Things to Do in NJ – October 2024

Oh, October with your cooler temps, beautiful fall foliage and frightfully fun events, how we do love you. Especially since some of the best fall activities, attractions and things to do happen in New Jersey. From massive corn mazes to maritime challenges and moviemaking magic, there’s wows for everyone. See what’s popping up near you.

In North Jersey

Marvel at Movies at the Montclair Film Festival | October 18 – 27
Various locations, Montclair | Gateway Region
Lights, camera, action! Set your sights on ten thrilling days of fabulous films, documentaries, workshops and special events. A must-go for film buffs, writers, actors and anyone who enjoys the big screen. 

Team Up for a Football Game at MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
Score big watching the NFL play live at this renowned stadium, and while you’re in the area, plan a pre- or post-game getaway to American Dream. It’s just about a five-minute car ride away.

Metlife Stadium

Picture Yourself at the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour | October 5-6 
Various locations, Jersey City | Gateway Region 
Put your art into it! Explore art studios, galleries and other artistic venues across this diverse city. View exhibits showcasing the work of talented local artists along the way. 

Find the Best Places to View Fall Foliage in NJ Up North (Central & South Jersey too!)
Statewide | All Regions 
Check out some of the most spectacular places to leaf peep in north, central and southern regions of the Garden State. Rake up sweeping views of crimson, amber and gold leaves and pair them with interesting historical sites and fun things to do too. 

Be Brave During Crystal Lake Tours | October 11-13, 18-19
11 Sand Pond Road, Hardwick Township | Skylands Region
Ch, Ch, Ch, ah, ah, ah…Get tickets to a lakefront tour or extended tour at this famously feared camp, the primary filming location for Friday, the 13th, Part 1. Check out other eerie adventures in New Jersey too.  

Feel Fall-tastic at the Annual Fall Festival at Mountain Creek Resort | October 5 – November 3
200 Route 94, Vernon | Skylands Region
Leaf everything else behind and head out to this amazing event. Take skyrides to view fall foliage, soar on a mountain coaster, plus enjoy bounce houses, a hay maze, lawn games and live music. 

In Central Jersey

Take a Fall Lantern Tour at Washington Crossing State Park | Fridays & Saturdays 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville | Central Jersey Region
Learn about Washington’s famous crossing of the icy Delaware River and the three crucial battles that followed it during a compelling lantern-lit living history presentation and tour. 

Raise a Glass to New Jersey’s 3-Day Winery Tour 
Various wineries | Central Jersey, Delaware River, Southern Shore Regions
New Jersey is home to 50+ wineries and award-winning varietals and we think October is the perfect time for a wine-tasting weekend getaway. Don’t worry - we’ve already prepared your itinerary. Cheers!

Cedar Rose Winery

Pick Pumpkins & Be A-Mazed at Etsch Farms | All October
556 Buckelew Avenue, Monroe Township | Central Jersey Region 
Get your guide to pumpkin patches and corn mazes up and down the Garden State including this fourth generation Central Jersey farm, home to an 8-acre corn maze - one of the largest in the state. It will wow the kids and you too! 

Seek Antiques at Golden Nugget Antique & Flea Market | Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays
1850 River Road (Route 29), Lambertville | Central Jersey Region
Located in lovely Lambertville, the Antiques Capital of New Jersey, this famous flea market is one of the largest and most beloved in the Garden State. You gotta see it – all of it! 

Golden Nugget Flea Market

Stay at the New Graduate Princeton by Hilton
10 Chambers Street, Princeton | Central Jersey Region
Prepare for a preppy weekend! Reserve a room at this new hotel, just steps away from the famous university, and be surrounded by local history, college nostalgia, Tiger traditions and Ivy League legends. Check out more things to do during your stay here

Hang Out with the Stars During Planetarium Shows at the New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State Street, Trenton | Central Jersey Region
Soar through the galaxy during stellar weekday and weekend Planetarium shows, and stop by the museum for cool exhibits, events and collections too. See website for showtimes and details. 

In South Jersey

Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey 2024 October 19-20 
Statewide | Shore, Greater Atlantic City and Southern Shore Regions
How many lighthouses and maritime marvels can you visit in two days up and down the Jersey shore? Accept the challenge—celebrating its 25th year—and find out! See all of NJ’s lighthouses here.

New Jersey Lighthouse

WheatonARts Festival of Fine Craft | October 12-13
1501, Glasstown Road, Millville | Southern Shore Region
Brush up on your knowledge of fine crafts and explore your artsy side. View artwork and crafts, enjoy exciting live demos, exhibits and other family-friendly activities.

Face Your Fears During Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm | Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays (closed 10/31)
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill | Delaware River Region
Brave zombies, ghouls and monsters at this super scary 100-acre farm with six frightening attractions including a Haunted Paintball Hayride and a dwelling named HGTV’s Scariest Haunted House. Voted one of the best Halloween events in the Northeast, behind only Salem, MA, it’s wicked fun.

Take a Luxe Fall Beach Vacay 
Various locations | Shore, Greater Atlantic City, Southern Shore Regions
Upscale amenities, boutique hotels and oceanside elegance have brought our 130 miles of Jersey Shore to a new level of luxe you’re going to adore – especially in fall with cooler temps and less crowds. 

Congress Hall Property Jersey Shore

Read Up at the Collingswood Book Festival 2024 | October 5
771 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood | Delaware River Region
This amazing event is a real page turner! Celebrate books and literature, enjoy author signings, book sales and activities for literary enthusiasts everywhere. And it takes place in charming, boutique-filled Collingswood, so even better.

Have Reel Fun at the 70th Annual 2024 LBI Surf Fishing Classic | October 5 – December 8
265 West 9th Street, Long Beach | Shore Region
Catch your best at one of the world’s oldest surf fishing tournaments! The event lasts 9 weeks and offers monetary rewards for catches of striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, blackfish and red drum. You’ll be hooked on this island tradition. 

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.