It is time to start thinking about fall activities in New Jersey with the children going back to school and the cold, damp early start to 2011’s fall season. So grab some apple cider and your calendar and see many of the Fall festivals New Jersey has to offer. The list is in chronological order and is a highlight of the numerous events around the state. Feel free to list more in the comments field.
Woodstown Fall Festival, Intersection of Rt. 40 & Rt. 45, Woodstown, NJ
September 24, 2011
This festival includes something for everyone including a chili contest, wine tasting, crafters, scarecrow contest and the April Pettit Memorial 5k Run/Walk. The chili contest will take place at the Woodstown Friends Meeting House
on North Main Street in Woodstown from 11 am to 3 pm
Westfield’s’ 22nd Annual FestiFall in Downtown Westfield
September 28, 2011, rain or shine
This street festival includes many vendors, food, a juried arts and crafts show, a KidZone with rides and activities. It also includes non-stop entertainment from bands such as The 45s and Negative IQ.
Octoberfest, Jackson Street in Cape May, NJ
October 1, 2011, 10 AM to 4 PM
From pulled pork sandwiches to jewelry, shirts, handbags, books, jewelry, pretzels, wurts, cigars and of course a beer garden; hundreds of vendors sell their wares on Jackson Street. There is polka and folk music for your entertainment.
Hightstown Harvest Fair in Hightstown, NJ
October 1, 2011, 10 AM to 4 PM rain or shine
This festival is a harvest and music fest wrapped into one. There are three separate music stages that feature The Nerds and Presence. It also includes a chili cook off, motorcycles, antique cars, ducky derby, trolley rides, historic district walking tours, model train display, pizza eating contest, dragon boat, pony rides, petting zoo and paddle boats on the lake. There are over 150 vendors and last year’s attendance included well over 4,000 people.
Essex County Octoberfest at the Essex County Environmental Center
October 1, 2011, 11 AM to 4 PM
This festival includes many nature oriented activities including bird watching and canoeing. It also includes face painting, a live animal show, Native American life education, pumpkin carving demos, and a pumpkin patch maze.
Stirling Street Fair
October 2, 2011 from 10 AM to 5 PM. No rain date
This fall festival has a special crafters corner, typical festival and ethnic foods, merchant vendors, pumpkin painting, kiddie rides, pony rides, petting zoo, rock climbing, games, live music and entertainment with local performers. There will also be a car show at the Stirling Hotel.
Chowderfest Weekend, Beach Haven NJ
October 2, 2011 from 11 AM to 4 PM
The 23rd annual chowder cook-off classic. This family fun festival features live music, activities and unlimited chowder tasting with the opportunity for each ticket holder to vote for their favorite red and white chowder. Tickets are $20 per person. October 1, 2011 is the merchant mart where hundreds of vendors sell their merchandise.
Somerville’s Arts and Main Street Festival between Doughtry Street and Grove Street
October 2, 2011, 11 AM to 5 PM
A mile covering of 200 vendors, food and entertainment, beer and shrimp fest, KidZone with rides, games and activities.
Deerfield Township Harvest Festival 678 Morton Ave. Bridgeton, NJ
October 7, 8 and 9, 2011, Friday 6-8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12-10 PM. $1 admission fee per day, 5 and under free.
This festival includes national, regional and local performers such as Uncle Kracker, Randy Montana, and Love and Theft. There is a baking challenge, amusements and games, an home improvement expo, singfest idol contest, arts and crafts, food court and parade. Friday night is family night and there is no admission fee.
South Jersey Pumpkin Show Fall Festival, Egg Harbor City, NJ
October 8 – 9, 2011
Two day family fall festival that celebrates the harvest of pumpkins. Over 100 artists and craftsmen, home and garden expo, South Jersey pumpkin weigh off, live bands, little miss pumpkin show, dog parade and pumpkin baking contest. General admission is $2.00, Kids 6 & under free.
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, Route 563, Chatsworth, NJ
October 15 – 16, 2011 from 9 AM to 4 PM, free admission
Sunrise breakfast at the Chatsworth Fire Department, over 140 crafters at the White Horse Inn, White Horse Cafe cranberry bakery and famous cranberry ice cream, live entertainment by the Bullzeye band.
7th Annual Fall Harvest Festival in Hoboken at Pier A (1st Street Sinatra Drive)
October 28, 2011 from 11AM to 4PM
A day of pumpkin painting, hayrides, pony rides, hot cider, sand art, face painting, trackless trains, clowns, storytelling, live music, moonwalk, balloons, hay maze, Halloween crafts. FREE Cubcakes, Muffins, Hot Cider, Soda, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers more. Live performances by The Second Fiddles the 4th St. Nite Owls.
Woodstown Fall Festival: www.woodstownfallfestival.org/
Westfield Festival: http://www.thisisitproductions.com/docs/festivals/festifall.html
Octoberfest in Cape May: http://www.capemaychamber.com/okterberfest.html
Hightstown Harvest Fair: Hightstownfair.org
Essex County Octoberfest: http://www.essex-countynj.org/
Stirling Street Fair: http://www.longhillchamberofcommerce.com/coc/streetfa.htm
Chowderfest Weekend: http://www.visitlbiregion.com/visitors/chowderfest/
Somerville’s Arts and Main Street Festival: http://www.thisisitproductions.com/docs/festivals/artsmain.html
Deerfield Township Harvest Festival: www.deerfieldtownship.org/harvestfestival/index.htm
South Jersey Pumpkin Show Fall Festival: http://www.sjpumpkinshow.com/
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival: http://www.thisisitproductions.com/docs/festivals/cranberryfest.html
7th Annual Fall Harvest Festival in Hoboken: http://www.hobokeni.com/hoboken-festival-info