9 New Jersey Fall Festivals Where The Food Steals The Spotlight
Autumn in New Jersey means more than just colorful leaves and cooler weather—it’s festival season, and trust me, the food at these events is worth every calorie.
I’ve spent countless fall weekends hopping from one festival to another, stuffing my face with everything from apple cider donuts to bratwurst, and I regret nothing.
These festivals showcase the Garden State’s most delicious side, where the eats are just as memorable as the entertainment.
1. Medford Oktoberfest – Medford, NJ
Last year, I ate three bratwursts in one sitting at this festival, and honestly, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Medford Oktoberfest brings authentic German flavor to South Jersey with sizzling sausages, giant soft pretzels, and schnitzel that’ll make you want to yodel with joy. The drink selection is impressive, featuring traditional German brews alongside local craft options.
Live polka bands keep the atmosphere festive while you munch on potato pancakes and apple strudel. Kids can enjoy carnival rides while adults sample their way through the drink garden. The whole event feels like a mini trip to Bavaria without the jet lag.
What really sets this festival apart is the authentic German cooking techniques—nothing tastes mass-produced or rushed. You’ll find yourself planning next year’s visit before you even leave the parking lot.
2. Fall Harvest Festival At Heaven Hill Farm – Vernon, NJ
Heaven Hill Farm lives up to its heavenly name, especially when you bite into their fresh-pressed apple cider paired with warm cinnamon donuts. This festival celebrates everything harvest season offers, from pick-your-own apples to hayrides through scenic farmland. The farm-to-table food options make you appreciate where your meals actually come from.
Vendors serve up pumpkin-spiced everything, but the real stars are the farm’s own products—their apple cider is legendary for good reason. Fresh kettle corn, roasted corn on the cob, and homemade pies line the food stalls. My personal favorite? The caramel apple slices that save you from sticky fingers.
Families love the petting zoo and corn maze, but foodies come specifically for the seasonal treats made with ingredients harvested right on the property.
3. Jersey Eats: A Taste Of New Jersey – Secaucus, NJ
If you want to sample the entire state’s culinary scene in one afternoon, Jersey Eats is your golden ticket. This festival gathers the best restaurants, food trucks, and local vendors under one roof—or rather, one massive outdoor space. I discovered my new favorite pizza place here last fall, and I’ve been a regular ever since.
From Taylor ham breakfast sandwiches to Italian pastries from Hoboken bakeries, the variety is mind-blowing. You’ll find everything representing New Jersey’s diverse food culture, including Portuguese grilled chicken, Korean tacos, and classic boardwalk fries. Live cooking demonstrations teach you techniques from professional chefs.
Come hungry and wear stretchy pants—portion sizes are generous, and you’ll want to try everything. The festival proves New Jersey’s food reputation deserves way more respect than it gets.
4. Beach Plum Festival – Seaside Park, NJ
Beach plums might sound like something you’d find in a pirate’s treasure chest, but they’re actually tart little fruits that grow wild along Jersey shores. This quirky festival celebrates them with jams, jellies, pies, and sauces that’ll change how you think about fruit preserves. I bought six jars of beach plum jam last year and rationed them like gold.
Local vendors compete for the best beach plum recipe, and taste-testing is highly encouraged. Beyond the namesake fruit, you’ll find seafood vendors serving fresh catches and boardwalk-style treats. The ocean breeze adds extra flavor to everything you eat.
Arts and crafts booths line the streets, but honestly, the food keeps me coming back. Beach plum barbecue sauce has become my secret ingredient for grilling.
5. Apple Festival – Mullica Hill, NJ
Mullica Hill transforms into apple paradise every fall, and the sweet smell of cinnamon hits you before you even park your car. With over 200 vendors, this festival takes apples seriously—apple dumplings, apple fritters, apple butter, and even apple salsa compete for your attention. I once ate so much apple pie here that I couldn’t look at apples for a week.
The homemade apple cider donuts sell out fast, so arrive early or face disappointment. Local orchards bring their best varieties for sampling, teaching you the difference between Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. Food trucks add savory options to balance all that sweetness.
Live music and craft vendors create a charming small-town atmosphere. Your biggest challenge will be carrying all the apple products you’ll want to take home.
6. Tri-State Sunflower & Pumpkin Fest – Swedesboro, NJ
Sunflowers and pumpkins team up to create Instagram gold at this Swedesboro celebration, but the food steals the show once you stop taking photos. Pumpkin-flavored everything dominates the menu—pumpkin funnel cakes, pumpkin chili, pumpkin cheesecake, and even pumpkin drink. My adventurous side tried pumpkin mac and cheese, and surprisingly, it worked.
Food trucks circle the sunflower fields offering creative autumn dishes that go beyond basic festival fare. Roasted pumpkin seeds seasoned with various spices make addictive snacks you’ll munch while exploring. The festival encourages picking your own pumpkins, which works up quite an appetite.
Sunset photos among the sunflowers are gorgeous, but the food keeps you lingering long after golden hour. Vendors get creative with seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways.
7. Harvest Fest & Jeep Fest – New Egypt, NJ
Who knew Jeeps and harvest festivals made such a perfect pair? New Egypt figured it out, combining off-road vehicle displays with serious autumn eats. BBQ smoke fills the air as pitmasters show off their skills with slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. I’m convinced the smoky aroma alone adds five pounds.
Beyond barbecue, you’ll find hearty fall foods like chili cook-offs, corn chowder, and loaded baked potatoes. The Jeep crowd brings appetite, so portions are generous and prices stay reasonable. Food trucks specializing in comfort food park alongside the vehicle displays.
Kids enjoy hayrides while parents sample craft drink and ciders. The relaxed, outdoor vibe makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon eating, browsing Jeeps, and enjoying live music without feeling rushed.
8. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival – Chatsworth, NJ
Cranberries grow in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, and Chatsworth celebrates this tart little berry with enthusiasm that borders on obsession. Cranberry bread, cranberry salsa, cranberry BBQ sauce, and cranberry drink prove this fruit’s versatility extends far beyond Thanksgiving dinner. I bought cranberry hot sauce here that adds perfect tang to breakfast eggs.
Watching cranberry bog demonstrations teaches you how these berries are actually harvested—way more interesting than you’d expect. Food vendors get creative incorporating cranberries into both sweet and savory dishes. The cranberry ice cream sounds weird but tastes amazing.
With over 300 vendors, you could spend hours exploring crafts, antiques, and most importantly, cranberry products. Your taste buds will discover new appreciation for this underrated fruit by day’s end.
9. Argos Farm Fall Festival – Forked River, NJ
Argos Farm proves that smaller festivals often serve the best food because everything’s made with care rather than mass-produced. Their homemade soups—especially the pumpkin bisque—warm you up on crisp autumn afternoons. Fresh-baked goods come straight from the farm’s kitchen, and you can taste the difference quality ingredients make.
The festival menu focuses on comfort foods done right: pot pies, apple crisps, and hearty sandwiches with farm-fresh ingredients. Kids love the petting zoo while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and genuine hospitality. Everything feels homemade because it actually is.
Corn mazes and pumpkin picking provide entertainment, but the food tent becomes everyone’s favorite destination. Supporting local farms while eating delicious food makes this festival feel good for both stomach and conscience.