Looking for the best fall festivals in New Jersey in 2026? From pumpkin picking and Oktoberfest celebrations to hot-air balloons, outdoor concerts, craft shows and Halloween attractions, the Garden State offers fall fun in every region.

Here are 20 New Jersey fall festivals worth adding to your 2026 autumn calendar.

Dates: September through November
Location: Augusta, Sussex County

Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the night during the Jack O’Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium.

Visitors can follow a 45-minute Halloween walk featuring more than 6,000 glowing jack-o’-lanterns. The fall celebration also includes pumpkin painting, fire pits for roasting s’mores, warm apple cider, craft beer and live music.

This nighttime attraction is a strong choice for families, couples and anyone searching for a festive—but not overly frightening—Halloween experience in North Jersey.

Dates: September through November
Location: Manalapan, Monmouth County

The Happy Day Farm Fall Festival brings more than 35 seasonal activities to Monmouth County.

Visitors can explore Pumpkinville, find their way through a themed corn maze, watch pig races and enjoy pony rides and slides. Depending on availability, the farm also offers pick-your-own sunflowers and pumpkins.

Come hungry: Fresh-squeezed lemonade and apple fritters are among the farm’s popular fall treats.

Dates: Sept. 10 through Oct. 12
Location: Cream Ridge, Monmouth County

Fall isn’t only about pumpkins. At the Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival, visitors can walk through colorful fields of sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias and other seasonal blooms.

Guests can pick their own flowers for $1 per stem while enjoying food trucks, live music, photo displays, family activities and a farmers and makers market.

The festival is especially popular with photographers, families and anyone looking for a colorful fall day trip in Central Jersey.

Dates: Sept. 12 through Oct. 12, weekends only
Location: Wildwood, Cape May County

Celebrate Oktoberfest beside the ocean at Morey’s Piers in the Wildwoods.

This family-friendly Jersey Shore festival combines amusement rides and live entertainment with traditional German food and festivities. Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel and beer.

It’s an easy way to enjoy Wildwood after the peak summer crowds have headed home.

Dates: Sept. 12 through Nov. 8
Location: Vernon, Sussex County

The Heaven Hill Farm Great Pumpkin Festival is one of New Jersey’s largest fall farm celebrations.

Admission includes hayrides to the pumpkin patch, barnyard animals, pig races and the Dynamo Dog Show. Visitors can also explore a corn maze themed around America’s 250th anniversary.

Additional-fee attractions include carnival rides, an apple cannon, paintball, gem mining and wine tasting. Don’t leave without trying one of the farm’s apple cider doughnuts.

Dates: Sept. 18–20
Location: Overpeck County Park, Bergen County

The Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival fills Overpeck County Park with carnival rides, festival food, live entertainment, exhibits and craft vendors.

The weekend also features 4-H displays, gardening exhibits, hands-on activities, face painting and a petting zoo. With entertainment for children and adults, this is one of North Jersey’s most family-friendly fall events.

Date: Sept. 19
Rain date: Sept. 20
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean County

Seafood takes center stage at the 48th Annual Festival of the Sea in downtown Point Pleasant Beach.

More than 200 crafters and vendors are expected to participate. Visitors can sample food, listen to live music, browse handmade merchandise, relax in the beer garden and enjoy family activities.

A free shuttle will help festivalgoers reach the downtown celebration.

Dates: Beginning in mid-September
Location: South Brunswick, Middlesex County

Fall Festival Weekends at Von Thun’s Country Farm Market feature more than 20 seasonal activities and attractions.

Highlights include a corn maze covering more than six acres, hayrides and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. The festival offers a classic New Jersey farm experience for families looking to spend a full autumn day outdoors.

Dates: Sept. 19–20
Location: Warren Community College, Washington, Warren County

Watch the sky fill with colorful balloons during the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival.

The centerpiece is a mass hot-air balloon launch. Tethered balloon rides may also be available, weather permitting.

Back on the ground, visitors can enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, miniature golf, an escape room and other games and activities.

Dates: Sept. 26–27
Location: Margate, Atlantic County

The Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year.

The waterfront festival features live music, children’s activities, daily parades, amusements and more than 100 vendor booths. Visitors can browse arts and crafts, sample festival food and spend the day exploring Margate.

Date: Sept. 27
Location: Morristown, Morris County

Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in downtown Morristown for the 31st Annual Festival on the Green.

The free community celebration features five entertainment areas, games, amusements and more than 170 exhibitors. Local restaurants and businesses will be represented, and adults can stop by the beer tent for a seasonal drink.

Date: Oct. 3
Location: Collingswood, Camden County

Book lovers can meet authors, discover new titles and browse exhibits during the Collingswood Book Festival.

Recognized as one of the Delaware Valley’s largest literary events, the festival brings hundreds of authors and exhibitors to Haddon Avenue. Visitors will also find live music, food, games and fall-themed activities.

Dates: Oct. 3–4
Location: Millville, Cumberland County

Approximately 150 artists will display their work at the WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft.

Visitors can shop for handcrafted pieces, watch artist demonstrations and participate in family art activities. The weekend also includes live music, specialty food trucks and a beer and wine garden.

One of the most anticipated features is the Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser, which showcases colorful handcrafted glass pumpkins.

Date: Oct. 10
Location: Medford, Burlington County

Apples are the star of the Medford Apple Festival.

Guests can enjoy apple butter, cider, baked goods and ice cream while shopping from more than 120 crafters. Participating artisans include jewelers, painters, needle workers, basket weavers and other specialty makers.

The festival offers a relaxed way to celebrate fall at historic Kirby’s Mill.

Dates: Oct. 16–25
Location: Montclair, Essex County

The Montclair Film Festival brings filmmakers, industry professionals and movie fans together for 10 days of screenings and conversations.

The 2026 festival is expected to feature more than 140 films and events, drawing over 23,000 attendees. Programming traditionally includes major releases, independent films, documentaries and appearances by filmmakers and performers.

Date: Oct. 17
Location: Augusta, Sussex County

The Sussex Harvest, Honey and Garlic Festival celebrates New Jersey agriculture with a distinctive mix of sweet and savory flavors.

The family-friendly event spotlights locally produced honey, garlic and other farm products while giving visitors a chance to meet growers, vendors and agricultural organizations from around the region.

Dates: Oct. 23–25
Location: Cape May, Cape May County

Cape May becomes a citywide music destination during the Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival.

The three-day festival presents jazz and related musical styles at venues throughout the seaside city. Past and scheduled programs feature Grammy-winning performers, NEA Jazz Masters and artists representing a wide range of musical traditions.

It’s an ideal fall getaway for visitors who want to combine live music with Cape May’s restaurants, shops and Victorian charm.

New Jersey’s fall festival season generally begins in early to mid-September. Events continue through October, while some pumpkin and Halloween attractions remain open into early November.

Popular Jersey Shore fall festivals include Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant Beach, Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest in Wildwood, Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay and the Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May.

Happy Day Farm, Heaven Hill Farm, Von Thun’s Country Farm Market and the Warren County Hot Air Balloons Festival all offer family activities. Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure is designed for younger children who may not be ready for nighttime scares.

Many festivals offer activities that seniors can enjoy, including live music, craft shopping, food vendors, flower fields and cultural programs. The Collingswood Book Festival, WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft, Jersey City Art & Studio Tour and Exit Zero Jazz Festival are particularly well suited to visitors who prefer arts and entertainment over amusement rides.

Before attending, check the event’s official website for parking information, seating availability, accessibility accommodations and walking conditions.

Ticket policies vary. Some community festivals offer free admission, while concerts, farm attractions, amusement parks and special activities may require paid tickets. Advance reservations are recommended for popular events and timed attractions.

Fall events can change because of weather, ticket availability or other circumstances. Before leaving home, visit the festival’s official website or social media page to confirm dates, hours, admission prices, parking arrangements and accessibility information.

For outdoor festivals, wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and bring sunscreen. Visitors attending farm events should also expect uneven ground. If walking or standing is a concern, contact the venue in advance to ask about seating, mobility assistance and accessible parking.

Whether you’re searching for pumpkins, live music, handmade crafts, German food or a picture-perfect field of flowers, there is a New Jersey fall festival ready to make autumn 2026 memorable.