Fall things to do in New Jersey in 2024: Video
From apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, festivals and more, there’s an endless supply of options.
As summer officially comes to a close, there are still plenty of festivals and carnivals in the area − the Hispanic Heritage Month Carnival in Clifton, Bergen County Fall Festival at Overpeck, Rutherford Day, a food truck festival in Ho-Ho-Kus, North Haledon Day, Family Fun Day in LIttle Ferry, a VFW clambake in Morris Plains, Demarest Day, Fair Lawn Day, Mine Hill Day and Bloomingdale Celebration Day.
For those who want to lace up the sneakers and hit the pavement, the Mine Hill and Bloomingdale events include 5K runs/walks. There are also 5K races in Riverdale and Clifton, and the Autism Speaks Walk in East Rutherford. Or you can get off the road for a hike (and campfire) at the Tenafly Nature Center. If bicycling is more your speed, try the Convent Station Bike Ride.
For some live music, check out the ubiquitous Kootz in Mahwah, Incognito Theory in Clifton, Vera and the Force in Hawthorne, and Sonrise Mountain Revival in Wayne.
If that is not enough, there is “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” on stage in Oradell, a craft and vendor show in Ringwood, the Rock n’ Roll Car Show in Saddle River, the Eco-Garden Tour in Madison, a screening of “The Borinqueneers” in Fort Lee, IWF wrestling in North Arlington and the Leonia Library Fundraiser Gala.
Latino Leaders of Clifton’s Hispanic Heritage Month Carnival
This second annual event – a chance for families to come together and honor the heritage that has shaped the city – will be held all weekend at Main Memorial Park.
Go: Hispanic Heritage Month Carnival at Main Memorial Park, 1395 Main Ave., Clifton. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $30. latinoleadersclifton.org.
The Kootz concerts in Closter and Mahwah
The Kootz bring their musical menu of classic ’60s-through-’90s pop, rock, R&B and blues – self-described as “rock n’ roll with fiber” – to northern Bergen this weekend. The band rocks the afternoon away on Sunday at the Mason Jar restaurant in Mahwah.
Go: The Kootz at the Mason Jar, 219 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, 201-529-2302. thekootz.com
Bergen County Fall Festival
This weekend-long family event at Overpeck County Park will include 4-H master gardener exhibits, hands-on activities, a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers market, a petting zoo, music, face painting, entertainment and food trucks. Bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Bergen County Office of Food Security.
Go: Bergen County Fall Festival at Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park. The midway will be open, with rides and food, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday; with exhibits, a craft fair and entertainment (live music at 2 p.m.), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contact the 4-H office at 201-336-6780 or bergen4h@njaes.rutgers.edu, or visit facebook.com/bergen4h for information.
Incognito Theory CD release party in Clifton
Incognito Theory will celebrate the release of its new CD, “Days of Reckoning,” at Dingbatz on Friday. Also on the bill are New Jersey-based progressive power metal band Surrender to Eden, and New Jersey hard rock bands Madworld and Gathering After Ashes.
Go: Incognito Theory at Dingbatz, 620 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday. All ages. $10 dingbatzlive.com
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ in Oradell
Bergen County Players combine the 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with classic vaudeville for a new production of this musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Performances are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 19. BCP’s Questions & Artists talkback session with cast and crew will be held following the performance this Friday.
The zany romp through ancient Rome tells the story of a crafty slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win freedom by any means. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, wily ruses, madcap chases, bawdy innuendos and harebrained schemes. Songs include “Comedy Tonight,” “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” and “Lovely.”
Director Ray Yucis of Paterson is a BCP life member and Perry Award winner and has been resident director of SummerStage at Leonia for the past 13 years. The cast includes ncluding Steve Bell of Hackensack; John Kiely and Nikki Alvarado, both of Allendale; Lori Feiler-Fluger of River Edge; Damon Vincenty and Nicole Henry, both of Westwood; Sherry Mayce of Little Falls; William Cantor of Woodcliff Lake; Zachary Boyd of Cresskill; Carlos Palencia Jr. of Fair Lawn; Maria Possavino of Chestnut Ridge, New York; Melissa Rivera of Dumont; Katherine Stelma of Bloomfield; and Melissa Miller of River Vale. BCP is a non-Equity, nonprofit community theater company.
Go: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. $32. Purchase tickets at bcplayers.org, 201-261-4200 or the box office during regular hours.
Mine Hill Day Celebration and 5K
On Saturday morning, the Mine Hill 5K will take place at Sunset Lake, followed by the Mine Hill Day Celebration at Fireman’s Field. There will be entertainment, food vendors, games, fireworks at dark and more. Bring chairs and blankets and make a day of it. This is a cash-only event.
Go: Mine Hill Day. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Lake, 34 Green Road. The celebration follows at Fireman’s Field, 10 Baker St. The rain date is Sunday. minehill.com
Riverdale First Responders 5K Run and Walk
The Borough of Riverdale will host this sixth annual event on Saturday morning. This is a USTA certified course and features two water stops. It is a disposable chip timed event. Proceeds benefit the Riverdale first responders.
Go: Riverdale First Responders 5K Run and Walk at Independence Park, 2 Dalton Drive. 9 a.m. Saturday. Check-in at 8:30. $20. Register at runsignup.com. Information at riverdalenj.gov.
Skyline F.D. Craft & Vendor Show in Ringwood
Support the local volunteer fire department, enjoy the autumn weather at this indoor/outdoor craft and vendor show and pet adoption event on Saturday, with no admission fee and free parking.
Go: Craft & Vendor Show at Skyline Lake Fire Department, 67 Edgewood Road, Ringwood. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. skylinelakefire.com
Convent Station Bike Ride
Part of the Morris Township in Motion program – a season-long series of active, fun ways to explore the township with or without a car – participants can explore Convent Station on a mostly flat three- or five-mile bike ride with a single hill. Ride past the mansions on Canfield Road on the Traction line (end to end if you choose) and get a closeup view of St. Elizabeth’s Academy — the reason for “Convent” station. Helmets are required. Visible clothing and water are recommended.
Go: Convent Station Bike Ride, beginning at Convent Station parking lot 3. 10 a.m. Saturday. The rain date is Sunday. Sign up at morristwp.com
Bloomingdale Celebration Day & Bob Kochka 5K
Celebrate the season with friends and neighbors at DeLazier Field in Bloomingdale. There will be food, vendors, crafters, live music and more.
The Firefighter Bob Kochka 5K Run/Walk, to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research, honors 23-year-veteran firefighter Kochka who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. The mission is to raise awareness and support for pancreatic cancer research. T-shirts and giveaways to the first 150 to register. The course has flat and hilly roads.
Go: Bloomingdale Celebration Day at DeLazier Field, 52 Ballston St. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Bob Kochka 5K at Walter T. Bergen School, 225 Glenwild Ave., Bloomingdale; 11 a.m. Saturday; $30; $20 for ages 12 and under; bobkochka5k.com; 973-592-2726.
Saddle River’s 3rd Rock n’ Roll Car Show
The car show on Saturday afternoon at Rindlaub Park will include food trucks, music by DJ Matt, and more trophies and categories.
Go: Rock n’ Roll Car Show at Rindlaub Park, 145 E. Saddle River Road, Saddle River. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Rain date is Sunday. saddleriver.org/carshow. Spectator parking will be available at Wandell School.
Rutherford Day and Dining Out Rutherford
In the borough’s Lincoln Park on Saturday afternoon, check in with more than 70 community organizations, service groups, clubs and businesses; enjoy some brews at the beer garden; and listen to music by Big House, Rutherford Rock and Springwood’s Electric Luau. There will also be rides for the kids.
On Saturday evening, Park Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic, as well as bikes and scooters, between the library to Ames Avenue for Dining Out Rutherford.
Go: Rutherford Day at Lincoln Park, Park Avenue and Highland Cross in Rutherford; Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; for information, contact Kim Bogosian at communications@rutherfordboronj.com. Dining Out Rutherford on Park Avenue, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. rutherfordboronj.com
Food Truck Festival at the Hermitage
The annual festival will include 12 food trucks, an old-fashioned beer garden, music from the School of Rock and entertainment for the kids at the Hermitage Museum on Saturday afternoon.
Go: Food Truck Festival at the Hermitage, 335 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. thehermitage.org, info@thehermitage.org.
North Haledon Day
The mayor and council, and the Public Events Committee will host North Haledon Day on Saturday at the borough’s recreation fields. There will be food, music, entertainment, a car show, a business tent, children’s activities and rides, and fireworks.
Go: North Haledon Day at the recreation fields. Noon Saturday. fireworks at dusk. northhaledon.com, publicevents@northhaledon.com.
Eco Garden Tour & Native Plant Sale
The Madison Environmental Commission will host this self-guided event on Saturday afternoon. Participants receive a map and garden descriptions, and then choose the ones to see – or visit them all. There will be booths with experts, nature books for sale and plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm. Learn about plants beloved by pollinators; shrinking the lawn, increasing beauty and biodiversity; composting and vegetable gardens; beginner ideas and designer tips; and organic lawn care. All ticket sales will fund a Nature Lover’s Speaker Series, co-hosted by the Nature of Reading Bookshop.
Booths will include Toadshade WildFlower Farm; Blue Sky Green Earth, Electric Landscaping; Bianca Wright, garden and landscape designer; Karolee Brown, landscape architect; the Nature of Reading Bookshop; Great Swamp Watershed Association; Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; and Friends of the Drew Forest.
Go: Eco Garden Tour & Native Plant Sale at 12 Fairwood Road, Madison. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Rain date is Sunday. $10. thenatureofreading.com.
Family Fun Day in Little Ferry
Celebrating 130 years of community, the Borough presents its Family Fun Day at Willow Lake Park on Saturday, with a biergarten, rides, a vendor fair, food trucks, giveaways, music, fireworks and more.
Go: Family Fun Day at Willow Lake Park, Pickens and Main streets, Little Ferry. 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks at 8:15. lfboe.org
Vera and the Force concert in Hawthorne
Part of the Downtown Summer Music Series, this show will take place on the grounds of Hawthorne Public Library on Saturday afternoon. There will also be a food truck and ice cream. Bring a chair and enjoy the summer fun. Presented by the Borough of Hawthorne Neighborhood Preservation Program.
Vera and The Force is a five-piece rock band that plays rock and roll, Motown, country, Southern rock, blues, pop and even disco from the ’60s to today. The band features Vera Usinowicz (lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, trumpet), Rick Merchant (percussion), Bob Turner (bass guitar, vocals), Alan Magee (lead guitar, vocals), Neil Sauerwein (keyboards) and Pete Tanis (honorary guest on keyboards and vocals).
Go: Vera and the Force at Hawthorne Public Library, 345 Lafayette Ave. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. veraandtheforce.com, hawthornenj.org
VFW Post 341’s annual clambake in Morris Plains
The Watnong VFW Post 341 will host its annual clambake on Saturday, with clams, barbecue ribs, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, sausage, corn, salads, watermelon, beer and soda. There will also be 50/50 prizes, lottery trees and raffle baskets. Live music will be provided by Roxon Band. Plus, horseshoes and cornhole boards will be available.
Go: VFW Annual Clambake at Watnong Post 3401, 45 Tabor Road, Morris Plains. 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. $75 in advance at the post; $80 at the door. Ticket sales limited to 200. morrisplainsboro.org
Demarest Day
Celebrate the community of Demarest on Saturday, with live music and performances, food trucks, vendors, kids’ games, rides, inflatables and more. Fireworks will start at dusk.
In the Fun Zone, there will be a bungee trampoline, rock wall, inflatable slide and inflatable bounce house. A new addition this year is a VR Gaming Truck courtesy of Happy Time Events, which will also bring an interactive digital photobooth. Carnival Row will include carnival games and inflatable sports booths run by NVD high schoolers, plus face painting, a balloon artist, an art activity by the Art School at Old Church, a crafts table and a dunk tank. Other activities will include a watermelon eating contest, a vendor scavenger hunt and a baking contest.
Throughout the day, there will be music and entertainment including Music with Marley, a Tiger Kim TaeKwon Do presentation, a Balansa Center presentation and the band TreeOh.
There will also be food trucks stationed throughout the day and a beer garden sponsored by FiveDimes Brewery.
Go: Demarest Day at the Demarest Duck Pond. 1 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks at 7:45. Free admission. RSVP on Facebook. demarestnj.gov
Walnut Street Food Tour in Montclair
Walnut Street will be the centerpiece of a new food tour on Saturday. This guided, two-and-a-half-hour walking tour will usher guests behind the counter at some of the street’s eateries, where chefs will provide exclusive tastings and an inside perspective on Montclair’s culinary scene. Tours will also visit local landmarks and delve into the renaissance of this formerly industrial neighborhood. Proceeds from this event, in collaboration with Experience Montclair, will benefit the Montclair History Center. The tour is hosted by local writer and New Jersey native Max Gray of Chow Town Food Tours.
The tour will showcase local businesses, including a pizzeria, doughnuts, an ice cream parlor, pub fare inside a historic landmark, craft beers and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Go: Walnut Street Food Tour in Montclair. Meeting location and tour details provided with ticket purchase. 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. $75. chowtownfoodtours.com, @chowtowntours on Instagram.
Documentary film screening – ‘The Borinqueneers’ – in Fort Lee
Honoring our Hispanic heroes for Hispanic History Month, this film screening and fundraiser will be on Saturday at the Barrymore Film Center and Museum. The event will include a VIP reception and a special presentation by filmmaker Noemi Figueroa Soulet. The special honoree will be Puerto Rican actor David Zayas. Funds raised will help build the Borinqueneers Park in Perth Amboy. The PBS documentary film celebrates the 125th anniversary of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only hispanic-segregated unit in U.S. Army history.
Go: “The Borinqueneers” at the Barrymore Film Center and Museum, 153 Main St., Fort Lee. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday; VIP reception from 5:30 to 6:30. $50 to $250. fortleenj.org, bpealliance.org, sept21@bpealliance for information. eventbrite.com for tickets.
IWF Wrestling returns to North Arlington
Get ready for full-throttle family fun as IWF Wrestling returns to North Arlington on Saturday. “IWF: Unstoppable” features athletes locked in intense competition of muscle and power, all to benefit Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation.
Leading the path of destruction are Dark Oracle Sage, Master of Chaos Kevin Knight, Hellraiser Dracko, The All-Americans Brian and Robert Atkins, First-Class Justin Adams, East Side Dave McDonald, Supersonic KC Bonilla, Glenn Burgess, American Bulldog Ken Reedy, Aaron Hobbs, Patrick Sanchez, Janko Sons, Rico Gold, Prince Naj and All-Star Michele Dee.
The foundation was established in memory of IWF Hall of Famer Golden Boy Michael Cammett, who died in 2021. A 2015 graduate of North Arlington High School, Cammett served as captain for Vikings Football, and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. He was an IWF American Champion, Tag Team Champion and Junior-Heavyweight Champion, and was named Wrestler of the Year three times.
The foundation is a civic member of Nutley Chamber of Commerce, honoring Cammett’s involvement with the chamber and the Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation. The foundation awards college scholarships to students from North Arlington High School and contributes to charitable organizations in North Jersey. The dedication of IWF fans, wrestlers, staff and sponsors has culminated in raising $11,858.33 for the foundation at live event fundraisers..
As IWF celebrates its 27th anniversary, witness heated rivalries, high-flying maneuvers and head-to-head battles for all IWF championships. Supporters include North Arlington Board of Education, Ocean Beach Sales and Rentals, Titanium Laboratories, JoJo’s Pizza and Pasta Kitchen of Lyndhurst, and Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
Go: “IWF: Unstoppable” at North Arlington High School, 222 Ridge Road. 7 p.m. Saturday. $17 to $95. CampIWF.com. @WrestlingIWF on social media.
Sonrise Mountain Revival concert in Wayne
The last of the summer concerts at Preakness Valley United Reformed Church will be Saturday, featuring the band Sonrise Mountain Revival in a night of uplifting music and fellowship.
Go: Sonrise Mountain Revival at Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, 480 Valley Road, Wayne. 7 p.m. Saturday. pvurc.org
Autism Speaks Walk
The Autism Speaks Northern New Jersey Walk is back on Saturday at the Meadowlands Racetrack to raise funds that fuel the Autism Speaks’ mission of “creating a more inclusive world for all people with autism.” Everyone is encouraged to participate, whether you have autism, love someone who does, or are looking to support a diverse, accepting and kind community. Strollers, wheelchairs and wagons are permitted.
Go: The Autism Speaks Walk at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. Saturday, rain or shine. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony begins at 10:30, with the walk immediately following. autismspeaks.org/walk, @autismspeaks on social media, 856-383-0148, NewJersey@AutismSpeaks.org.
John Samra Memorial 5K Run/1 Mile Family Fun Walk
Join the Clifton PBA Local 36 for its annual event, with support from the Clifton Roadrunners, on Sunday morning. The certified course starts and ends at City Hall. Race for your personal best, go for an award in your age group or just have fun getting some exercise. Timing and scoring by Elite Racing Systems. Age group award categories are 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80 and over. Awards will go to the top three male and female overall, and the top three male and female in each age group. Refreshments will be available after the race.
Go: The John Samra Memorial 5K Run/1 Mile Family Fun Walk at Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave. 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Race day registration is 7 a.m. $40. runsignup.com/race/NJ/clifton/johnsamrascholarshipmemorial5krun.
Fair Lawn Day
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Fair Lawn on Sunday at Memorial Park, with food trucks, a petting zoo, a DJ, music, a merry-go-round, pony rides, and arts and crafts. Historic trolley rides will depart from and conclude on the Avenue of Heroes. Sponsored by Columbia Bank.
Go: Fair Lawn Day at Memorial Park. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. fairlawn.org.
Leonia Library Fundraiser Gala
Sunday at the Leonia Library and Municipal Building, explore art pieces for sale; experience a chamber concert and performances by opera singers; and enjoy an evening with dinner, cocktails and a chance to meet the musicians. This event to support the library is sponsored by Fontana Tritone, Dante’s, Gallery Episodes, Manor Beverages and Sedona Taphouse.
Go: Leonia Library Fundraiser Gala at the Leonia Library and Municipal Center, 227 and 229 Fort Lee Road. 3 p.m. Sunday. Art sale is 3 to 5; dinner, cocktails and musicians meet-and-greet is 5 to 6:30; chamber concert and opera singers at 7. $120. leonialibrary.org
Fall Equinox Campfire & Night Hike at Tenafly Nature Center
Adults and families with children ages 4 and up can celebrate the changing season on Sunday at TNC with a night hike, followed by a toasty campfire with s’mores. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress appropriately. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
Go: Fall Equinox Campfire & Night Hike at Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. $8 for members; $12 non-members. Space is limited and advance registration is required. tncnj.org, 201-568-6093, info@tenaflync.org.
Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Write to Daniel Galioto at galiotod@northjersey.com.
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