with family-friendly entertainment, food, live music, games, and fireworks.
Cost: Free to attend

65th Annual Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival
September 20, 2026: 12pm
Newark, NJ
One of New Jersey's largest celebrations of Puerto Rican heritage and culture. The colorful parade travels along Bloomfield Avenue, followed by a lively festival featuring live music, traditional dance, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, family-friendly activities, and local vendors.
Cost: 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

Mountain Creek Oktoberfest
September 19, 20, 2026
Red Tail Lodge, 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ
Celebrate with a wide variety of beers, ciders, hard sodas and seltzers – the most variety to date, authentic german food, festival food and activities & games for kids and adults alike.
Cost: GA $25, kids 6 and under 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 at dusk. Please be sure to bring lawn chairs/blankets
Cost: Free

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

Millburn’s Rocktoberfest
September 26, 2026: 12pm–10pm
Taylor Park, 100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ
This all-day festival features over 30 bands and solo artists on four stages, food, shopping, drinks, and a packed kids’ zone with rides, games, and creative activities for all ages.
Cost: Free

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 our local businesses, restaurants, and notable community groups.
Cost: Free to attend

Central New Jersey September 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover Central New Jersey’s top September 2026 festivals, cultural celebrations, seasonal attractions, and themed events for families, food lovers, and visitors.

Cirque De Paris at MarketFair
August 20 to September 7, 2026
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Features a lineup of acts from the Supka Family's precision juggling to Anastasiia Maksymchuk's aerial hammock work. Between the athletic feats, clowns Chico Rico and Pedro 'Rampin' Jr. provide multicultural comedy that connects with audiences of all backgrounds.
Event Cost: At the Door $28.23 to $47.42

Belmar Fireworks
Friday, September 4, 2026
7th Avenue Beach, Belmar, NJ
Fireworks will be set off from the beach at 7:45 pm

Indo American Fair
September 5, 6, 2026: 11am - 7pm
Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ
The Indo American Fair fills the festival grounds with vibrant cultural performances, artisan vendors, and a wide mix of Indian and American food. Families can enjoy live music, dance showcases, kids’ activities, and community groups celebrating the rich blend of traditions that define New Jersey’s Indo American community.
Cost: $5, parking Free

NJ Clearwater Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026
Bradley Park, (across from Convention Hall), Asbury Park, NJ
This open-air event is New Jersey's longest-running festival devoted to both music and environmental advocacy. Festival-goers will enjoy an immersive experience with live performances on two stages, crafts and green vendors, food trucks, and special children's activities focused on ecological education and fun.
Cost: Admission: $5. Children 10 and under, Free.

Frenchtown Riverfest
Sunday, September 6, 2026: 11am-7pm
Sunbeam Lenape Park & Downtown, Frenchtown, NJ
This event features a street fair celebration of life along the river! Stroll Bridge Street and Sunbeam Park for a fun filled day with two stages of live music, 60 + vendors, a beer tent, family friendly activities, paper boat races, and more.
Cost: Free to attend.

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.

Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham Food & Music Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026: 12pm - 7pm
Iron Peak Sports & Events, 137 Mountain View Rd, Hillsborough Twp, NJ
The ultimate Jersey food battle is here. Call it Pork Roll or Call it Taylor Ham.
It's a high-energy Food & Music Festival packed with bold flavors, creative eats, and a full day of fun with live music, a beer garden, kids adventure zone, ISPW Pro Wrestling, and more.
Cost: $3.85 in advance, $5 at the door. Kids 5 & under FREE

Mercer County Italian American Festival
September 18, 19, 20, 2026
Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
A celebration of Italian heritage with authentic food, live entertainment, cultural traditions, local vendors, and activities for the whole family. Includes music, carnival rides, vendors, and cultural programming.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee

48th Annual Festival of the Sea
Saturday, September 19, 2026: 10am - 7pm (rain date Sept 20th)
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Features 250 craft vendors, live music, beer & wine garden, and food from local restaurants. Shuttle available from multiple locations
Cost: Free to attend, with food and vendor items available for purchase

The Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1 East Main St, Hall of Records parking lot, Freehold, NJ
It features live music, cultural performances, food vendors, community organizations, and family activities that celebrate the richness of Latino heritage. Its an easy, vibrant, and family friendly way to spend an early fall afternoon in the heart of Freehold.
Cost: Free to attend, with food and vendor items available for purchase

Red Bank Pop Culture Festival
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Downtown Red Bank, NJ
It's going to be an epic time celebrating movies, comics, art, gaming, music, anime and more! Save the date and start working on your cosplay!
Cost: Free to attend

Sea.Hear.Now
September 19, 20, 2026
Asbury Park, NJ
This music festival brings two days of oceanfront music, surf competitions, and immersive art installations to North Beach and Bradley Park. Fans can expect 25+ artists across three stages, local food vendors, and a vibrant boardwalk atmosphere that blends Jersey Shore culture with a major festival experience.
Cost: Ticket prices range from 2 Day GA starting around $199–$309, GA+ from about $555, and VIP options beginning near $499–$850, with prices varying by tier and availability.

48th Slovak Heritage Festival
September 20, 2026: 10:30am
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
One of the largest Slovak festivals in the United States, the event features authentic Slovak food, live folk music and dance performances, cultural exhibits, specialty vendors, children's activities, and a festive marketplace celebrating Slovakia's rich heritage.
Cost: Admission is $20 per person, with children admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Annual Fall Boo Brew By The Bay
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 12pm–5pm
The Seafarer, Highlands, NJ
Sip by the picturesque waterfront. Admission includes eight 4oz. tastings, and a pint of craft beer, live bands, fire pits, and tasty food available for purchase.
Cost: $45

Southern New Jersey September 2026 Festivals and Themed Events

Discover Southern New Jersey’s top September 2026 festivals, cultural celebrations, seasonal attractions, and themed events for families, food lovers, and visitors.

NAS Wildwood Airfest
Thursday, September 3, through Sunday, September 6, 2026
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May, NJ
This four-day aviation festival features historic aircraft, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, delivering an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts and visitors of all ages
Cost: General admission $16 for adults, and $12 for children ages 3-12. Infants free.

Atlantic City Seashore Seafood Festival
Running daily: including September 4, 5, 6, 7, and ending September 14, 2026
On the Sand Lot, Showboat Resort, Atlantic City, NJ
This long season celebration turns the boardwalk into a breezy culinary playground, with fresh caught seafood, creative chef specials, beachside cocktails, and live entertainment woven into the rhythm of the shore. It's a relaxed, sun soaked gathering where families, food lovers, and festival goers can savor Atlantic City's oceanfront energy all summer long.
Cost: Adults: $57.51 | Ages 4-14: $30.38 | Children 3 & under Free

Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend)
Woodstown, NJ
This is three days of world class bluegrass, old time, and traditional American roots music to South Jersey. The 2026 line-up features major bluegrass artists such as Kathy Mattea, the Travelin' McCourys, Dan Tyminski Band, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Blue Highway,
Cost: Online- Day tickets - Adult $90, Senior $85, Student $85. Ages 17 and under FREE with adult purchase.

West Cape May Tomato Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2026; 9am - 4pm
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
This event is a celebration of the State of New Jersey’s well-known fruit, as well as the end of the summer season, with this tomato themed festival! The festivities will include Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Live Music, and more.
Cost: Free to attend

Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival
Sunday, September 6, 2026; 1 pm–10 pm
Fox Park, Wildwood, NJ
This event wraps up Wildwood’s summer with live music, family activities, crafts, food vendors, and free children’s entertainment.
Cost: Free

Bacon, Bourbon and Brews Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026: 11am - 8pm
Flying W Airport & Resort (N14), 60 Fostertown Rd, Medford, NJ
The Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival is a family-friendly event with fun for all ages!
Feature a selection of tastings of bourbon, beer, and spirits with craft cocktails and specialty drinks, expertly paired with their favorite bacon-infused dishes.
Cost: $23.18 - GA

Ocean County Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026; @11am -7pm
Manahawkin Lake Park, 86 N Main St, Manahawkin, NJ
This family event features entertainment with live Irish Pipes & Drum Bands and Irish Step Dancers, family & pet friendly craft Vendors, pot O' gold playland for children activities, a beer garden, and food Vendors including corned beef sandwiches.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

St. Anthony's Italian Heritage Festival
September 12, 2026, Glassboro Town Square, Downtown Glassboro, NJ
A lively celebration of Italian culture to the heart of downtown Glassboro. The event fills the square with the aromas of classic Italian dishes, upbeat live music, artisan vendors, and family friendly activities. It’s a vibrant late summer gathering that invites visitors to enjoy a taste of Italy right in South Jersey.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
September 12, 13, 2026
Over Wildwood Beach and Boardwalk, between Morey's Mariner's Pier and Adventure Pier
Two days of thrilling military and civilian aviation performances, featuring the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Special recognition ceremonies for military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families, complemented by live military flyovers and a commemorative performance reflecting the nation's enduring spirit.
Cost: Free to attend

Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
September 18, 19, 2026
North Wildwood, NJ
Boots at the Beach brings pure country spirit to the Jersey Shore, transforming Seaport Pier into a lively, toe tapping celebration of music, dancing, and coastal charm. The lineup features modern country bands, country rock groups, line dance friendly performers and DJs spinning country hits.
Cost: 2026 pricing not yet available: Tickets are sold only at the entrance. Past pricing $10 for a 1 day pass and $15 for a 2 day VIP pass.

Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
September 18, 19, 2026
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ
Head here for a full menu of rock, folk, and blues played across four stages. Pair craft beer, artisan ciders, and German food with fun activities for kids.
Cost: Admission and on-site parking free.

XPoNential Music Festival
September 18 – 20, 2026
Wiggins Park & Waterfront Music Pavilion, Camden, NJ
This three-day festival features more than 30 performances across three stages. Expect a mix of established and up-and-coming artists, many heard on Philadelphia’s WXPN 88.5FM.
Cost: Adult $101.85 to $111.85, Kids between the ages of 2 - 12 years old $16.15

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

Atlantic City Latino Festival
September 19, 2026
Bader Field, 545 Albany Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
The family friendly festival features Hispanic entertainment, including Mariachi, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and Folkloric dance groups. It includes authentic Hispanic food and vendors.
Cost: Free admission

Downbeach Seafood Festival
September 19, 20, 2026
Ski Beach, Ventnor,NJ
Savor seafood, craft beer, chef demos, live bands, and sand sculpting by the Bay.
Cost: At the gate $15, Kids under 12 Free.

Ocean City Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
September 19, 2026: 8pm-9pm
7th Street Beach, Ocean City, NJ
Features specially licensed Team Fastrax™ demonstrators exiting the aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City's Beach & Boardwalk. Brilliant white or multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics are then ignited and flown in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground.
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

San Gennaro Festival and Founder's Day celebration
Saturday, September 19, 2026: 12 pm to 9 pm
Veterans Park, Baville, NJ
This festival and celebration will feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors, face painting, inflatebles, and fireworks.
Cost: Free to attend. $10 wristband will be required for the inflatables

Nerd Fest
Sunday, September 20, 2026; 10am to 4pm
Holiday Inn, 1 Pureland Drive, Swedesboro, NJ
This event features an event for Comic Book Enthusiasts and Fans with Artists, Vendors and Crafters offering a variety of items for everyone from the die hard collector to the grandparents looking for a special gift or someone just getting started in the world of Nerds & Geeks.
Cost: $5. Kids 10 and under FREE with paying Adult.

Irish Fall Festival
September 25-27, 2026
Olde New Jersey Avenue , North Wildwood, NJ
One of the largest Irish festivals in the country. This festival features a celebration of Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors. The events conclude with a parade on Sunday down Surf Avenue from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues.
Cost: Free to attend

St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival
September 25, 26, 27, 2026
2200 Church Road, Toms River, NJ
This event features authentic Greek food and pastries, Greek dances, live music, rides and games with an entertainment tent, Outdoor Greek Food Court with Beer Truck and full bar.
Cost: Admission is free. Rides, food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 26, 2026': 12pm–5pm
Glassboro Town Hall, Glassboro, NJ
Over 100 samplings from 50+ breweries, string of food trucks, and live music from Shot of Southern.
Cost: GA $64.26 | VIP $75.57

Margate Fall Funfest By The Bay
September 26, 27, 2026
Amherst Ave, Margate
Over 110 booths, 10 live bands, games, food spots, 12 acts on the Kid's Stage, a beer garden, Scott's Dock Wetlands Wonderland, and two days of parades featuring Miss New Jersey, and more.
Cost: Free to attend

Monsters on the Beach Monster Truck Races
September 25, 26, 27, 2026
The Wildwoods, NJ
The Renegade Monster Truck Tour offers an action packed event featuring over two hours of horsepower driven, family-fun entertainment.
Cost: $29-$60

Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, Sunday, September 26, 27, 2026
Lake Lenape Lighthouse, 753 Park Rd, Mays Landing, NJ
This family friendly festival is an incredible experience where attendees will create a magical memory together. It can be a very emotional experience, writing down some of your hope and dreams, or a letter to a loved one, and then sending it out into the water.
Cost: GA $30.99 | Date night Special $ 79.16. This romantic package includes two General Admission tickets and one blanket

Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration
Saturday, September 26, 2026; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m
Sunset Lake along New Jersey Avenue from Rambler Road to Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ
This annual family event features entertainment, including live music, children's activities, crafters, and food vendors. As dusk settles in, the excitement shifts to Centennial Park for an evening of dancing and merriment. The grand finale concludes with a spectacular beachfront fireworks display.
Cost: Free

Frequently Asked Questions About
September 2026 Events and Festivals in New Jersey

What are the best festivals in New Jersey in September 2026?

Popular options include Sea.Hear.Now in Asbury Park, the Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival, the Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival, the Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant Beach, and the Morristown Fall Festival on the Green. The article also lists cultural celebrations, food festivals, music events, and family activities across the state.

Are there free September festivals in New Jersey?

Many September 2026 events listed in the guide offer free admission. Examples include the Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival, Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, West Cape May Tomato Festival, and Atlantic City Latino Festival.

Which New Jersey September festivals are best for families?

Family-friendly choices include the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, Hardyston Fall Family Festival, Wildwood End of Summer Block Party, NJ Clearwater Festival, and Pine Barren Makers Fall Fest. These events include activities such as children's entertainment, carnival rides, craft vendors, live music, food vendors, and outdoor attractions.

Where can I find cultural festivals in New Jersey in September 2026?

Cultural festivals appear throughout the guide, including the Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival in Scotch Plains, Dream Asia Festival in Augusta, the Indo American Fair in West Windsor, the Latino Festival of Monmouth County in Freehold, and the 48th Slovak Heritage Festival in East Brunswick.

Which New Jersey September events include food and drinks?

Food and drink events include the Bacon, Bourbon and Brews Festival in Medford, Mountain Creek Oktoberfest in Vernon, Glassboro Craft Beer Festival, Cape May Harvest Brew Fest, Downbeach Seafood Festival, and the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's Annual Greek Festival in Union.