There’s a chill in the air, the pumpkin spice is flowing and South Jersey is buzzing with plenty of festivals, parties and shows to fill your weekends all month long.
Fall Fling & Car Show
October 4
Bring the whole family to Cumberland County Fairgrounds for a day of cars, animals and family activities like a scarecrow contest and pony rides. The free event runs from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information, visit the website.
Collingswood Book Festival
October 4
Collingswood’s annual book festival returns to Haddon Avenue with 60 presenting authors, author and book exhibitors, music, food, a kids book area and games and activities. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm. For a full schedule, visit the website.
Festival of Fine Craft
October 4 & 5
Over 150 artists and crafters will be selling their works along with special artist demonstrations, family art activities, live music, a beer and wine garden and more during Wheaton Arts’ festival of fine craft. The free festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm each day. For more information, visit the website.
Diwali Celebration
October 10
Celebrate Diwali at Perkins Center in Collingswood with music, folk dancing, an art activity and henna. The event runs from 6:30 to 9 pm. Tickets cost $15 online and $20 at the door. For more information, visit the website.
Pumpkin Festival
October 11
The spooky season has arrived, bringing pumpkin painting, games, crafters and food to Historic Cold Spring Village. Don’t forget to visit the haunted barn and stop by the children’s Halloween parade at 11 am. The free event runs from 10 am to 4 pm and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations. For more information, visit the website.
Fall Block Party
October 11
Fun down the Shore keeps going in Ocean City with over 400 crafters, food vendors, live music and more during the Fall block party on Asbury Ave. between 5th and 14th Streets. The free event runs from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit the website.
Haddy’s Birthday Party
October 12
With Haddonfield’s favorite dinosaur a Happy Birthday with a dino egg hunt, sweet treats, a DJ and dino dance off along Kings Highway. Edelman Fossil Park will be hosting educational demonstrations and story time at the Haddonfield Public Library. The event runs from noon to 4 pm. For the full schedule, visit the website.
Public Star Watch
October 15
Admire the planets, stars, nebulas and more with the help of astrologers and their telescopes at Historic Smithville Park & Smith’s Woods. The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the big field event area of Smithville Park. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information, visit the website.
50’s, 60’s, 70’s & Beyond Weekend
October 17 & 18
Head to the Wildwoods for a weekend-long celebration through the decades featuring dance parties, concerts from The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners and a car show. For a full schedule of events and tickets, visit the website.
Cooper River Cyclocross
October 19
Watch amateur and professional cyclocross (a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase) competitors take on a rugged, high-speed course in Cooper River. The races run from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit the website.
Katz JCC Sports Awards
October 23
The Katz JCC honors local sports figures during its annual award ceremony, featuring keynote speaker former Eagle Nick Foles. The event begins at 5:30 pm at The Katz JCC. Tickets cost $155. For more information, visit the website.
S’mores and Lores Bonfire & Night Hike
October 25
Gather round the campfire for a night of s’mores, ghost stories and live guitar music at Cedar Run. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and an optional night hike will also be available. The event is free and runs from 6:30 to 8 pm. Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information, visit the website.
