New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do

Updated: October 26 2026

Planning your weekend in the Garden State?

Whether you’re chasing family friendly festivals, trending food events, standout indoor performances, or seasonal favorites from the Jersey Shore to the Skylands—this guide helps you make the most of your weekend.

The guide covers New Jersey events for October 30, 31, and November 1, 2026.
Event categories include outdoor activities, indoor attractions, family events, and food and drink events.
Featured events include the Toms River Halloween Parade, Disney on Ice, the Great Pumpkin Festival, and HalloWine Fest.
The guide lists free options, including the Toms River Halloween Parade and Jersey City Day of the Dead Celebration.

Outdoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend

From fall seasonal fairs to farmers markets and drink and food festivals, here's where to soak up the autumn atmosphere and enjoy New Jersey's best outdoor happenings this weekend.

Demarest Farms Light Show

October 30, 31, November 1, 2026
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale NJ
Transforms the Hillsdale orchard into a glowing, drive-through wonderland of animated displays, holiday scenes, and thousands of synchronized lights. General Admission Car $37.72
Recommended Ages: Ages 2 and up—young children enjoy the bright visuals from the comfort of the car, while older kids and teens appreciate the immersive, choreographed light tunnels.
Cost: $37.72 per Car

Great Pumpkin Festival

October 30, 31, November 1, until 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

October 30. 31, 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.
Recommended Ages: Ideal for all ages, especially families with children ages 3 and up.
Cost: $22.60

Tri-State Sunflower Festival

October 30, 31, November 1, 2026
Dalton Farms, 660 Oak Grove Rd. Swedesboro, NJ
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

Toms River Halloween Parade

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Downtown Toms River, NJ
One of New Jersey's largest and most spirited Halloween parades, the Toms River Halloween Parade fills downtown with floats, marching bands, costumed families, community groups, and plenty of festive Shore town energy. The atmosphere is upbeat, colorful, and celebratory rather than scary, making it a favorite for families who enjoy classic Halloween fun. Crowds can be large, but the vibe stays friendly and community focused, with lots to see along the route.
Recommended Ages: All ages. The parade is designed to be family friendly and welcoming to everyone.
Cost: Free

Jersey City Day of the Dead Celebration

November 1, 2026: 10am-2pm
Riverview Fisk Park, 498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ
A vibrant cultural event that honors the traditions of Día de los Muertos. This community-focused gathering celebrates life and remember loved ones through art, music, and shared experiences. Held in the heart of the Heights, the event provides a meaningful space for cultural appreciation and community connection.
Cost: Free to attend

Which Indoor Events Are Happening in New Jersey This Weekend?

Step inside for some of the best things to do in NJ, including live music and thrilling indoor attractions at New Jersey’s top venues.

Brighton Asylum

October 30, 31, November 1, 2026
At the back of 2 Brighton Ave, Passaic, NJ
Brighton Asylum is one of New Jersey's most cinematic, high-intensity haunted attractions—an industrial labyrinth of flickering corridors, immersive sets, and movie-quality scares. Known for its actors, special effects, and tightly themed storylines, it's designed for guests who want a full-throttle Halloween experience rather than a casual walkthrough.
Recommended Ages: 13+ due to intense scares, darkness, loud effects, and graphic themes.
Cost: $47.99 - $82.99

Dia de los Muertos at the Basie Center

November 1, 2026
Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ
The vibrant celebration event blends traditional Mexican cultural elements—altars honoring loved ones, marigold lined displays, folklórico dance, and live music—with the Basie's signature sense of community and artistry. There will be face, painting, and activities for the whole family, including the Red Bank Calpulli Community, performances, and celebration
Cost: $25.85 General admission

Family Events in New Jersey This Weekend

Discover unforgettable family fun this weekend with NJ's top kid-friendly shows & events just a short drive away!

Disney on Ice-Spotlight Magic!

October 30, 31, 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

Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium

October 30. 31, November 1, 2026
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
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

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival

Weekends, October 30, 31, November 1, until November 8, 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

Jacks & Lights

October 30, 31, November 1, 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

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails

October 30, 31, November 1, until January 3, 2027
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Kids can learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his engine friends while immersing themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Young learners can practice counting objects, comparing sizes, and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running
Cost: Adults $37, Child $32

Food and Drink Events in New Jersey This Weekend

Discover standout food and drink events across New Jersey this weekend, featuring tastings, festivals, and seasonal culinary experiences.

HalloWine Fest

October 31, 2026: 12 pm – 7:30 pm
Cedar Rose Vineyards 431 Kenyon Avenue Millville, NJ
The event features food trucks, wine samplings, 20+ craft vendors, two live musical acts, kids activities, and more. Come dressed for the occasion! They'll be hosting both a Human Costume Contest and a Pet Costume Contest. Bring the kids in costume and let them join in on the Halloween fun! Participating vendors will be handing out candy throughout the festival. The event ends with a fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Cost: $15

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Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Weekend Events

What can you do in New Jersey the weekend of October 30, 31, and November 1, 2026?

The guide lists fall festivals, Halloween attractions, family activities, indoor events, and food and drink events. Featured options include the Toms River Halloween Parade, Disney on Ice, the Great Pumpkin Festival, and HalloWine Fest.

Are there free events in New Jersey that weekend?

Yes. The guide lists the Toms River Halloween Parade as free and says the Jersey City Day of the Dead Celebration is free to attend. Check each event's linked page for current details before you go.

What family-friendly events are listed?

Family options include the Great Pumpkin Festival, Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium, Disney on Ice, and Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails at Liberty Science Center. The guide also lists age recommendations or family-focused activities for several events.

Which New Jersey events are indoors?

The guide's indoor listings include Brighton Asylum and the Día de los Muertos celebration at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. It also lists family attractions at Liberty Science Center and Adventure Aquarium.