New Jersey Events September 29 – October 1
Hello Fall! It’s time for cooler weather, apple cider donuts, pumpkin picking and so much more. New Jersey has a lot of great festivals and events this weekend including Oktoberfests, restaurant weeks, free activities, and much more. Check out our list of the top New Jersey events from September 29 -October 1, 2023.
Always check the weather and the event links before you attend in case of cancellations and rescheduling.
For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
New Jersey Events September 29 – October 1st:
Featured Events!
Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival
September 30 & October 1
Join for family fun at this hot air balloon festival, hosted by Warren Community College, located at 475 Route 57 in Washington NJ. Each day offers something unique. Entertainment varies each day.
475 Route 57, Washington, NJ
Cost: $8 or less, $5 parking. Tickets here
Pop-Up Artisan Market @ Tiny Greenhouse Plant Shop
September 30, 10 am – 2 pm
Shop a curated selection of goods from local makers & small businesses each Saturday in September from 10AM – 2PM. Pop into the shop to explore dozens of houseplants & gifts.
287 Princeton Avenue, Brick, NJ
Cost: Free
Your First Mud Run
October 1, 10 am – 7 pm
Your First Mud Run, the nation’s premier family-friendly mud run event, is set to make a splash on Sunday, October 1st at the Memorial Pool Walkway in Fair Lawn, NJ. To sweeten the deal for attendees, Your First Mud Run is offering a special discount code “NJIB,” allowing registrants to enjoy a $5 discount on each registration. This incentive aims to make the event even more accessible to families and individuals looking to embark on this thrilling adventure. Your First Mud Run proudly announces itself as the premier and unparalleled family-oriented mud run event in the United States. The event stands apart as the ONLY mud run specifically crafted for both parents and children to revel in the exhilaration of this action-packed experience together. In a commendable move towards community support, Your First Mud Run has committed to donating a portion of this year’s proceeds to 4‑H, America’s largest youth development organization. 4‑H empowers nearly six million young people with valuable life skills, nurturing future leaders who will make a lasting impact on society.
Memorial Pool Walkway, Fair Lawn, NJ
Cost: Use special discount code “NJIB,” to enjoy a $5 discount on each registration.
LuminoCity Festival
Now – November 5
The LuminoCity Festival offers a delightful experience for all attendees. The festival welcomes children aged 3 and under free of charge, ensuring an inclusive environment. It is wheelchair accessible and conveniently provides free parking for visitors. Attendees can marvel at over 40 real-sized, motion, and lighted dinosaurs, creating a captivating prehistoric atmosphere. The festival transforms into an immersive wonderland of lights and boasts multiple interactive attractions on-site, making it an ideal choice for friends and families seeking a memorable outing. For added excitement, guests can opt for the Dino Speedway Ride with an additional ticket fee of $5 per ride or enjoy the Dino Paradise Bounce House for $18 per person.
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $23 – $27
Hillsborough Restaurant Week
September 26 – October 1
The 5th annual Hillsborough Restaurant Week features the best restaurants in town.
Avalon Oktoberfest
September 29, 3 pm – 8 pm
It’s time to raise steins and enjoy Avalon Oktoberfest at ICONA resort! Join them on Friday, September 29th, 2023, at the Sandbar Village at ICONA Avalon for live entertainment, drinks, food, and dancing on the sand. With your ticket purchase, you’ll receive your first beer and a sand-safe 1/2 L acrylic Stein, plus save $5 with Promo Code OF5OFF when buying in advance. The festivities kick off at 3:00 pm, featuring the launch of Avalon Brew Pub’s Fall Beer Selection. Savor German favorites like giant pretzels and bratwurst while enjoying quality brews. For those who prefer cocktails or seltzers, the full bar menu will also be available.
Sandbar Village at ICONA, 7849 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ
Cost: $20
Olde Time Italian Festival
September 29 & 30
Celebrate Italian culture and heritage at Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues in Wildwood on Friday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and on Saturday from noon until 11 p.m. for the 17th Annual Olde Time Italian Festival September 29 – 30, 2023. 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.
Fox Park, 4500 Ocean Ave. Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Our Lady of the Lake Oktoberfest
September 29 & 30
Our Lady of the Lake Parish and School are thrilled to announce Kinderfest on September 29 from 4-8 PM and Oktoberfest on September 30 from 6-11 PM, coinciding with the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Lake Church and School. These events, attracting around 2,000 guests, offer free admission to Kinderfest with inflatable rides, mini-golf, games, and more. Tickets for games and attractions can be purchased on-site, and food and drinks will be available. Oktoberfest tickets are available for $75 in advance or $85 at the door, including an all-you-can-eat dinner and drinks. Traditional German fare, provided by Hoboken Brewing, will be featured, along with a Tricky Tray, 50/50 drawing, and entertainment by Mushmouth. Proceeds support school and parish initiatives.
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 32 Lakeside Ave, Verona, NJ
Cost: Tickets are $75 available here and they are $85 at the door.
Oktoberfest
September 30, 9 am – 6 pm
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition in Cape May the festival will be located on Carpenter Lane between Decatur & Jackson and continue down Jackson Street to Beach Ave. as it is transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. Visit the Beer Gardens and Food Courts browse the artisans tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles.
Jackson St, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free
Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City
September 30, 10 am – 2 pm
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
Cost: Free to attend
Chowderfest
September 30, 10 am – 6 pm
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
Cost: Free to attend
Made in Jersey Festival
September 30, 11 am – 6 pm
Made In Jersey is a celebration of all of the things that make this state great. It is a day to celebrate the ingenuity, talent, and diversity of New Jersey’s crafters. This fun-filled event has activities for the entire family, featuring craft wine, beer and spirits, a broad selection of local culinary options, and a concert line up that will make anyone feel like a true Jersey Girl or Boy. You don’t have to have been made in Jersey to enjoy everything that Made In Jersey has to offer.
Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Oktoberfest at Lone Eagle Brewery
September 30, 12 pm – 10 pm
Coined as The Oktoberfest in Hunterdon County, join the fun for an Oktoberfest like only Lone Eagle can do. Music, fun, and GREAT beer releases. Rain date Saturday, Oct. 7
Lone Eagle Brewing, 44 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
5th Annual South Toms River Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
September 30, 12 pm – 9 pm
Food Trucks, Craft Beers, vendors, live entertainment and more!
Mathis Plaza Park, 134 NJ-166, South Toms River, NJ
Cost: Free
Barrels and Bites
September 30, 12 pm – 5 pm
The second annual Barrels and Bites – Food Trucks & Beer/ Wine Tasting Festival will be a day of fun, live music, food, craft vendors and of course wine and beer tastings. All proceeds from the event benefit the Atlantic County 4H.
Atlantic County Fairgrounds, 3210 New Jersey 50 Hamilton, NJ
Cost: $5 -$25
Montclair Brewery Oktoberfest
September 30, 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Join Montclair Brewery as they celebrate the 5th Annual Oktoberfest on September 30. Indulge in one of several German-style brews such as the Blue Stripe, Black Mamba, our staple MB Lager, and many more local-inspired craft beers. A variety of non-alcoholic craft drinks such as MB Craft Root Beer and Pineapple Ginger Beer will also be on tap. Live music will be provided all day long by fantastic, local bands such as The Accelerators, Blusion Collective, Forget The Whale, and this year’s headliner – Lil Bastad! Dress in your German-Best Oktoberfest attire and enter the costume contest or test your strength and join the stein-holding contest. A variety of outdoor games will be available for play to ensure everyone has a wúnderbar time! The first 75 adult ticket holders will receive a commemorative pin and branded souvenir stein. All ticket holders will receive one free drink ticket to be used for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
Montclair Brewery, 101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $22 – $32
Flocktoberfest
September 30, 1 pm – 5 pm
Tamerlaine Sanctuarry’s largest event of the year! Every year FLOCKTOBERFEST just gets bigger and better. Event includes: Local breweries, live auction, self-guided tours, Oktoberfest menu, kids’ corner and live entertainment. All you can eat…All you can drink…ALL FOR THE ANIMALS!
141 Clove Rd, Montague, NJ
Cost: $75, Kids $25, 5 and under are free
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 30 & October 1
Ready to kick off the fall season with one of the biggest town-wide events of the year? Join the Hackettstown BID, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Man Skirt Brewing, and Grand Avenue Tavern as they host events throughout the course of the weekend! This is a FREE event to attend, so grab your friends and family and be prepared to have the time of your life! There will be activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, food, and more! This Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event where vendors will take to Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave. for this street-fair style event. There will be kids’ activities and other non-alcohol-related activities.
Length of Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: Free
Asbury Park Bazaar Fall Bazaar
September 30 & October 1
Asbury Park Bazaar Fall Bazaar is happening in two fabulous locations in Asbury Park: the Grand Arcade at historic Convention Hall on Saturday & Sunday, September 30 & October 1, 2023 and Asbury Lanes on Saturday, September 30th, from noon to 5 pm. Explore a curated market featuring artisans from the Jersey Shore and beyond, offering a wide array of gifts and goods. Plus photography, live music, kid activities and much more.
Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: Free
21st Annual Twin Lights Ride
October 1, 7 am – 5 pm
Bike New York and the Highlands Business Partnership host the 21st Annual Twin Lights Bike Ride, Huddy Park, 331 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ, Sunday, October 1st at 7AM. Cyclists have a choice of five routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles, for all age levels along some of New Jersey’s most spectacular seashore and countryside scenery. Online registration is available at https://www.bike.nyc/events/twin-lights-ride/ Onsite registration opens at 7 AM and closes at 10:30 AM. Admission & Parking are free. Fresh, local seafood and other culinary delights for sale at the post-ride festival and nearly 20 restaurants to choose from in town. Stop by the beer garden after the ride for a refreshing cold brew! Great food, live music and more! For more info go to www.highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713.
Huddy Park, 331 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ
Cost: $65-$85
Harvestfest Crafts & Antique Corner Fair
October 1, 10 am – 5 pm
The Harvestfest Fair featuring arts & crafts, antiques & gifts will be held on Sunday, October 1, from 10 to 5. This is the perfect opportunity to plan a fun day out to begin your holiday shopping. The show features 120 exhibitors showcasing a great variety of gift-giving items for everyone in the family. At the art & craft area you can browse through stained glass, jewelry, fiber, wood yard signs, paintings, silk dyed clothing, watercolors, origami, macrame plant holders, place mats, Halloween, holiday items, linens, photography, florals, pottery, ceramics, pet & kid’s items, turned wood pens & bowls, egg art, charcuterie boards, framed writings, photography, tie dye and much more. Treasures can be found among the many items on display at the antique & collectible area featuring estate & costume jewelry, ephemera, bric a brac, silver, old toys, coins, pottery, glassware and more. Festival food, homemade pretzels, pickles and kettle korn will be available. Held rain or shine.
Veterans Memorial Park , Broadway & 3rd Ave, Westwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival
October 1, 11 am – 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
Cost: Free
Fall Fest at Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn
October 1, 11:30 am – 4 pm
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.
11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
October 1 – 6
Restaurant Week is a 7-day celebration of the culinary scene in Atlantic City. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer a multi-course meal for a fixed price.
Atlantic City, NJ
Annual Pumpkin Patch Train
October 1, 8 & 15
Join in the Halloween fun at the Whippany Railway Museum onboard “The Pumpkin Patch Train” ! The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland and return is the perfect way to spend a Fall afternoon with the family. Your ticket entitles you to pick your own pumpkin after the ride at our Pumpkin Patch and enjoy the seasonal fun. Ticket also includes a pumpkin decorating kit. Children of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes, where they can mingle with our zombies and ghosts, helping to make the train a spooky sight!
Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ
Cost: $18 – $26
