Events
Though we at The Hoboken Girl are big fans of pumpkin spice-flavored treats, cult classic Halloween movies, and festive foliage, fall in Northern New Jersey comes with way more than that. Happening all across Northern New Jersey are 40 different fall festivals, including film fests, Halloween bashes, and music fests. Read on for fall festivals happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond for 2025.
Photo Credit: HDSID
Hoboken + Jersey City Festivals
Hoboken Italian Festival | Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
September 4th-7th | 5PM-11PM, 5PM-12AM, 11AM-12AM, + 12PM-9:15PM
A commemoration of Italian culture and heritage in the Mile Square, the Hoboken Italian Festival, also known as the Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri, celebrates its 99th anniversary this year. Taking place along Sinatra Drive between 1st and 3rd Streets, it features a variety of music, food, games, and a fireworks show, among other things. The entertainment lineup includes artists like DJ Rich Resz, Moroccan Sheepherders, Teo Ricciardella, and more. See here for more.
Read More: 40 Annual Events That All Hoboken + Jersey City Residents Should Know About
Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival | Exchange Place Plaza, Jersey City
September 5th + 6th
2025 marks the second run of the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival. Hosted by Riverview Jazz, this event is happening on September 5th and 6th at Exchange Place Plaza. Details have yet to be announced, but last year the event featured live jazz music, Latin food vendors, local artists, and more. See here for future announcements.
Hudson West Fest | 329 Warren Street, Jersey City
September 13th
Hosted by the Nimbus Arts Center, Hudson West Fest returns this year as a free, all-day celebration of music. Along with square dancing, guests can enjoy a diverse lineup of performances of Americana, jazz, folk, and country music happening along two stages. There will also be interactive workshops, open jam sessions, and local food vendors, and more. See here for more.
HDSID All About Downtown Street Fair | Newark Avenue, Jersey City
September 20th | 12PM-8PM
HDSID’s 14th annual All About Downtown Street Fair is returning for 2025 on September 20th. This festival has been running since 2011, with over two hundred vendors selling jewelry, artwork, handmade goods, and more each year. Food trucks serving a wide variety of options are also always in attendance. The fair will take place on Newark Avenue, between Grove Street and Coles Street. See here for more.
Record Riot at Grove Street PATH Plaza | Jersey City
September 27th + November 1st | 10AM-2PM
Record Riot, highlighting over 40 vendors selling new + vintage vinyl, will return to the Grove Street PATH Plaza in Jersey City on September 27th and November 1st. This festival happens a few times each year and is free to attend. See here for more.
Fall Harvest Festival at the Riverview Farmers Market | 498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
September 28th | 10AM-2PM
Jersey City’s annual Fall Harvest Festival includes all kinds of activities, including music, pumpkin painting, bubbles, and more. Specific information for this year’s event has yet to be announced. See here for future details.
Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival | Washington Street, Hoboken
September 28th | 11AM-6PM
The Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival is an annual community event boasting over 250 local vendors + artists and a lineup of live entertainment each year. With a rain date of October 5th, this takes place on Washington Street, from Observer Highway to Seventh Street. Along with an array of food options, there will be two stages of live musical performances, with Dwayne Gretzky, a 10-piece Toronto-based band, headlining the Observer Highway stage. See here for more.
Jersey City Art + Studio Tour | Jersey City
October 3rd-5th
The Jersey City Art + Studio Tour, also known as JCAST, will take place this year across the city from October 3rd to 5th. Featuring performances, visual art, dances, murals, tours, and more, the theme for the 2025 festival is Convergence: Art, Technology, Business + Wellness. See here for more.
Cultural Diversity Festival | 25 West Hamilton Place, Jersey City
October 4th | 10AM-2PM
JCFamilies’ 11th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival returns to Hamilton Park, boasting family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting, arts + crafts, live music, and dancers. The performance lineup includes groups such as the Shehnaaz Dance Academy, JCLJC Japanese Cultural League of Jersey City, Nimbus Arts Center, and more. See here for more.
Jersey City Oddities Market | 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
October 12th
The Jersey City Oddities Market will transform the historic Harsimus Cemetery into a market with the strange, eerie, + peculiar. The event will feature unique vendors, atmospheric entertainment, + food and beverages. See here for more.
Ghost of Uncle Joe’s | 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
October 24th-November 1st
Ghost of Uncle Joe’s, happening from October 24th to November 1st, according to this Facebook post, is an annual masquerade fundraising ball to benefit the preservation of the historical Harsimus Cemetery in Jersey City. The event features live performances from local musicians, food trucks, dancing, and festive Halloween fun. See here for more.
Hudson County Fall Fest | 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
October 25th | 12PM-6PM
The 4th annual Hudson County Fall Fest is happening at 902 Brewing Co. this year. Along with a costume contest, participants can look forward to activities like trick or treating, train rides, obstacle courses, face painting, balloon art, glitter tattoos, and more. Local artisan vendors will also be in attendance. See here for more.
Halloween Ragamuffin Parade | Hoboken
October 31st
Every Halloween, the Ragamuffin Parade commences in Hoboken and features a line-up of spooky festivities, including a parade down Washington Street, costume contests, and plenty of photo opportunities. The 2025 details have yet to be announced. See here for future announcements.
HDSID Halloween Family Bash | Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall + Grove Street, Jersey City
October 31st | 3PM-9PM
Jersey City residents can expect a “ghoulishly good time” at this Halloween event. This year, in the historic downtown area of JC, HDSID’s Halloween Family Bash will feature a variety of activities, including games, a corn maze, face-painting, pumpkins, a bouncy house, candy, and more. See here for more.
Hoboken Harvest Festival | Hoboken
TBD
The Hoboken Harvest Festival is an annual family-friendly event that showcases several small businesses and community organizations. The 2025 details have yet to be announced, but the festival typically takes place in October, boasting festive activities, food, and shopping.
Hoboken Pepper Fest | Hoboken
TBD
This Hoboken non-profit Computers 4 People hosts the Hoboken Pepper Fest each year, complete with spicy pepper-eating contests, chili-eating contests, and more. Though the details for 2025’s event have not been announced yet, it typically takes place in October.
Hoboken Docs Film Festival | 33 Newark Street, Hoboken
November 15th | 5PM-10PM
Taking place at Antique Loft on Newark Street, Hoboken’s first-ever film festival is happening this year on November 15th. Running from 5PM to 10PM, it’ll feature finalist film screenings, filmmaker Q&As, an awards ceremony, and more. See here for more.
Greater Northern New Jersey Festivals
Caldwell Porchfest | Caldwell
September 6th | 12:30PM-7PM
The fifth annual Caldwell Porchfest takes place on September 6th this year. There will be various live performances taking place across porches in Caldwell, as well as a final performance happening at Grover Cleveland Park, located at Brookside Avenue + Runnymede Road, Essex Fells, from 5:30PM to 7PM. See here for more.
NJ Taco Festival | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
September 6th | 10AM-8PM
The NJ Taco Festival is happening at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on September 6th, with a rain date of September 7th. Over 50 food trucks will be in attendance. Live entertainment includes live bands, lucha libre wrestling, a chihuahua pageant for charity, eating contests, and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and kids aged ten and under can enter for free. See here for more.
Weequahic Park Music Festival | Elizabeth Avenue + Meeker Avenue, Newark
September 6th | 9AM-10PM
Weequahic Park Music Festival in Newark is “a vibrant celebration of music, community, and good times,” per Eventbrite. Attendees can expect food from local vendors, arts and craft stalls, and live music. See here for more.
Montclair Jazz Festival’s Downtown Jamboree + Block Party | Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
September 13th | 12PM-8PM
The annual Montclair Jazz Festival is a three-month-long festival happening from June to September. The Downtown Jamboree is the main event of the festival, which takes place on 13th from 12PM-8PM on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair this year. Attendees can expect eight hours of live music, as well as a selection of food and merchandise. The jamboree will be followed by a Block Party from 8PM-10PM, featuring DJ Brother Mister (aka Christian McBride). See here for more.
Rocktoberfest | Taylor Park, Millburn
September 13th | 12PM-10PM
Rocktoberfest is an annual family-friendly fundraiser benefiting the Milburn Education Foundation. Over 15 musical performances will take place throughout the day on different stages. There will also be all kinds of food vendors, local makers, and a kids’ zone featuring inflatables, rides, carnival games, and more. See here for more.
Heaven Hill Farms Great Pumpkin Festival | 451 NJ-94, Vernon
September 13th-November 2nd
Vernon’s Heaven Hill Farm will ring in the fall season with its annual Great Pumpkin Festival, happening this year on weekends from September 13th to November 2nd. Hayrides, a themed corn maze, farm animals, live entertainment, and foodie options like kettle corn and apple cider doughnuts can be expected. See here for more.
Newark Porchfest | Forest Hill Historic District, Newark
September 20th | TBD
Newark’s Porchfest is happening on September 20th this year, with a rain date of September 27th. Taking place in the Forest Hill Historic District, porches across the area will host live performances. Attendees can also look forward to kids’ activities, food vendors, and more. See here for more.
Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade + Boricua Music Festival | Downtown Newark
September 21st | TBD
The Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade + Boricua Festival is a day-long cultural celebration. Taking place in downtown Newark, it will feature live music, colorful floats, Puerto Rican cuisine, and family-friendly fun. On September 21st, the event will mark its 63rd year overall and the 10th since its revival in 2015. See here for more.
Fall Fest at the Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farms | 110 Orange Road, Montclair
September 27th | 11AM-4PM
To celebrate the end of the harvest season, the Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farm are hosting a fun-filled day for all local residents. This festival will include food + drink vendors, museum tours, live music from School of Rock, local artisans, interactive fall activities, and farm animals from Dreamscape Acres. See here for more.
Morristown Octoberfest | Downtown Morristown
September 27th | 4PM-11PM
Morristown’s Octoberfest will operate as a pub crawl for 2025. The event kicks off at 4PM and boasts live bands + DJs, access to over four bars, and fall-themed food and drinks. See here for more.
Octoberfest at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
September 27th | 1PM-10PM
Montclair Brewery’s annual Oktoberfest returns for September 2025, featuring German-style brews and non-alcoholic craft drinks, outdoor games, and live music from bands like Howlin’ Poets, BARD Band, Red Hot Chili Jam, and Lil Bastad. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their German best, as a costume contest will be taking place that night. See here for more.
Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival | 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park
September 27th + 28th | 10AM-5PM
The Bergen County Harvest Fest is a three-day celebration returning to Overpeck Park this September. The festival will include a weekend-long carnival, live music, wellness demonstrations, food trucks, and interactive displays from local farms. Attendees can shop from over 75 vendors selling arts + crafts, collectibles, and specialty items during the pop-up market, which runs from 10AM to 5PM. Local food trucks and vendors will also be in attendance. See here for more.
Walnut Street Fair | Walnut Street, Montclair
September 29th | 11AM-4PM
Happening in the heart of Walnut Street, this Montclair fair boasts over 250 vendors, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a family fun zone, complete with face painting, balloon twisting, arts + crafts, an obstacle course, and more. This year it takes place on September 29th. See here for more.
Autumn Lights Festival | 109 Airport Road, West Milford
TBD
The West Milford Autumn Lights Festival, usually welcoming over 300 vendors annually, will run for its 28th year in 2025. Taking over Warner Bros’ former Jungle Habitat park, this event features food + beverage vendors, live music, children’s activities, and games. The 2025 dates have yet to be announced, but it typically takes place at the end of September.
Caldwell Street Fair | Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
October 5th | 12PM-5PM
The Caldwell Street Fair, serving as a community celebration and fundraiser, will include raffles, arts + crafts, kids’ rides, vendor booths, and a wide variety of food + drinks. All proceeds from the event will support grants to the West Essex First Aid Squad, the police departments and fire departments of the Caldwells, and other community-focused projects. See here for more.
Newark Arts Festival | Newark
October 8th-12th
Newark Arts Festival 2025, taking place across the city over the course of four days, will turn Newark “into a canvas for art, music, and culture,” as per its website. This annual community event includes exhibitions, kids’ activities, appearances from Grammy-nominated artists, live performances, and other features, including the Newark Arts Honors, the Gold Ball, Art Night Out, and a solo showcase at Newark ArtSpace at Vermella Broad Street. See here for more.
Morristown Festival of Books | Morristown
October 10th + 11th
“Created by and for people who love books,” according to the festival’s website, the Morristown Festival of Books is returning for the weekend of October 10th. Taking place across town, book lovers can look forward to appearances from over 300 authors, including Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners, Newbery + Caldecott medalists, and bestselling voices in both fiction and nonfiction. There are also special events planned for children, teens, and YA fans of all ages. See here for more.
Branch Brook Park Fest | Newark
October 11th | 10AM-5PM
Essex County’s annual Branch Brook Park Festival boasts a full day of music, food, and activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy live performances from DJs to jazz quartets, interactive art projects, and local art vendors. There will also be a dedicated wellness area hosting free activations throughout the morning, including yoga, Zumba, and dance workshops, as well as kid-friendly fall activities. See here for more.
Diwali Fest NJ | 580 Valley Street, Maplewood
October 12th | 2PM-6PM
Happening at the Memorial Park Amphitheater, Maplewood’s Diwali Fest is a “celebration of South Asian Arts and Culture,” as per its Facebook page. The 2025 details have yet to be announced, but typically include food and arts vendors, live entertainment, and more. See future announcements here.
Montclair Film Festival | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
October 17th-26th
The beloved Montclair Film Festival welcomes film lovers and professionals from across the region and country every year. Returning for its 14th year this October across the MTC, the festival is expected to showcase independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, and work by upcoming artists. See here for more.
Zombie Walk | Montclair
October 18th
The Zombie Walk is an annual tradition where Montclair residents dress in their best zombie attire and parade around the town. The 2025 details have yet to be announced, but last year East Side Mags hosted the community event in partnership with Indie Arts Montclair, Fresco Artistry, and Out Montclair, and participants had the option to get their spooky makeup done by professional makeup artists. See here for future announcements.
Maplewood Art Walk + Music Fest | Maplewood Avenue, Highland Place, + Baker Street, Maplewood
October 19th | 11AM-5PM
This Art Walk + Music Fest is a family-friendly event taking place in Maplewood. Guests can stroll the streets and shop from over 50 artists selling ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more. Rounding out the festival are multiple stages of live music, children’s activities, and foodie items from local restaurants. See here for more.
See More: 27 Annual Events Every Montclair Resident Should Know About
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