New Jersey Happenings this Weekend: Best Events and Things To Do
Discover the top New Jersey Happenings this weekend, October 2 to 5, 2025. Plan a family day, a night out, or a fun fall getaway. This roundup highlights happenings in nj this weekend, from outdoor festivals and food events to live music and kid-friendly fun. If you love big festivals or quiet fall outings like hikes and apple picking, you will find plenty to enjoy.
Top New Jersey Weekend Happenings
The schedule of weekend events and things to do is loaded! Perfect for anyone hunting for the top NJ weekend events near you. Enjoy everything from outdoor festivals to tasty food events, live music, and family-friendly attractions. If you love the energy of a packed festival or prefer quieter moments like apple picking and hikes, there’s something to catch your interest.
Call up your crew, bring your family, grab your phone for photos, and get set for hands-on fun, great food, music, and memories to last. Explore this list of NJ happenings this weekend near you for fun and adventure.
Top Outdoor Festivals and Events
Celebrate the season with standout outdoor picks across the Garden State.
Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival
October 2 to 5, 2025 | Cream Ridge
Roam fields of bright blooms, pick your own sunflowers, and visit friendly farm animals. A great day for all ages.
Jack O'Lantern Experience
October 2 to 5, 2025 | Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Walk through a glowing showcase of more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Enjoy fall treats and festive photo spots during this 45-minute trail.
Hamilton Irish Fest
October 3 to 4, 2025 | Hamilton Square
Two days of live Irish music, kids’ activities, vendors, food, and drinks. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax with a full day of entertainment.
Submersion Festival
October 3 to 4, 2025 | Paradise Lakes Campground, Hammonton
A two-day camping and music event with two stages, upbeat sets, and late-night dancing under the stars.
Asbury Park Zombie Walk
October 4, 2025 | Asbury Park
Dress up, join the horde on the boardwalk, and enjoy a playful, spooky walk for all ages.
Hightstown Family Fair
October 4, 2025 | Downtown Hightstown
Browse arts and crafts, support local vendors, enjoy entertainment, and keep the kids busy with hands-on activities.
JC Harvest Festival
October 4, 2025 | Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Pumpkin decorating, music, crafts, food trucks, and plenty of family fun in a relaxed park setting.
Mountain Creek Fall Festival
October 4 to 5, 2025 | Vernon
Ride the Mountain Coaster for sweeping fall views, catch live music, and let kids enjoy hay mazes, lawn games, and bounce houses.
North Brunswick Heritage Day
October 4, 2025 | Community Park
Enjoy local bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and an evening fireworks show that celebrates town pride.
Indoor Shows, Theater, and Conventions
Prefer to stay inside? These shows and gatherings keep the weekend lively.
Bull Durham
October 2 to 5, 2025 | Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
The beloved 1988 film hits the stage. Veteran catcher Crash Davis mentors rookie pitcher Nuke LaLoosh, while Annie Savoy decides who earns her favor for the season.
Edison Expo Navratri
October 3 to 4, 2025 | NJ Expo Center, Edison
Celebrate Navratri with high-energy music, dance, and cultural programming that honors Indo-American heritage.
The Bobby Sanabria – West Side Story Reimagined
October 4, 2025 | McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
A vibrant Latin jazz take on Bernstein’s classic, performed by the Bobby Sanabria MULTIVERSE Big Band. The reworking appears on the GRAMMY-nominated double album West Side Story Reimagined, which won Jazz Journalists Association Album of the Year.
EagleMania - The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute Band
October 4, 2025 | Bergen PAC, Englewood
Hear rich harmonies, stellar guitar work, and the signature sound of the Eagles. Expect greatest hits and select solo favorites from Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh.
The Queens! 4 Legends: Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills
October 4, 2025 | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Four powerhouse vocalists take the stage for one night only.
PuchiCon NJ 2025
October 4 to 5, 2025 | DoubleTree by Hilton, Fort Lee
A welcoming convention for fans of anime, manga, comics, and gaming. Meet cosplayers, artists, and voice actors in a supportive space.
Sheng Wang
October 4, 2025 | Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, Red Bank
Stand-up from the comedian, actor, and writer behind the Netflix special Sweet & Juicy. Credits include HBO’s 2 Dope Queens and the writers’ room for ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
Marianas Trench: The Force of Nature Tour
October 5, 2025 | Wellmont Theater, Montclair
The Canadian pop rock band brings a dynamic live show built on tight harmonies and genre-blending songs.
Family and Kids’ Events
Keep the weekend simple and fun with these family picks.
Disney's Moana: Live-To-Film Concert
October 3, 2025 | Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Watch the full film on the big screen with live music by top studio players, Polynesian rhythm masters, and featured vocalists.
Pumpkin Patch Trains
October 5, 2025 | Whippany Railway Museum
Ride the rails for 45 minutes, then each child picks a pumpkin and gets a decorating kit. Costumes add to the fun.
Food and Drink Events
Savor the season with these food festivals, wine tastings, and Oktoberfest gatherings.
Bordentown Cranberry Fest
October 4 to 5, 2025 | Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown
Shop more than 100 artisans, sample great food, listen to live music, and enjoy a beer garden and kids’ activities.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
October 4 to 5, 2025 | Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Relax at a historic farm while tasting wines from top New Jersey wineries. This event often sells out, so consider booking online early.
Mercer County Italian American Festival
October 4 to 5, 2025 | West Windsor Township
Rides, classic Italian eats, live music, and traditions the whole family can enjoy.
Smithville Oktoberfest
October 4 to 5, 2025 | Smithville and Village Green
Celebrate with crafters, international food, live music, rides, and shopping at charming village shops.
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
Begins October 5, 2025 | Atlantic City
Enjoy a week of multi-course, fixed-price menus at many top spots across the city.
Denville Food Truck Festival
October 5, 2025 | Gardner Field, Denville
A casual day of food trucks, live music, beer, local vendors, and plenty for kids.
Freehold Oktoberfest
October 5, 2025 | Downtown Freehold
Raise a stein, enjoy German fare and music, and browse local crafters during this Main Street party.
Fall Outdoor Adventures and Attractions
Fall in New Jersey means crisp air and plenty of outdoor fun. Don’t miss these seasonal happenings in NJ this weekend.
Top Hiking Trails in New Jersey
Find scenic routes across the state, from northern mountains to Pine Barrens paths.
Apple Picking: NJ Family Farms to Visit
Pick apples, ride wagons and hayrides, and grab cider donuts. Many farms offer petting zoos and family games.
Best NJ Biking Trips and Trails
Choose from shore routes, forest trails, and hill climbs with bold fall views.
Kayaking & Canoeing in NJ: Where to Paddle
Paddle calm lakes, scenic rivers, and coastal bays, with spots for every skill level.
Pumpkin Picking and Farm Fun
Visit a pumpkin patch for corn mazes, hayrides, and farm markets filled with seasonal treats.
Last Minute Tickets: Concerts, Entertainment
Need a ticket at the last second? Check out schedules for concerts, shows, and big events—many venues still have seats.
Looking for even more things going on in New Jersey this weekend? Check back often to see new happenings in NJ this weekend and never miss out on things to do in New Jersey this weekend. Make the most of every day and find your next favorite spot!
