Ayaan Mukherjee As the weather cools down, New Jersey’s fall calendar becomes flooded with festivals built entirely around food and drinks, from decades-old Italian feasts to hearty Oktoberfests in towns across the state. People are finding every excuse to crowd around some great food this season. You can find mozzarella tastings, chowder cook-offs, seafood festivals down by the shore, and even a statewide debate in festival form between pork roll and Taylor ham enthusiasts. Read on for more about all the fall festivals in New Jersey.
Fall Food Festivals in New Jersey
BBQ & Craft Beer Festival | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
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Date: 9/5
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.
Read More:50+ Activities for Your Fall 2026 Bucket List in New Jersey
Hoboken Italian Festival | 22 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Date: 9/10 – 9/13
The Hoboken Italian Festival’s “Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri celebrates its 100th year on the Hoboken waterfront, running from September 10th-13th. It will have headlining events over the four days, including Country Music Night on Thursday, “Salute to America” for Friday, and Saturday’s Feast Day ending with fireworks. Most events are free, although some VIP privileges are at a cost.
JC WingFest | Various Locations, Jersey City
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Date: 9/12
JC WingFest brings Jersey City’s wing lovers together for a day dedicated to all things wings. Attendees can make their way around participating local spots, sample different takes on the classic game-day favorite, + enjoy a lively food-focused day throughout the city.
Food Trucktemberfest | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
Date: 9/12
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.
Wildwoods Food & Music Festival | 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
Date: 9/12
The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival will be at Byrne Plaza at Oak and Pacific Avenues on Saturday, September 12th, 11AM-7PM, with free family-friendly entertainment. The event will have food, craft vendors, live bands and a beer garden for adults.
Jersey’s Pork Roll VS Taylor Ham Food & Music Fest | 137 Mountain View Road, Hillsborough
Date: 9/12
Jersey’s Pork Roll VS Taylor Ham Food & Music Fest settles the state’s biggest debate at Iron Peak Sports and Events in Hillsborough on Saturday, September 12th, 12PM-7PM. The event will be high-energy and have pork roll and Taylor ham dishes, live music, a beer garden, and even some pro wrestling. Admission is $5 at the door and kids under 5 are free.
North NJ Feast of San Gennaro 2026 | 10 Baker Street, Mine Hill
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Date: 9/13
The North NJ Feast of San Gennaro returns to Fireman’s Field in Mine Hill on Sunday, September 13th, 2PM-8PM, honoring Naples’ patron saint with authentic Italian food, live music, and cultural performances. Kids can enjoy free games and activities while adults browse local vendors, sample homemade pasta and pastries, and grab a beer. Tickets are $5 at the gate.
St. Anne’s Carnival and Food Fest | 15-05 St. Anne Street, Fair Lawn
Date: 9/18-9/20
The St. Anne’s Carnival and Food Fest returns to the church grounds in Fair Lawn September 18th-20th, running from Friday evening through Sunday night. The event will have food trucks, a beer garden, and carnival rides for all ages.
Comfort Food Festival | Washington Street, Toms River
Date: 9/19
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.
The Downbeach Seafood Festival presented by South Jersey Industries | N. Dorset Avenue + Burk Avenue, Ventnor City
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Date: 9/19 – 9/20
The Downbeach Seafood Festival returns to Ventnor’s Ski Beach for its 6th year, Saturday, September 19th (11AM-7PM) and Sunday, September 20th (11AM-6PM). The event will feature about two dozen local seafood restaurants, a Chowder Cook-Off, a crab cake eating contest, and a beer tasting tent. Advance tickets are $10, and kids under 12 are free.
The Baron’s Oktoberfest | 1201 Main Street, River Edge
Date: 9/26
The Baron’s Oktoberfest is coming back to Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge on Saturday, September 26th, 1-6PM, celebrating Major-General Baron von Steuben as a part of the Bergen County Historical Society’s 250th anniversary celebration. The event will have beer, food, pumpkin picking, and kids games.
Hanover Twp. PBA Food, Wine & Brew Festival | 2 Stoney Brook Road, Whippany
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Date: 9/26
The Hanover Twp. PBA Local 128 Food, Wine & Brew Festival comes to Bee Meadow-Brick Yard Field on Saturday, September 26th, noon to 6PM, with food trucks, breweries and wineries, artists and vendors, and live music by the Kenny Raye Band. General admission is $10 (free for kids 10 and under), with Brewfest Experience tickets at $50-$60 and Mini Brewfest tickets at $25-$30.
Fannywood Day Street Fair & Food Truck Fest | 200 South Avenue, Fanwood
Date: 9/27
Fannywood Day returns to South and Martine Avenues in Fanwood on Sunday, September 27th, with shopping from local vendors, live music, and a Kids Zone from 10AM-5PM featuring cornhole, obstacle courses, and eating contests. Food trucks complete the day with anything from empanadas and gyros to funnel cakes.
See More: New Jersey Museums + Libraries That Host After-Hours Events
October Fall Food Festivals in New Jersey
St. Mary’s Fun & Food Truck Festival | 17 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley
Date: 10/2
St. Mary’s Fun & Food Truck Festival takes over the church parking lot at 17 Msgr. Owen’s Place in Nutley on Friday, 10/2, 4PM-9PM. It will feature five gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, and live music. Families can explore a kids’ area with bouncy houses and face painters. Admission is $5 at the gate, $3 for seniors and free for kids under 10.
Belleville Food Truck Fest | 100 Passaic Avenue, Belleville
date: 10/3
The Belleville Food Truck and Music Festival sponsored by NJPARENTING.com, happens at Belleville High School on Saturday, October 3rd, 2PM-9PM. The festival will have over 20 gourmet food trucks, live music, and beer, sangria, and margarita bars. Attendees are asked to bring their own blankets or chairs and a non-perishable food item to support the local food pantry.
NEW JERSEY PIZZAFEST | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Date: 10/3
NJ Pizzafest will be at Lackawanna Station in Montclair on Saturday, October 3rd from 11AM to 6PM. It will have a select lineup of pizza food trucks, which will serve everything from Jersey thin crust to specialty pies, plus Cannoli Corner for dessert. Admission is free after 12PM, although there is early access at 11AM and pizza tokens available through VIP tickets. The event will also have live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Ridgefield Park Street Fair & Food Truck Fest | Main Street, Ridgefield Park
Date: 10/3
The Ridgefield Park Street Fair and Food Truck Fest returns Saturday, October 3rd, turning Main Street from Park to Cedar Street into a town-wide block party. It is 10AM-5PM, and is presented by the Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners. The fair will feature bands, and a DJ on two stages, gourmet food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and a dedicated Kid’ Zone with bouncy rides and face painting.
Beach Haven Chowder Cook Off | Dock Road, Beach Haven
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Date: 10/3
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.
Atlantic Highlands Day of Touch a Truck | 1 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands
Date: 10/4
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.
Denville Food Truck Festival | 2 Savage Road, Denville
date: 10/4
The Denville Food Truck Festival is coming back to Gardner Field on Sunday, October 4th, from 12PM to 6PM. It will feature a lineup of food trucks, live music, local vendors, and cold beer for adults, as well as activities for kids. This event is free parking and benefits Denville PAL youth sports and American Legion Post #390.
Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo 2026 | 700 Palisadium Drive, Cliffside Park
Date: 10/7
The Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo is coming back to a new location, the Riverview Ballroom in Cliffside Park, on Wednesday, October 7th, 6-10PM. Tickets will include unlimited samples from top restaurants and gourmet kitchens, plus wine and beer tastings, entertainment, and prizes. Early purchase is $65 and general admission at $75.
JAPAN Fes X Japanese Food & Culture Festival @ New Jersey | Overpeck Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
Date: 10/17
Japan Fes New Jersey will bring Japanese food, culture, and community festivities back to New Jersey after its August stop at Overpeck Park. Expect Japanese street food, crafts, and the festival atmosphere.
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair & Food Truck Fest | Amboy Avenue, Edison
Edate: 10/17
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair will be eight blocks along Amboy Avenue on Saturday, October 17th. It will have two stages with live music, two food courts, and a beer and wine garden. Kids can spend their time at carnival rides, a BMX bike demo, and even a pro wrestling ring with two shows during the day. There will also be shopping thanks to local crafters and vendors.
Harvest Honey & Garlic Festival | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
Date: 10/17
The 15th Annual Harvest Honey & Garlic Festival will be at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta on Saturday, October 17th, 10AM-4PM. It will have free admission, and attendees will be able to look at products from local farmers, makers, and artisans. It will also feature food trucks and live music, along with kid-friendly activities.
FOODEESFEST | 301 Mount Hope Avenue, Rockaway
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Date: 10/23-10/25
FoodeesFest takes over Rockaway Townsquare October 23rd-25th, with over 40 food trucks and craft vendors serving gourmet dishes, sweet treats, and handmade goods over the three-day event. Admission will be free and the hours will be Friday 1PM-9PM, Saturday 11AM-9PM and Sunday 11AM-7PM.
Halloween Paramus Truck or Treat Fest | 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
Date: 10/25
The Paramus Halloween Truck or Treat Festival, sponsored by NJParenting.com takes over Paramus Park Mall’s East Main Entrance on Saturday, October 25th, 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.
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