NJIB’s Guide to 40+ New Jersey Events September 26th – 28th, 2025
How is it the last weekend in September already? New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events September 26 – 28, 2025 is your go-to source for the best events happening across the Garden State! Whether you’re searching for lively festivals, captivating performances, family-friendly fun, or seasonal activities, our guide has you covered. From local craft fairs and art exhibits to outdoor adventures and winter celebrations, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Explore new experiences, create unforgettable memories, and stay connected with the local community with New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s expertly curated event lineup.
As a reminder, NJIB has no control over the weather or whether (see what I did there) an event is canceled. Please make sure an event is still active before attending.
BONUS! See NJIB at Bell Works Fresh in Holmdel on Wednesday, September 24th, and Rancocas Woods: Art All Night on Saturday, September 27th.
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.
New Jersey Events September 26th – 28th, 2025:
Hillsborough Restaurant Week
September 23 – September 28
Hillsborough Restaurant Week is a culinary event celebrating the diverse dining scene in Hillsborough, New Jersey. During this week-long event, local restaurants offer special menus, discounts, and promotions to showcase their best dishes. It’s a great opportunity for food lovers to explore new dining spots and enjoy unique offerings from a variety of eateries. Whether you’re a fan of fine dining or casual bites, Hillsborough Restaurant Week provides a chance to experience the local food scene and support the community.
Hillsborough, NJ
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
September 24, 26, 27 & 28(rain or shine)
This Middlesex County, multi-venue event features a live jazz festival with a common experience by neighboring towns and their sharing of love of jazz music.
At multiple locations in Edison, Carteret, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Metuchen & Woodbridge, NJ
Cost: Free Admission
Great Adventure’s Fright Fest/Kids Boo Fest
Now – November 2
Six Flags Great Adventure offers two Halloween events: Fright Fest for older audiences and Kids Boo Fest for families. Fright Fest features haunted houses, scare zones, twisted shows, and devilish treats, while Kids Boo Fest offers kid-friendly attractions like a trick-or-treat trail, a hay maze, a costume contest, and a pumpkin patch. Both events run throughout the fall season.
Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Boulevard Jackson, NJ
Cost: Varies
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow @ Adventure Aquarium
September 25 – November 2
During the fall festivities, guests can discover a mesmerizing collection of glowing gourds in every shape, size, and species shining above the surface or illuminating the depths among sharks, stingrays, and other unique aquatic life. NEW to this year’s festival is a nearly 10-foot underwater octopus shaped out of pumpkins and a snorkeling Scarecrow tasked with keeping watch over the Aquarium’s underwater pumpkin patch. In addition to the fall-themed sights, guests can check out the Aquarium’s seasonal sensory tables, which feature pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences—all included with admission. For an extra special experience, guests can pay $5 to paint and take home their own pumpkin masterpiece. The Aquarium’s gift shop will also be selling various pumpkin-themed souvenirs. Visitors looking to learn more about ocean life can deepen their aquatic knowledge by tuning into the Aquarium’s “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show. This show demystifies the animals living in the dark depths of the ocean’s Midnight Zone.
1 Riverside Dr., Camden, N.J., 08103
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date
Jack O’Lantern Experience
September 26 – 28
This 30-day event guarantees thrills and chills for the whole family! Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides, pumpkin picking/painting, AND a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns in the crisp fall air with family and friends.
94 Championship Place Augusta, NJ
Cost: $20 – $39
Oktoberfest ”Bier on the Pier”
September 26 – 28
Features special German-themed menus, an outdoor “biergarten,” live entertainment, a kids “Rootbier Garten” activity area and much more.
Mariner’s Pier, Schellenger Avenue and the boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend, Discounts for rides, foods and drink available online
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 26 – 28
Ready to kick off the fall season with one of Hackettstown’s biggest town-wide events of the year? Join the Hackettstown BID, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Grand Avenue Tavern and Man Skirt Brewing as they host events throughout the weekend. This is a FREE event, 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 as well.
Downtown Hackettstown(Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave), NJ
Cost: Free
German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest
September 26 – 28
Great music, good food, and the best beer makes for a fantastic weekend. The event will also feature a pig roast, traditional German food, vendors and crafts, bounce castles, kid activities, and family fun! Part of the proceeds benefits the Jeremy Fund.
215 Uncles Pete’s Road, Trenton, NJ
Cost: $5 Friday, $10 Saturday and Sunday
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival
September 26 – 28
This event features authentic Greek food and pastries, Greek dances, live music, rides and games with an entertainment tent, Outdoor Greek Food Court with Beer Truck and full bar.
2200 Church Road, Toms River, NJ
Olde Time Italian Festival
September 26 & 27
This popular annual fest features 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 on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Halloween House Freehold
September 26 – November 2
Halloween House Freehold is a completely immersive, one-of-a-kind Halloween experience where you are transported to an all Halloween world. Every one of our impeccably detailed, fully realized rooms is a different Halloween theme designed to make every Halloween lover’s experience unforgettable. Visit the #1 ranked Halloween attraction for all ages! If you love the decor of a haunted house, but don’t want the stress of being touched and scared, Halloween House Freehold is for you. And if you do love haunted houses, you’ll love Halloween House Freehold too!
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $29.99+
Oktoberfest
September 27, 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
Trails, Tails & Ales
September 27, 9 am – 12 pm
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge’s 5K Trail Run & Beer Garden is a much-anticipated event that brings together runners, nature enthusiasts, and community members from across South Jersey to support wildlife conservation. This morning event is the perfect opportunity to get a unique glimpse of our 171 acres of preserved land. Sample beer from 7 different local South Jersey breweries in a beer garden after the .
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Rd, Medford, NJ
Cost: $20+
Asbury Park PorchFest
September 27
The Largest Porchfest in the North East. AP Porchfest is a 501c3 charity that has been putting on a free day of live music in Asbury Park since 2018. In that time, there have been more than 600 performances by an amazing group of local bands ranging from Americana to Rap, from blues to Broadway. They have raised over $50,000 for local charities.
Asbury Park, NJ
Smithville’s Italian Festival
September 27, 11 am – 5 pm. Rain Date September 28
The day will be filled with live Italian music, bocce ball on the Greene, folk dancing, children activities, and more.
615 East Moss mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show
September 27, 11 am – 5 pm
Come down to the Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show and enjoy a day of family fun with original and interesting Arts & Crafts, Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Food, Games, Family Fun, live music, DJ, performances and more!
North Ave and N Washington Ave, Dunellen NJ
Phillipsburg Railroad Festival
September 27, 11 am – 5 pm
The Phillipsburg, New Jersey Railroad Festival will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering visitors a captivating journey through 173 years of railroad history in the vibrant town of Phillipsburg. Centered at Shappell Park (353 South Main Street), the festival features multiple walkable zones filled with food and craft vendors, live music, and family-friendly attractions. Attendees can tour the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians’ museum, enjoy a ride on the free miniature Centerville Southwestern train, and explore the restored PU Tower and Phillipsburg Union Station—a historic 111-year-old building now showcasing a transportation museum and vintage photography.
South Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
September 27, 12 pm – 5 pm
This event features over 100 craft beer samplings from NJ and tri-state breweries, live music, food trucks, and more. This year, enjoy live music from GoodMan Fiske and sample a selection of local wines alongside the brews.
Glassboro Town Hall, 1 High Street West, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $60 GA, and $70 VIP
Tewksbury Harvest Festival
September 27, 12 pm – 5 pm. Rain Date October 5
The Tewksbury Harvest Festival, a fundraiser for the Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad, returns to the scenic Christie Hoffman Farm Park for an afternoon of food, music, shopping, free activities, and fun! This family-friendly festival is scheduled to include food trucks, 40 antique and unique art/craft/gourmet food vendors, a silent auction, a beer garden with local craft brews and hard cider (ABC# 130729) and two live bands. Local favorite Duke Band will perform a mix of classic rock and pop covers from 12:00-2:15 p.m. From 2:45-5:00 p.m., Jessie Bardwell & the Noble Brothers will bring a toe-tapping mix of country-rock to the stage. Free activities include the spellbinding magic of Jake Strong; the Kids Zone, with a petting zoo and pony rides, games, and more; hayrides; fire trucks; and plenty of other fun activities! Free popcorn and cotton candy will be provided by area Scout troops. Leashed pets are welcome.
108 Fairmount Rd W., Califon, NJ
Cost: $25 car/$5 walkers and bikers
Central Jersey Beverage Fest
September 27, 12 pm – 6 pm
Central Jersey Beverage Fest (CJBF) is organized annually and hosted in the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds the last Saturday in September. Attracting attendees who love craft beer and more in an outdoor setting from the tristate area, CJBF is a tasting festival of Beer, Seltzers, Canned Cocktails, Wine and Spirits. This sampling event is a great way to experience and expand anyone’s palate in the world of adult beverages while enjoying live music, food trucks, vendors, and more. All are encouraged to have a great time while remembering #DrinkResponsibly.
Mercer County Festival Grounds, 1638 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor, NJ
Cost: $10 – $70
Downtown Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour
September 27, 1 pm – 4 pm
If this steamy, summer heat has you looking forward to sweater weather, then great news – tickets are on sale for the 2025 Downtown Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour! In addition to pumpkin specials from participating stores there will also be live music, pumpkin bounce house, mechanical pumpkin, and more! The event is rain or shine. No refunds. Tickets are limited.
Downtown Cranford, North Ave, NJ
Cost: $5
Montclair Brewery Oktoberfest
September 27, 1 pm – 10 pm
Indulge in one of several German-style brews, such as BaoLager, brewed with the African Baobab fruit, among 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. 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!
Montclair Brewery, 101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $25 – $35. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative pin, branded wristband, and branded cup. VIP ticket holders will receive these as well as a special branded badge, a branded souvenir mug, and will have guaranteed seating under our fully covered gazebos. All ticket holders will receive one free drink ticket to be used for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair
September 27, 1 pm – 9 pm
Visitors can enjoy kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, a remote-controlled car track, and more. Two stages of live music will showcase local performers and regional bands, while two food courts serve everything from cheesesteaks and gyros to kettle corn and cupcakes. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of vendors selling crafts, jewelry, home décor, and unique gifts, along with booths from local merchants and civic organizations. The event runs rain or shine along Amboy Avenue, with plenty to see, do, and taste.
1011 Amboy Ave., Edison, NJ
Cost: Free Admission
Long Branch Public Library Book Fair!
September 27, 1 pm – 5 pm
The event will feature a lively mix of activities and vendors designed to appeal to both children and adults. Attendees can browse merchandise from ten unique vendors, enjoy offerings from several food stands, and explore author tables. Entertainment will include a student DJ, balloon artists, face painters, and more, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. A special area will also be dedicated to the sale of donated books. To ensure variety and minimize competition, each vendor will offer distinct products, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for everyone.
328 Broadway Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Kinnelon Kfest Fall Festival
September 27, 1 pm – 8 pm
The festival will host live music, a beer garden, food trucks, kids’ fun zone, rides, and over 100 fabulous vendors to shop from. Fireworks will begin at 8 pm.
130 Kinnelon Rd, Kinnelon, NJ
Avalon Oktoberfest
September 27, 3 pm – 8 pm
It’s time to raise steins and enjoy Avalon Oktoberfest at ICONA resort; live entertainment, drinks, food, and dancing on the sand. 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
Rancocas Woods: Art All Night
September 27, 4 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy an early evening of fun filled with our monthly local craft & antique show vendors, live music, great food, a pop-up beer garden + MORE! The Craft & Antique Show is a monthly outdoor market featuring an eclectic mix of local handmade, vintage, & antique goods, There will also be a pop-up beer garden benefitting the Rancocas Woods Business Association.
118 Creek Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
Cost: Free
Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
September 27, 12 pm – 9 pm and September 28, 12 pm – 6 pm
The Chester Lions Club will host its Annual Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show this fall, bringing together the vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes of Bavaria right in the heart of Morris County. This beloved community tradition takes place at Chubb Park in Chester, New Jersey, and invites guests of all ages to enjoy two full days of festive fun. The event features authentic German food including bratwurst, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and pretzels, as well as a selection of beer and seasonal beverages. Traditional German music will fill the air as guests relax under the big tent or browse through local vendors and activity stations. A major attraction of the weekend is the Car Show, showcasing an impressive collection of antique, classic, and specialty vehicles that car lovers won’t want to miss. Most importantly, proceeds from the event go directly to charitable causes, including local scholarships, medical support programs, and various Lions Club service initiatives.
Chubb Park, 290 W Main Street, Chester, NJ
Cost: $10+
All A Boo DiDonato’s Trick or Treat Train
September 27 & 28
Don’t miss out on the “ALL A BOO DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train,” a Halloween outdoor train ride designed for goblin-friendly family fun. The admission includes a train ride through a Halloween Town, exploration of the Halloween Corn Maze, a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, exhilarating experiences on the giant slide, a 40′ inflatable obstacle course, visits to 5 Trick-or-Treat spots, a Meet & Greet with the Local Witch, and a Toy Market at their Pop-up Snack & Toy Cottage. Plus, there’s endless play and enjoyment on a custom-made interactive train, with additional options like a game of Bowling and one shoe rental with socks for $7 per person at the door. It’s a spooky, delightful adventure for everyone!
1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ
Cost: Varies
Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms
September 27 & 28
See the largest light show in NJ on a guided drive-through tour of brilliant Halloween light displays. Stop by the farm to enjoy goodies from the market and warm up by the fire pits with make-your-own s’mores and hot cocoa.
244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ
Cost: $35 per car
Rock2Adopt
September 27 & 28
Rock 2 Adopt 2025 is a vibrant, family-friendly charity music festival held September 27–28 at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ, presented to support local shelters and animal sanctuaries, with all funds and donations benefiting the cause. Over two days, the festival features more than 20 live bands across multiple stages—including the Main Stage and an acoustic “Paw-Coustic” stage—alongside a lively mix of activities such as food trucks, vendors, kids’ games, painting with Tori, Halloween-themed fun with Chubby Penguin Parties, temporary tattoos, yoga, Zumba, karaoke, live wrestling, magic and comedy acts, poetry, and special meet-and-greets with adoptable dogs (12–2 PM each day) and character appearances. Wristband donations (presale: $25 for adults and children 9+, $15 for ages 2–8; under 2 free; higher rates at the gate) grant access to all performances, special events, and entertainment, making Rock 2 Adopt a spirited celebration of music, community, and the love of animals.
Veterans Park, Bayville, NJ
Cost: presale: $25 for adults and children 9+, $15 for ages 2–8; under 2 free; higher rates at the gate
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
September 27 & 28, 11 am until 5 pm
This family fun event features over 110 booths and amusements comprised of mouthwatering foods, unique fine arts and crafts, Margate retailers, sponsors, nonprofits, Margate City municipal departments, kid’ss activities, 10 Live bands on the Main Stage, 12 acts on the Kid’s Stage, and much
All along Amherst Avenue, from Washington Avenue to Coolidge Avenues and Promenade Baywalk, Margate, NJ
Cost: Free admission
New Jersey Horror Con & Film Fest
September 27 & 28
The goal of the festival is for fans to see amazing Horror films in the indie scene and also an opportunity to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also participate in Q&A sessions, see the amazing vendors from around the Horror scene and watch the best indie films around.
NJ Expo Center, Edison, NJ
Cost: $40 – $70
A Touch of Italy Food Truck Festival
September 27 & 28
Join in for a day of outdoor enjoyment and relaxation at the picturesque grounds of Laurita Winery. It’s the perfect destination to savor exceptional wines in the company of friends and family. Complement the exquisite wines with a diverse range of delectable food options from the assortment of onsite food trucks.
Laurita Winery; 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ
Cost: $13
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar
September 27 & 28, 12 pm – 5pm
The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar will celebrate the season with a vibrant lineup of local vendors, kids’ activities, Fall-themed photo walls, music, workshops, food, libations, and entertainment.This family-friendly, pet-friendly, and free event offers a curated shopping experience with artisans from the Jersey Shore, face painting, live music, vinyl record shopping, sip and paint sessions, and more. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks at Seahorse, Asbury Oyster Bar, and more.
Asbury Park Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ and Asbury Hotel, 210 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: Free
Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
September 27, 12 pm – 9 pm and September 28, 12 pm – 6 pm
The Chester Lions Club will host its Annual Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show this fall, bringing together the vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes of Bavaria right in the heart of Morris County. This beloved community tradition takes place at Chubb Park in Chester, New Jersey, and invites guests of all ages to enjoy two full days of festive fun. The event features authentic German food including bratwurst, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and pretzels, as well as a selection of beer and seasonal beverages. Traditional German music will fill the air as guests relax under the big tent or browse through local vendors and activity stations. A major attraction of the weekend is the Car Show, showcasing an impressive collection of antique, classic, and specialty vehicles that car lovers won’t want to miss. Most importantly, proceeds from the event go directly to charitable causes, including local scholarships, medical support programs, and various Lions Club service initiatives.
Chubb Park, 290 W Main Street, Chester, NJ
Cost: $10+
Fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
September 28, 9 am – 3:30 pm
This event features bottles, glass items, antiques, and collectibles available from a variety of vendors. Food, and beverages.Wagon rides will also be available at this event and run from 11 am – 2pm. There is a charge for rides to help us offset the cost of bringing equipment, horse and support personnel to the site. Bring the little ones!
Batsto Village, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ
Cost: Free
Saddle Brook Street Fair & Craft Show
September 28, 10 am – 4 pm
Come down to the Saddle Brook Street Fair & Craft Show and enjoy a day of family fun with original and interesting Arts & Crafts, Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Food, Games, Family Fun, live music, DJ, performances and more!
Market St and Mayhill St, Saddle Brook, NJ
Cost: Free
Harvest Home Festival
September 28, 11 am – 5 pm
This old-fashioned country fair at Longstreet Farm is reminiscent of the 1890s, taking visitors back in time to the period when neighbors gathered to accomplish work, harvest, and spend time socializing and enjoying each other’s company. See an exhibition of the best products that have been grown and the best needlework that has been done in the community, plus games, athletic contests, and similar features of recreational or educational value.
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free
Morristown Fall Festival on the Green
September 28, 12 pm – 5 pm (rain or shine)
This family friendly fun event features entertainment and activities for all ages including four stages with live music, kids place amusements, carnival games, a beer tent, and 150+ exhibitors.
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ
Cost: Free
Millington Music Fest
September 28, 1 pm – 6 pm, Rain Date October 5
The Millington Music Fest, hosted by the Long Hill Chamber of Commerce, will be a full of amazing live music with over 10 bands, delicious eats from food trucks, and fun for the whole family.
1891 Long Hill Rd, Millington, NJ
Cost: Free
