It’s fall. Time to chill out at a few friendly festivals loaded with tasty food, live music and lots of SJ folks looking for good family fun. Get your datebook out and note these can’t-be-missed festivals.
SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Atlantic Avenue, between Wildwood and Schellenger avenues
Wildwood
October 5: 10 am to 8 pm
Free admission
wildwoodsnj.com
Highlights: pie-eating contest; live music; face painting and craft vendors.
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP HARVEST FESTIVAL
Rosenhayn Fire Company/Frank LoBiondo Sr. Recreation Park
678 Morton Avenue
Bridgeton
October 11: 5 to 10 pm
October 12 & 13: noon to 10 pm
Admission costs $1 for anyone over age 6 on Friday; $2 for anyone over age 5 on Saturday
dthf.org
Highlights: Deerfield SingFest; dessert baking challenge; amusement rides; home improvement expo; Deerfield’s Farmer of the Year award; country singers Jerrod Niemann and Joe Nichols perform; parade at noon on Saturday and fireworks at 9:30 pm on Sunday.
SOUTH JERSEY PUMPKIN SHOW
Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Harding Highway
Woodstown
October 11: 4 to 9 pm
October 12: 10 am to 6 pm
October 13: 10 am to 5 pm
Free admission
sjpumpkinshow.com
Highlights: headless horseman on Friday and Saturday nights; Friendly Boo Barn; Little Miss and Mister Pumpkin Show Pageant; men’s pumpkin toss; baby stroller, wagon or float parade; Scarecrows Galore Contest; and pumpkin/apple dessert baking contest.
AUTUMN IN MOORESTOWN FESTIVAL
Downtown Moorestown
Moorestown
October 12: 9 am to 4 pm
Free admission
moorestownbusiness.com
Highlights: craft vendors; antique and classic car show; scarecrow making and pumpkin painting.
APPLE FESTIVAL
Kirby’s Mill
275 Church Road
Medford
October 12: 9 am to 4 pm
Free admission
medfordhistory.org
Highlights: everything apple – pie, cider, donuts and more; crafters; live music and children’s activities.
CAPE MAY WINE FESTIVAL
Lewes Ferry Terminal
Cape May
October 12 & 13: noon to 5 pm
Admission costs $25 for one day or $40 for both days (must be 21 or older);
anyone under 21 is free but must be accompanied by an adult
newjerseywines.com
Highlights: wine tastings; live music; crafters and kids’ area.
SMITHVILLE IRISH FESTIVAL
Historic Smithville
615 East Moss Mill Road
Absecon
October 12: begins at 11 am
October 13: begins at noon
Free admission
smithvilleirishfestival.com
Highlights: Parade of Colors at 11 am; Shamrock and Thistle Pipes and Drums Band; pipe band competition; Irish step dance competition; pony rides; face painting; Saturday after-party at McGettigan’s 19th Hole Tavern.
PINE BARRENS JAMBOREE
Wells Mills County Park
905 Wells Mills Road
Waretown
October 13: 10 am to 4 pm
Free admission
pineypower.com
Highlights: canoe on Wells Mills Lake; live country, blue grass and folk music; reptiles of the Pines; sawmill demonstrations and Civil War encampments.
FALL FESTIVAL & CRAFT SHOW
Downtown Haddonfield
October 19: 10 am to 5 pm
Rain date: October 20
Free admission
haddonfieldnj.org
Highlights: craft vendors; carriage and trolley rides; scarecrow making; farmers’ market.
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Route 9 South
Cape May
October 19: 10 am to 4:30 pm
Rain date: October 20
Free admission
hcsv.org
Highlights: haunted barn; pumpkin painting; hayrides and craft vendors.
CHATSWORTH CRANBERRY FESTIVAL
Downtown Chatsworth
Chatsworth
October 19 & 20: 9 am to 4 pm
Free admission
cranfest.org
Highlights: breakfast at the Chatsworth Volunteer Fire House from 6 to 11 am; arts and crafts vendors; wolves from Howling Woods Farm; quilt display; Bullzeye Band and antique and classic automobile show (Sunday only).
FALL FOLIAGE FAMILY FLOAT FESTIVAL
Historic Smithville Park
803 Smithville Road
Eastampton
October 20: 9 am to 4 pm
Free admission
co.burlington.nj.us
Highlights: canoe and kayak along Rancocas Creek, launching from Historic Smithville Park until 2 pm; food, entertainment and activities for the entire family.
HOOTS-N-HOWLS
600 Block Station Avenue
Haddon Heights
October 26: 4 to 7 pm
Free admission
hhptg.org
Highlights: haunted house; costume contest; train ride; magic show; inflatable rides; jack-o-lantern carving contest. Halloween parade begins at 3:30 pm.