Wow Events
South Jersey Apple Festival | September 7-8 | So A-Peeling
Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove | Delaware River Region
With hayrides, apple-themed activities, craft vendors and plenty of tasty apple desserts, this family-friendly event makes for a fall day trip that’s fun to the core.
Six Flags Boo Fest | September 7 – November 3 |Great Fun for Li’l Goblins
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson | Shore Region
In-park trick-or-treating, family-friendly activities, and other festivities to enjoy spooky season without all the scares. Adults or older kids are looking for frightful fun can check out Fright Fest Extreme happening at the park September 13 – November 3.
The Balloon Glow & Laser Show | September 13 – 14 | High-Flying Thrills
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick | Central Jersey
Enjoy hot air balloons in flight, a Kids zone plenty of live music and crafts. Hot air balloon rides are available for purchase too – get read to soar!
Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival | September 13 – October 14 | Excitement in Bloom
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge | Shore Region
Sunflowers, gladiolas, calla lilies, dahlias ready to pick for the perfect bouquet and, of course, fantastic floral photo ops. Food trucks, a farmers and makers market, music and more. Take your pick with this dynamic fall day trip! Dig into this listing of the best sunflower fields in NJ too.
46th Annual Festival of the Sea | September 21 Rain Date: September 22 | Reel Good Times
601 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach | Shore Region
One look at this long-running event featuring crafters, restaurants, live music, games and seafood feasting at its finest; you’ll be hooked.
Collingswood Porchfest | September 28 | Town-wide Tunes
Various locations |Collingswood | Delaware River Region
Experience a town-wide extravaganza of music played by talented locals from the comfort of their porches, driveways and other outdoor spaces. Enjoy a fabulous day of tunes, strolling and culture in a friendly, welcoming town.
Jersey City Art & Studio Tours | October 4 – 6 |Put Your Art into it!
Various locations, Jersey City | Gateway Region
Brush up on fun during 100+ art events taking place throughout the city. Take a tour, explore one-of-a-kind studios, view exciting galleries and meet other art enthusiasts.
Fabulous ‘50s, “60s, “70s & Beyond Weekend |October 18 – 19 | Never-ending Nostalgia
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood | Southern Shore Region
Dance parties, class car shows, and a concert showcasing Frankie Avalon, The Letterman and The Shirelles starring Beverly Lee in a famously Doo-Wop town. What more could you ask for?
Montclair Film Festival | October 18 – 27 | Big Screen, Big Event
Various locations, Montclair | Gateway Region
Independent works, comedies, documentaries and more come together for this renowned ten-day festival showcasing local and international filmmakers.
Sussex County Harvest Honey & Garlic Festival | October 19 | Hometown Harvest
37 Plains Road, Augusta | Skylands Region
Honey exhibits, garlic tasting and sales, crafts, live music, family activities and more at this tasty event that celebrates Sussex County’s harvest season and rich agricultural heritage. Yum!
Exit Zero Jazz Festival | October 25-27 | Music to Your Ears
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May | Southern Shore Region
Feelin’ jazzy? Featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists and a diverse lineup of traditional tunes to contemporary sounds. All in charming, Victorian Cape May. While you’re there, stop by Washington Street Mall for some unique boutique shopping too.
Wow Experiences
Seaton Hackney Stables – Ride the Trails
440 South Street, Morristown | Skylands Region
Giddy up and go! From beginners to advanced riders, this beloved destination offers the complete equine experience and the perfect fall day trip. Lessons, trail rides and more. Find more stables in NJ here.
Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery – Pick Your Own
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton | Central Jersey Region
Take your pick, literally, of gourds, pumpkins, and tasty varieties of apples from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith. Visit the winery and be sure to stop by the farm store for some freshly pressed apple cider too. Click for more NJ farms and orchards.
The NJ Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center | American Dream | Garden State Legends
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
Immerse yourself in the achievements and accomplishments of New Jerseyans from throughout American history with this fall day trip. Interactive experiences, space ride, karaoke stage, celebrity holograms and more.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge – Naturally Fun
4 Sawmill Road, Medford | Delaware River Region
Enjoy light hiking on autumn-hued trails, see wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors at this 171-acre wildlife refuge surrounding scenic Cedar Run Lake.
Hot Sand Glassblowing Studio – The Experience with Blow You Away
550 Cookman Avenue, Suite 103, Asbury Park | Shore Region
Wow up your day with an immersive glass experience. Create a glass keepsake of your choice with the help of experts who walk you through the process. Get to know more about Asbury Park here.
American Dream – Soaring, Skiing, Splashing, Oh-wowing
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
Check out the NJ Hall of Fame and plan for even more fun later that day. From year-round indoor skiing to the largest indoor water park in the Western Hemisphere and the largest indoor water park in North America. Get a look at all the dreamy to-dos.
Brave Shark Tunnel & Shark Bridge at Adventure Aquarium – It’s Fin-tastic!
1 Riverside Drive, Camden | Delaware River Region
C’mon down to the Camden Waterfront to marvel at over 15,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. Explore the amazing Shark Tunnel and brave the Shark Bridge too.
Hidden Springs Lavender & Alpaca Farm – Wooly Wows
890 Route 601, Skillman | Central Jersey Region
If you haven’t been to this stunning farm, add it to your autumn bucket list. Not only can you visit with friendly alpacas, but you can also stock up on lavender and wool products in the gift shoppe. Stop back to see lavender in bloom from late June through July.
Beach Plum Farm – A Treasured Cape May Experience
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May | Southern Shore Region
This stunning farm is less than two miles from Cape May’s historic downtown, home to a wonderful farm-to-table dinner series, beloved Farm Market and Farm Kitchen too. And if you decide to turn your fall day trip into an overnight stay, the six cottages with space to sleep six to eight guests are so amazing they received an Oprah Hotel O-Ward.
Hike the Appalachian Trail | Wonders at the Delaware Water Gap
Old Mine Road, Hardwick | Skylands Region
Step into New Jersey’s picturesque hiking, kayaking and waterfall wonderland to set your sights on vibrant fall foliage as you travel 72 miles of the scenic Appalachian Trail. See our listing for more outdoor recreation options in NJ.
Red Bank Battlefield Park | Remarkable & Revolutionary
100 Hessian Avenue, National Park | Delaware River Region
Explore the site of the Battle of Red Bank, a notable and victorious battle fought during the Revolutionary War, in this riverside park and tour the historic Whitall House. Come back for the Jonas Cattel Run & Fort Mercer 5K on October 19 and the 18th Century Fall Festival and reenactment on October 20.
Discover more events and things to do in every season and every region of the Garden State. And for more trip inspo, nothing beats our free NJ Travel Guide and e-newsletter. As always, check with your destinations before you go for the latest details.
