Issue 12 | September 2021 | UPDATED W/ 2022 DATES
If the thought of crisp, cool weather and pumpkin-spice everything has you excited, you’re not alone. Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore Hudson County, NJ—and our array of fall festivals illustrates why. Whether you’re looking to paint pumpkins, soak up arts and culture, or eat the best fall foods, you’re in the right place.
Here are Hudson County’s best fall festivals
1. Bayonne Arts Festival | September 10, 2022 | Bayonne* |
The Bayonne Arts Festival brings arts and culture to the heart of Bayonne from 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on September 11, with two stages of entertainment, a stage for musical performances, and a stage for theatrical and dance performances—all near the town’s Collins Park. Performances include Storybook Theatre by Tempest Productions, stilt-dancing group Kaisokah Moko Jumbies U.S.A Inc., and much more. Festival attendees can also enjoy an artist vendor market, a free kids crafting corner, food trucks galore, and a tasty beer garden.
Event address: Collins Park, 1st Street, Bayonne | Accessible via rideshare, car, or bus; 22nd Street Light Rail is two miles away
2. Bergen Square Day & Apple Fest | September 10, 2022 | Jersey City*
Soak up Hudson County’s cultural heritage through music, food, theater, history, and fun at the Bergen Square Day & Apple Fest on October 23 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.. This free one-day festival in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood brims with local pride and charisma. It’s hosted by the Bergen Square Historical Society, and includes opportunities for shopping, historical tours, and, perhaps most importantly, a dessert contest!
Event address: Bergen Square, 276 Academy St, Jersey City | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, or Journal Square PATH Station (.3 miles from the station)
3. All About Downtown Street Fair | September 17th, 2022 | Jersey City*
All About Downtown Street Fair is a highly anticipated annual Jersey City fall festival that allures with local crafts, handmade jewelry, more than 200 vendors, and food trucks galore. The September event features a kids zone—perfect for family outings—plus live music and a festive beer garden. Enjoy the fun from 12-8 p.m. in Jersey City’s charismatic Grove Street neighborhood.
Address: Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Coles Streets | Accessible via rideshare, car, but, or PATH train to Grove Street station
5. JCAST: Jersey City Art & Studio Tour | September 29 to October 2, 2022 | Jersey City
Few events illustrate the vibrant Jersey City arts scene like JCAST, a historic festival that takes place across a large portion of the city into Hoboken. JCAST features 100 art-centric events, artist-studio tours, and new gallery stops. A city-wide shuttle bus helps festival-goers get from point A to B, whether it’s hopping from a live mural painting to a gallery showing, or jumping from live musical performances to curated tours. See the digital map to plan your own JCAST experience.
Address: Events take place throughout Jersey City, although Grove Street is a good starting point | Accessible via rideshare, car, but, or PATH train to Grove Street station
6. Annual Hudson County Fair | September 30th – October 10th, 2022 | North Bergen
The Hudson County Fair returns to Braddock Park for an 11-day extended party! Once again there will be tons of exciting carnival rides and attractions, plus a midway packed with games of skill and chance, and tons of delicious food. This year the big stage will feature plenty of live entertainment, including local favorites The Past Masters on Saturday, Oct. 8. Then at on Sunday, Oct. 9 the ultimate Elvis/Elton tribute, the fabulous Here’s Elton Band will appear, with Ralph Carey as Elvis and Russ Davis as Elton. The fair will be open every day through Columbus Day weekend, closing on Monday, Oct. 10. Weekends and Columbus Day the fair will open at 2 p.m. Weekdays it will open at 6 p.m.
Event Address: James J. Braddock Park-North Hudson County Park Bergen Line Ave, North Bergen | Accessible via rideshare, car, or bus
7. Smorgasburg Jersey City | Saturdays through October | Jersey City*
On Saturdays from spring through October, the new Smorgasburg brings delicious flavors and fun to Harborside JC (200 Greene Street)—and, with dozens of unique vendors, it’s a great way to try new cuisines. Vendor highlights include Bang Cookies, Knead Some Love, Crepe N Bake, Parish Po’ Boys, Rosie’s Empanadas, and more. Smorgasburg JC runs every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: 200 Greene St., Jersey City | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, NY Waterway to Harborside ferry terminal, or NJ Transit Light Rail to the Harborside Light Rail Station
8. 8th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival | October 1, 2022 | Jersey City
Celebrate diversity, community and the fall season at this year’s 8th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival! Experience the vibrant and diverse cultures of Jersey City. There will be an array of fun activities planned for the whole family, including pumpkin painting, arts & crafts, musical acts, dancers, and — of course — delicious food! This year, the Cultural Diversity Festival will be together with the Jersey City Harvest Festival on October 1st in Hamilton Park, Jersey City.
Event address: Hamilton Park, Jersey City | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, or walk (0.8 mi) from Newport PATH or LightRail station.
9. JC Harvest Festival | October 1, 2022 | Jersey City*
On October 2, the grounds of Jersey City’s City Hall will be filled with fall energy as the JC Harvest Festival 2022 commences. This fan-favorite festival, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., will feature an assortment of experiences: pumpkin decorating, an arts & crafts workshop for adults and kids with local art studio Luna De Papel, and a bouncy house. Even better? The event is free to attend (although several activities, such as the bouncy house, do require a paid ticket).
Event address: Hamilton Park, Jersey City | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, or walk (0.8 mi) from Newport PATH or LightRail station.
10. Hoboken Arts & Music Festival | October 2, 2022 | Hoboken*
Each fall and spring, Hoboken’s main drag, Washington Street, comes to life during the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival. The renowned Hoboken festival features everything from hands-on arts & crafts, local artisan markets with home goods and artwork, dozens of delicious food options, and live music with local and national artists.
Event address: Washington Street, between Observer Highway and 7th Street | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, PATH to Hoboken, or NY Waterway ferry to downtown Hoboken terminal
11. Hoboken Wellness Crawl | 2022 TBD | Hoboken
For a dose of wellness and self-care this fall, don’t miss the famed Hoboken Wellness Crawl on September 19 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This ticketed event winds through the best of Hoboken’s wellness attractions, shops, and venues. More than 100 businesses participate in the event, providing samples, swag, wellness consultations, and class passes, along the way. To join, grab a ticket and, on crawl day, start at your dedicated check-in spot. From here, you’ll get a virtual map, bracelet, goodie bag, and more. Peruse the many participating vendors on the Hoboken Wellness Crawl website.
Event address: Hoboken (each ticket has a dedicated check-in area) | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, or PATH Train or NY Waterway Ferry to Hoboken (uptown/ 14th Street or downtown Hoboken, depending on your ticket check-in location)
12. Hoboken Tea & Coffee Festival | 2022 TBD
Few destinations have a coffee culture as rich and welcoming as Hoboken; that’s why the city is launched its first annual Hoboken Tea & Coffee Festival in 2021. A production of the Hoboken Historical Museum, this festival, from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., will feature the city’s most beloved coffee brewers, with local author talks onsite. Talks will take place in the museum space (for $10 per ticket); while coffee-vendor displays and experiences will line the museum walkway. See the full lineup of speakers here.
Event address: Hoboken Historical Museum at 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken | Accessible via rideshare, car, bus, or NY Waterway ferry to Hoboken 14th Street (one block from the Hoboken ferry terminal)