Tiffany Knows Fall: New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Farms

By Tiffany Slowinski · September 15, 2026

I have three daughters, so I have been going to New Jersey fall festivals for years.

The second September hits, we put away the pool bag and start looking for pumpkin spice lattes, cider donuts and a farm where everyone will cooperate for one decent picture.

At this point, I know there is a big difference between a farm with a few pumpkins and a place worth loading everyone into the car to visit. Some offer a simple pumpkin patch and hayride. Others have giant corn mazes, farm animals, live music, seasonal food, games and enough going on to fill an entire afternoon.

Those are the places we focused on here.

There is one thing to know before you go. Some of New Jersey’s most popular fall festivals get incredibly crowded. A charming afternoon can quickly become 45 minutes looking for parking, another line for the hayride and an unnecessary family argument before anyone even gets a donut.

Go early when you can. Buy tickets online if they are offered. Weekdays are usually much easier, although you may not get every activity available on the weekend. Always check the farm’s current hours and ticket requirements before leaving home.

We researched fall festivals and pumpkin farms across New Jersey, with the deepest coverage in North and Central Jersey. We also included South Jersey destinations that offer enough to justify the trip.

Whether you want an easy afternoon with younger kids, a full family day or something that works for date night, this guide will help you find the right fall experience without opening 17 tabs first.

Tiffany’s Fall Festival Short List

If you want to skip straight to the standouts, start here:

• Happy Day Farm in Manalapan for photo opportunities and a full fall-festival experience
• Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon for the biggest selection of family activities
• Snyder’s Farm in Somerset for an easy Central Jersey fall day
• Skylands Stadium in Augusta for illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and nighttime fun
• Von Thun Farms in South Brunswick for a corn maze, hayrides and more than 30 activities
• Alstede Farms in Chester for pumpkin picking during the day and Harvest Moon Nights after dark

How We Selected These Fall Festivals

To be included, a destination needed to offer more than a basic farm stand or a few pumpkins sitting next to the parking lot. We looked for places with several seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, live entertainment, food, games or nighttime experiences.

This is not a ranking. The best choice depends on where you live, who you are bringing and whether your ideal fall day involves farm animals, hard cider or getting hopelessly lost in a corn maze.

Dates, hours, activities and ticket requirements can change during the season. Check the festival’s official website before heading out.

This guide is part of @TiffanyKnowsNJ, where I share the places, experiences and local finds worth knowing across the Garden State.