When the leaves start changing and the air begins to get a little more brisk, it's not only a sign of autumn, but also a sign of festival season. From food to wine to beer to costumes, New Jerseyans seem to find an excuse for a festival anywhere. These almost always include incredible food, wide varieties of alcohol, and other additions to make festival-going the perfect fall weekend activity. Whether you want to go with friends, family, or on a date, here are a few of the best festivals in New Jersey this season.
This annual German festival takes over Mountain Creek at the end of September. Traditional German music and dancing are coupled with German food such as bratwurst, hot pretzels, potato pancakes, and German Beer. Make sure to go on an empty stomach. To kick up the entertainment level, there's even a lumberjack contest and a wife-carrying race.
Location: Vernon, NJ
Price: $7
Dates: September 19 & 20
Arguably one of the most highly-attended festivals of the NJ fall season, Chowderfest boasts live entertainment and an annual Chowder Cook-Off. The best part? Attendees get to be the judges in the competition with unlimited tasting.
Location: Ship Bottom, NJ
Price: $25
Date: October 4
This is without a doubt the most star-studded festival in the area this fall. Celebrity chefs from all over the country fly into New York for this Food Network festival each year. Despite that, the really incredible part is that 100 percent of the proceeds go to Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign. In past years, these proceeds have exceeded $1 million. In addition to an abundance of great food and wine, this festival also hosts several workshops and seminars, including ones along the line of Cake Decorating with Martha Stewart. With so much variety, everyone can find something they're excited for!
Location: Various locations in Manhattan
Price: Varies, based on the events you attend
Dates: October 15 - 18
While most festivals tend to focus on one food or drink, Rock the BBQ showcases BBQ, Beer, Wine, Sangria, Bourbon, Vodka, Music AND Sports. The wide array of family-friendly activities (bounce houses and petting zoos!) plus copious amounts of alcohol mean this is the perfect festival for anyone!
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Price: $8
Dates: October 24 & 25
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
When CNN calls it "the largest dog costume parade in the world," you know you can't go wrong. Be prepared for adorable pups in funny costumes and a runway competition. What more could you ask for?
Location: Tompkins Square Park, Manhattan
Price: $5 Suggested Donation
Date: October 25
This one is pretty much a no-brainer. Not only does this festival feature 14 New Jersey vineyards and over 150 local wines, it's at Six Flags. Riding roller coasters drunk off wine tastings?? Sign me up. (P.S. For $20 more, there's a Safari Wine Tasting option. Duh.)
Location: Jackson, NJ
Price: $21
Dates: November 7 & 8
No matter which festival you choose this season, get out there and start eating a lot (and maybe drinking a lot, too)!
