October may be New Jersey’s busiest month. The calendar is packed with harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, porch concerts, food-truck gatherings, art shows, Halloween attractions and celebrations of everything from books and jazz to lima beans and pork roll.

Whether you want to sip local wine, admire carved pumpkins, hear live music or simply eat your way across the state, here are some of the best New Jersey events happening in October 2026.

Dates, prices and schedules can change. Check with the organizer before traveling, especially for ticketed events and outdoor festivals.

Enjoy more than 35 outdoor attractions, including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, pig races, dog shows, pedal cars and a towering straw pyramid.

When: Through Nov. 8
Where: 451 Route 94, Vernon
Cost: From $15.99

Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate a walk-through trail at Skylands Stadium. Visitors will encounter glowing sculptures, spooky silhouettes and elaborate Halloween scenes.

When: Through Nov. 1
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
Cost: $20–$39

Ride above the fall foliage on a scenic sky ride or add an adventure package with unlimited sky rides and access to the Alpine Mountain Coaster. Other activities include a pumpkin patch, hay maze, games and live music on select dates.

When: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25
Where: Mountain Creek, 200 Route 94, Vernon

Drive through one of New Jersey’s largest Halloween light displays, then stop at the farm market for hot chocolate, s’mores and seasonal goodies.

When: Select dates through Nov. 1
Where: 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale
Cost: $35 per vehicle

Six Flags offers two versions of Halloween. Fright Fest brings haunted attractions, scare zones and sinister shows, while Kids Boo Fest features gentle seasonal fun, trick-or-treating and a hay maze.

When: Select dates through Nov. 1
Where: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson
Cost: Varies

Argos Farm glows after dark with thousands of carved jack-o’-lanterns, a lighted pumpkin trail, flashlight corn maze and plenty of photo opportunities.

When: Select nights through Nov. 1
Where: Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River
Cost: $21.95–$29.95 online; $26.95–$33.99 at the gate

Adventure Aquarium adds an underwater twist to pumpkin season. Glowing gourds appear above and inside exhibits, while divers demonstrate their underwater pumpkin-carving skills.

When: Through Nov. 1
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden
Cost: Varies by date

Artist Dolores Dragan’s whimsical Halloween characters return to Lambertville storefronts for a walkable trail of art and imagination. A free audio tour adds stories and background along the route.

When: Oct. 1–31
Where: Downtown Lambertville
Cost: Free

Westfield celebrates hometown artist Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, with exhibits, decorated windows, tours, an ale garden, masquerade ball and other delightfully dark events.

When: Oct. 1–31
Where: Westfield
Cost: Varies

This indoor attraction surrounds visitors with elaborately decorated Halloween rooms—without actors jumping out or touching guests. It’s a good choice for people who love spooky scenery but prefer to keep their blood pressure under control.

When: Oct. 2–Nov. 1
Where: Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold
Cost: From $34.99

During the day, meet Wild West characters, watch demonstrations and help the marshal pursue the Headless Horseman Gang. After dark, the Haunted Train and Trail take over.

When: Oct. 2–31
Where: 50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope
Cost: $37 for adults; $32 for children; Haunted Trail $25

Brookdale students and alumni transform the Performing Arts Center into a maze of unsettling rooms, ghouls and gruesome surprises. Afternoon “Lights On, Scares Off” performances offer a gentler experience.

When: Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 9–30
Where: Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft
Cost: $10–$20

Historic Allaire Village fills with monsters, fire performers, storytellers, fortune tellers and spooky displays during Night of Frights. Separate ghost tours explore paranormal stories and areas not normally open to visitors.

When: Select dates Oct. 9–30
Where: Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave., Wall
Cost: Night of Frights: $20 for adults and $15 for children; ghost tours: $50

The final season of Scare Farm features a haunted hayride and three outdoor walking attractions filled with live actors, mazes and frightening farm encounters.

When: Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 2–Nov. 1
Where: Norz Hill Farm, 120 S. Branch Road, Hillsborough
Cost: $45–$85

The historic Red Mill becomes a high-intensity haunted attraction with tight corridors, dark passages, live actors and special effects. It is recommended for ages 12 and older.

When: Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 2–24
Where: Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main St., Clinton
Cost: $42.38–$57.89

Collectors and curious visitors can browse rare gems, minerals and fossils while children try geode cracking, gemstone sluicing, metal detecting and a dinosaur dig.

When: Sept. 30–Oct. 4
Where: New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
Cost: From $10

This independent music and arts festival brings carefully curated performances, visual art and powerful sound systems to a campground in the Pine Barrens.

When: Oct. 1–3
Where: Paradise Lakes Campground, 500 Paradise Drive, Hammonton
Cost: Varies

Food trucks, craft beverages and live music return to Irvington Avenue for a Friday-night community celebration.

When: Friday, Oct. 2, 5–9:30 p.m.
Where: Irvington Avenue, South Orange
Cost: Free admission

Long Branch celebrates global culture with live music, dance, food vendors, art activities and children’s programming.

When: Oct. 2–4
Where: Long Branch
Cost: Free

Wildwood celebrates Italian heritage with sausage and peppers, pizza, cannoli, vendors, music and entertainment.

When: Oct. 2–3
Where: Fox Park, 4501 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood
Cost: Free

Meet authors, attend readings, browse new and used books and enjoy poetry, storytelling and children’s activities at one of the Delaware Valley’s longest-running literary celebrations.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Haddon and Irvin avenues, Collingswood
Cost: Free

Pumpkin decorating, crafts, food and music fill Hamilton Park during this family-friendly celebration.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Cost: Free

Main Street becomes a giant block party with bands, a DJ, vendors, food trucks, children’s rides and family activities.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: 234 Main St., Ridgefield Park
Cost: Free

Shop handmade crafts, enjoy seasonal food and try canoe rides, birdhouse building and square dancing at this benefit for the Demarest Nature Center.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Demarest Nature Center Duck Pond, 38 Park St., Demarest
Cost: Free

Explore natural wellness, sustainable living and holistic products at this South Jersey expo.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 2349 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill
Cost: Free; VIP admission $5

Three towns turn porches, lawns and stoops into outdoor stages on Oct. 3. Visitors can walk from one performance to another and hear local musicians covering styles from jazz and blues to folk, rock and pop.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3
Where: Metuchen, Pitman and Red Bank
Cost: Free

Support the rescued animals at Tamerlaine Sanctuary while enjoying food trucks, music, raffles, dancing and animal tours. Admission includes an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet, which may be the most persuasive fundraising strategy ever invented.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Tamerlaine Sanctuary, 141 Clove Road, Montague
Cost: $35 for adults; $15 for children

Enjoy German food, Oktoberfest beers, live music, vendors and stein-holding and costume contests beside the water.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, noon–7 p.m.; rain date Oct. 4
Where: Veterans Park, 51 Bay Ave., Highlands
Cost: Free

The Little Falls PBA hosts a beer garden, cornhole tournament, food trucks, craft vendors, music and a pumpkin patch.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, noon–7 p.m.
Where: 65 Union Ave., Little Falls
Cost: Free admission

North Jersey breweries, restaurants, food trucks, music and shopping come together in downtown Hackensack. The beer garden is limited to guests 21 and older.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 1–8 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Street Park, Hackensack
Cost: Free admission

The South Orange Elks Lodge celebrates with brats, pretzels, games, axe throwing, children’s activities and the legendary Smash Tent.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 1–6 p.m.
Where: 220 Prospect St., South Orange
Cost: $20 suggested donation; free for children younger than 12

Jam-band fans can spend the day listening to music inspired by the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and Phish. Food trucks, a biergarten and tie-dye-friendly vendors complete the festival experience.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 1–9 p.m.
Where: 272 Emmans Road, Flanders
Cost: $39 in advance; $49 at the gate

More than 20 food trucks join music, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, vendors and an adult beverage garden.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2–9 p.m.
Where: Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave., Belleville
Cost: Free admission

Celebrate Diwali with cultural performances, Garba dancing, international food, arts and crafts, vendors and fireworks.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 3–9 p.m.; rain date Oct. 10
Where: John F. Kennedy Park, 807 Washington Road, Sayreville
Cost: Free

Food, entertainment, exhibits and children’s activities highlight the cultures and traditions of North Brunswick’s diverse community.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 3–10 p.m.
Where: 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick
Cost: Free

Eat international food, browse work by local artists and makers and enjoy music at this evening market beside City Hall.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 3–9 p.m.
Where: City Hall lot, 179 Montgomery St., Jersey City
Cost: Free

Watch glassblowers, sculptors, painters, metalsmiths and woodworkers demonstrate their crafts while browsing handmade art and enjoying food in downtown Glassboro.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 4–9 p.m.
Where: 1 High St. W., Glassboro
Cost: Free

Food trucks, vendors, music and on-track activity return for the motorsports park’s annual festival. Leashed dogs are welcome.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 4–9 p.m.
Where: 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville
Cost: Free admission

Sample more than 100 spirits while enjoying food, entertainment and interactive games.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 6–9:30 p.m.
Where: Harborside Atrium, Jersey City
Cost: Ticketed

Saturday brings a market with vendors, food and music. On Sunday, local restaurants compete for chowder bragging rights.

When: Oct. 3–4
Where: Taylor Avenue behind Bay Village, Beach Haven
Cost: Saturday market is free; Sunday tasting tickets are $35, with free admission for children younger than 10

More than 125 juried artists gather for demonstrations, family activities, music, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Don’t miss the Glass Pumpkin Patch fundraiser.

When: Oct. 3–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: WheatonArts, 1000 Village Drive, Millville
Cost: $14 adults; $13 seniors 62 and older; $8 students; free for children 5 and younger

Historic Smithville welcomes more than 100 crafters along with international foods, music and children’s activities. The village’s shops, carousel, train and paddleboats will also be open.

When: Oct. 3–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
Cost: Free

German food, local beer, cocktails and oompah music share the farm with a corn maze, sunflower walk, hayrides, pumpkin picking and a giant bounce pillow.

When: Oct. 3–4, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: 391 Route 206, Hammonton
Cost: Free admission

Enjoy German beer, bratwurst, warm potato salad, pretzels, apple strudel, polka music and folk dancing in a traditional outdoor beer-garden setting.

When: Oct. 3–4
Where: 787 Featherbed Lane, Clark
Cost: $10

More than 150 artists, crafters and vendors fill downtown Bordentown, accompanied by live music, food and a craft-beer garden.

When: Oct. 3–4, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown
Cost: Free

Sample selections from New Jersey wineries, visit food trucks and shop from local artisans at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.

When: Oct. 3–4, noon–5 p.m.
Where: 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 cash at the door; $5 for nonsamplers; free for guests younger than 21

Sunday’s calendar includes:

Take a 45-minute train ride from Whippany to Roseland and back. Children with tickets can select a small pumpkin and receive a decorating kit while supplies last.

When: Oct. 4, 10 and 11
Where: Whippany Railway Museum
Cost: From $13

Art, performances and cultural programs unfold at the Newark Museum of Art and other locations across the city.

When: Oct. 7–11
Where: Newark

Giant carved pumpkins take center stage alongside music, fire pits, storytelling, games and face painting.

When: Oct. 8–11
Where: Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Hopewell Township
Cost: $6–$20

Celebrate Greek culture with four days of food, wine, music, dancing and hospitality.

When: Oct. 8–11
Where: St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St., Cherry Hill
Cost: Free admission

Progressive-rock artists and fans gather for three days of performances at the Williams Center.

When: Oct. 8–10
Where: Williams Center, 15 Sylvan St., Rutherford
Cost: Varies

Professional kite fliers fill the Long Beach Island sky with enormous inflatables, artistic kites and sport-flying demonstrations.

When: Oct. 9–10
Where: Ship Bottom and other LBI locations
Cost: Free

Two nights of comedy bring multiple national performers to Boardwalk Hall.

When: Oct. 9–10
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City

Italian food, music and culture take over Seaside Heights. The parade begins Sunday at 1 p.m. along the Boulevard.

When: Oct. 9–11
Where: Grant Avenue and the Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Cost: Free

More than 40 food and merchandise vendors join two music stages, four outdoor bars, pet adoptions, a pumpkin patch and attractions including a mechanical bull and axe throwing.

When: Oct. 9–11
Where: Park Avenue, East Rutherford
Cost: Free

Tours and special programs celebrate the architecture, culture and history of America’s first seaside resort.

When: Oct. 9–12
Where: Cape May
Cost: Varies

West Cape May proves that even a humble bean can headline a festival. Expect lima bean soup, tacos, crafts, antiques, entertainment and other creative uses of the local crop.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
Cost: Free

More than 400 crafters and food vendors fill Asbury Avenue, followed by evening fireworks over the boardwalk.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Asbury Avenue from Sixth to 14th streets, Ocean City
Cost: Free

Explore more than 100 trucks, emergency vehicles, utility equipment, classic cars and other large machines. Proceeds benefit families affected by childhood cancer.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; rain date Oct. 11
Where: East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold
Cost: $20 adults; $12 children

A dog costume parade, pumpkin painting, car show, food and beer garden fill Berlin Borough County Park.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: 43 S. Park Drive, Berlin
Cost: Free

Seafood, chowder, music, original art and island businesses gather beside the beach.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: 30th Street and the beach, Avalon
Cost: Free admission

Celebrate New Jersey’s favorite breakfast meat—whatever you choose to call it—with food vendors, crafts, games and music.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; rain date Oct. 11
Where: Shappell Park, Phillipsburg
Cost: Free

Enjoy craft beer, German selections and live entertainment in Edmund Wilson Plaza. Admission is free; sampling packages are available for adults 21 and older.

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 1–5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Red Bank
Cost: Free admission

Califon hosts a free street fair with crafts, food trucks, music, a beer garden and pie-eating contest from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sparta’s Food Truck and Music Festival runs from 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. at White Lake Park, with admission of $5. GP’s Festa Italiana brings Italian food, music and vendors to Bellevue Avenue in Guttenberg from noon–5 p.m. New Brunswick Oktoberfest fills Monument Square Park with food, beer, games and entertainment from noon–6 p.m. Admission is free.

Marlboro Restaurant Week runs Oct. 11–18 with special menus at participating restaurants.

Use a tasting passport to visit downtown restaurants, bars and shops and sample signature menu items.

When: Oct. 13–14, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Freehold
Cost: $25

See work from new and underrepresented filmmakers, attend panels and explore youth programs at venues in Plainfield and Watchung.

When: Oct. 15–18
Cost: Free–$85

Carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminate the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens at dusk. Entertainment, activities, cider and a science show are also planned.

When: Friday, Oct. 16, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, Montclair
Cost: Free

Celebrate classic horror with films, costumes, food, tarot readings, raffles and a Dracula Dance performed with Roxey Ballet.

When: Oct. 16–18
Where: 25 S. Union St., Lambertville
Cost: $35; VIP admission $55

Historic Cold Spring Village hosts a family-friendly haunted walk that raises money for the living-history museum.

When: Select nights Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24
Where: 720 Route 9, Cape May
Cost: $10 adults; $5 children

Restaurants throughout the state offer special meals and promotions during this statewide celebration.

When: Oct. 16–21
Where: Participating New Jersey restaurants

Ten days of independent films, documentaries, comedies, panels and family events bring filmmakers and movie fans together.

When: Oct. 16–25
Where: Montclair
Cost: Varies

Living-history interpreters, old-time music, wagon rides, crafts and pumpkin picking come to East Jersey Old Town Village. Pies, cider doughnuts, pickles and preserves will be available.

When: Oct. 16–18 and 23–25
Where: 1050 River Road, Piscataway
Cost: Free

Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary hosts dog costume and pie-eating contests, swimming sessions, food trucks, vendors and a beer and wine garden.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–5 p.m.
Where: 118 Route 526, Allentown
Cost: $10; free for children younger than 10

East Brunswick Restaurant Week runs Oct. 19–25 with special menus and promotions at participating restaurants.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festivals will be held at Washington Lake Park in Sewell and Paramus Park Mall. Both feature food trucks, music, vendors, costumes and activities. Admission is $5.

The Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival takes over Bradley Park Oct. 24–25 from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Expect 20 food trucks, bands, costume contests, vendors and an adult beverage garden. Admission is $5, with free entry for children younger than 10.

Lunar Faire closes its season with Halloweekend at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Oct. 24 from 3–10 p.m. The offbeat night market includes witchy entertainment, unusual vendors, food and immersive performances.

With so much happening, the hardest part may be choosing where to go. A few tips can make festival season easier:

October in New Jersey doesn’t believe in quiet weekends. Pick a festival, bring your appetite and enjoy the Garden State at its colorful, pumpkin-covered best.