50 Free New Jersey Events for October 2022

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 (which include Oktoberfests, free movies, festivals, and more) on your calendar.

Due to the ongoing restrictions and safety regulations with Covid-19, please verify these events before attending in case of any last-minute cancellations. And always check the weather!

For more events throughout the year, be sure to check out our Event Guide.

If you’d like to submit your event, click here.

For more New Jersey adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

Free New Jersey Events for October 2022:

Olde Time Italian Festival
September 30 – October 1
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

K-LIFESTYLE USA 2022
September 30 – October 2
KOTRA New York is excited to host a special showcase, ‘K-LIFESTYLE USA 2022’, where attendees will have the chance to experience and test more than 100+ trendy lifestyle brands from South Korea. Discover the hottest Korean brands in beauty and lifestyle! Everyone can join this event without admission fees! The event will be open to the public on the 1st floor, Court A, of the American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. Attendees can explore different items and have the opportunity to test and receive complimentary samples at the event. Trendy K-beauty, K-food, and K-lifestyle-related products will be presented.
1st floor, Court A, of the American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ

Asbury Refresh Vintage and Oddities Market
Saturday, October 1, 10AM – 3PM
REFRESH is a monthly celebration of all things vintage, oddities & one of a kind collectibles. Join Asbury Fresh Markets on select Saturdays through the year where you can shop from a curated collection of over 50 vendors selling unique items & more.
Kennedy Park next to Cross+Orange, Asbury Park, NJ

Chowderfest
October 1, 10AM – 7PM
Chowderfest 2022, along with the Chowder Champion Announcements will take place in Beach Haven. Fun for the whole family, and pet-friendly. This is a non-tasting event, meaning no tastings will be occurring. All chowder is for purchase on the Chowder Trail. Select participating restaurants will be at the event selling their chowder along with other menu items.
Taylor Avenue Bayfront, Beach Haven, NJ

8th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City 2022
October 1, 10AM – 2PM
JCFamilies is excited to announce the 8th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City. It will be a day of celebrating the fall season and diversity in our city. There will be an array of fun activities planned for the whole family, including pumpkin painting, arts & crafts, musical acts, dancers, and — of course — delicious food! This unique and memorable event is an excellent opportunity for children and families to experience the vibrant and diverse cultures of Jersey City.
Hamilton Park Jersey City, NJ

Collingswood Book Festival
October 1, 10AM – 4PM
The award-winning Collingswood Book Festival features over 50 presenting authors and an additional 250 authors and exhibitors. Known as the longest running literary event in the Delaware Valley, book lovers of all ages can find authors and book signings, new and used book sales, exhibitors, vendors, poetry, storytellers, rare book appraisals, Loompaland kids zone and more.
Haddon Avenue and Irvin Avenue, Collingswood, NJ

Heights Fall Fest & Art Walk
October 1, 10AM – 4PM
The all new “Art Walk” will showcase artisans and crafters chosen based on originality and artistic skills. This Haddon Heights event will also include showcasing our businesses in town, amazing music, food trucks, and the addition of a beer and wine garden which will showcase seasonal offerings.
Borough of Haddon Heights, 608 Rear Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, NJ

Camden County Technical Schools Food Truck and Craft Fair Fall Festival
October 1, 11AM – 5PM, Rain date October 2
All are invited to attend this family-friendly event. 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; photo op stations; live music, and more. For more information, please visit ccts.org, email foundation@ccts.net
343 Berlin Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville, NJ

Hunterdon Harvest Fest
October 1, 11AM – 8PM
Join for a great day on Stangl Road in Flemington celebrating Hunterdon County breweries, restaurants, businesses, and farms. Features 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

21st Annual Oktoberfest
October 1,  1PM – 7PM
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

Jersey City Night Market
October 1, 4PM – 10PM
It’s back! The newest edition to the JC foodie scene is a hyper-local, evening market that’s hosted at City Hall – City of Jersey City. Celebrate small business and all that is chill about Jersey City! Eat delicious and international bites, shop from our artists and artisans & vibe to some music.
City Hall Lot, 179 Montgomery Street Jersey City, NJ

North Brunswick Annual Heritage Day
October 1, 3PM – 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

Historic Smithville’s Oktoberfest
October 1 & 2, 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

Cranberry Fest
October 1 & 2, 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

Feast of Saint Francis
October 2, 11AM – 8PM
Italian feast celebrating Saint Francis of Assisi. Food, games, super 50/50, beer garden and more! Family fun for all!
528 Main Street Metuchen, NJ

Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival
October 2, 11AM – 6PM
This family event features 2 stages of live music, displays and sales by artists, crafters, food vendors and local businesses. Activities for children on 3rd St. in the Capital One Bank Parking Lot with rides, games, craft activities and more.
Washington St. bet. Observer Highway & 7th St., Hoboken, NJ

County Seat Jazz & Blues Street Fest
October 2, 12APM – 6PM
This event takes place on West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street in Downtown Freehold. featuring talented and well-known musicians from the Tri-State Area and beyond. Many vendors are participating with a variety of items from hand-rolled cigars being made in front of you to hand-crafted jewelry made from sea glass, metal, gemstone, etc. They will also feature vendors with t-shirts, clothing, handmade dog biscuits, soaps, honey & more.
Main St. Downtown, Freehold, NJ

Bell Works Fresh Wednesday Farmers and Makers Market
Wednesday, October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 11AM – 4PM
A weekly farmers & markets market season that runs on Wednesdays from March until November and features around 50 local artists, makers, farmers, and food purveyors. Located in Holmdel, NJ, Bell Works is a 2 million square foot metroburb featuring 5 floors of offices, a full restaurant and retail experience, and a rooftop bar
101 Crawford’s Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ

Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival
October 7 – 9
The event features a weekend with brilliant colorful artist design kites, fun flying giant inflatable kites and the amazing show of sport kiting to our beautiful island. Many of these fliers are invited guests in prestigious festivals around the world. This free and cross-generational event will yield even more spectacular and unusual kites this year – as well as displayed at local galleries prior to the festiva
Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, NJ

Lima Bean Festival
October 8, 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

Apple Festival at Kirby’s Mill
October 8, 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

The Craft Show @ Oktoberfest
October 8, 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

Avalon Art & Seafood Festival
October 8, 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. The annual Avalon Seafood Festival has changed a bit for 2022! This year, the Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival will feature a focus on vendors with original artwork and photography, craft and artisan items, food, and island businesses!
30th Street and the Beach, Avalon, NJ

Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 8, 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

Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills Park
October 8, 10AM – 4:30PM
This annual event features a fun filled day of music of the pines, cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, nature and history programs. Attendees will sit under the big tent and enjoy a fun filled day of county, bluegrass and traditional music.
Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Rd, Rt. 532, Waretown, NJ

Annual Pumpkin Festival & Share the Harvest Food Drive
October 8, 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

West Milford Autumn Lights Festival
October 8, 10AM – 5PM
The Autumn Lights Festival first started 20 years ago as a celebration to West Milford for getting its first traffic light! In the beginning it was just the town gathering on the lawn of Town Hall.
Today it has grown to a street fair that has over 300 vendors, live music, child activities, games and rides. With about 20,000 ‘ALFers’ that visit throughout the day.
Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ

Irish Festival @ Historic Smithville
October 8 & 9, 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

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar
October 8 & 9, 12PM – 5PM
Celebrate local makers, music, and art in Asbury Park! Don’t miss the Asbury Park Fall Bazaar in the Grand Arcade at historic Convention Hall on Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9, 2022 from noon to 5 pm. Asbury Park Fall Bazaar will feature: Gifts and goods from a curated market of makers from the Jersey Shore and beyond, Live music and DJs at Seahorse, Food and drink specials at Seahorse and Asbury Oyster Bar, Fall photos at an immersive fall-themed photo station by Lauren Michael Events, and Kids Face Painting.
Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ

Fallcraft at The Woodland
October 9, 10AM – 4PM
Marketspace Vendor Events and The Township of Maplewood cordially invite you to visit the Fallcraft at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood, NJ. Admission is free, family friendly, and is open to the public.
60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ

Califon Borough’s 9th Annual Fall Street Fair
October 9, 11AM – 5PM
On Sunday, Oct 9th the Borough of Califon will host their 9th Annual Street Fair from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend this free event. Sections of Main Street will be closed to automobile traffic and the historic downtown area will be transformed into a communal scene of fall fun, shopping, food, and entertainment. Attendees will be able to stroll through Califon’s picturesque downtown and enjoy exquisite artisans and crafters, a variety of tasty food trucks, vendors, and live music. Boutiques and family-owned businesses will be open for browsers to find one of a kind treasures and enjoy unique Street Fair specials. Area businesses, artisans, and other vendors will have tables set up along the street, and attractions will include the return of the pie eating contest, the kids zone, a pumpkin carving demonstration, and a beer garden hosted by Califon’s Station 44 Volunteer Fire Company—making it the perfect day out with friends and/or family. Musical highlights for the day include Caryn Kennedy and Captains of Leisure on the live music stage and DJ Doug at the beer garden.
53 Main Street, Califon, NJ

The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
October 9, 11AM – 7PM.
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

Dunellen Harvest Festival
October 9, 11AM – 4PM
The 10th annual Dunellen HarvestFest features artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, foods, music, dancing, and more
Washington Park, Dunellen, NJ

12th Annual Diwali Mela – The Festival of Lights
October 9, 12PM – 6PM
Vendors will be selling clothing, jewelry and gift items. Food vendors will be selling North & South Indian food. The day will be filled with lots of cultural program and Kids performances. Entry is free !
Buchmuller Park 150 Plaza Center Secaucus, NJ

Costume Pet Parade
October 15, 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

Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 15 & 16
This family event features a juried craft show with over 150 vendors, 15 food vendors, and live music.​
Downtown Chatsworth, NJ

Atlantic City Fall Bazaar
October 15 & 16, 12PM – 5PM
Celebrate the fall season at the Atlantic City Bazaar at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University on Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16, 2022 from 12-5 pm! Enjoy shopping in a beautiful arts & crafts-focused event space in the heart of Atlantic City. This event is produced by Asbury Park Bazaar in partnership with the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University.
Noyes Art Garage at Stockton University, Atlantic City, NJ

Hamilton Oktoberfest
October 16, 11AM – 5:30PM (rain date: October 23)
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

Springfield’s Fall Festival
October 16, 11AM – 5PM
Everyone is welcome to attend! Springfield’s Annual Fall Festival and Car Show October 16th 11am-5pm! Mountain Ave will be lined with food trucks, vendors, petting zoo, horse drawn carriage ride, live music – bands showcase, beer garden and an Inflatable Kid Zone ($5 unlimited jumping) for all ages to enjoy the day!! Show Small Town Spirit and Enjoy the Festivities!
100 Mountain Ave, Springfield, NJ

Cherry Hill Harvest Festival
October 16, 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 21, 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

Made In Jersey Festival
October 22, 11AM – 6PM
The Made In Jersey Festival is a celebration of all things New Jersey. Join us on October 22, 2022 at the Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina in Camden from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM for a taste of our state. From tomatoes, peaches, and corn to beers, wines, and spirits, farm fresh food, and world class artisanal products, New Jersey is home to the best in the country. We will be featuring producers, vendors, and crafters from all over the state. Enjoy live music, family fun, and Jersey made wine, beer, and spirits.
Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden, NJ

Queen City Fall Fest
October 22, 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

Fall Fest at Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn
October 22 & 23, 10AM – 6PM
Experience two days full of fall fun along the banks of the Delaware River at the Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn Fall Fest. Take in the brilliant foliage and breathtaking views as you browse through vendors featuring local artisans, crafts, games, family activities, food trucks, beer garden, and live music. Join us on Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd, 10 am to 6 pm, rain or shine.
11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ

Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects
October 22 & 23, 12PM – 5PM
The 4th 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

Witches Day Out
October 23, 2PM
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

Day of the Dead
October 27, 5PM – 9PM
Celebrate with a Mariachi Band, sugar skull face painting, and send a message to your deceased loved ones in the fire pit. Bring your lawn chairs and a blanket to enjoy the movie Encanto under the stars. Food will be available for purchase and of course popcorn.
44 E Washington Ave, Washington, NJ

Annual Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival
October 29, 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

Bell Works Fresh Saturday Night Market
Saturday, October 29, 2PM – 7PM
A monthly night market season runs on Saturdays from March until November and features around 50 local artists, makers, live music, & drinks. Located in Holmdel, NJ, Bell Works is a 2 million square foot metroburb featuring 5 floors of offices, a full restaurant and retail experience, and a rooftop bar
101 Crawford’s Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ

Boo at the Zoo!
October 30, 10AM – 2PM
The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Sat., Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Park, in Cape May Court House. 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 Don’t miss the special Halloween Animal Enrichment throughout the Zoo!
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 U.S. , Middle Township, NJ