Your Complete Guide To October Fun In NJ

October typically hits a weather sweet spot — not too hot and not too cold — making it the perfect time to squeeze in some can’t-miss events in New Jersey.

October is known for Halloween, but it’s also a great time for harvest festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, parades and more.

Before you know it, the winter holidays will overtake your calendar. Be sure to schedule date night, family day, or even “you” time before October slips away.

To help you fill out your calendar, we’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss events from around New Jersey. Tickets or registration may be required for certain events.

Are you planning an event this fall? FEATURE IT so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Asbury Park Zombie Walk

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
• Location: Asbury Park
• Details: The Asbury Park Zombie Walk will officially kick off the Halloween season on Oct. 4. The walk is an organized public gathering of people who dress up like zombies and make their way around city streets (in orderly fashion) for fun.

Autumn Lights: Festival For Parkinson’s

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 5
• Location: Mayo Park (501 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood)
• Details: Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks and more at Autumn Lights to shine a light on Parkinson’s awareness and support.

Fall Flavor of Freehold

• Dates: Oct. 8 & Oct. 9
• Location: Downtown Freehold
• Details: Take a tour of Downtown Freehold’s restaurants, bars and shops for “Fall Flavor of Freehold.” Participants will walk from place to place with a passport to guide them and will receive signature samples from some of Freehold’s most loved establishments.

Oktoberfest
Throughout October, there will be various Oktoberfest events taking place in New Jersey. Here are a few you can check out:

• 16th Annual Oktoberfest At Forest Lodge (Saturday, Oct. 11)
• Red Bank Oktoberfest (Saturday, Oct. 11)
• New Brunswick Oktoberfest (Sunday, Oct. 12)
• Hamilton Township Oktoberfest (Sunday, Oct. 19)
• Bayshore Medical Center Foundation Oktoberfest (Thursday, Oct. 23)

New Jersey Oyster Festival

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18
• Location: The Bayshore Center at Bivalve (2800 High Street, Port Norris)
• Details: Enjoy raw oysters from local purveyors, a souvenir glass, food trucks and more at the 2025 New Jersey Oyster Festival.

Wood Pumpkin Painting Workshop

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 19
• Location: The Eclectic Chic Boutique (547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair)
• Details: For those searching to make their own autumn decor, you can join the Eclectic Chic Boutique for their pumpkin painting workshop, where participants will transform a wooden cutout into a one-of-a-kind decoration. Supplies are provided, and participants will create two pumpkins.

Cape May City Halloween Parade

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 19
• Location: Perry Street & Carpenters Lane
• Details: Celebrate the Halloween season with Cape May City’s annual Halloween Parade. The public is encouraged to participate by registering their children in costumes for judging or entering their own creations, including antique autos or decorated golf carts.

Morris Plains Pumpkin Illumination

• Date: Friday, Oct. 24
• Location: 771 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
• Details: Enjoy live music, a pumpkin carving demo by a master carver, local vendors and more at the Morris Plains Pumpkin Illumination. Attendees are welcome to bring carved pumpkins as well.

Middle Township Halloween Parade

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Location: Lineup begins at Memorial Field
• Details: Join in Middle Township's Halloween celebration with their Halloween Parade. All are welcome to participate and bring a bag for candy. Registration is online.

Six Flags Boo Fest

• Dates: Through Nov. 2
• Location: Six Flags Great Adventure (1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson)
• Details: Enjoy a fall festival with family-friendly activities, a Trick or Treat trail and more at Six Flags Boo Fest. For those looking to enjoy some Halloween scares, you can also check out Six Flags Fright Fest.