Fall in New Jersey is pure magic—think crisp air, vibrant foliage, pumpkin spice everything, and the buzz of harvest festivals that scream “Garden State vibes.” Whether you’re a local hunting for weekend plans or a visitor plotting your next road trip, late September and October 2025 are packed with events that blend food, music, family fun, and a dash of spooky Halloween spirit. From Oktoberfests overflowing with craft brews to street fairs bursting with artisanal goodies, we’ve rounded up the top 20 fall events in New Jersey you won’t want to miss.

This guide is your one-stop resource for “things to do in New Jersey this fall 2025,” optimized for easy planning. We’ve focused on upcoming happenings starting right now (hello, this weekend!), with details on dates, locations, and insider tips. Grab your flannel and let’s dive in—because in Jersey, fall isn’t just a season; it’s a full-on celebration.

Why Fall 2025 is the Best Time to Explore New Jersey Events

New Jersey’s fall calendar is legendary for its mix of cultural fests, outdoor adventures, and foodie havens. With the leaves turning in the Skylands and Shore regions, and harvest season in full swing across the state, expect everything from hayrides to haunted thrills. Pro tip: Book tickets early for popular spots like Six Flags, and check weather apps—Jersey autumns can be as unpredictable as traffic on the Turnpike.

We’ve grouped these events by region for seamless road-tripping, but they’re all within a quick drive from major hubs like Newark or Philly. Ready? Here’s our handpicked list of the best New Jersey fall festivals and events 2025.

North Jersey Highlights: Harvest Vibes and Oktoberfest Cheers

1. Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival Date: September 26-28, 2025 Location: Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park This free family extravaganza kicks off the weekend with a farmers’ market, petting zoo, rides, and food trucks slinging seasonal eats like apple cider donuts. Perfect for picnics under the changing leaves—bring the kids for that authentic NJ harvest glow.
2. Cowtown Rodeo Date: Through September 27, 2025 (Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.) Location: 780 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove (technically South Jersey, but a quick hop from North) Saddle up for the last hurrah of this iconic rodeo season: bull riding, lassoing, and bronc action under the stars. It’s a wild, Western twist on fall fun—grab seats for under $20.
3. Glassboro Craft Beer Festival Date: September 27, 2025 Location: 1 West High Street, Glassboro Over 50 breweries pour local suds, plus live music from Goodman Fiske, food trucks, and craft vendors. If you’re into “NJ beer festivals 2025,” this one’s a hoppy must—tickets start at $40.
4. Oktoberfest at the Park Date: October 2, 2025 (5:30-8 p.m.) Location: Table & Banter Market, Berkeley Heights Raise a stein to German-inspired flights, live tunes, and a stein-holding contest. It’s intimate and boozy—ideal for date night at $65 a pop.
5. JC Harvest Fest (with Cultural Diversity Festival) Date: October 4, 2025 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Location: Hamilton Park, Jersey City Free entry to multicultural eats, crafts, and live performances. A Jersey City staple blending harvest themes with global flavors—urban fall fun at its finest.
6. Oktoberfest at Reeves-Reed Arboretum Date: October 4, 2025 (4-8 p.m.) Location: Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit Bottomless brews, German grub, lawn games, and oompah music in a stunning garden setting. Members pay $85; non-members $95—worth it for the ambiance.
7. Grand Harvest Wine Festival Date: October 4-5, 2025 (noon-5 p.m.) Location: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown Sip Jersey wines amid food trucks, crafts, and live music for $25+. History buffs and vino lovers, this is your spot.
8. Pumpkin Patch Train Date: October 5, 11-12, 2025 Location: Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany Choo-choo to pumpkin picking with a decorating kit included—$13+ and costumes encouraged. Adorable family outing alert!
9. Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park Date: October 11-12, 2025 Location: Turkey Brook Park, Flanders Beer, bites, music, hayrides, and axe-throwing for just $5 (free for kids). Weekend warrior heaven in the countryside.

Central Jersey Gems: Fairs, Fests, and Family Fun

10. Six Flags Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® Date: Select nights through November 2, 2025 (starting weekends from September 13) Location: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Haunted mazes, scare zones, and dark rides—plus Kids Boo Fest on weekends. Thrill-seekers, your fall fright fix starts now (park admission required).
11. Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest Date: Weekends mid-September through mid-October 2025 Location: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood (Shore, but central access) Boardwalk brews, German fare, games, and rides. Classic Jersey Shore fall party—check the site for exact dates.
12. Downtown Freehold’s Oktoberfest Date: October 5, 2025 (noon-5 p.m.) Location: West Main Street, Freehold Free vendors, beer, food, and music. Low-key central NJ vibes for a Sunday stroll.
13. Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge Date: October 11, 2025 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) Location: Forest Lodge, Warren German band dancing, craft beers, and kid-friendly rides—$10 entry, with unlimited ride packages available.
14. Red Bank Oktoberfest Date: October 11, 2025 (noon-5 p.m.) Location: Edmund Wilson Plaza, Red Bank Free food, drinks, crafts, music, and kids’ zone—plus tasting sessions for $$. Artsy town energy meets fall cheer.
15. Dunellen HarvestFest Date: October 12, 2025 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Location: Washington Park, Dunellen Free pumpkin-decorating contests, apple pie battles, crafters, and eats. Small-town charm with big flavor.

South Jersey Spectacles: Seafood, Sheep, and Spooks

16. The Downbeach Seafood Festival (if extended vibes carry over) Date: Early September carryover, but check for pop-ups Location: Bay Shore Blvd., Ventnor Fresh lobster rolls and oysters—seafood lovers, this sets the tone for coastal fall.
17. Garden State Sheep Breeders Sheep & Fiber Festival Date: September 13-14 (late start influence), but fiber workshops into fall Location: Hunterdon County 4-H Fairgrounds, Ringoes Sheep shows, herding demos, and wool crafts—unique for crafty folks.
18. Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show Date: Late September 2025 Location: Barnegat Bay area Decoy carvings, waterfowl art, and maritime history—niche but fascinating for history buffs.
19. Great Pumpkin Festival Date: Through November 2, 2025 Location: Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon (North, but South access) Hayrides, corn maze, animals, and rides for $10.99+—endless family pumpkin paradise.
20. Mountain Creek Oktoberfest (early vibes into October extensions) Date: September weekends extending Location: 200 Route 94, Vernon Beers, ciders, German food, petting zoo, and pumpkins. Mountain views make it epic.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your NJ Fall Adventure

• Traffic Hack: Use NJ Transit for urban fests or Waze for rural drives—avoid rush hour near the Driscoll Bridge.
• What to Pack: Layers (Jersey weather flips fast), reusable stein for brews, and a cooler for farm-fresh picks.
• Sustainability Note: Many events like the Grand Harvest are eco-friendly—support local by skipping single-use plastics.
• More Ideas? Dive into our NJ fall foliage guide or hidden gems series for off-the-beaten-path spots.

There you have it, Jersey fam—the ultimate roadmap to fall 2025 glory. Which event are you hitting first? Drop a comment below, share your pics with #ItsAJerseyThingFall, and subscribe for more insider scoops on “New Jersey events October 2025” and beyond. Let’s make this season unforgettable—because in the Garden State, every leaf tells a story.

Safe travels, and remember: In Jersey, we don’t just fall for the season; we fall hard.

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Sources: Curated from official NJ tourism sites and event calendars for the most up-to-date info. Always verify details as events can change.