Nothing says fall in New Jersey like a seasonal festival or fair. From classic Oktoberfest celebrations to family-friendly happenings at farms and orchards, the Garden State offers loads of fun events all autumn long.

NORTH JERSEY

Whippany Railway Museum Pumpkin Patch Train

October 2, 9 & 16

Costumed children of all ages are welcome to board this 45-minute train ride to a pumpkin patch, where they will pick a free, kid-sized pumpkin and get a decorating kit.
1-4 pm. $12-$24. 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany

Oasis’s 18th Annual Oktoberfest

October 14

This celebration features German food, beer, live music, raffles, games and contests. Proceeds benefit Oasis, a Paterson-based nonprofit supporting women and children.
7-11 pm. $150. 813 Franklin Lakes Avenue, Franklin Lakes

Lodi Fall Festival

October 15

This fall festivity features local vendors, crafters and artists, plus food trucks and a beer garden. A fireworks display will end the day.
Noon-7 pm. Free. 1 Memorial Drive, Lodi

Blairstown Fall Festival & Bed Races

October 15

In addition to pumpkin-related fun, food trucks and a beer garden, this event also features bed races—a team of four people pushing a fifth teammate on a bed with wheels across a finish line.
11 am-4 pm. Free. Footbridge Park, Blairstown

CENTRAL JERSEY

Fall Family Fun Weekends at Terhune Orchards

Kids will love the hay bale maze at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of Terhune Orchards/Catherine Stroud

Weekends, September 17-October 30

Located on a farm, these festivities offer something for all ages, from pony rides and painting to wine tasting. Guests can also enjoy apple picking and live music.
10 am-5 pm. $12 online, $15 at gate. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton

21st Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands

October 1 (rain date: October 2)

This family-friendly, traditional Oktoberfest celebration features authentic German food, plenty of oompah and polka music, and even best-dressed and beer-stein holding contests.
1-7 pm. Free. Veterans Park, Highlands

7th Annual Asbury Park Oktoberfest

October 7-9

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten kicks off its annual weekend-long Oktoberfest celebration with authentic German snacks, a live polka band and plenty of beer to go around.
Times vary. Free. 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park

10th Annual Dunellen Harvest Fest

October 9

This festival features local artists and crafters from across the state, as well as food, pumpkin and scarecrow contests, activities for kids and live entertainment.
11 am-4 pm. Free. Washington Park, Dunellen

Hamilton Township’s Annual Oktoberfest

October 16 (rain date: October 23)

Highlights of this festival include fall favorites like hay rides, corn mazes, crafters, vendors and a pumpkin patch.
11 am-5:30 pm. Veterans Park, Hamilton

SOUTH JERSEY

Oktoberfest in Wildwood

Enjoy German entertainment and food at Wildwood’s Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods NJ

Weekends, September 16-October 9

Morey’s Piers and Water Park’s annual Oktoberfest hosts a grand selection of beers and German staples, such as Bavarian pretzels and schnitzel, at an outdoor Biergarten.
Free. 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood

Elmer Harvest Day Festival

October 1

Elmer’s annual autumn fair offers live entertainment and children’s activities, as well as special deals from local crafters and restaurants. Also on tap are the annual Lew Zane Memorial Car Show and 5k and 1 mile fun run or walk.
10 am-4 pm. Free. Broad Street, Elmer

Woodbury’s Fall Festival Parade

October 1

The 72nd annual autumn celebration offers food, crafts and activities for kids, as well as an iconic parade with special performances.
6 pm. Free. Colonial Avenue and North Broad Street, Woodbury

Allentown Fall Festival

October 8-9

Allentown’s annual fall festival bills itself as “fun for the whole family” with handmade crafts, food, wine tastings, a craft beer garden, live music, activities for kids including a petting zoo, a Civil-War encampment and classic cars. Free parking and a shuttle will be available.
10 am-5 pm. Free. Main Street, Allentown

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