Fall in New Jersey: Things to Do This Fall 2026

Fall in New Jersey

Fall is the it girl of the year, and Fall in New Jersey is to not be missed. Let’s be very clear, if you know, you know– and if you don’t, now you do. This is your annual guide to doing fall in New Jersey. This is the time to grab your bestie, your boo, your family and your entire friend group to spend some quality outdoor time. This year we’re going apple picking, pumpkin picking, fall festivals, and fall runs. Does that not sound exciting? Eggzackleee. So, let’s get ready to enjoy this fall crisp breeze, autumn treats, and activities with the fall foliage of New Jersey as our backdrop.

Apple Picking

A friendly reminder: while New Jersey is known as the Garden State, we experienced a particularly cold spring this year, which may have affected apple crops and harvest availability. Apple supplies may be limited at some farms, so be sure to call ahead and confirm which varieties are available before planning your trip!

1. Wightman Farms — Morristown, NJ | 1111 Mount Kemble Avenue Another classic fall destination, Wightman Farms offers apple picking, scenic hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkins, and other seasonal activities. It’s a great spot to enjoy a little farm fun and soak up the fall atmosphere.
2. Alstede Farms — Chester, NJ | 1 Alstede Farms Lane This family-owned farm offers plenty of seasonal activities, including apple picking, campfires, sunflower trails, corn mazes, and a festive menu of fall treats. It’s a great option for making a full day of your visit.
3. Hillview Farms — Gillette, NJ | 223 Meyersville Road A family-owned farm about a 30-minute drive from parts of North Jersey, Hillview Farms offers a variety of seasonal produce, including apples, peaches, and pumpkins, along with a mini farmers market. Call ahead to check what’s available during your visit.
4. Melick’s Town Farm — Oldwick, NJ | 19 King Street Make a day of it at Melick’s Town Farm, known for its apple varieties and classic fall farm experience. Depending on the season, you can enjoy apple picking, explore the corn maze, grab fresh apple cider, and browse seasonal decorations to bring a little fall charm home.

Pumpkin Picking

1. Happy Day Farm — Manalapan, NJ | 106 Iron Ore Road
   A fall favorite with pumpkin picking, tractor rides, a themed corn maze, photo installations and Pumpkinville. The farm’s fall festival also features more than 35 activities on select days, making it a great spot for a full day of fall fun. The 2026 season runs through November 8 on scheduled dates.
2. Tranquillity Farms — Green Township, NJ | 47 Decker Pond Road
   A family-owned, third-generation farm offering pumpkin picking straight from the vine, scenic hayrides, a corn maze, a giant hay slide, a cow train, food vendors and live music on select fall weekends. You can also browse the farm market for seasonal goodies. Fall festival activities are scheduled through October, so check the calendar before visiting.
3. Ort Farms — Long Valley, NJ | 25 Bartley Road
   A family-friendly farm with pumpkin picking, a five-acre corn maze, hayrides and plenty of seasonal attractions. Make time to visit the farm market for fresh produce, baked goods, homemade ice cream and other local treats. It’s a great option for combining pumpkin picking with a full day of farm activities.
4. Conklin Farm U-Pick — Montville, NJ | 10 Vreeland Avenue
   A classic North Jersey pumpkin patch with thousands of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes and colors. Browse the barn store for painted pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, mums and seasonal decorations. On weekends, you can also enjoy regular hayrides, fresh-baked apple and pumpkin pies, and hot cider donuts. The 2026 season runs through October 31, weather permitting.

Festivals

1. Twin Pond Farm Harvest — Freehold, NJ | 49 Howell Road Twin Pond Farm’s Harvest festival is a great pick for a classic fall day filled with farm fun. Explore the seven-acre corn maze, take a hayride, race pedal cars, try pumpkin bowling, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy the many outdoor activities. Bonus: live music every Saturday! The 2026 season runs through November 1 on select dates.
2. Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival — Cape May, NJ | Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue Trade the pumpkin patch for a little music and a coastal getaway! The Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival brings world-class jazz, blues, brass bands, and R&B to the charming seaside town of Cape May. The 2026 festival runs October 22–25
3. Western Fall Festival — Newark, NJ | Military Park, 51 Park Place Newark, we have fall plans! Expect live music, food, games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, and activities for the kids. Best of all, admission is free! The festival takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m.
4. Happy Day Farm Fall Festival — Manalapan, NJ | 106 Iron Ore Road. If your idea of fall includes a giant corn maze, cute photo ops, farm animals, and a full day of activities, Happy Day Farm belongs on your list. When you need a break, grab a seasonal treat from the food stands. The 2026 festival runs through November 8, with weekend admission including more than 35 activities.

Fitness (Runs + Walks)

1. Heartfulness NJ 5K Run & Walk — West Windsor, NJ | Mercer County Park Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Heartfulness 5K welcomes both runners and walkers for a morning focused on wellness, community, peace, and environmental awareness. It’s a great way to get outside, move your body, and start your weekend feeling good.
2. 5K Race for Recovery & Family Walk — Ocean Grove, NJ | Ocean Grove Boardwalk Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 This annual boardwalk race supports Market Street Mission and its work providing meals, shelter, and recovery programs for people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Sign up for the 5K race, join the two-mile family walk, or cheer on the participants.
3. Thanks4Giving Turkey Dash 5K — Asbury Park, NJ | Asbury Park Boardwalk Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026 The Turkey Dash is a timed 5K that travels along the scenic boardwalks of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and Bradley Beach. The event benefits Special Olympics New Jersey, and participants receive a long-sleeve shirt, race bib, and finisher medal.
4. Hoboken Turkey Trot 5K — Hoboken, NJ | Hoboken Waterfront Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026 The Hoboken Turkey Trot is a fun way to enjoy the waterfront, challenge yourself to a 5K, and soak up the community energy. There’s also a one-mile fun run, making it a great option for friends and family with different fitness levels. Lace up your sneakers, bring your crew, and make it part of your Thanksgiving-weekend traditions.
5. The New Jersey Fall Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — Manalapan/Englishtown, NJ | Monmouth Battlefield State Park Date: Sunday, November 22, 202 This race offers three distances, so you can choose the challenge that feels right for you: a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. The course winds through the tree-lined grounds of Monmouth Battlefield, a historic New Jersey landmark, making it a scenic way to enjoy the season while testing your endurance. Expect a timed race, course support, and post-race refreshments—including cider donuts!
6. Brooks Open 5K — Holmdel, NJ Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026 Listed on the Jersey Shore Running Club’s November race calendar and is a good option to investigate if you prefer a traditional race over a themed holiday event. Check the race calendar for registration details and the latest event information before heading out.

Let’s Fall in New Jersey

Thank you for taking the time to plan your Fall in New Jersey with me. If you have an event or festival that you don’t see on this list, please send an email to hello@kmonaefierce.com. If you’d like to collab or invite me to your event please send an email to hello@kmonaefierce.com.

As always,

Stay blessed + stay fierce

xoxo — Kmo