Events Family Friendly Activities/Events

35 Free New Jersey Events for October 2021

September 29, 2021 newjerseyisntboring

Happy Fall y’all! Is your favorite four-letter word FREE? Of course, it is! Good thing there’s plenty of free, fun entertainment going on in NJ all month long in October. Be sure to put these free events on your calendar.

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Olde Time Itatlian Festival
October 1 & 2
The 15th anniversary! Come experience an ‘Olde World’ family festival including a Procession of the Saints, delicious Italian food favorites, merchandise vendors, games, and continuous FREE live entertainment. A spaghetti eating contest will take place as well. SPECIAL for the 15th Anniversary Celebration, the Skyliners will perform Friday night and Bobby Rydell will perform Saturday night!
Fox Park, 4500 Ocean Ave. Wildwood, NJ

Lake Hopatcong Block Party
October 2, 10AM – 4PM
The Lake Hopatcong Block Party celebrates all facets of Lake Hopatcong life by bringing visitors together with businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters, and food vendors for a community day like no other featuring activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more.
Hopatcong State Park, 260 Lakeside Blvd., Landing, NJ

Fall Food Truck and Craft Festival
October 2, 11AM – 5PM
The Gloucester Township Campus of Camden County Technical Schools will be sponsoring a Food Truck and Craft Fair Fall Festival on Saturday, October 2nd. All are invited to attend this family-friendly event. FREE admission and parking. There will be assorted food trucks; crafters & artisans; games and prizes for children; scarecrows, pumpkins, and mums for sale; pumpkin painting and sand art; raffle baskets, live music, and more. For more information, please visit ccts.org, email foundation@ccts.net or call 856-767-7000, Ext. 5424.
343 Berlin Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville, NJ

Crafts and Drafts
October 2, 1PM – 6PM
Marketspace Vendor Events returns to Jersey Girl Brewing Company for a crowd-favorite handmade market: Crafts and Drafts. This is an outdoor craft market alongside the biergarten featuring local artisans. Patrons are welcome to bring or have delivered their own food into the biergarten. Free admission to the brewery and the market. This is a family and dog friendly event. Beer is available for purchase.
Jersey Girl Brewing Company, 426 Sand Shore Rd. Hackettstown, NJ

19th Annual Oktoberfest
October 2, 2PM – 9PM
The feel-good spirit of Highlands 19th ANNUAL Oktoberfest is modeled after the traditional Munich, Germany Oktoberfest with an emphasis on eating; drinking and being merry while providing something for everyone. Authentic German food, live music, dancing and other great entertainment will be part of the Annual Oktoberfest celebration taking place in Veterans Park on Bay & Shrewsbury Avenues. The park is festive with fall decorations, the food is great and the varieties of German beers are even better. Authentic German food is a highlight of this famous festival. Executive Chef Butch Greenwaldt is preparing the menu with plenty of traditional German favorites hot off the grill such as bratwurst, knockwurst, kraut, potato pancakes, goulash, sauerbraten, and Bavarian noodles along with another tasty fare those less adventurous.
Veterans Park, 23 Bay Ave. (GPS) Highlands, NJ

Hunterdon Harvest Fest
October 2, 12PM – 8PM
Join for a great day on Stangl Road in Flemington celebrating Hunterdon County breweries, restaurants, businesses, and farms. Featuring live music all day, farm to festival foods, local craft beer, ice cream, and games for all ages! Stangl Factory Farmers Market vendors will feature Hunterdon County fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, sweet treats, handmade crafts and artisan goods. Don’t miss ax throwing by Axeiom and musical headliner “First Class Creeps!”
Stangl Rd. Flemington, NJ

North Brunswick Annual Heritage Day
October 2, 3:30PM – 10PM
Join North Brunswick Township and celebrate at one of their biggest events of the year. Heritage Day is held annually during the fall to celebrate North Brunswick’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Live cultural music all day, vendors, food and ending the night with a performance by Valerie & The Dimensions and Fireworks!
North Brunswick Community Park, 2051 Rt. 130 North Brunswick, NJ

Asbury Park PorchFest
October 2 (rain date Saturday, October 9th)
This family-friendly, Free event features musicians from a wide variety of genres. Afternoon entertainment will include dozens of performers on porches throughout the city. Attendees will stroll from porch to porch and relax on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live, local talent. Bring your own folding chair, water, and an umbrella just in case we get sprinkles or to block the sun. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Asbury Park, NJ

Historic Smithville’s Oktoberfest
October 2 & 3, 10AM – 5PM
For those in the know, Smithville’s Oktoberfest tradition has become synonymous with great food and family fun.Smithville presents over 100 Juried Crafters, an International Food Court, Music, Kids Activities, non- Profit organizations and more. All of this food and fun in addition to over 60 shoppes, Carousel rides, Train rides, Paddle boats, 7 eateries, and antique arcades that grace the Smithville Village year round!
Historic Smillville Village, Smithville, NJ

Chowderfest Free 2-Day Bayfront Festival
October 2 & 3 (Oct 2 11AM – 5PM Oct 3 11AM – 4PM)
Celebrate with vendors, brews on tap, live music lineup, and ChowderMonth champion announcements in Beach Haven! The Festival will be a non-tasting event.
Taylor Avenue Bayfront, Beach Haven, NJ

Cranberry Fest
October 2 & 3, 11AM – 5PM
This two-day event features over 150 crafters, artists, and vendors offering handmade, vintage, and upcycled items for the heart and home! One of the oldest and largest juried craft shows in NJ. “Craft” beer garden and food court, plus live music throughout both days
Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ

Susan G. Komen NJ ‘More Than Pink Walk’
October 3, 8:30AM
Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, announced today that its signature fundraising event, in New Jersey, will be held in-person once again, after being held virtually last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual ‘More Than Pink Walk’ fundraising event will be held Sunday, October 3 at Six Flags Great Adventure. The local event brings together a community of hope and compassion to raise funds to save lives from breast cancer. Funds raised support Komen’s advocacy, research investments and support of people facing breast cancer today, ensuring everyone can get the care they need to live.
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ

Greek Agora Food Festival
October 7 – 10
The largest Wine & Food Festival in the Delaware Valley! Since 1974, the Greek Agora signature event kicks off with all-day festivals of food, wine, music, dance and song. The four-day-long festival is an annual initiative of the Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, NJ which, every October, stages a number of events that represent the Greek way of life.
615 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ

Jersey Shore Authentic 6th Annual Oktoberfest
October 8 – 10
Continuing the celebration that began with the Royal Wedding on October 12, 1810 of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen enjoy Food, Beer, Oktoberfest Merchandise, and Live Polka Bands.
527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

Apple Festival at Kirby’s Mill
October 9, 9AM – 4PM
Each year the Annual Apple Festival returns to historic Kirby’s Mill in Medford. Hosted by the Medford Historical Society and Presented by ShopRite of Medford, the event draws more than 15,000 visitors to browse 120+ hand-made crafters, plus great food, apple cider, apple baked goods, signature apple cider donuts made on-site and specially made apple ice cream. Popular Medford Historical Society apple butter is also available each year. Add live music which plays throughout the day making it a memorable event for all.
275 Church Rd Medford NJ

Annual Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival
October 9, 10AM – 4PM
This family festival is a celebration of agritourism, ecotourism and arts & heritage tourism.
The Festival will include local artisans, crafters and vendors plus displays highlighting northern New Jersey’s great open spaces and natural history. For kids there’ll be a hay ride, pumpkin painting, face painting and crafts.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road Branchville, NJ

Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 9, 9AM – 5PM
This annual family event features over 400 crafters, food vendors, music, and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street.
6th – 14th Streets on Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ

Lima Bean Festival
October 9, 9AM – 4PM
The lowly legume takes center stage delighting locals and visitors alike with her vast array of recipes, crafts and products available. Come out and celebrate West Cape May’s farming heritage with lima bean soup, tacos, salad, jewelry, T-shirts and more! Enjoy great food, quality vendors, antiques, crafts, entertainment and fun.
Wilbraham Park, Perry Street, West Cape May, NJ

The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
October 9, 11AM – 8PM. Rain date Oct 10
Formerly known as Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents a food and music street fair featuring a full day of fantastic food options, music, shopping and more. The festival will take place in Downtown Wildwood starting at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood. The festival will include live music, delicious food, messy pie-eating contests, craft vendors and much more. The festival will provide fun for the kids with a “Kids Korner,” open from noon – 5 p.m., featuring games, pumpkin painting, and inflatable bounce houses. The festival is FREE to attend.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave. Wildwood City, NJ

The Craft Show @ Oktoberfest
October 9, 10AM – 5PM
This event features a high-quality craft show with up to 75 craftspersons bringing their handmade crafts in many media. It’s a great place for holiday shopping, for gifts, or for items for your own use and enjoyment. There will be German music, German food, water, and soft drinks; Korean delicacies; inflatable games. While at the fair visit the Demarest Nature Center and environmental information tables. All proceeds go to benefit The Demarest Nature Center.
Demarest Nature Center Duck Pond, 38 Park St, Demarest, NJ

Irish Festival @ Historic Smithville
October 9 & 10, 11AM – 5PM
The annual Irish festival at Historic Smithville is a well-attended festival and for good reason! It is lots of fun. The music alone is worth the ride with two stages there is live music throughout the entire day. Irish market, children’s activities and a food court are also part of this amazing festival. Sponsored by Cape Atlantic Irish Association.
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ

Avalon Seafood Festival
October 9 & 10, 10AM – 5PM
Taste delectable treats from the sea at the Chamber’s Annual Seafood Festival. Featuring fresh seafood vendors, chowder contest, live music, vendors and more.
30th Street and the Beach, Avalon, NJ

Camden County Fair
October 15 and 16
The event includes rides and games, carnival food and food trucks, live music and dance, free pony rides and a petting zoo. 4-H Youth Projects will be on display and demonstrated.
Camden County Fairgrounds, 508 Lakeland Road, Gloucester Township, NJ

Annual Pumpkin Festival & Share the Harvest Food Drive
October 16, 10AM – 4PM
This family event features pumpkin painting and games throughout the day. A variety of crafters will sell their wares along the Village’s shell-paved lanes. Vendors will be selling hot dogs, funnel cake, and other snacks. Visit a haunted house at the Village Barn and hop on a fall hayride through the farm. Don’t miss the Children’s Halloween Parade at 11 am.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Route 9, South Cape May, NJ

Costume Pet Parade
October 16, 1PM
Paw Dazzle will host the Annual Costume Pet Parade starting at 1:00 pm. This is, by far, Historic Smithville’s cutest event. Spectators can watch 100+ pets show off their unique Halloween costumes! To enter your pet, you must be pre-registered by calling Paw Dazzle at 609-748-7110. Historic Smithville offers 60 Shoppes, 7 eateries, a carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats and arcade, on site lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events!
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ

Craft & Vendor Fair at Rockaway Townsquare Mall
October 16, 10AM – 5PM
Shop beautiful, unique & handmade items & explore interesting gift ideas too! Handmade jewelry, accessories, sweet treats, pet products, seasonal home decor & more! Located safely & conveniently in the upper-level center court of Rockaway Mall.
301 Mount Hope Avenue, Rockaway, NJ

The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Fall Classic Car Show
October 16, 10AM – 4PM, Rain date October 23
Presented by Resources Real Estate. The event will Be held on Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along First Avenue in the Borough of Atlantic Highlands. People from all over the state and beyond attend to see the beautiful collector cars. Owners of the collector cars come from all over New Jersey and even New York to exhibit their vehicles.
First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Hamilton Oktoberfest
October 17, 11AM – 5:30PM (rain date: October 24)
A family Oktoberfest celebration with many family-oriented activities. Note: Alcoholic beverages will not be served at, nor permitted at, this event. This family event features, Amusements, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Corn Maze, Crafters, fire pits, a Jack ‘O Lantern Carving Contest, and the grand finale fireworks at dusk.
Veterans Park, 2306 Kuser Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ

Cherry Hill Harvest Festival
October 17, 12PM – 4PM
Cherry Hill Township is partnering with the police and fire departments for the township’s largest community event. The event includes pony rides, a petting zoo, craft fair, pumpkins, live music, food trucks, a beer garden by Forgotten Boardwalk Brewery, and more.
Croft Farms, 100 Bortons Mills Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

Full Moon Trunk-or-Treat
October 22, 6PM – 7:30PM
This free event is open to the public for all ages, share a spook-tacular night with your friends as you go trunk-to-trunk trick-or-treating! This will be a devilishly good time filled with games, activities, arts and crafts, and of course, candy! So get dressed up in your scariest or cutest costume and have some Halloween fun with 4-H.
Ted Blum 4-H Center 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater Township, NJ

Historic Smithville’s Monster Bash
October 23, 10AM – 6PM
That’s not the undead walking the streets of Galloway Twp.. it’s Smithville’s annual Zombie Walk! On October 23 (rain date Nov. 2) the residents of Galloway Township and the surrounding areas find their way to Smithville either in full zombie gear or ready to be painted to look like a zombie (for a small fee).
Smithville; 615 East Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ

Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects
October 23 & 24, 12PM – 5PM
The 3rd annual Long Branch Fall Bazaar will take place Sat & Sun, Oct 23 & 24 from 12-5 pm at Whitechapel Projects, a beautiful arts, food and cultural venue in Long Branch, NJ. There is plenty of outdoor space to social distance and enjoy shopping from local vendors and makers, a kids costume parade, trick or treating, kids workshops, costume contest for pets and adults, and fun Fall and Halloween-themed activities for families, friends and all ages.
Whitechapel Projects, 15 Second Ave, Long Branch, NJ

Queen City Fall Fest
October 24, 12PM – 4PM
Enjoy live music, a vendor village (with local shops and crafters), a kids zone (complete with an inflatable obstacle course) and so much more.
Veteran’s Bicentennial Park, Beach Haven, NJ

Witches Day Out
October 24, 2PM
On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Historic Smithville will be hosting its Witch’s Day Out! Come treat yourself to a good time at the Smithville Village. Wear your witch’s hat and enter our hat contest; registration is from 12pm-2pm at the Smithville Inn. Parade and judging will take place between 3:30 and 4:30. Winners announced thereafter at the Smithville Inn. Food and drink specials will be offered. Please stop into our Shoppes with your hat and see what deals await you! Historic Smithville offers 60 Shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats and arcade, on site lodging at the Colonial Inn and over 26 free weekend events!
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ

Boo at the Zoo!
October 30, 10AM – 2PM
Sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, this event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship and more.

A Costume Contest will start at 11 a.m., registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. The Cape May Dancers will perform at 12:00 p.m. with a live animal show following. Master DJ & Sound will be rocking the event with some special Halloween tunes.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 U.S. , Middle Township, NJ

More Ideas of Things You Can Do This Fall: