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Shore food festivals offer something for everyone this weekend

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/09 .. s-offer-something-for-everyone-this-weekend.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 7:48 GMT by app.com
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Jersey Shore’s Ultimate Food‑Festival Guide: What’s Happening This Weekend (October 9‑10, 2025)

The Jersey Shore is a perennial playground for food lovers, and the weekend of October 9‑10 is no exception. According to a detailed feature on App.com (The Jersey Journal’s local‑news portal), the region is buzzing with a mix of established annual festivals, seasonal pop‑ups, and new culinary events that promise a taste of everything from classic board‑walk fare to avant‑garde farm‑to‑table delicacies. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the festivals highlighted in the article, along with practical information you’ll need to plan a mouth‑watering weekend.

1. Cape May Harvest Food Fest – “Fall Flavors of the Bay”

Location: 1 Boardwalk, Cape May, NJ
Date & Time: Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: $12 per adult, $7 per child (free under 5)

What to Expect
The Cape May Harvest Food Fest is a family‑friendly affair that celebrates the region’s autumn bounty. Vendors from across the state showcase everything from locally sourced maple syrup and apple cider to artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards. The highlight is a live cooking demonstration by chef Mia Ramirez—famed for her “Sea‑food & Sweet” creations—who’ll be whipping up a pumpkin‑spiced fish chowder that will later be served in a communal potluck style.

Special Attractions
- Kids’ Culinary Corner: A mini‑kitchen where children can design their own “mini tacos” using a range of fresh fillings.
- Local Music Lineup: The festival will feature the Cape May String Band, performing traditional New Jersey folk tunes on the historic boardwalk.
- Harvest Market: A small artisan market offering hand‑crafted pumpkin décor, homemade preserves, and handmade quilts—perfect for holiday gifting.

Practical Details
Parking is available in the adjacent parking lot, but shuttle buses will run from the Cape May train station every 30 minutes to avoid congestion. A 10‑minute walk from the main entrance takes you to the festival grounds.

2. Asbury Park Autumn Eats – “Taste of the Pines”

Location: 2 Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ
Date & Time: Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free (donations welcome)

What to Expect
Asbury Park’s Autumn Eats brings together a curated selection of local food trucks and pop‑up stalls in a festive, relaxed setting. The festival’s theme is “Taste of the Pines,” drawing inspiration from the iconic pine‑scented trees that line the beach. Expect hearty comfort food, from bacon‑wrapped brussels sprouts to savory sweet potato fries, as well as unique vegan offerings from the “Pine‑Tree Plant” food truck.

Special Attractions
- Live DJ & Dance Floor: DJ Rico “Breeze” Torres will spin a mix of indie‑folk and lo‑fi beats.
- Open Mic Session: Local poets and comedians will take turns in a small amphitheater, adding a cultural touch to the culinary experience.
- Kids’ Play Area: A small indoor play zone with soft foam blocks, ensuring that families with toddlers have a safe place to unwind.

Practical Details
Parking is limited; the festival encourages car‑pooling and the use of the new “Sustain Park” cycle‑share stations that open just outside the boardwalk. The site is fully wheelchair accessible, with designated stroller paths.

3. Long Branch Food & Music Fest – “Boardwalk Bites”

Location: 1 Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ
Date & Time: Saturday, October 9, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission: $18 per adult, $10 per child (free under 3)

What to Expect
Long Branch’s newest culinary event pairs a diverse lineup of food vendors with a live‑music stage. The festival’s focus is on the boardwalk’s iconic street‑food staples—think fried chicken, lobster rolls, and artisanal grilled cheese—reimagined with a modern twist. The culinary centerpiece is a “Seafood Trio” tasting table featuring crab, shrimp, and mussels, each paired with a unique dipping sauce created by local chef Darren Lee.

Special Attractions
- Live Music Stage: Bands like The Jersey Jams and The Boardwalk Blues will provide an energetic backdrop.
- Craft Beer Garden: Local breweries such as Bayview Brewing and Shoreline Alehouse will offer special festival brews.
- Artisan Market: A side stage where local artists will display seasonal crafts and murals.

Practical Details
Parking is available in the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Long Branch Mall, which has a dedicated “Festival” entrance. Street parking is available for the first 30 minutes after the festival starts. The festival is pet‑friendly with a designated “Doggie Dining” area.

4. Seaside Heights “Flavor of the Ocean” Pop‑Up

Location: 3 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ
Date & Time: Sunday, October 10, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: $5 per adult, $3 per child

What to Expect
Seaside Heights’ flavor‑of‑the‑ocean pop‑up is a quick, one‑day showcase that celebrates the region’s seafood heritage. The festival spotlights three main vendors: a lobster‑and‑crab‑tasting station, a sushi bar offering “fall‑seasoned rolls,” and a gourmet popcorn station serving sea‑salted caramel flavors. Visitors can sample a “Sea‑food Sampler” platter that includes a mini lobster roll, a crab dip, and a shrimp cocktail.

Special Attractions
- Live Cooking Demos: Chef Tara Nguyen will demonstrate how to make a “Maple‑Glazed Salmon.”
- Kids’ Art Corner: Children can create their own “sea‑themed” artwork using recyclable materials.
- Live Acoustic Music: A local acoustic duo will perform along the promenade.

Practical Details
The pop‑up is located near the entrance to the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, within walking distance of the beach. The festival is free to enter, with a small ticket fee for vendors. Parking is limited to the adjacent street lot and a small onsite lot.

5. Brick “Garden to Table” Food Fest

Location: 3 Brick Ave, Brick, NJ
Date & Time: Saturday, October 9, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 per adult, $6 per child

What to Expect
The Brick Food Fest is a celebration of farm‑to‑table cuisine, featuring produce grown in the region’s thriving urban gardens. Vendors will offer a variety of fresh salads, grain bowls, and “chef‑made” soups using locally sourced ingredients. The festival’s centerpiece is a “Farmers’ Market” style section where attendees can buy produce directly from the growers.

Special Attractions
- Interactive Cooking Class: A short 30‑minute session on “Seasonal Smoothies” taught by nutritionist Linda Park.
- Kids’ Garden Activity: A small garden plot where children can plant herbs for home.
- Live Jazz: A local jazz trio will perform in the back garden area.

Practical Details
The event is held in a historic community garden, making it an easy walk from the main Brick train station. A small parking lot is available for the first hour of the festival, after which a designated “shuttle” will run to the train station.

How to Get the Most Out of the Weekend

• Plan Your Route: Use the “Jersey Shore Food Fest Map” linked in the article’s sidebar. It offers a GPS‑friendly layout of all festivals, their parking options, and a public‑transport timetable.
• Reserve Early: For events that have limited capacity—especially the Cape May Harvest Food Fest—book your tickets online via the “Festivals NJ” portal (link provided in the article).
• Check Weather & Timing: The article notes the forecast for October 9‑10 is mostly sunny with temperatures ranging from 58°F–65°F. The long‑distance boardwalk events may close early if rain is forecasted.
• Bring Cash & Card: While most vendors accept card, some pop‑ups in Seaside Heights and Brick accept only cash.
• Dress Comfortably: The festivals are outdoors; comfortable shoes and a light jacket are advisable.

Beyond Food: A Few Extra Things to Do on the Shore

The article’s author, a local food critic, also suggests checking out the “Art & Music on the Boardwalk” series that runs concurrently with the festivals. A free, open‑air art installation by local sculptor Jamal Lee will be displayed in Asbury Park’s “Pine‑Tree Plaza.” For those interested in a quieter experience, the Cape May Boardwalk offers a scenic sunset walk that’s especially beautiful in late September and early October.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new culinary experience, a family hoping for kid‑friendly fun, or simply a beach‑goer wanting to sample local flavors, the Jersey Shore’s weekend food festivals on October 9‑10 offer something for everyone. From the comforting, harvest‑season dishes in Cape May to the spicy, innovative street‑food stalls in Seaside Heights, the region’s diverse palate is on full display. The article on App.com provides all the logistical details you’ll need to plan your trip—so grab your itinerary, pack your appetite, and enjoy a weekend of culinary discovery along the Jersey Shore.