Though the Garden State summer season has just come to a close, fall is ready to make its mark. Like a harvest, it is a cornucopia of farm festivals, carnivals, arts and crafts fairs, Oktoberfests and other holiday celebrations.
This list of local fall celebrations taking place across Central Jersey throughout September and October. Be sure to check out one − or more − of these fall festivals, fairs and shows. Check back often − the list will be updated.
Sept. 13-15
Central Jersey Jazz Festival, Somerville and Flemington: Bouncing between Somerville and Flemington, the three days of jazz features dozens of artists playing solo and together as well as artisans and crafters, food, and beer and wine. The event kicks off on Friday in Somerville, spends Saturday in Flemington and comes back to Somerville to close. The event is rain or shine. Hours: Friday hours are TBD, Saturday begins at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 1:20 p.m. Go: Division Street (Friday); Somerset County Courthouse Green, corner of East Main and Grove streets (Sunday); and 44 Stangl Road, Flemington (Saturday).
Sept. 14
Von Thun Country Farm Market Fall Festival Weekends: South Brunswick and Washington Township, With more than 20 activities and attractions, including the 6-plus acre Luke Bryan: Country Music Superstar Corn Maze, pedal karts, pumpkin bowling, giant pumpkin tic-tac-toe, barnyard mini golf, farm animals, unlimited hayrides and access to the farm’s apple orchard and pumpkin patch, the VonThun Farms Fall Festival runs every weekend in two locations.There are offerings of food to eat on site and bring home and admission prices vary, but parking is free. Visit on weekends for hayrides, activities, corn cannons and apple blasters, food trucks, and more. On weekdays, the farms are open for cider donuts, apple and pumpkin picking, farm market and themaze from 1 to 5 p.m. The festival runs every Saturday and Sunday in October in South Brunswick and on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27 in Washington. Visit the South Brunswick location on the last two Fridays and Saturdays in October and Saturday, Nov. 2 for a MoonlightCorn Maze and Campfires. Attendees can navigate out of the corn maze by moonlight (flashlights are encouraged), take a hayride around the farm, sit by a toasty campfire, and make s’mores. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Moonlight activities are open 6 to 10 p.m., last admission at 8 p.m. Go: 519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick; 438Route 57 West, Washington Township.
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Terhune Orchards Fall Family Fun Weekends, Princeton: Running on weekends beginning Sept. 14 through Nov. 3, the Fall Family Fun Weekends Fun includes pumpkin painting, apple picking, live music, pony rides, a corn stalk and hay bale maze, the Adventure Story Barn, farm animals, the sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt, duck races and pick-your-own opportunities. A variety of packages are available. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go: 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton.
Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival, Morristown: A variety of artists − The Hot Sardines, U.S. Navy Jazz Band The Commodores, LaBamba’s Rock ‘n R&B Big Band, Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses and Joanne Shaw Taylor− will perform on the Morristown Green. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is available for at many public lots. This event is rain or shine. Admission is free. Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Go: Morristown Green, 10 North Park Place, Morristown.
Great Big Italian Festival, Edison, This event, a first for the township, celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Italy with food, music and fun activities, such as crafts, giveaways and games for residents of all ages. The festival will feature a variety of authentic Italian cuisine and food vendors including Italian snacks, meals, and desserts. Live entertainment features Jerry Castaldo at 4:15 p.m., the four-piece Italian band Orchestra Di Napoli at 5:15 p.m., and Italian singer Tomardo at 7 p.m. Admission to the festival is free and parking will be available on-site. Hours: 4 to 8 p.m., Go: Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison.
Sept. 15
Fannywood Day Street Fair-2024, Fanwood: The Annual Fannywood Day street fair features more than 120 vendors including 20 food vendors, the return of WrestlePro, children's playland, escape room, live bands, kid's stage, petting zoo, pony rides, Scavenger Hunt, bubble gum blowing, water balloon and spaghetti and meatball eating contests and live bands throughout the day. Admission is free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go: Along 200 South and Martine avenues, Fanwood.
2024 Latin Festival, Linden: Bringing the Latin community together for one big event, the day features live music, food trucks, dance, performances, vendors, games, activities, car and sneaker show and more. Admission is free. Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. rain or shine. Go: North Wood Avenue, between East Elm Street and Elizabeth Avenue, Linden.
Sept. 21
5th Annual City of Linden 2024 Polish Festival, Linden: Polish festival with authentic Polish food, a beer and wine tent, Polish vendors, live Polish music, and children’s activities. The rain date is Sept. 22. Admission is free. Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Go: North Wood Avenue, Linden.
Hopewell Harvest Fair, Hopewell: The 36th annual Hopewell Harvest Fair offers a day of crafters, farmers and food vendors along with entertainment, live music, inflatables, rock wall and games, a Kid’s Corner, contests and exhibits in Town Square. The rain date is Sept. 28. Admission is free. Hours: 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go: Hopewell Elementary School, 35 Princeton Ave., Hopewell.
Arts Fest Rahway, Rahway: Boasting more than 50 artists, two live performance areas, a variety of activities and good vibes, the third annual Arts Fest Rahway offers visitors a celebration of creativity and community with an artist marketplace, urban and eclectic performances and interactive art. There will also be wearable art and gifts, culinary arts, art classes and face painters. Admission is free. Hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Go: Irving Street from Central Avenue to Elizabeth Avenue, Rahway.
House Music Festival for a Cause, Plainfield: Now in its fifth year, this event combines the power of music with a positive health awareness initiative. There are dozens of vendors, top-tier house music DJs and fireworks at night. The only festival in the city with a health mission, the event was initially dedicated to prostate cancer awareness and has now now broadened its horizons to include information and testing for chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact black and brown communities, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. In addition to offering valuable resources and knowledge, the festival also provides a range of health screenings, including those for prostate cancer. Admission is free. Hours: Noon to 9:30 p.m. Go: Cedarbrook Park, Park Drive, Plainfield.
Tewksbury Harvest Festival, Tewksbury: The 26th annual Tewksbury Harvest Festival, a primary fundraiser for the Tewksbury First Aid and Rescue Squad, includes anantiqueand arts and crafts sale, food trucks, live music by theDuke Band andJessie Bardwell & the Noble Brothers, a beer garden with local brews andhard cider, a pie baking contest, akids cupcake bake-off, free kids' activities, a silent auction, hayrides and more. Admission is $25 per car/$5 walkers and bikers.Rain date is Sept. 29. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Go: Christie Hoffman Farm Park, 108 Fairmount Road West, Califon.
Sept. 22
Westfield FestiFall, Westfield: The annual event transforms the downtown area into a marketplace of retailers, crafters, culinary delights including food trucks and a beer garden. The event also features roaming dinosaurs from DinosaursArise, fossil activities, and a kids zone with rides and inflatables. Admission is free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go: Central Avenue, Westfield.
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Sept. 25, 26, 28 and 29
Middlesex County Jazz Festival, Edison, Carteret, New Brunswick, Metuchen and Woodbridge: Enjoy great jazz in five different communities over five nights. Admission is free. Hours: vary each day. Go: Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison (Wednesday); Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, 46 Washington St., Carteret (Thursday); in front of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick (Saturday); Metuchen Plaza, New and Pearl streets, Metuchen, (Saturday); and Parker Press Park, 400 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge (Sunday).
Sept. 27-29
Westfield, NJ GreekFest, Westfield: The annual festival features Greek food, dancing, music, marketplace, a Mama Mia flashmob and children's activities. Hours: varies by day. Go: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield,
Sept. 28
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair, Edison: The event features eight blocks of kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro wrestling ring, a remote-controlled car track, crafts, exhibitors including local merchants and civic organizations along with general merchandise vendors and crafters, two stages of live music, two food courts with food trucks and food booths, and the Kids Traveling Shindig on Amboy Avenue from 6th Street to Waltuma Avenue. The local stage on the corner of Waltuma and Amboy avenues will have local performers and music and a wine and beer garden. The main stage on 5th Street will have regional bands. Tables and chairs will be set up for listening, relaxing and eating. Admission is free. Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. Go: 1011 Amboy Ave., Edison.
Dunellen Street Fair and Craft Show, Dunellen" Hosted by the Dunellen Defender Fire Co. No. 1, the annual street fair features family fun, arts and crafts, shopping, live music, children's rides and food. Admission is free. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Go: North Avenue, Dunellen.
Franklin Day Festival, Franklin (Somerset County): Franklin Day is a community-wide celebration featuring live entertainment, a classic car show, more than 100 exhibitor tables, as well as a host of free attractions for children. The purpose is to bring the diverse community together while providing a showcase for township businesses, industries, agencies, schools, and community organizations. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m., Go: Colonial Park, Knob Hill Grove, Lot C, 156 Mettlers Road, Franklin.
North Plainfield Fall Festival, North Plainfield: A community-wide event designed to bring local organizations together with the schools to celebrate a new school year and everything that makes the community special.The Fall Festival features food, vendors, community groups, inflatables, entertainment, color run and Car Nutz Car Show (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Proceeds benefit the North Plainfield Education Association. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go: 34 Wilson Ave., North Plainfield.
Sept. 29
Woodbridge Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, Woodbridge: Hosted by the American Irish Woodridge Association, the event marks the halfway point to St. Patrick's Day, with Irish music, Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, and Irish craft vendors. The 2024 event will honor volunteers that help stock the Food Banks of Woodbridge.The 2025 St. Patrick's Day Parade is March 9. Admission is free. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Go: The Club Hub, 95 Port Reading Ave, Woodbridge.
Slovak Heritage Festival, East Brunswick: The 46th Slovak Heritage Festival is set for the Middlesex County Fairgrounds. The event is a day filled with music, dance, performances, sport, traditions and food, bringing Slovaks together in celebration of their cultural heritage. Admission is $20. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go: Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Month of October
AddamsFest, Westfield, A town-wide kooky and ooky celebration honoring Westfield native Charles Addams and his penchant for the macabre, the seventh annual AddamsFest will take place throughout October and includes family-friendly events, lectures, exhibits, and more. The celebration spotlights Addams' most successful creation, The Addams Family, which was inspired by his hometown surroundings. This year’s AddamsFest theme is "Be Witched," and focuses on historical and contemporary enchanters, sorcerers, magicians and other magical marvels. In addition to the return of several festival favorites, this year’s schedule examines the impact of witch trials in the late 1600s, debunks misconceptions about modern day witchcraft, and more. Activities include The Wicked Windows of Westfield, Haunted Your House Contest: Day and Night, "Be Witched" Selfie Stop, The Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond, Addams-Inspired murals, Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball, Charlie’s Ale Garden, lantern cemetery tours at the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, cartooning workshop with New Yorker cartoonist Dan Misdea, Charles Addams Heritage Trail tour, Full Moon community gathering, "Hexed: A Bewitching Musical Revue," Addams Family Fun Day, The Witches of Westfield costume contest, The Maniac Pumpkin Carvers and much more. Go: Downtown Westfield.
Oct.5
Snyder’s Farm Fall Festival, Franklin: Every weekend starting Oct. 5 through Oct. 27. Ready to offer fall fun, Snyder's is planning a corn maze, pumpkin picking, fire pits, hay rides and refreshments − apple cider, cider donuts and food trucks. Activities include inflatables such as pony hops, a big slide, a hay bale maze and haybale activity centers, climbing tunnels, rubber duck race, bowling, wooden train and boat, spider web, corn hole, basketball and football toss and funny face cutouts, giant chair and other photo opportunity areas. U-pick sunflower and U-Pick Pumpkin admission fees are included in the admission price to the festival, but visitors must pay for what is picked. Admission is $18 and under age 2 is free. Discounts are offered for Seniors and Military (must show Military ID). Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. last entry and wagon ride to the event field is 4:30 p.m. Go: 586 South Middlebush Road, Franklin.
North Brunswick Heritage Day, North Brunswick: Celebrating North Brunswick’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage, the township will host the 42nd annual North Brunswick Heritage Day at Community Park, with vendors, entertainment, music, food, beer garden and an art contest. Fireworks will commence after the evening band performance. The rain date is Oct. 6. Admission is free. Hours: 3 p.m. Go: Community Park, 2051 Route 130, North Brunswick
Oct. 5-6
Grand Harvest Wine Festival, Morristown: Listen to live music, sip wine from about a dozen wineries, dine on gourmet food and shop a variety of goods from artisans and crafters. Admission is $20 in advance, $25 at the gate (cash only). The sampler admission includes wine glass, sampling and sales of many New Jersey wines. Spectators and non-samplers are $5 (cash only at the gate) and those under 21 are free. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Go: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown.
Oct. 13
Dunellen HarvestFest, Dunellen: The 12th annual Dunellen HarvestFestfeatures artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, foods, music, entertainment, dancing, pumpkin decorating contest, apple pie baking contest and more. Entertainment and fitness demos throughout the day. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go: Washington Park, North Washington Avenue, between Dunellen Avenue and First Street, Dunellen.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin.To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
