Pumpkin spice is in the air and fall festival season is well underway. New Jersey is home to hundreds of fall festivals throughout the ‘ber months. Check out the top five can’t-miss festivals, and look for more in your area with the full list here.
54th Annual Delaware Valley Blue Grass Festival
When: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 4–6, 2026 (Labor Day weekend tradition; gates 8 a.m. each day)
Where: Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Route 40, Pilesgrove/Woodstown, NJ
What it is: Northeast’s first bluegrass festival (founded 1972 at the urging of Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley); three days of main-stage music, camping, jamming, kids’ programming
Headliners: Kathy Mattea (Fri), Dan Tyminski Band (Sat), Appalachian Road Show (Sun); also Travelin’ McCourys, Gibson Brothers, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Tuba Skinny, Blue Highway, Special Consensus, Price Sisters, Junior Sisk
Cost: Kids 17 and under free with adult. Weekend at the gate: adult $180, senior/student $165. Single-day Fri/Sat $90 adult / $85 senior-student; Sunday $80 / $75. Camping included with weekend ticket (electric extra)
Good to know: Bring chairs; food vendors on site; children’s stage SaturdaySite: delawarevalleybluegrass.org
Tri State Sunflower Festival at Dalton Farms
When: Sept. 10–Nov. 1, 2026 (open Thurs–Mon; closed Tues/Wed). Sept hours often 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Dalton Farms, 660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County; easy from Philly/DE)
What it is: U-pick sunflower (and zinnia) fields plus full fall farm festival on a 99-acre family farm
Highlights: U-pick sunflowers and zinnias; pumpkin patch / Pumpkin Town; corn maze; tractor rides; giant slide, tike track, low ropes, playground; photo props; farmers market. Weekends add live music, food trucks, beer/wine garden, pedal boats on the lake
Tickets: Advance online tickets required for ages 3+; sold out online usually means no door sales. Flower stems extra (often ~$1–$2 each)
Good to know: Blooms and exact open dates are weather-dependent; weekend slots can sell out
Pennsville Septemberfest
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 (always the Saturday after Labor Day)
Where: Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, NJ (parade typically along North Broadway / park area)
What it is: Hometown community day since the mid-1970s — parade into a full park festival, ending with fireworks
Highlights: Parade with five high school marching bands this year; amusement rides; gazebo/bandstand entertainment; food and craft vendors; exhibits; art contest; barbecue; fireworks at dusk
Cost: Free admission (donations welcomed); rides/food extra. 50/50 raffle typically sold in advance
Good to know: Classic South Jersey small-town fest; plan for parking and evening fireworks crowds
The Downbeach Seafood Festival by South Jersey Gas
When: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 19–20, 2026 (typically 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; advance ticket holders often get in at 11, gate at noon)
Where: Ski Beach, base of Dorset Avenue at Burk Avenue, Ventnor City, NJ
What it is: Weekend seafood blowout with dozens of local/regional restaurants and purveyors on the beach
Highlights: Chowder cook-off (proceeds often support Community FoodBank of NJ), crab cake eating contest, oyster tour, cooking demos, live music, kids’ activities, NJ brewery tasting tent
Tickets: About $10 advance / $15 at the gate per person, per day
Good to know: Pet-friendly (leashed). Remote parking at 4800 Wellington Ave. with shuttle. Come hungry
Cape May Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Sept. 27)
Where: Downtown Cape May — Carpenter Lane (between Ocean & Perry) and Jackson Street
What it is: Chamber-run street festival that turns historic streets into a Bavarian promenade
Highlights: Oompah/authentic German music, beer gardens, German food, artisan/craft/antique vendors, family-friendly atmosphere
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks, and vendor goods extra
Good to know: Dogs typically allowed if leashed and well-behaved; expect crowds in a walkable Victorian downtown
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