Late October brings peak autumn weather to the Garden State, making it an ideal time to explore seasonal festivals, spooky trails, and outdoor celebrations. Whether you are looking for family-friendly pumpkin patches or cultural performances, this week offers plenty of options across different regions.
Before heading out, you can check our guide on plan your stay to organize your itinerary. Here are ten exciting things to do in New Jersey during the week of October 25 to 31, 2026.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
Festivals and Historic Tours
Outdoor autumn festivals highlight the crisp weather and local harvest traditions. Farms and historic sites throughout the state host special weekend events.
1. Hudson County Fall Fest
Celebrate Halloween weekend on Saturday, October 31, at 902 Brewing Co. in Jersey City. This free family event features live music, trick-or-treating, local artisan vendors, and a costume contest.
2. The Trail of Magic in Lambertville
Stroll through the Lambertville business district all month long to view whimsical Halloween art displays. A new free audio tour guides visitors past unique window installations.
3. Rockingham State Historic Site Tours
Visit George Washington’s final wartime headquarters in Kingston. Guests can view the historic Dutch Barn and handle reproduction artifacts from the Revolutionary War.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Farm Fun and Pumpkin Picking
Local farms reach peak activity levels at the end of October. Visitors can enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, and fresh cider donuts.
4. Heaven Hill Farm’s Great Pumpkin Festival
Head to Vernon for tractor rides, farm animals, and a themed corn maze. The festival offers dozens of family-friendly outdoor activities.
5. Snyder’s Farm Fall Festival
Stop by South Middlebush Road in Somerset for traditional pumpkin picking. Families travel from across the region to find carving pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.
6. Norz Hill Farm Harvest Days
Explore the sprawling farm grounds in Hillsborough for weekend fall harvest activities. The venue features farm markets, scenic tractor rides, and spooky farm attractions.
Arts, Theater, and Ghost Walks
Indoor stages and evening ghost tours provide entertainment as the sun sets. Local theater productions and seasonal legends take center stage.
7. Swan Lake at NBPAC
Experience the final performances of the American Repertory Ballet’s classical production in New Brunswick. The show features breathtaking choreography and timeless music.
8. Princeton Purgatory Ghost Tours
Walk the historic campus and town streets to hear tales of spectral scholars and phantom figures. Guides share local lore associated with Princeton’s storied past.
9. Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Madison
Watch a performance of this classic tragedy at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. The production explores ambition and moral reckoning in an intense setting.
10. Cape May Halloween Happenings
Take part in historic haunt tours and spooky ghost walks along the southern shore. Cape May decorates its Victorian homes extensively for the autumn season.
Visiting urban areas requires a bit of preparation regarding local traffic and parking regulations. Reviewing tips on getting around will help streamline your daily transit.
Travelers extending their trip into a weekend getaway should explore where to stay for comfortable lodging options. Reviewing local history via Jersey City history also adds depth to your urban explorations.
Balancing outdoor farm visits with evening theater shows creates a well-rounded autumn itinerary. Checking weather forecasts before departure ensures you dress appropriately for crisp coastal breezes and chilly evenings.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
