The Best September Festivals in New Jersey
September is almost here and with it, the arrival of fall fairs and festivals. New Jersey offers lots of great events this month, with everything from food festivals to live music and more! We’ve rounded up the top events to attend this month. Read on for the scoop on all these awesome activities and mark your calendar now.
Editorial Picks for The Best September Festivals
AirFest
Where: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande
When: August 31 to September 3 at various times
Price: $16 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, children 2 and under are free
Details: Watch WWII bombers soar overhead as you enjoy live music and food trucks. Vendors, aircraft exhibits and children’s activities will also be on hand during the 22nd annual AirFest. If you’re willing to shell out a pretty penny, you can reserve a flight experience starting at $400.
More info: NASW Aviation Museum or call 609-886-8787
BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
When: September 1 to 3 from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
Price: $5 general admission, free for children 12 & under
Details: Three days of refreshing beer, delicious barbecued food and exciting horse races await you at Monmouth Park’s annual BBQ & Craft Beer Festival. Sample over 40 craft beer selections and check out food offerings from local BBQ faves.
More info: Monmouth Park Racetrack or call 732-222-5100
Scandinavian Fest
Where: Vasa Park at Wolfe Road, Budd Lake
When: September 2 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: $14 for adults, free for children 12 & under
Details: Spend the day immersed in Scandinavian culture at the 34th annual Scandinavian Fest. Learn the customs, the history and the differences between the six Nordic nations. On hand will be performers, artisans, local vendors, food and kids’ activities. Free entry with authentic folk dress!
More info: Scandinavian Fest
Beach Bash
Where: Ocean Avenue & 7th Avenue, Belmar
When: September 9 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Autism Family Services of New Jersey hosts this day of fun on the beach to benefit individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders. Games, arts and crafts, a DJ, food and more are all provided free to the public. A Surfer’s Healing surf camp is also offered for those on the spectrum; registration for the camp is required.
More info: Beach Bash or call 609-392-4900
Allaire Farm & Food Truck Fundraiser
Where: The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township
When: September 15 from noon to 5:00 pm
Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under
Details: More than ten of the Jersey shore’s most popular food trucks will be dishing out delectable delights at this event benefiting Allaire Community Farms and The Historic Village at Allaire. Kids will enjoy fun activities like hayrides and interacting with the farm animals on hand.
More info: The Historic Village at Allaire or call 732-919-3500
Boots at the Beach
Where: Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
When: September 14-16 at various times
Price: Free admission
Details: Southern Jersey’s largest country festival will feature country vendors, crafts, live music, food and a good old fashioned time for all. The party starts Friday night when all the bars in North Wildwood’s entertainment district will play country music. On Saturday, Triple Rail Turn and Sherwood Brothers take the stage as you enjoy the beautiful beach air.
More info: Boots at the Beach Festival or call 609-770-8839
All About Downtown Street Fair
Where: Newark Avenue between Grove Street & Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
When: September 15 from noon to 8:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Explore downtown Jersey City’s finest offerings as hundreds of vendors selling crafts, jewelry and more gather along Newark Avenue. Food trucks and a beer garden will keep your stomach happy and activities like games and face painting will entertain the kids.
More info: Historic Downtown SID or call 201-547-3554
New Jersey Storytelling Festival
Where: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
When: September 14 from noon to 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Celebrate the 26th year of the New Jersey Storytelling Festival! The Story Slam contest kicks off at noon, with participants selected at random to recount their personal story with the theme “Chicken.” The rest of the afternoon will see a continuous stream of storytelling performances, concluding with the Lightning Round at 5:00 pm. There will also be educator workshops earlier that morning before the festival starts.
More info: New Jersey Storytelling Festival or call 609-737-3299
Alfresco at the Farm
Where: The Urban Farm, 31 Hazel Street, Morristown
When: September 22 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Price: $35 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-15 and free for ages 3 and under
Details: This family event puts an urban twist on a traditional country fair. Live music, relay faces, crafts and farm-fresh food will all be available. Make sure you bring an appetite and your dancing shoes!
More info: Alfresco at the Farm or call 973-206-4177
Lumberton Fall Festival & Paddle
Where: Lumberton Village Green, Lumberton
When: September 22 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Price: $20 per canoe
Details: Take a leisurely paddle down Rancocas Creek in a canoe (bring your own or one will be provided) and then stroll through the Fall Festival at the Village Green, where you’ll find family activities, pumpkin painting, local vendors, live music, Touch-a-Truck and more.
More info: Lumberton Civic Association or call 609-458-4753
Savor September Food, Wine & Beer Festival
Where: 212 96th Street, Stone Harbor
When: September 22 from noon to 9:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: This seventh annual festival features a wine and beer tent hosting local wineries and breweries, plus delicious food from Stone Harbor restaurants. Listen to live music and participate in a grape stomping competition, too!
More info: Savor September or call 609-368-6101
Fall Arts & Music Festival
Where: Washington Street between 8th & 14th Streets, Hoboken
When: September 30 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Enjoy live music, fine arts, children’s entertainment and food as the Fall Arts & Music Festival celebrates its 25th year. Featured performers include The Sensational Country Blues Wonders, which will wow the crowd with a mix of country, blues and gospel. On hand to entertain the kiddos will be rides, games, sand art and face painting.
More info: Hoboken Arts & Music Festival or call 201-420-2207
Looking for year-round listings of more great activities? Check out our roundup of New Jersey’s Best Fairs & Festivals.
Statewide September Festivals
AirFest 2018
Friday, August 31, 2018 – Monday, September 3, 2018: In partnership with the Collings Foundation, AirFest will feature tours of WWII aircraft: B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress, P-51 Mustang. This year, the Manhattan Dolls will take center stage during …
The 47th Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Friday, August 31, 2018 – Sunday, September 2, 2018: The Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival is presented since 1972 by the Brandywine Friends of Oldtime Music, a non-profit all volunteer organization. Besides 3 full days of music by over 15 …
Allendale Family Water Festival
Saturday, September 1, 2018: Swimming Events for All Age Groups! Parent/Child Relays, Sand Castle Building Contests, Cannon Ball Competition, Long Distance Swim, Tube Relays, Toddler Golf Ball Event. Refreshments will be served! Info
Melick’s Town Farm Hard Cider Festival
Saturday, September 1, 2018: Join in for the Hard Cider Festival at the Cider Mill in the historic village of Oldwick. Ticket price includes two glasses of their own hard cider or wine. Live …
Annual Scandinavian Fest
Sunday, September 2, 2018: Come to ScanFest! It’s an all-day celebration of Scandinavia at its best – where you’ll discover the customs…the history…the ethnic variety of the six Nordic nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, …
Frenchtown Riverfest
Sunday, September 2, 2018: Ecology flags will line the streets as Frenchtown holds its annual celebration of life along the Delaware. Art, activities, performance stages, paper boat races, food and Vikings. Don’t miss it! …
Scandinavian Festival 2018
Sunday, September 2, 2018: Come to ScanFest! It’s an all-day celebration of Scandinavia at its best! Where you’ll discover the customs…the history…the ethnic variety of the six Nordic nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway …
43rd Annual Rutherford Labor Day Street Fair
Monday, September 3, 2018: The Street Fair will take place on and around Park Ave in Downtown Rutherford from Ames Ave to Donaldson Ave. Street vendors, food trucks and antique fair, rides and entertainment …
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
Monday, September 3, 2018: Great food, retail vendors, live music, kiddie rides, Pony Rides & petting zoo, games, will be available Labor Day Monday in a blocked off section of Newark Pompton Turnpike from …
41st Annual Greek Festival
Thursday, September 6, 2018 – Sunday, September 9, 2018: Be Greek for a weekend and you’ll love it! Authentic Greek food prepared on premises: Souvlaki, Gyro, Pastry Shop, Beer-Liquor-Wine-Ouzo, Live music, DJ Entertainment, Folk Dancing, vendors, rides & Games. …
Flemington Opa! Greek Festival
Friday, September 7, 2018 – Sunday, September 9, 2018: The festival is west Central Jersey’s big cultural family event, featuring food, shopping, fun, and entertainment. Greek Folk Dancers will entertain at select times during the weekend. In addition to …
Wood Street Fair 2018
Saturday, September 8, 2018: Wood Street Fair is a much-anticipated annual event which takes place in the midst of the Historic City of Burlington, New Jersey. Brought to you by the Colonial Burlington Foundation, …
The 2nd Hudson West Folk Festival
Saturday, September 8, 2018: Hudson West will present ten acts in its second annual day-long event. By popular demand, they’re bringing back the two-stage approach which will ensure a continuous stream of live music …
Fedora Fest
Saturday, September 8, 2018: Dust off your Fedora and get ready to join in for another Fedora Fest. Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out filled with dancing, family, friends and …
21st Annual Beach Plum Festival
Sunday, September 9, 2018: The 2018 Beach Plum Festival, sponsored by The Friends of Island Beach, will be held at Ocean Beach Bathing Area #1. The event goes on rain or shine. Features of …
Arts in The Park Festival
Sunday, September 9, 2018: Enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment on three stages, including music, dance, theater and storytelling. Guests are encouraged to engage in free interactive activities, such as Chalk the Walk, Paint …
Montgomery FunFest 2018
Sunday, September 9, 2018: Festival food favorites like kettle corn and funnel cake, as well as games of chance, local bands and artisans, and other amusements will thrill attendees at the fourth annual Montgomery …
GT Food & Craft Beer Festival
Sunday, September 9, 2018: Over 20 food trucks will serve up food and fun, rain or shine! Stop by the beer garden located at the Gloucester Township Library (15 S Black Horse Pike) and …
Fall Fest in New Brunswick
Thursday, September 13, 2018: Join in for the Fall Fest Party with fellow young professionals at the new and unique Kasai in New Brunswick. Enjoy drink specials and music, and see where the night …
9th Annual Ridgefield Park Street Fair
Saturday, September 15, 2018: The street fair features over 100 retail vendors, merchants, and crafters. Also, there will be mechanical kiddie rides, climbing wall, face painting, sand art, temporary tattoos & so much more! …
Harvest Brew Fest
Saturday, September 15, 2018: Enjoy craft beers in South Jersey during the Harvest Brew Fest, celebrating all things local! In addition to craft brews, you’ll find food vendors, local artisans, and local musical talent. …
Lakewood Renaissance Faire
Saturday, September 15, 2018 – Sunday, September 16, 2018: See World Champion Sir Shanton & the Knights of Valour joust in full combat armour on their War Horses. See Knights in hand to hand combat, Archers using the English …
Ocean City Airport Festival
Saturday, September 15, 2018: Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II Planes to Classics and Warbirds. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax. For more information …
River Days at the Delaware River Festival
Saturday, September 15, 2018: River Days is the kick-off event for a month long celebration of the Delaware River. There will be educational fun for families, on-the-water activities, games and crafts for kids, live …
Bergen Street Fest
Saturday, September 15, 2018 – Sunday, September 16, 2018: Bergen Street Fest is a Food truck and family entertainment festival which featured nearly 8000 guests in their first year, 2017. This year, they will again feature food trucks, live …
St. Anthony’s Italian Festival
Saturday, September 15, 2018: Saturday, September 15th, 2018: The St. Anthony’s Italian Festival! Carnival games, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, a homemade wine competition, beer gardens, pasta making demonstrations, wine stomping, and, of course, Italian …
Fanny Wood Day Fanwood Street Fair
Sunday, September 16, 2018: Fanny Wood Day is much more than just a street fair. Besides the many food and crafts vendors, this year’s Fanny Wood Day will host a wide array of activities …
Good Eats Food Truck Festival
Sunday, September 16, 2018: The Good Eats Food Truck Festival is a delicious event in South Jersey. The festival showcases world cuisine, live music, fun for the kids and more. In addition, Willow Creek …
New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival
Friday, September 21, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018: Show times: Sept 21: 5pm – 11pm, Sept 22: 10am – 7pm, Sept 23: 10am – 5pm. Amazing Horror films in the indie scene and also an opportunity to mingle …
Edison Fall Family Fun Spectacular
Saturday, September 22, 2018: There is something for everyone to do in Edison at the Fall Family Fun Spectacular. Two stages of live music and entertainment. Bring the kids to this family event for …
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Saturday, September 22, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018: Funfest is loaded with new entertainment and activities including music, games, back-bay nature tours and educational exhibits. Vendors from throughout the region will be offering food and crafts. The area’s …
Franklin Day Festival
Saturday, September 22, 2018: The Franklin Day Festival features live entertainment, an art show, classic car show, over 160 exhibitors with a wide range of artisans, service providers, community organizations as well as a …
Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Saturday, September 22, 2018: Come Savor September at the Annual Wine, Beer & Food Festival on September 22nd. As usual, 96th Street will light up with artisans, delicious food, live music, fun for the …
Culture Crawl 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018: Culture Crawl, a Free one day festival is an explosion of the Arts all throughout the downtown of Rahway and will have your head spinning and your heart exploding! Artists …
Bullock Farms Fall Fest
Sunday, September 23, 2018: Spend the day at Bullock Farms — a 100 acre farm — and celebrate the Fall season! The whole family can enjoy pumpkin picking, hay rides, mazes, live music, delicious …
Towacofest
Sunday, September 23, 2018: This event will feature artisans and craftspeople selling their original works and quality exhibitors selling top notch merchandise and services. Live entertainment all day long!! Shopping and fun for the …
Uncorked and Uncapped: Wine, Beer, and Food Fest
Thursday, September 27, 2018: Attendees will enjoy a wide selection of fine wines, craft beers, spirit tastings, restaurant samplings, an awards program, and a silent auction while supporting The Arc of Essex County. Info
Evesham Harvest Fest
Saturday, September 29, 2018: Over 90 handcrafters and artists, new food vendors as well as old favorites, live music,…and much more! Info
Italian Festival at Smithville Village
Saturday, September 29, 2018: Come join the excitement! The Festival will feature an Italian Market offering a spectacular variety of wares and food. The day will be filled with live Italian music, bocce ball …
Woofstock Festival
Saturday, September 29, 2018: Woofstock is a huge, outdoor, family and pet friendly festival. Last year they had over 4,000 people in attendance! Live music from local musicians playing throughout the day. Dog demonstrations, …
!Hola Fest! NJ
Saturday, September 29, 2018: Free family Hispanic heritage festival in Maplewood, NJ with art, dancing, music, food, and games. Cultural entertainment, including dance and music, Latin food, interactive children’s workshops and activities for the entire …
Just Be You Festival
Saturday, September 29, 2018: The Just Be You Festival is a celebration of all things Just Be You Performing Arts; film, theater, music, dance, fashion, comedy, and a live concert. It’s a one of …
Rock The Farm Festival 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018: The 5th Annual event, Rock The Farm Festival returns in Seaside Heights on Sept 29th. This family friendly event features incredible music all day long, food trucks, beer & wine …
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival ’18
Saturday, September 29, 2018: This will be the 6th Annual Glassboro Craft Beer Festival! The past 5 years have been great events. This year should prove to be even bigger and better! They’re going …
Liberty Hall Dance Festival
Saturday, September 29, 2018: Spend an afternoon walking along the beautiful museum grounds enjoying site-specific professional dance performances inspired by moments in history. Take a 1st floor tour of the Victorian-style mansion and participate …
Good Life Ridgewood 2018
Sunday, September 30, 2018: Unique in Ridgewood and the first of its kind in Bergen County, this festival brings residents, visitors, businesses, and professionals together to show off what their community has to offer: …
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