NJIB’s Guide to 30+ New Jersey Events October 4 – 6, 2024
Hello and happy October to those who celebrate! Here’s your guide to New Jersey events this week from now until October 6th, 2024. Whether you’re into street fairs, food truck festivals, or free events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. PLUS you can find NJIB at LSC After Dark: Murder at the Museum on Thursday the 3rd, Highlands Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday the 5th, and the Blackwood Pumpkin Show on Sunday, October 6th.
Check out our Event Guide for more events throughout the year. To submit your event, click here.
For more New Jersey Events and Adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
For 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.
New Jersey Events October 1 – 6:
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
Submersion Festival
October 4 & 5
Submersion Festival is a boutique, independently-owned and operated music and arts festival based in Hammonton, New Jersey. Hosted by Aspire Higher and The Rust Music, the festival finds itself nestled within the sprawling Paradise Lakes campground amongst the Garden State’s lush Pine Barrens for a third consecutive year. Bringing together musical communities and vetted professionals from the combined Philadelphia and New York area, we strive to provide a tightly curated weekend of selective programming, expansive visual art, cutting-edge sound systems alongside a modest cast of friends and family.
Paradise Lakes Campground, 500 Paradise Dr, Hammonton, NJ
Cost: Varies
NJ Hispanic Film Fest
October 4 – 6
The New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival 2024 celebrates Hispanic culture through a diverse lineup of films, panels, and special events. It will feature screenings of Latin American films, community-focused discussions, and interactive experiences. The festival will be held at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ, and promises a mix of contemporary and classic films, with an emphasis on representation in film and media.
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank, NJ
Cost: Varies
Moving Beyond Abuse 5K & Charity Walk
October 5, 8:30 am – 12 pm
The Moving Beyond Abuse 5K & Charity Walk brings together the community during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to honor survivors of domestic violence, remember victims whose lives were taken, and commit to building a society where adults and children can live free from violence and injustice. Proceeds support free and confidential services for victim-survivors of domestic violence and their children in Middlesex County, NJ. Goldenseal the Band will perform LIVE through the event.
Johnson Park-Grove 4, River Road, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Advance registration is $35; Event day registration $45; Children under 11 walk or run for free.
Gibbstown Day Car Show
October 5, 10 am – 3 pm
The Gibbstown Day Car Show offers over 25 awards plus additional prizes, with live music, food trucks, and fun games for kids. Attendees can enjoy shopping with various vendors, explore township demo booths, and even let kids vote for their favorite cars. It’s a great day out for friends and family—everyone is welcome to cruise in and join the fun!
1201 Memorial Ave Gibbstown NJ
Cost: Car show registration is $20
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
Catsbury Park Cat Convention
October 5, 11 am – 7 pm
Welcome to the return of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention! After nearly five years, it is back and better than ever. Attendees are invited to celebrate all things feline at the Jersey Shore. They can browse through over 50 vendors selling cat-themed and cat-centric merchandise, and visit the on-site cat café to spend time with adoptable kitties. Expert speakers and panelists will share their knowledge on wellness, rescue, and TNR, while various interactive events offer opportunities for participation. This is a chance for cat enthusiasts to mingle and support the excellent rescue work at the Jersey Shore and beyond. All proceeds from the event will benefit Catsbury Park Inc. and its partnered charities.
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $25 – $75
Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Fundraiser Festival
October 5, 11 am – 4 pm
The highly anticipated 2nd Annual Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Festival is set to return to the East Freehold Showgrounds, promising an even more thrilling experience for attendees. This year’s event is slated to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring an impressive lineup of over 100 emergency vehicles, trucks, utility vehicles, a helicopter, a hot air balloon, classic cars, and an array of exciting attractions for the whole family.
East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Rd, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $20 for Adults, $19 for Children, and 2 and under are free
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
Cost: Free Admission
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
Cost: Free
Hackensacktoberfest
October 5, 1 pm – 8 pm
Get ready for the 5th annual fall celebration of North Jersey breweries, local food trucks and Hackensack restaurants, music, and shopping! The event is FREE for everyone, but you must be 21+ to enter the beer garden and enjoy the incredible brews from 5 local breweries.
Atlantic Street Park, Hackensack, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
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
Cost: Free
The Hoboken Pepper Fest
October 5, 1 pm – 5 pm
Celebrate your love for spicy food while supporting a meaningful cause by joining over 300 spice enthusiasts at the Hoboken Pepper Fest, where fiery flavors meet historical spice stories. Don’t miss this exciting festival, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting Computers 4 People, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting digital equity.
524 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $20
Belleville Food Truck and Music Fest
October 5, 2 pm – 9 pm
Food! Beer! Music! Fun! It’s a fun filled family day. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pop ups and blankets.
Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave, Belleville, NJ
Cost: Free
Howl-O-Ween
October 5, 3 pm – 6 pm
The Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest and Parade will take place on October 5, 2024, in Keyport, NJ, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will be held at 70 W Front Street and features a fun dog costume contest and parade, along with a rescue and vendor market. It’s a great opportunity for dog lovers to showcase their pets in Halloween costumes, meet adoptable dogs, and enjoy browsing through local vendors. Make sure to attend and enjoy the festivities!
70 W Front St, Keyport, NJ
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
5th Annual Hopewell Community Oktoberfest
October 5, 4 pm – 10 pm
The Hopewell Community Oktoberfest has become the “can’t miss” fall event for friends and neighbors in the greater Hopewell, NJ area. This family-friendly festival is open to everyone and features a selection of craft Oktoberfest and domestic beers, local wine, and soft drinks. Attendees can enjoy slow-smoked pork shoulder and southern-inspired sides prepared by the award-winning TC5 Pitmaster. The event will also include cornhole, music, face and pumpkin painting, and other exciting surprises
Trenton Cyrus Lodge, 131 Burd St, Pennington, NJ
Cost: $25 – $50, kids 12 and under are free
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
Saturday, October 5, 12 pm – 5 pm and Sunday, October 6, 12 pm – 5 pm
The Grand Harvest Wine Festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is finally here! On October 5 and 6, from 12 PM to 5 PM, attendees can enjoy the crisp fall air while listening to live music, sipping wines from nine New Jersey wineries, and tasting gourmet food from food trucks like Carinderia LLC and G’Day Gourmet. With a variety of artisan crafters showcasing unique handmade items, it’s the perfect setting to relax with friends and family. Make sure to sample the latest offerings from participating wineries and enjoy live performances by Right Turn at 40 on Saturday and Goldie on Sunday.
73 Kahdena Rd, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $20 for Guests 21+ Ticket price goes up to $25 CASH ONLY at the door. All Spectators and Non-Samplers are $5 Guests under 21 are FREE
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
Cost: Free
Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts
October 5 & 6, 10 am – 5 pm
Featuring 125+ juried artists mastering various mediums, crafting demos, family art activities, live music, gourmet food trucks, and a Beer & Wine Garden for those 21+, it’s a must-visit. Don’t miss the Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser supporting WheatonArts’ education efforts. An award-winning annual showcase, promising a delightful experience for all attendees.
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ
Cost: $12 adults, $11 senior adults (62+), $7 students, and children five and under are free
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
Cost: Free
Annual ‘Lake Loop’ to Support Lake Hopatcong
October 6
The twelfth annual ‘Lake Loop’ bike, hike, or paddle challenge to benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at Hopatcong State Park. The event, hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, along with partners Cycle Craft, Live the Lake NJ, and Ramsey Outdoor, celebrates New Jersey’s largest lake as a recreational resource and raises funds to help keep it clean and healthy. Participants can choose to bike, hike, or paddle, with all activities starting and ending at Hopatcong State Park. Cyclists can choose from a 62-, 40-, or 20-mile ride along roads around and north of the lake. Paddlers will enjoy a 2.5-mile course out to Bertrand Island, around King Cove and back. And, new for 2024, the Lake Loop’s traditional 5K trail run has been replaced with an educational hike, just under 2 miles long, with interactive stations that feature natural and historical aspects of the lake. A shorter, stroller-friendly route is also available.
Hopatcong State Park, Hopatcong, NJ
Cost: Registration is $50 for cyclists and paddlers and $35 for hikers. Children ages 6-16 are only $10 and kids 5 and under are free.
Bark for Life of Central Jersey
October 6, 9 am – 1 pm
Join participants on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM for the 7th Annual Bark For Life of Central NJ – a certified 5K Fun Walk and festival to honor canine caregivers and cancer survivors!
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Register here
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
Cost: Free
Pride at the Zoo
October 6, 10 am – 4 pm
This family-friendly event celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with a day full of activities, including food trucks, music, animal enrichment, and informational tables. The event is free with zoo admission.
216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ
Cost: Free with Zoo Admission
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
Cost: Free
Cranford Street Fest
October 6, 11 am – 5 pm
Step into a world of vibrant crafts, tantalizing tastes, and endless entertainment! Join us as we transform the old Cranford Street Fair into a bustling playground of vendors and festivities at our NEW Cranford Street Fest! Get ready to stroll through a kaleidoscope of crafts, flavors, and rhythms, where every corner holds a new adventure. This is a street-fair style event featuring 100+ artisans and Cranford Businesses along North Union Ave and Alden St. Admission is free, family friendly, and open to the public.
N. Union Ave, Cranford, NJ
Cost: Free
Holistic Health & Healing Expo
October 6, 11 am to 5 pm
The Holistic Health & Healing Expo is the go-to resource for natural wellness and green living in South Jersey and Philadelphia. The HHH expo is dedicated to empowering individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet, educating communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia, 2349 Marlton Pike West Cherry Hill, NJ
Cost: Free, VIP $5
Asbury Park Punk Rock Flea Market
October 6, 11 am – 5 pm
The APPRFM is back in it’s home of Asbury Park NJ!! This year they will take over Bradley Park with amazing and creative vendors selling records, vintage, artwork, jewelry and other creepy and music-related items.
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park NJ
Cost: $5
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
Cost: Free
Point Pleasant Beach Book & Literacy Festival
October 6, 12 pm – 4 pm
The Little Point Bookshop, in collaboration with Doug Vitale and the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, will host the inaugural Point Pleasant Beach Book & Literacy Festival, featuring New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry, who will kick off the event by introducing her latest book, ROAR FOR READING, a story about a brave little lion standing up to book banning. The festival will also showcase authors like Nick Corasaniti (I DON’T WANT TO GO HOME: The Oral History of the Stone Pony), Phil Coffin (WHEN BASEBALL WAS STILL TOPS), David Borgenicht (THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK FOR KIDS), Craig Singer (MOGULS), and Courtney Preiss (WELCOME HOME, CAROLINE KLINE). The day will celebrate books and literacy with authors for all ages, local vendors, food trucks like Bam Bam Burger, Shore Pour’s Espresso Bar, Mugsy’s Mercantile, and live music from DECOY BAND.
Bandshell Corner of Arnold Ave and Baltimore Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Woodlands Wildlife Refuge Community Day
October 6, 1 pm – 5 pm
On Sunday, October 6th, from 1 PM to 5 PM, Woodlands will host its annual Community Day, offering a rare chance for the public to explore one of New Jersey’s leading wildlife rehabilitation centers. Normally closed except for patient admissions and educational programs, Woodlands will open its doors for self-guided tours, wildlife-focused activities for kids, and expert discussions on wildlife topics. Visitors can meet resident animals like the Sulcata tortoise, Eastern box turtle, and corn snake, and enjoy live animal presentations by Eyes of The Wild. Admission donations include tours, presentations, food, and select children’s activities.
676 County Road 513, Pittstown, NJ
Cost: $25
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
October 6 – 11
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
