Ayaan Mukherjee Down the shore, fall gives one last opportunity for festival season before the boardwalks go quiet for the winter. Beer gardens pop out in Freehold and Red Bank, Monmouth Park never has a shortage of food trucks, and towns from Spring Lake to Seaside Heights demonstrate their community and Italian tradition. Chowder battles and cozy comfort food make the season special for the shore. Read on for more about where you can find the best fall food festivals along the Jersey Shore this 2026.
Atlantic Highlands Day of Touch and a Truck | 10 Simon Way, Atlantic Highlands
Sunday, October 4th
The Atlantic Highlands Day of Touch and a Truck, sponsored by NJParenting.com takes over Atlantic Highlands Marina Lawn on October 4th, 11AM-5PM, with over 20 gourmet food trucks, kids’ activities and beer. Admission is $5 and free for kids under 5. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to support the local food pantry.
Read More: A Guide to Food Trucks at the Jersey Shore
BBQ & Craft Beer Festival | Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Saturday, September 5th
The BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, presented by Surfside and The Asbury Park Press, returns to Monmouth Park for Labor Day weekend, running through three days starting September 5th, 11AM-5PM. The event will feature over 40 craft beers, 20 pitmasters, live music and free family activities. General admission is $7 and beer sampling tickets are $20-$24.
Beach Haven Chowder Cook Off | Taylor Ave, Behind Bay Village in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
Saturday, October 3rd
The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off returns to Long Beach Island with the Merchant’s Mart on Saturday, October 3rd, followed by the Chowder Cook-Off Classic on Sunday, October 4th. Last year’s event raised nearly $280,000 for local causes.
Comfort Food Festival | Washington Street, Toms River
Saturday, September 19th
The Comfort Food Festival, hosted by the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District, takes over Washington Street on Saturday, September 19th, 12PM-6PM, with merchandise vendors, crafters, kids’ activities and live entertainment. A beer and wine garden completes the festival, with free admission and free parking during the event.
Freehold Oktoberfest | West Main Street, Freehold
Sunday, October 4th
Downtown Freehold’s 4th Annual Oktoberfest comes to West Main Street on Sunday, October 4th from 12-5PM, with a beer garden featuring a variety of breweries. Live music will run all day as well as vendors, food, crafters and fall activities.
Food Trucktemberfest | Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Saturday, September 12th
Food Trucktemberfest at Monmouth Park in Oceanport marks the last food truck event of the season, Saturday, September 12th, 11AM-5PM, with over a dozen Jersey Shore favorites serving everything from lobster rolls to ice cream sundaes, plus live music by Living Proof. The event is free with free parking and live racing kicks off at 12:50PM.
Red Bank Oktoberfest | Edmund Wilson Plaza, Red Bank
Saturday, October 10th
Red Bank Oktoberfest, presented by RedBank RiverCenter, returns to Edmund Wilson Plaza on Saturday, October 10th, 1-5PM. Full event details are still to be announced.
Spring Lake Italian Festival | Downtown business district, Third Avenue, Spring Lake
Saturday, September 19th
The Spring Lake Italian Festival takes over Third and Morris Avenues in downtown Spring Lake on Saturday, September 19th, 12PM-5PM. The event will have an authentic Italian food court catered by local restaurants, a beer garden, live music throughout downtown, and family-friendly arts and crafts activities.
See More: 50+ Activities for Your Fall 2026 Bucket List in Montclair + Essex County
Ocean County Italian Festival | Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights
Friday, October 9th-Sunday, October 11th
The Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival comes back to Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights on October 9th-11th, featuring an authentic Italian folkloric performance group brought in from Italy. The celebration culminates Sunday, October 11th, with the annual Columbus Day Parade at 1PM on the Boulevard, featuring floats, bands, antique cars and clowns.
The Downtown Seafood Festival | Ski Beach, Ventnor
Saturday, September 19th-Sunday, September 20th
Seafood lovers can head to Ski Beach in Ventnor on September 19th-20th for two days of fresh seafood, local vendors, craft beer, live music, cooking demos, and family-friendly fun. Tickets are $10 in advance + $15 at the door. You can pre-purchase online here.
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