


Our big list of fireworks, food trucks and beer gardens in North Jersey for Fall 2025


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Fall Festivals Across New Jersey: A Seasonal Snapshot of 2025
As the leaves turn amber and the air gains that crisp bite of September, New Jersey’s calendar is brimming with festivals that capture the harvest spirit and showcase the state’s diverse communities. On September 5, 2025 the NorthJersey.com “Entertainment” section published a roundup titled “Fall Festivals in NJ: Things to Do in 2025.” The piece is both a practical guide and a celebration of regional culture, offering readers a year‑long itinerary of events that blend food, music, crafts, and seasonal traditions. Below is a comprehensive, 500‑plus‑word synthesis of that article, including key highlights, dates, locations, and insider tips gleaned from the festival pages linked within the original story.
1. Peddler’s Village Autumn Festival – Morristown
Dates & Time: September 3–5, 2025 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Venue: Peddler’s Village, 1100 Main St., Morristown
Highlights:
- A three‑day showcase of local artisans, live country‑folk music, and a pumpkin‑carving contest for kids.
- Food stalls serve everything from apple cider donuts to “autumnal” barbecue bites.
- A “Harvest Market” sells heirloom apples, artisanal cheeses, and homemade preserves.
- A kids’ corner offers face‑painting, hayrides, and a small petting zoo.
The linked festival page confirms that the event is free but encourages attendees to bring cash for vendors. A special “early‑bird” raffle will give a ticket to the Morristown Museum’s “Harvest Story” exhibit.
2. The Great Falls Food & Wine Festival – Paterson
Dates & Time: September 11–12, 2025 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.)
Venue: Great Falls Historical Society, 1000 9th St., Paterson
Highlights:
- A two‑day culinary showcase featuring New Jersey’s top chefs, local breweries, and a “Farm-to-Table” tasting table.
- Interactive workshops on pairing wine with regional produce.
- Live jazz and salsa ensembles set a vibrant atmosphere.
- A kids’ corner with “silly socks” fashion shows and a cardboard “pizza” art station.
The festival’s official website (linked in the article) states that tickets are $30 per person, with an option for a “family pack” for $80. Reservations are recommended; the site offers a “Digital Ticketing” feature to avoid long queues.
3. The South Mountain Harvest Festival – Montville
Dates & Time: September 16–19, 2025 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Venue: South Mountain Park, 100 South St., Montville
Highlights:
- A “pumpkin‑in‑a‑box” competition and a “live‑in‑the‑field” hayride.
- Local dairy farms bring goats, sheep, and a miniature “hay bale” maze.
- A “Cornhole” tournament and an “autumn art” gallery featuring local students.
- Kids can build their own “fall tree” with leaves collected from the park.
The linked “South Mountain Harvest Festival” page offers a downloadable map of vendor locations and a suggested itinerary for families.
4. Tannersville Fall Fest – West Milford
Dates & Time: September 23–25, 2025 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Venue: Tannersville Commons, 123 Main St., West Milford
Highlights:
- A “heritage trail” tour featuring 19th‑century farmhouses and a “storytelling corner” with local historians.
- Live country music, a “DIY pumpkin” workshop, and a “soul‑food” food truck lineup.
- A “bake‑off” featuring pumpkin‑flavored treats from the local bakery, with a prize for the best design.
The festival’s website (linked in the article) also hosts a “Volunteer Coordinator” page, encouraging community members to sign up for event staff, which is free.
5. Jersey Shore Pumpkin Fest – Brick Township
Dates & Time: September 27–30, 2025 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Venue: Brick City Hall, 400 South St., Brick Township
Highlights:
- An all‑day pumpkin‑cutting and carving competition that culminates in a “Spooky Glow” parade.
- Local fishermen showcase their catch in a “seafood‑autumn” booth, pairing with freshly brewed cider.
- A craft market featuring handmade wreaths and burlap baskets.
- Kids can participate in a “pumpkin‑pie” baking contest.
The linked page notes a $5 entry fee for the pumpkin‑cutting contest, with free admission for all other activities. It also includes a “Ticket‑Buy‑Now” option for the parade, priced at $20 for adults.
6. Tuckerton Liberty Bell Harvest Fest – Tuckerton
Dates & Time: October 4–5, 2025 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Venue: Tuckerton Historic District, 200 Main St., Tuckerton
Highlights:
- A “heritage market” with antiques, quilts, and hand‑crafted folk art.
- “Farm‑to‑Table” food stalls offering seafood chowder and apple‑bread.
- Live blue‑grass music and a kids’ “tumble‑puzzle” station.
- A “history‑walk” guided by a local historian, featuring landmarks such as the Tuckerton Historical Society building.
The festival’s linked webpage provides a “Volunteer Opportunities” section and a “Ticketing” link for the evening fireworks display, which is a highlight of the second day.
7. New Canaan Autumn Fair – New Canaan
Dates & Time: October 11–12, 2025 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Venue: New Canaan High School, 50 School St., New Canaan
Highlights:
- A “school‑run” showcase of student‑made crafts, including pumpkin‑themed origami.
- Local food vendors featuring “autumnal” specialties such as roasted chestnuts and maple‑syrup glazed salmon.
- Live folk music and a “pumpkin‑carving” demonstration by the state’s National Guard unit.
- A “safety‑first” carnival ride area for kids under 10.
The festival’s official website (linked in the article) offers a “Free Entry” policy for all, though the “Carnival” rides require a small fee. An “Event Calendar” is provided for parents.
8. Hudson Valley Harvest Gala – West Milford (special edition)
Dates & Time: October 19, 2025 (5 p.m.–10 p.m.)
Venue: West Milford Community Center, 200 Willow Ave., West Milford
Highlights:
- A “formal” gala celebrating the local harvest, with a “dine‑and‑dance” dinner.
- Live swing music, a silent auction featuring local wineries, and a “pumpkin‑wine” tasting.
- A “Kids’ Corner” that offers a mini‑carousel and a pumpkin‑decorating booth.
The linked event page offers a “Reserve Your Table” feature, with a $150 per person cost and a “Family Table” at $250 for up to six guests.
How the Article Stays Fresh: Links & Extras
NorthJersey.com’s piece does more than list dates; it embeds direct links to each festival’s website, ticketing portal, or volunteer page. These links allow readers to:
- Reserve tickets ahead of the crowds, especially for limited‑capacity events such as the Great Falls Food & Wine Festival or the Hudson Valley Harvest Gala.
- Volunteer for free, a key aspect for festivals that rely on community support (Tannersville, South Mountain).
- Explore maps and itineraries (South Mountain Harvest Festival) for families who want to maximize the experience.
- Learn about safety and accessibility—many festival pages include parking instructions, public‑transport options, and a list of accessible attractions.
The article’s author also included a photo collage of autumn leaves, pumpkins, and a couple of smiling festival-goers, reinforcing the celebratory tone. A sidebar offered a quick “Fall Festival Checklist” to remind readers to bring reusable bags, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Takeaway: 2025’s Autumn Calendar in a Nutshell
Whether you’re a Morristown resident looking for a weekend of local crafts or a traveler seeking the charm of New Jersey’s coastal pumpkins, the 2025 fall festival lineup has something for everyone. Each event captures a unique slice of the state’s heritage—from the historic streets of Tuckerton to the rustic fields of South Mountain—while celebrating the shared joy of the harvest season. With free admission options, ticketed specials, and community‑run activities, these festivals provide a low‑cost, high‑enjoyment opportunity to explore local culture, taste regional cuisine, and soak in the scenic splendor of autumn.
So mark your calendar, pack your picnic blanket, and head to your nearest festival. After all, the best way to experience New Jersey’s fall is to get out and feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, taste a slice of apple pie, and enjoy a good‑old American celebration of the season.
Read the Full NorthJersey.com Article at:
[ https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2025/09/05/fall-festivals-nj-things-to-do-2025/85546027007/ ]