October's Best: Top 10 Exciting Things to Do
in New Jersey: 2025 Edition

New Jersey's Best October 2025 Things to Do: Features popular seasonal attractions and hidden gems

The air turns crisp, the leaves explode with color, and a golden glow envelops New Jersey each October. Whether you're outdoorsy, a foodie, or love a great fall festival, the Garden State serves up unforgettable moments for every age and interest. And with October 2025 promising new events and returning favorites, now's the time to plan fresh adventures.

Why is 2025 a year to remember? Venues are offering more immersive experiences, farms are unveiling creative harvest activities, and local towns have extended their festival lineups. So dust off your boots or pack your sneakers—October's Best: Top 10 Exciting Things to Do in New Jersey invites you to make the most of the season.

Below, you'll find the must-see fall highlights, including hike-worthy trails, cozy farm fun, lively food festivals, and art-filled city nights. Always check official event pages before heading out, as schedules can change.

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Outdoor Adventures and Fall Festivals

With forests dressed in fiery reds and golds, and farms bursting with harvest joy, October brings endless outdoor thrills. Active families, scenic seekers, and everyone in between will find plenty to love.

1. Leaf Peeping in the Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a masterpiece of natural color each fall. Around mid-October, the hills take on every shade of orange, yellow, and red. Scenic drives like Old Mine Road and easy family trails—like the short walk to Raymondskill Falls—make sightseeing a breeze. Picnic areas near the river are ideal for leaf lovers of all ages.

Find trail maps, tips, and live foliage updates on the Delaware Water Gap official site.

2. Apple and Pumpkin Picking at Alstede Farms

Nothing says fall like picking your own apples and pumpkins. Alstede Farms in Chester rolls out the hayrides, family activities, and farm animals every weekend in October. General admission is budget-friendly and includes entry to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and scenic wagon rides. Kids will love feeding the animals and savoring homemade cider donuts.

Full event details and picking schedules are available on the Alstede Farms event page.

3. Hightstown Harvest Fest

On October 5, Memorial Park in Hightstown transforms into a bustling festival zone. Enjoy free entry to a day packed with food trucks, live music, games for the kids, and even dog-friendly activities. Snap fall photos under golden trees and explore local artisan booths.

Discover more can't-miss fall fairs at 2025 Fall Events and Activities

4. Brick Township Fall Fest

On October 18th in Windward Beach Park in Brick, join in on this popular autumn celebration with food trucks and vendors, a corn hole tournament, games, inflatables, fire pits, Fireworks, and much more. For Details.

5. Hamilton Oktoberfest and Corn Maze

Hamilton Township’s Oktoberfest at Veterans Park gears up for October 19, 2025. Expect a sprawling pumpkin patch, creative crafts, costumed characters, hayrides, and a festive corn maze for all ages. The evening closes with fireworks. Parking and admission are free, making it easy for everyone to join.

Updates and tips can be found at Hamilton's Oktoberfest page.

6. Fall Harvest Festivals and Halloween Light Shows

October rounds out the month with local harvest and Halloween-themed festivals across New Jersey. Princeton’s Terhune Orchards live music, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, and Hillsdale's Demarest Farms spooktacular Halloween Light Show. Gather the family for one last autumn adventure—these events span north to south, so there’s one nearby no matter where you live.

Cultural Events and Food Experiences

Looking for art, music, great food, or a lively fall market? October in New Jersey serves up something for every taste and curiosity.

7. Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off

Taste your way through steaming cups of seafood and creative soups at the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off on Long Beach Island, happening October 4-5, 2025. Local bands, artisan markets, and the ocean breeze add to the appeal. Tickets are required but the experience is unforgettable for food lovers.

8. Newark Arts Festival

From October 8–12, Newark transforms into an art lover’s paradise with the Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY. Wander through downtown pop-up galleries, mural tours, and live performances. Admission is free, and most venues are wheelchair accessible.

See the full program and location info at Newark Arts Festival 2025.

9. Jersey City Night Market

Wrap up October evenings at the Jersey City Night Market on October 4th. Taste global flavors from food trucks, browse art and handmade crafts, and enjoy live music in a lively, pet-friendly setting. It’s a perfect family outing or night with friends and marks the season’s final event.

Explore more fall activities at Jersey City Night Market

10. Annual Cranberry Fest in Bordentown

Bordentown’s Cranberry Fest runs October 4th and boasts over 100 makers, food vendors, and live bands. It’s affordable (small entry fee) and ideal for finding unique gifts before the holidays. Family-friendly events include kids’ crafts and a dedicated play area.

From scenic leaf drives and hands-on farm fun to urban art fairs and delicious local eats, October's Best: Top 10 Exciting Things to Do in New Jersey highlights why the state shines in fall. Each event brings memories waiting to happen—whether you’re watching fireworks, tasting chowder by the beach, or wandering through fiery forests with family.

Plan ahead by visiting official event sites, wear sturdy shoes, and dress in layers for New Jersey’s ever-changing fall weather.

With so many exciting choices, this October is set to be one for the books—don’t miss out!