NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey October Free Events
October in New Jersey is packed with fun and free events for everyone to enjoy! From seasonal festivals to family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate autumn in the Garden State. Whether you’re looking for a craft fair, a cultural festival, or a Halloween-themed extravaganza, you can find it without spending a dime. Here are some fantastic free events happening this October that will get you out and about, enjoying everything New Jersey has to offer!
For more events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide. If you’d like to submit your event, click here.
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Fore more events be sure to check out our list of All the Fall Things: NJIB’s Guide to 40+ New Jersey Fall Festivals/Halloween Multi-Day Events AND our guide to New Jersey Halloween Events & Festivals.
NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Free October Events:
Featured Events!
Highlands Annual Oktoberfest
October 5, 1 pm – 7 pm
The feel-good spirit of Highlands 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
Cost: Free
Blackwood Pumpkin Show
October 6, 11 am – 4 pm
The 31st Annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11 AM to 4 PM in Blackwood, NJ. This family-friendly event, organized by the Mainstage Center for the Arts, is a beloved tradition that draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the fall season. The festival features a variety of activities, including pumpkin painting, hayrides, moon bounces, live music, food vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, scarecrow building, and even costume contests.
Black Horse Pike area at Harwan Park, Blackwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Sharp Iron Farm 2024 Oktoberfest
October 5, 10 am – 12 pm
Situated in the heart of Long Valley, NJ, this family-owned farm is a festive autumn haven for the whole family. Enjoy classic hayrides through the vibrant fall landscape, pick your perfect pumpkin from our patch, and harvest fresh veggies from our gardens. Experience the joy of pumpkin chuckin’ and be mesmerized by sheep herding demos. Explore a range of handmade crafts and autumn-inspired goods while indulging in seasonal food and drinks. Let live music serenade you in this charming autumn atmosphere.
Sharp Iron Farm, 273 Pleasant Grove Road Washington Township, NJ
JC Harvest Festival and Cultural Diversity Festival
October 5, 10 am – 2 pm
This family event features many fun fall festivities including pumpkin decorating, arts & crafts, music, food vendors and more!
Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ
The Hightstown Family Fair
October 5, 10 am – 4 pm
The family event features a fun day filled with artisans and crafters, small businesses, live entertainment, great food, and children’s activities.
Bank Street next to Ely House, Downtown Hightstown, NJ
Collingswood Book Festival
October 5, 10 am – 4 pm
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
Asbury Park Zombie Walk and Undead Festival
October 5, 11 am – 6 pm
The New Jersey Zombie Walk is dedicated to all things horror and zombie. The undead outbreak was born in Asbury Park in 2008, and every year since the zombie horde has increased in size, rocketing the event further and further towards a total citywide takeover. Prior to 2014 when the Zombie Pub Crawl in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, with over 15,000 zombies was listed by the Guinness Book of World records for the “largest gathering of zombies”, the Asbury Park Zombie Walk with over 10,000 held that record.
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ
Ridgefield Park Jazz Fest Street Fair
October 5, 11 am – 7 pm
Main Street will transform into a giant town block party from Park Street to Cedar Street, presented by the Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners. This popular fall event runs from 11 AM to 7 PM and attracts thousands of music lovers with two stages of live entertainment. The festival features a variety of vendors, including those offering arts and crafts, festival foods, and gourmet food trucks serving favorites like sausage and pepper sandwiches, cheese steaks, and ice cream. There is also a Kids’ Zone with bounce rides, slides, face painting, and more. Don’t miss exploring local merchants and civic organizations for additional treats between Union and Essex Streets.
234 Main St, Ridgefield Park, NJ
The Craft Show @ Oktoberfest
October 5, 1 pm – 5 pm
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
Haddon Township Annual Music Festival
October 5, 1 pm – 9 pm
Haddon Township will hold it’s 9th Annual Music Festival on Saturday, October 5th from 1 pm to 9 pm on Haddon Ave. between Strawbridge Ave. and Cooper St. in the heart of the downtown. The Haddon Township Music Festival is a perfect getaway for music aficionados who prefer to ‘experience” live music and interact with artists from all over the Delaware Valley. The 2024 lineup features a diverse range of acts, spanning many different musical genres on two separate stages. The avenue will be lined with food trucks, local artisans, beer gardens, a kid-zone and a 70” foot ferriswheel. The event is free and open to the public and approximately four blocks from the Westmont PATCO Speedline.
Haddon Ave. between Strawbridge Ave. and Cooper St., Haddon Twp, NJ
Jersey City Night Market
October 5, 3 pm – 9 pm
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 5, 3 pm – 10 pm
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 5 & 6, 10 am – 5 pm
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 5 & 6, 11 am – 5 pm
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
Harvesfest Fair, Crafts, Antiques, Gifts
October 6, 10 am – 5 pm
The Harvestfest Fair at Veterans Park in Westwood, NJ, returns for its final event of the season on Sunday, October 6, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Featuring 125 exhibitors, the fair offers a wide array of arts, crafts, antiques, and gifts, perfect for holiday shopping. Visitors can explore everything from stained glass and jewelry to pottery, charcuterie boards, and holiday items, while the antique area showcases treasures like estate jewelry, vintage toys, and glassware. Festival food, including homemade pretzels, pickles, and kettle corn, will also be available. The event is sponsored by Westwood Recreation and promoted by P.J.’s Promotions.
Veterans Park, Broadway & 3rd Ave., Westwood, NJ
Springfield’s Fall Festival and Car Show
October 6, 11 am – 5 pm
Everyone is welcome to attend! 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
The Caldwell Street Fair
October 6, 12 pm – 5 pm
Experience the magic of the Caldwell Street Fair, renowned as the finest in all of New Jersey! Each year, the fair attracts an impressive crowd of nearly 30,000 attendees, all eager to explore and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The fair boasts more than 200 diverse vendors, offering a unique blend of arts and crafts, mouth-watering food, refreshing spirits, and an array of local businesses showcasing their gems. Don’t miss the rhythmic pulse of music at the Beergarden, presented by the esteemed Cloverleaf Tavern. From exhilarating carnival rides, inflatables, and mini golf, to imaginative face painting and riveting boardwalk games, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
395 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ
Newark Arts Festival
October 9 – 13
The Newark Arts Festival 2024, themed “Radical Reimagining,” will be held from October 9 to 13 in various locations throughout Newark, NJ. The festival invites attendees to envision a world where art, culture, and interconnectedness are foundational to systems and beliefs. It encourages participants to deconstruct and rebuild societal norms to promote equity and justice through creativity and cultural strategy. By reimagining life and embracing collaborative problem-solving, the event aims to create enriching communities, honor past triumphs, and inspire future generations.
Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ and several locations within Newark NJ
Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival
October 11 & 12
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 festival.
Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, NJ
Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival
October 11 – 13
Celebrating the Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Festival. A fun filled weekend of food, friends, and Italian Culture. The Parade will be held on Sunday at 1 pm, on the Boulevard from J Street to Sampson Avenue.
Grant Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
October 12, 9 am – 5 pm
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 12, 9 am – 4 pm
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 S, West Cape May, NJ
Berlin’s Annual Fall Festival
October 12, 10 am – 4 pm
This event features a Mutt Strut dog costume parade, pumpkin painting, a car show, food merchants and a beer garden.
Berlin Boro County Park, 43 S Park Drive, Berlin, NJ
Avalon Art & Seafood Festival
October 12, 10 am – 5 pm
Taste delectable treats from the sea at the Chamber’s Annual Seafood Festival. Featuring fresh seafood vendors,chowder contest, live music, vendors and more. 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
BarronFest 2024: Woodbridge’s 17th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
October 12, 12 pm to 4 pm
Parker Press Park in Woodbridge Township will be transformed into a fine arts and crafts gallery on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Now celebrating its 17th year in Woodbridge Township, BarronFest is a free-to-the-public arts and crafts festival sponsored by the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission and the Barron Arts Center and will feature over 40 talented local artisans. The festival will feature many original hand-made items and will have something appealing to everyone, including oils/acrylics, watercolor, photography, sculpture, graphics/drawings/pastels, mixed media and fine crafts including pottery, jewelry and other handcrafted items. Many exhibitors will also be doing live demonstrations.
400 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ. Rain location: Acacia Youth Center, 95 Port Reading Avenue, Port Reading. NJ
Smithville Irish Festival
October 12 & 13, 11 am – 5 pm
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 Rd, Smithville, NJ
Somerset County’s Journey Through The Past
October 12 & 13
Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County’s annual Journey Through the Past! Bring the whole family as you explore the vast history of Somerset County and discover what life was like 50, 100, or even 200 years ago! 30 historic sites throughout Somerset County will be open free to the public.
Somerset County, NJ
Fanwood Vendor Pop-Up Fall Festival
October 13, 10 am – 4 pm
The south side Fanwood Train Station Parking Lot will host an impressive array of top-notch exhibitors, showcasing unique items, arts and crafts, and collectibles. Hand-picked for their quality and creativity, these exhibitors contribute to a posh marketplace experience. The event, hosted by the Borough of Fanwood, NJ, runs from 10 AM to 4 PM and includes gourmet food trucks, live music, and over 75 exhibitors. Children can enjoy a free craft table, and parking is available at the North side train station with directions to 238 North Avenue, Fanwood, NJ.
256 South Avenue, Fanwood, NJ
Califon Street Fair 2024
October 13, 11 am – 4 pm
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 and vendors, beer garden, pie eating contest and live music.
Downtown Califon, 53 Main Street, Califon, NJ
Seton Village Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
October 18, 5 pm – 10 pm
South Orange Downtown and Seton Village are excited to announce the Seton Village Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, taking place on Friday, October 18th, from 5-10 PM. This lively event will feature some of the area’s best food trucks offering a variety of culinary delights, perfect for food enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. Beer lovers can enjoy the return of the Beer Garden, sponsored by Gaslight Brewery, which will serve a selection of craft beers. With live entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a festive atmosphere, the event is a perfect opportunity to gather with family, friends, and neighbors.
Irvington Ave, South Orange, NJ
Reed’s Farm Fall Bazaar
October 19, 9 am – 3 pm
The Reed’s Farm Fall Bazaar offers a diverse selection of vendors selling vintage, sustainable, and upcycled items, plants, art, tarot readings, crafts, handmade goods, fresh produce, and organic meats. Families can enjoy face painting, costume contests, pie eating contests, lawn games, photo opportunities, and DJ Lousy’s vinyl set inside the farm shop. In addition to the bazaar, Reed’s Farm features a bakery and kitchen serving delicious pastries and farm-to-table food, a coffee bar with creative coffee, tea, and farm-crafted sodas, a wide variety of farm-fresh produce, an indoor market with pre-made refrigerated food, cheeses, jams, spreads, organic tinctures, handmade candles, plant-dyed garments, and more, and adorable farm animals.
5075 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Bierman Autism Centers Annual Trunk-or-Treat
October 19, 10 am to 12 pm
The Bierman Autism Centers Annual Trunk-or-Treat will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bierman Autism Centers, located at 746 Alexander Rd., Suite 100, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. This free event promises a magical morning with whimsically decorated trunks filled with sensory-friendly treats, engaging games, face painting, and creative crafts. Designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all abilities, the event welcomes both familiar faces and new participants to create a memorable experience.
746 Alexander Rd., Suite 100, Princeton, NJ
Annual Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival
October 19, 10 am – 4 pm
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
Smithville Costume Pet Parade
October 19, 1 pm
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.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Highland’s Howl-O-Ween
October 19, 3 pm – 5 pm
On Saturday, October 19th, at 3 PM, Seafarer, located at 1 Atlantic St., Highlands, NJ, 07732, will host a free costume contest for dogs and their owners. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, most original, and best human and dog pair or group costumes. Walk-up registration starts at 3 PM, with judging scheduled for 4 PM. Dog owners can enjoy discounted drinks and participate in trivia contests. Judging will commence promptly at 4 PM.
Seafarer, located at 1 Atlantic St., Highlands, NJ
Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 19 & 20
This family event features a juried craft show with over 150 vendors, 15 food vendors, and live music.
Downtown Chatsworth, NJ
Rose Squared Art Show Fall Brookdale Park
October 19 & 20, 10 am – 5 pm. Rain or Shine
Rose Squared Art Shows presents more than 130 artisans at Brookdale Park, Bloomfield NJ, October 19-20, 2024. This event showcases both fine art and fine craft with works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Brookdale Park, 473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield, NJ
Hamilton Oktoberfest
October 20, 11 am – 5 pm
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
18th Century Field Day and Fall Harvest Festival
October 20, 10 am to 4 pm
Join the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners for battle reenactments, colonial demonstrations, farm animals, kids games & crafts, magic show and more! The free event will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 10am-4pm at Red Bank Battlefield Park.
Red Bank Battlefield park, 100 Hession Avenue, National Park, NJ
Cherry Hill Harvest Festival
October 20, 12 pm – 4 pm
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
Day of the Dead
October 24, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Celebrate with a Mariachi Band, sugar skull face painting, and send a message to your deceased loved ones in the fire pit.
44 E Washington Ave, Washington, NJ
Smithville’s Monster Bash
October 26, 10 am – 6 pm
Sponsored by Underground, one of the 60+ stores at Historic Smithville, this event invites participants to spend a day and night in the Village for the area’s largest Zombie Walk. The day features various vendors and live music, with the “walk” starting at 6:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in full costume and makeup, or they can visit on-site makeup artists for assistance.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cranford’s Great Pumpkin Carve Out & Parade of Pumpkins
October 26
Drop off your pumpkins from 9 am – 2 pm. Everyone is invited to come to Hanson Park from 5 pm-8:30 pm to stroll along the pumpkin-lit garden paths and see the carved pumpkins wonderfully displayed. Awards will be given for the funniest, scariest, and most original carved pumpkin grouped by ages; 4-8, 9-16 and 17 and up. Hot cider and cookies will be available for purchase.
Hanson Park, 38 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, NJ
Garfield’s Fall Family Fun Street Fair
October 27, 10 am – 5 pm
A fun-filled festival loaded with vendors & crafters selling great stuff, live entertainment, kiddie rides & games, great festival foods & food trucks, and so much more. This event is hosted by the City of Garfield, NJ & the Garfield Special Events Committee. It is held along Midland Ave., from 10 am-5 pm and brings out a big part of the community.
500 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ
The Bazaar Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects
October 27, 12 pm to 5 pm
Don’t miss The Bazaar’s Annual Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ! This free event features a Halloween pet costume contest, workshops, music, fall-themed activities, and trick-or-treating for kids. Shop a curated market of local artisans, enjoy s’mores by the fire, and capture fall photo moments. Activities include a bead bar to customize sunnies, permanent jewelry, tarot readings, face painting, and more. Delicious food, craft beers, and libations will be available, with music by DJ Astrovan. Early shoppers can snag a free tote bag, and workshops include a paint and sip session and cookie decorating.
15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ
Smithville’s Witches Day Out
October 27, 2 pm
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 and winners announced thereafter at the Smithville Inn. Food and drinks specials will be offered. Stop into the Shoppes with your hat and see what deals await you.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
