The Best Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey this October

What's Happening this Fall?

Autumn is upon us and the leaves are changing into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. Below are some kid friendly things to do. From harvest festivals, book fairs to Oktoberfests, there's something for everyone. Confirm venue dates and times before heading out.

Fairy Tale Forest Fall Fest 2026

Friday - Sunday, September 26 - October 25, 2026. This storyland park is full of fall foliage. Enjoy fall activities and treats, scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, listen to ghost stories, meet Rosie witch and Mr. Pumpkin Head, and more! Tickets available at gate. 140 Oak Ridge Rd, Oak Ridge, NJ. fairytaleforest.com

Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers

Fridays - Sundays. October 2-4, 9-11, 2026. Celebrate Oktoberfest with German fare, live bands, games, German food, and rides. Family friendly for all. Wildwood, NJ.

Cranberry Fest 2026

Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Stroll along Bordentown’s downtown area during this Cranberry Festival. Featuring handmade arts & crafts from 100+ vendors, family fun zone, live music, food & drinks. Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown City, NJ.

Dunellen Harvestfest

Sunday, October 11, 2026, 11AM-4PM. FREE Admission to the Dunellen Harvestfest. Live music, crafters, pumpkin decorating, kids activities, food and more! Washington Memorial Park, Dunellen, NJ.

Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm

Now through November 8, 2026. Largest Fall Festival in Northern New Jersey. Admission includes many activities: hayrides, corn maze, pig races, farm animals, giant straw pyramid, and more! Buy your tickets online. Don’t forget to bring home a pumpkin. 51 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ.

Morristown Festival Of Books Kidfest 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10AM-5PM. KidFest is where readers meet fabulous kids book authors. FREE day long fun filled with kids activities, games, workshops, crafts, and books galore! From Pre-K to Young Adult, check website for KidFest author lineup. Downtown Morristown NJ.

Morristown Festival Of Books 2026 - Main Authors

Saturday, Oct 10, 2026, 10AM-5PM. Morristown Festival of Books is where authors and readers meet. Talented lineup of fiction and non-fiction authors giving in-person talks and Q&A sessions (FREE). Book tents will sell copies of author’s books. Authors will greet and sign books at signing tents. The 2026 Keynote Speaker is Malcolm Gladwell and tickets are needed for this Friday Oct 9th evening event at Mayo Performing Arts Center. Downtown South Street in Morristown, NJ.

New Brunswick Oktoberfest

Sunday, October 11, 2026, 12PM-6PM. FREE. Celebrate Oktoberfest and the Fall Harvest season. Local and traditional German food fare, German music and dancing. Children’s activities, live performances, and games. Wear your best festive German attire. Monument Square Park, New Brunswick, NJ.

Edison Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 1PM-9PM. Family friendly street fair with kiddie rides, kids zone, games, crafts, food trucks, drink, shopping, live music & entertainment, and more! 1011 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ.

Snyder's Farm - Fall Festival

October 2026, Weekends Only, 11AM-6PM. Celebrate Fall with U-pick pumpkins, U-pick flowers, hay rides, corn maze, big slide, hay bale activities, corn hole, photo opportunities, food, and more! Tickets at entry. 586 South Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ.

NYC Village Halloween Parade

Saturday, October 31, 2026, starts at 7PM. FREE public event in New York City where creativity and imagination meets. The 2026 NYC Village Halloween Parade theme is Body & Soul. View along 6th Ave from King St to West 15th St. See glittery costumes, character costumes, custom made costumes, outrageous costumes and more!