Cranberry Harvest Tours at Whitesbog
Weekends in October
Witness the annual cranberry harvest up close as fifth-generation cranberry growers Joe Darlington and Brenda Conner lead this three-hour tour. You’ll learn the history of the crop, witness modern harvest technology and ask as many questions as you have about Whitesbog, the Pine Barrens and cranberries. 9 AM and 10 AM. $35. Whitesbog Village, 120 Whitesbog Road, Brown Mills (609-500-1074; [email protected]).
Highlands 14th Annual Oktoberfest
October 4
Modeled after Munich’s traditional Oktoberfest, this annual celebration promises authentic German cuisine, plenty of potables, live music and dancing. The festivities include a Best Dressed contest and a Beer Stein Holding contest, both with special prizes. 2-9 PM. Free. Veteran’s Park, 60 Bay Avenue, Highlands (732-291-4713).
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
October 4
Beer enthusiasts will get a chance to sample craft beers from more than 30 local and regional breweries while enjoying live music. 1-5 PM. $30; $5 for non-drinkers. Glassboro Marketplace, Rowan Boulevard, Glassboro.
Cape May Harvest Festival Craft & Antique Show
October 4
Celebrate the season exploring wares displayed by crafters and antique dealers throughout the region. The festival features activities and games for children, such as pumpkin painting and scarecrow making. 10 AM-4 PM. Free, with charges for some activities. Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May.
Oktoberfest On Historic Jackson Street
October 4
Bavarian tradition holds sway as Cape May’s Historic Jackson Street is transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. Visit the Beer Gardens and browse the artisan tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles. 10 AM-5 PM. Free. Historic Jackson Street, Cape May.
Oktoberfest in Historic Smithville
October 4-5
Explore more than 60 intriguing shops and boutiques during the town’s Oktoberfest. In addition to the stores along cobblestone paths of the themed village, local vendors will set up shop on the manicured grounds of the Village Greene. The event hosts over 100 crafters and offers live music and unique food. The Smithville Inn and the Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern will offer Oktoberfest specials. 10 AM-5 PM. Free. Historic Smithville at the Village Greene.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
October 4-5
It’s the fourth time around for the Grand Harvest Wine Festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, hosted by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. The festival offers live music and craft and food vendors. Attendees receive a stemmed glass to sample the many available vintages. You can also tour the working farm, which recreates 19th-century agricultural life. Noon-5 PM. $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Rd, Morris Township (609-588-0085).
The Great Pumpkin Train
October Weekends
Hop on a steam train to a corn maze or enjoy a scenic ride along the Delaware River. The train stops at a pumpkin patch located in front of the Carpentersville Lime Kilns, where every child can pick his or her own pumpkin for free. 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM and 3:30 PM. $17; children, $9. Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 162 S Main Street, Phillipsburg (887-TRAIN-RIDE).
23rd Annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival
October 5
Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for cider doughnuts, leaves splashed in color and all things pumpkin. This year’s festival will include four stages for live entertainment, more than 200 vendors, along with seasonal fun such as pumpkin painting, hayrides, a costume contest and a new build-your-own scarecrow activity. 11 AM-4 PM. (Rain date: October 12). Free. The Studio at Mainstage, 27 Black Horse Pike, Blackwood.
Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
October 9
Camden’s Children’s Garden will hold its inaugural Fall Harvest & Wine Festival, where you can sample 15 wines from Monroeville Vineyard & Winery while enjoying live music and hors d’oeuvres from local eateries. Handmade crafts will be on display. For guests 21 and older. 6-9 PM. $35 per person or $60 per couple. Camden’s Children’s Garden, Camden (856-365-8733).
11th Annual South Jersey Pumpkin Show
October 10-12
This three-day festival offers activities for the whole family, including amusement rides, pumpkin-wine samplings, a Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Pageant and a live performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. New this year is a costume contest for children ages 3 to 10 and the Cast Iron Toss for women 18 and up. This year’s Big Pumpkin Weigh-Off, set for Saturday at noon, gives pumpkin growers a chance to win $4,000 for the plumpest pumpkin. Friday, 5-10 PM; Saturday, 10 AM-8 PM; Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. $6 per car. Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown (856-765-0118).
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
October 11
The lowly legume takes center stage, delighting locals and visitors alike with its array of recipes, crafts and products. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission. 9 AM-5 PM (Rain date: October 12). Free. Wilbraham Park, 133 Myrtle Avenue (609-884-9325).
Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival
October 11
The fifth annual festival celebrates the county’s agriculture, ecology and arts. Browse the farmers’ market for local produce, flowers and wine. The Sussex County Beekeepers Association and the Garden State Garlic Growers will be in attendance. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. Sussex County Fairgrounds, 27 Plains Road, Augusta (973-579-0500).
Unionville Vineyards Fall Festival
October 11
It’s family fun at Unionville Vineyards’ 17th-annual fall fest. While kids can enjoy grape stomping, parents can sample Unionville’s signature wines. There will be food and craft vendors, plus talks with Matt McPherson of Matt’s Red Rooster Grill in Flemington and Paul Lawler, master cheese maker at Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville. With 88.7 acres to gaze upon, the festival is sure to be a feast for the senses. Noon-6 PM. $20, ages 13-20; $10 for designated drivers; 12 and under free. 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes (908-788-0400).
Indian Summer Weekend
October 11-13
The weekend kicks off October 11 with a one-mile Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular, featuring over 400 craft and food vendors along with music and activities to entertain the whole family. All weekend, festival goers will enjoy a slew of seafood vendors at the Music Pier and along the boardwalk. 9 AM-5 PM. Ticket prices vary. Fifth to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue, Ocean City (800-BEACHNJ).
Lighthouse Challenge
October 18-19
Keep New Jersey’s lighthouses shining brightly by participating in the Lighthouse Challenge. For only $1, attendees receive a passport and admission to 11 participating lighthouses. Bring your passport and be sure to ask the volunteer staff for a stamp from each location. This special weekend gives families a chance to learn the state’s maritime past and experience the beacons that led so many sailors home. Admission, $1. Children 11 and under climb free with an adult. Multiple locations (609-884-5404).
Chatsworth’s 31st Annual Cranberry Festival
October 18-19
A celebration of New Jersey’s cranberry harvest—the third largest in the country—as well as the Pine Barrens and local culture. About 150 local artists, vendors and craftspeople will demonstrate their work.
9 AM-4 PM. A $5 donation for parking is appreciated. Downtown Chatsworth (609-726-0006).
Winternights Festival
October 19
Vetrnaetr, or Winternights Festival, was a Norse custom in pre-Christian Scandinavia celebrating the coming of winter. Today, it’s a place to salute and share Viking culture. Enjoy authentic food, traditional Viking children’s games and the sounds of Norsewind performing Old Norse and Celtic music. A portion of ticket sales will benefit veterans. 11 AM-4:30 PM. Adults, $3; seniors, $2; children under 12, free. Vernon Nordic House, 233 Route 94, Vernon (862-213-2596).