North Jersey Fall Events 2025: Top October & November Weekend Activities

North Jersey Fall Events Calendar 2025: October & November Weekend Activities

Fall in North Jersey is a season to savor. The leaves blaze gold and crimson, the air turns crisp, and every weekend offers something to explore, from lively festivals and local markets to scenic hikes and cozy nights with cider in hand.

If you’re searching for the best North Jersey fall events 2025, this comprehensive guide highlights the top experiences across Essex, Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties. Whether you’re new to the area, planning a fall getaway, or simply love celebrating the season, these autumn events showcase what makes North Jersey communities so special.

Learn more about the neighborhoods featured in this guide on my About Johnny Rodriguez page.

Fall Festivals & Fairs: Celebrating Autumn’s Energy

When the leaves reach their peak color, North Jersey comes alive with community festivals that blend local pride, food, and family fun.

In Essex County, the Montclair Film Festival is one of the region’s biggest fall draws. This week-long event transforms downtown Montclair into a cultural hub, featuring independent films, live panels, and outdoor screenings.

In Bergen County, Demarest Farms’ Fall Festival in Hillsdale offers apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin patches throughout October. For something more urban, the Hackensack Harvest Street Fair fills Main Street with food vendors, local art, and live entertainment.

Passaic County celebrates with the Totowa Fall Festival and the Passaic County Fair held at Garret Mountain Reservation. These Passaic County festivals mix amusement rides, carnival food, and live music that bring together residents from all over North Jersey.

Hudson County hosts the beloved Hoboken Harvest Festival at Pier A Park, featuring local vendors, children’s activities, and waterfront views of Manhattan. There’s also the Jersey City Craft Brew & Music Fest, perfect for adults looking to sample local breweries and live performances.

These festivals capture the warmth and diversity that define North Jersey living, neighbors connecting, small businesses thriving, and local culture in full swing.

Family-Friendly Fun: Pumpkin Patches, Farms, and Spooky Nights

Fall in North Jersey is magical for families. Between pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, and outdoor farm days, there’s something for every age group.

In Essex County, Turtle Back Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo” brings Halloween excitement to West Orange with costume contests, hayrides, and nighttime animal exhibits.

Bergen County families love Van Saun Park for its zoo events, train rides, and picnic areas that transform into pumpkin-themed wonderlands each October.

In Passaic County, Abma’s Farm and Corrado’s Farm host fall weekends filled with petting zoos, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.

Hudson County’s Liberty Science Center offers a fun twist with its “LSC After Dark: Spooky Edition” night for older kids and adults, mixing science, costume fun, and seasonal cocktails.

Pro Tip: Arrive early for parking, especially on peak weekends, and pack snacks or plan to visit a nearby local restaurant after your adventure.

If you’re relocating or exploring neighborhoods near these events, check out my North Jersey Buyer’s Guide to discover family activities near me and other family-friendly communities close to your favorite weekend spots.

Outdoor Adventures: Scenic Hikes, Foliage Drives & Farm Markets

For those who love crisp air and fall colors, North Jersey’s landscape offers breathtaking scenery and peaceful escapes from city life.

Top Fall Foliage Spots

Must-Visit Farmers Markets

These outdoor adventures reveal what locals already know: North Jersey isn’t just beautiful, it’s balanced, full of things to do North Jersey weekend.

Explore even more community events in my Weekend Events Series.

Food, Wine & Seasonal Flavors: A Taste of North Jersey

Fall is a feast for the senses, and nowhere captures that better than North Jersey’s food and wine events.

In Essex County, the Montclair Food & Wine Festival gathers top local chefs, wineries, and restaurants for tastings and demonstrations that spotlight regional flavor. These are some of the most anticipated Essex County events of the year.

Bergen County’s Edgewater Food Truck Festival brings waterfront dining and diverse cuisines to Veterans Field, while nearby Tenafly and Ridgewood often host pop-up harvest dinners and Oktoberfest celebrations, making them standout Bergen County weekend activities for couples and food lovers alike.

Passaic County celebrates community with the annual Clifton Food, Music & Car Festival, one of the most anticipated Passaic County festivals every fall, where residents enjoy live bands, food trucks, and classic cars under colorful skies.

And Hudson County shines with the Hoboken Italian Festival and Jersey City’s Chilltown Market, both offering a blend of heritage, art, and culinary excitement.

If you love exploring local dining and nightlife, don’t miss my Hidden Gems of North Jersey blog series featuring cozy restaurants, cafés, and rooftops perfect for a fall evening.

Sample Weekend Itinerary: Living the Fall Experience

Here’s how a perfect North Jersey fall weekend might look:

Saturday Morning – Start your day with a stroll through the Montclair Farmers Market for cider donuts and local honey.

Afternoon – Drive to Garret Mountain Reservation for a short hike or family picnic, then head to the Passaic County Fair for live music and games.

Evening – Enjoy dinner at a local spot from my North Jersey Hidden Gems list, or check out the Jersey City Craft Brew Fest for a relaxed night out.

Sunday – Wrap up with a scenic drive through the Palisades Interstate Park and brunch at a café overlooking the Hudson River.

This itinerary captures the rhythm of North Jersey life: active, flavorful, and full of community charm.

FAQs: What to Know Before You Go

What are the best North Jersey fall events 2025 for families?
Turtle Back Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo,” Hudson County Fall Festival, and Abma’s Farm Pumpkin Weekends are all favorites.

Are there free festivals in Essex or Bergen County?
Yes, most fall street fairs and community markets are free. Check the official county websites for updated schedules.

Which fall event is closest to Clifton or Paterson?
The Passaic County Fair and Corrado’s Farm weekends are local classics, just minutes away.

Where can I find parking info?
Event websites list parking lots and street options. In towns like Montclair or Hoboken, consider arriving early or using public transit.

How can a local guide help me explore homes near these events?
Each event highlights a unique neighborhood lifestyle, from Montclair’s artsy downtown to Hoboken’s waterfront vibe. If you’re considering a move, you can live right where the action happens.

Moving Forward: Fall in Love with North Jersey Living

Autumn in North Jersey isn’t just a season; it’s a reflection of how deeply connected the community is. Whether you’re walking through Montclair’s tree-lined streets, sipping cider by the Hudson, or catching a concert in Clifton, these experiences remind us that life here feels like home.

I’m Johnny Rodriguez, North Jersey’s First AI-Certified Realtor, and I take pride in helping people find homes that match the lifestyle they love. When you’re ready to explore North Jersey’s neighborhoods, let’s connect and make your next move easier, faster, and more rewarding.

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