10 Upcoming Fall Festivals In New Jersey You Will Want On Your Calendar

Autumn in New Jersey feels like one giant block party with pumpkins, cranberries, and books spilling into the streets.

Calendars fill fast once October rolls around. Who could resist a weekend built around a humble bean?

Small towns pull out all the stops for these upcoming fall festivals. Crafters line the sidewalks, food stands sizzle, and live music drifts through crisp air.

The real magic lives in the quirky details, from shore towns that refuse to slow down to farm fields buzzing with honey and garlic.

Each stop brings its own flavor, and that is half the fun. Ready to find the one that steals your heart first?

New Jersey saves its warmest welcome for the coolest months, so your weekends could fill up faster than expected.

1. Collingswood Book Festival, Collingswood

Bookworms, unite. Your favorite reading nook just moved outdoors for a weekend.

The Collingswood Book Festival takes over Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Many fans call it one of the biggest literary events in the Delaware Valley. Authors chat with readers, sign books, and share stories from their pages.

Poetry readings and storytellers pop up along the blocks. Aspiring writers can often join workshops and pick up fresh ideas.

Bring the kids too. The festival usually offers a lively children’s area with activities that make reading feel like play.

Wander the tents and meet independent publishers. You might leave with a new favorite author and a heavier tote bag.

Admission has traditionally been free, which leaves more room in your budget for books. Check the official schedule before you go, since lineups change each year.

Arrive early for the calmest browsing. Afternoons can get crowded as the street fills with fellow page-turners.

Stick around after the festival winds down. Collingswood has a charming downtown with cafes and shops worth a slow stroll.

Bring a sturdy bag and comfy shoes. Your shelves will thank you later.

Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108.

2. Ocean City Fall Block Party, Ocean City, NJ

Who says the shore shuts down after Labor Day? Ocean City proves otherwise with one big autumn street bash.

On October 10, 2026, the Fall Block Party fills Asbury Avenue between 5th and 14th Streets. Expect blocks of crafters, vendors, and food stands stretching down the downtown strip.

Shop for handmade jewelry, home decor, and quirky gifts. Holiday shopping can start early here, and your wallet might feel it.

Hungry yet? Follow your nose to food stands serving sweet and savory festival bites.

Music drifts through the crowd as bands and entertainers perform at different spots. Kids often enjoy balloon animals and other family activities along the route.

Past events have included pony rides for little ones. Ask around when you arrive to find the best kid-friendly corners.

Local shops sometimes run special sales during the event. Pop inside a few stores to see what deals are waiting.

Parking rules can change, so check the city updates before you drive in. Arriving early helps you grab a spot and beat the busiest crowds.

Finish with a breezy walk on the boardwalk. The ocean looks extra peaceful once the summer rush fades.

Sea air, shopping bags, and sunshine make a winning trio.

Asbury Ave between 5th & 14th Sts, Ocean City, NJ 08226.

3. West Cape May Lima Bean Festival, West Cape May

Ever thrown a party for a bean? This tiny town does it every fall, and nobody looks embarrassed.

West Cape May once earned fame for its lima bean farming. The Lima Bean Festival celebrates that farming heritage in Backyard Park on October 10, 2026.

Do not worry if lima beans never made your top ten. This event serves up far more than one humble legume.

Browse vendors selling handmade arts, crafts, and clothing. Food stalls add plenty of tasty options, and some may include creative bean dishes.

Live music usually sets a relaxed, small-town mood. Past years have also featured entertainers like magicians to keep families smiling.

Here is a sweet bonus. Past festivals have supported the local Shade Tree Commission and its work on the town’s tree canopy.

So your snack money may help grow future shade. That feels like a delicious deal.

Parking can be tight in such a cozy borough. Look for side-street parking or any shuttle service the town offers that year.

Pair your visit with a stroll through nearby Cape May. The colorful Victorian homes look lovely against autumn skies.

Give the lima bean a fair shot. It might just win you over.

Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204.

4. Allentown Fall Festival, Allentown

Picture a postcard town that suddenly bursts into a two-day street party. That is October in Allentown.

The Allentown Fall Festival takes over Main Street on October 10 and 11, 2026. Historic buildings frame the scene, and the whole downtown feels festive.

Local businesses throw open their doors to visitors. Artisans set up booths with handmade goods that make thoughtful gifts.

Food trucks roll in with tasty bites for every craving. Grab something warm and keep wandering.

Families should look for dedicated kid zones. Little ones can burn off energy while grown-ups browse nearby.

Street musicians and live bands keep the soundtrack upbeat. Tap your feet as you hop between shops and stalls.

Main Street typically closes to traffic during the event. That makes strolling easy and stress-free for strollers and slow walkers alike.

Friendly leashed pups often join the fun too. Check the festival guidelines before bringing your four-legged sidekick.

My tip? Visit on both days if you can, since vendors and performers may change.

Save time for the quaint side streets. Small-town charm shines brightest away from the main crowds.

Support local makers, snack well, and soak up that crisp autumn air.

Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501.

5. Mullica Hill Fall Festival, Mullica Hill

History buffs, grab your hats. This weekend mixes pumpkins with a trip back in time.

The Mullica Hill Fall Festival fills Main Street on October 10 and 11, 2026. The town already feels old-fashioned, with antique shops and boutiques in historic buildings.

Kids usually love the pumpkin painting, bounce houses, and scarecrow building.

The real showstopper is the Living History Weekend. Volunteers in period dress set up camps and show visitors what daily life looked like in the eighteen sixties.

Watch period demonstrations and ask questions. The volunteers clearly love sharing what they know.

Past festivals have offered spooky story walks with tales from the past. These tours keep things family-friendly while adding a little Halloween thrill.

Schedules can shift from year to year. Check event updates before you go so you catch the activities you care about most.

Live music plays throughout the weekend. Grab a seasonal snack and enjoy the sounds as you wander.

Wear comfortable shoes for all that walking. Main Street has hills and plenty of shops worth exploring.

Leave room in your trunk for antiques. You never know what treasure might follow you home.

Main St, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062.

6. Dunellen HarvestFest, Dunellen

Can you bake a better apple pie than your neighbor? Dunellen might let you prove it.

The Dunellen HarvestFest lands downtown on October 11, 2026. This community fair brings crafters, artists, food, and live entertainment together for one cheerful day.

Artists from around the state often display their work. Local nonprofits set up tables too, so you can learn about groups in the area.

Contests add a fun, friendly twist. Past years have featured pumpkin decorating and apple pie baking challenges.

Start practicing your crust now. Bragging rights are a serious matter in a small town.

Kids can enjoy activities made just for them. Parents get a breather while the little ones paint, play, and explore.

Food vendors serve a wide mix of tasty options. Live music and dancing keep the energy high all afternoon.

The festival has a reputation for going on rain or shine. Still, peek at the forecast and bring a light jacket.

This event feels like a big neighborhood hangout. Strangers chat, friends reunite, and everyone seems to slow down.

Bring a blanket, your appetite, and maybe that secret pie recipe.

Washington Park, 300 N Washington Ave, Dunellen, NJ 08812.

7. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, Chatsworth

Cranberries are not just for holiday tables. In the Pine Barrens, they get a whole weekend of glory.

The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival returns October 17 and 18, 2026. It celebrates the cranberry harvest and the unique culture of the Pinelands.

New Jersey ranks among the top cranberry growers in the country. Much of that farming happens in the bogs around this region.

Shop a juried craft show packed with handmade goods. Then hunt for cranberry treats like baked goods, jams, and sweet surprises.

Live music fills the pine-scented air. Past years have also included a car show for fans of shiny classics.

Here is a smart tip. Cell service can be spotty in the Pine Barrens, so bring cash for vendors.

Parking can be a bit of an adventure. Local spots and nearby yards often open up, so follow signs and staff directions.

Arrive early to beat traffic on the country roads. The crowds grow quickly by late morning.

Take a slow drive home through the pines. Autumn colors and quiet roads make the trip extra relaxing.

Leave with tart treats and a new love for a tiny red berry.

3980 County Rd 563, Chatsworth, NJ 08019.

8. Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival, Augusta

Honey on one hand, garlic on the other. Your taste buds are in for a wild ride.

The Sussex County Harvest, Honey and Garlic Festival happens October 17, 2026, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. It shines a spotlight on the farms of northwest New Jersey.

Browse a farmers market loaded with local fruit, vegetables, and cheese. Everything feels fresh and full of seasonal flavor.

Beekeepers often share educational displays about their buzzing workers. Pick up jars of local honey to sweeten your morning tea.

Garlic lovers, this is your moment. Growers bring varieties you will not spot at a regular grocery store.

Crafters and artisans add handmade goods to the mix. You might find candles, soaps, or cozy home pieces.

Kids can usually enjoy wagon rides, pumpkin painting, and simple crafts. These activities give families plenty to do between shopping stops.

Past festivals have used covered areas, which helps on chilly or damp days. Still, dress in layers for the hilly countryside.

Arrive early for the best selection. Popular garlic and honey can sell out quickly.

Breath mints are optional, but highly recommended.

Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822.

9. Wildwoods Fall Festival, Wildwood

Ready, set, pumpkin. Yes, gourds can race here, and the crowd goes wild.

The Wildwoods Fall Festival takes over Fox Park on October 17, 2026. This seaside celebration brings autumn fun just steps from the famous Wildwood boardwalk.

Browse craft vendors and sample tasty festival food. Live bands keep the mood bright and breezy.

The quirky star of recent years is a pumpkin derby. Teams decorate pumpkins and send them racing down a derby track for prizes and bragging rights.

Get creative and build your own entry. Families, schools, and local groups have all joined the fun in the past.

Rules for pumpkin size and car design can change. Check the official guidelines before you start carving.

Not the racing type? Cheer from the sidelines and enjoy the silly, speedy chaos.

The festival feels like a true community gathering. Local businesses and groups often team up to make the day special.

Take a walk on the boardwalk afterward. The off-season calm offers a peaceful contrast to summer crowds.

Pack a jacket, since ocean breezes get chilly in October.

May your pumpkin roll fast and your snacks stay warm.

Fox Park, Ocean Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260.

10. Great Pumpkin Festival At Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon Township

Hayride, corn maze, pig races. Which one will you tackle first?

The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm runs on select dates through November 8, 2026. This Vernon Township farm sits in the hilly northern corner of New Jersey.

Hop on a hayride to the pumpkin patch. Pick the perfect pumpkin, or the silliest one you can find.

Get lost in the corn maze, which often has a fun theme each season. Then visit friendly farm animals and cheer during the pig races.

The farm usually packs in loads of outdoor activities. Think pedal cars, a giant slingshot, a towering straw pyramid, and a spooky barn.

Some extras, like rides or special games, may cost more. Check the farm details ahead of time so nobody gets surprised.

Do not skip the farm market. Apple cider donuts are a crowd favorite, along with fresh produce and baked goods.

Since the festival runs on select dates, plan carefully. Weekends often get busy, so arrive early when you can.

Wear boots or sneakers you do not mind dirtying. Farm fields can get muddy after rain.

Wrap up the season with sticky fingers and a trunk full of pumpkins.

451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462.