N.J.'s 7 Best Fall Festivals
Take in the autumn weather in New Jersey, where the bounty of festivals will keep you and your friends and family busy each weekend with fall and holiday themed activities. We've selected a few events around N.J that will liven up the brisk weather and certainly fill your bellies with apple cider and pumpkin pie. By Emily Tamburri.
24th Annual ChowderFest Weekend
September 29-30, 2012
9th St. & Taylor Ave.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
609-494-7211
visitlbiregion.com
More: NYC's 6 Best Bowls Of Clam Chowder
ChowderFest seems to repeatedly make our list for fall festivals—probably because it is certainly one of the best, most anticipated fall kick-off's in New Jersey. Each year, tents are set up to house an outdoor food court, live music and entertainment, and of course, the Chowder Cook-off Classic. Restaurants in the surround shore areas compete to be voted the best chowder of the year, and you can be the judge with unlimited tasting!
Endless Arts October
Month of October
NJ PAC
1 Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102
(888) GO-NJPAC
gonewark.com/endlessarts
More: NYC's 6 Best Contemporary Art Galleries
The Endless Arts name for this festival is fitting when you look at the running list of performances the NJ PAC has planned for fall. Endless October will feature the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, the largest poetry event in the United States. The four day event will include not only poetry readings from the world's leading poets, but conversations with these talented individuals. Endless Arts will also sponsor a week long Jazz Festival as well as written narratives, portraits and 25 other artist studios featuring special performances and children's activities. The festival has countless numbers of artistic displays in every form going on throughout the entire month of October; take a look at their website and be sure not to miss out on any of your favorites!
Festival of Fine Craft
October 6-7, 2012
1100 Village Dr.
Millville, NJ 08332
856-825-6800
wheatonarts.org/Come experience the art of crafting and creation at the Festival of Fine craft this October. Each tent features different artists, many of whom have contributed to the fall theme through works in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, wood and other mediums. Live art demonstrations are scheduled and kid centered family activities such as make your own scarecrow. Don't forget to stop by the hand-blown glass pumpkin patch where you can purchase your very own pumpkin assorted varieties.
12th Annual Oktoberfest
October 6, 2012
Veterans Park
Bay Ave. & Shrewsbury Ave.
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-291-4713
highlandsnj.com/hbp/
The Highlands Oktoberfest keeps the feel good traditions of eating, drinking and dancing of the classic German Oktoberfest. Traditional German garb can be seen across the fair grounds and live music, dancing, authentic German food, an Oktoberfest beer garden and fireworks are just a few things to look forward during this exciting day. Visitors will also be treated to various contests, including "Best-Dressed" and "Beer Stein Holding" competitions, which are awarded with various prizes.
12th Annual Pumpkin Festival
October 7, 2012
1 Railroad Plaza
Route 10 West & Whippany Road
Whippany, NJ 07981
973-887-8177
whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/
Keeping with the ever important pumpkin theme of fall, the Whippany Rail Museum sponsors the family fun-filled day during this ritual festival to commemorate seasonal passage. Local crafters and merchants will be selling fall related items, such as fresh picked apples along the museum grounds. The main event focuses on the 30 minute train ride aboard the "Pumpkinliner," featuring an antique caboose for you and your family to relax and take in the beautiful fall foliage.
Grand Harvest Wine Festival
October 15-16, 2012
73 Kahdena Rd.
Morristown, NJ 07960
609-588-0085
Presented by the Garden State Wine Growers Association will hold their annual wine tasting festival at Fosterfields Historical Living Farm, a modern farm that uses the tools, and techniques of a late 19th Century farm. Tour the farm and experience the Musical Entertainment before you begin your wine sampling featuring twenty local wineries who are offering over 300 award winning NJ wines. Festival-goers will receive a complimentary wine glass and be able to peruse the local food and craft vendors.
The 29th Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 20-21, 2012
Main Street & Route 563
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
cranfest.org/Chatsworth_Cranberry_Festival/Welcome.html
This yearly event celebrates the Cranberry, a lesser known harvest product of the fall season. This festival is the 3rd largest in the U.S, so making a trip to Chatsworth is definitely a must this season. Bog tours will be offered throughout the day where you can learn about the Cranberry and the Pine Barrens. Once you've had your full of cranberry-flavored sweets, jellies, breads and ice cream, head on over to the diverse craft fair, where over 160 artists will be demonstrating and displaying their work. During the festival's last day, check out the antique and classic automobile show, featuring over 100 different models!
