13 Fun New Jersey Shore Fall Activities

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air sweeps in, New Jersey’s picturesque shorelines transform into a haven of fall delights. From Cape May to Spring Lake, the Jersey Shore Fall Festival season offers an array of exciting activities and events. Whether you’re a local or a visitor in search of the perfect New Jersey Shore vacation rental, this guide has you covered. Let’s explore 13 fantastic Jersey Shore Fall Festivals you won’t want to miss.

Cape May Victorian Weekend – Friday, October 6 through Monday, October 9

Step back in time and experience the charm of Victorian Cape May during the annual Victorian Weekend. This event will take place Friday October 6 – Monday, October 9. Enjoy historic house tours, trolley rides, and elegant teas amidst the stunning fall foliage.

Cape May Wine Trail

Discover the region’s finest wineries on the Cape May Wine Trail. The perfect fall weekend activity for wine lovers. Grab your best friends and head to sip on local wines while surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall. The seven Cape May wineries part of the Cape May Wine Trail include: Cape May Winery, G&W Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyard, Jessie Creek Winery, Natali Vineyards, Turdo Vineyards and Willow Creek Winery.

Plan to visit the Cape May Wine Trail during Cape May Victorian Weekend? Browse 400 Cape May New Jersey Shore vacation rentals here.

Wildwoods Food and Music Festival – October 8, 2023

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents a Food and Music Festival. This event takes place on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Featuring a full day of fantastic food options, music, shopping, and more. Wildwoods Food and Music Festival will take place in Downtown Wildwood starting at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood, NJ.

This fun event will include live music by Animal House, Basic Cable, and 99 Reasons, delicious food, craft vendors and much more. The festival is FREE to attend. 

North Wildwood Bonfire on the Beach – October 21, 2023, 6pm – 10pm

North Wildwood beach, 1st & Surf Ave. The Anglesea Irish Society & Greater Wildwood Jaycees want you to bring a chair and a blanket, and enjoy the 13th Annual Bonfire on the Beach Saturday, October 21 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Admission is $10 (Kids under 12 are $2). Musical entertainment will be provided. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase. Rain date is November 4. For more information click here.

Stone Harbor Savor September in October –  Saturday, October 21 at 11am

The 8th Annual Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival, hosted by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, has been rescheduled due to weather. Now planned for on Saturday, October 21st, from 11 am until 5 p.m. The festival’s location is the downtown shopping district along Stone Harbor’s 96th Street. Attendees can relish tastings provided by local wineries and breweries, savor delectable cuisine from nearby restaurants and vendors, all while enjoying live performances by local musicians. Lastly, don’t forget to take leisurely walk to explore the talented artisans and engaging demonstrations taking place throughout the day. 

Sea Isle City’s Harvest Classic: October 21, 2023, 10am-3pm

Looking for a day full of fall fun? Look no further than the Sea Isle City Harvest Classic! Enjoy Live Music by Glenn Roberts Band, hayrides on the beach, pumpkin decorating, kids coloring stations, local vendors market. In addition to the fun, enjoy the friendly competitions of a pie baking contest, the South Jersey Boardriders Surf Contest, and a scarecrow contest!  Check out our growing number of Sea Isle City Rentals Shore Summer Rentals Introduces Sea Isle City Rentals!

Indian Summer Weekend and Ocean City, NJ Fall Block Party

Kicking off with Ocean City’s premier autumn event – the Fall Block Party is set for October 7, 2023, between 9am to 5pm. There will be over 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers lining a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between 5th and 14th Streets. The Ocean City, NJ block party helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for Columbus Day Weekend. Celebrate Indian Summer in Ocean City with a weekend full of entertainment, including a boardwalk block party, a seafood festival, and the Woof ‘n Paws Pet Fashion Show. A crowd favorite every year, the Indian Summer Weekend celebration runs from October 7th through October 9th, 2023. In addition, this weekend features table sales by downtown and boardwalk merchants with discounted merchandise. You can shop till you drop between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue throughout the weekend.

LBI’s 34th annual Chowderfest: Saturday, September 30, 2023: 10am – 6pm

If you’re a food lover or have a hankering for seafood, you wont want to miss LBI’s Chowderfest. This fantastic event unfolds along the picturesque Taylor Avenue Waterfront in Beach Haven from 10 am to 6 pm. The best part? It’s completely free to enter, ensuring it’s open to everyone. Immerse yourself in the sounds of great live bands and explore the offerings of local vendors. There’s no better place to savor a wide array of delectable food and and chowder. Additionally, the event boasts a family-friendly ambiance with plenty of activities, leashed pets included! 

Looking for a vacation rental for Chowderfest? View nearly 600 LBI NJ Shore rentals here. Be sure to check calendars and contact hosts directly for Chowderfest availability.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Boo at the Boardwalk – October 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th from 12-4pm each day 

Boo at the Boardwalk is back October 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th from 12-4pm each day. This family-friendly Halloween event right on the beach and boardwalk invites the entire family to enjoy crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, underwater pumpkin carving, and more!

Brigantine 2023 Goodbye Summer Bonfire – September 30, 2023

Join Brigantine Chamber of Commerce for a bonfire on the beach at 26th Street. This event will be hosted on September 30, 2023 at 6:30pm. Enjoy s’mores, live music by Petty Cash, and a relaxing bonfire under the stars with your beach chairs and blankets. 

Can’t make it to the Goodbye Summer Bonfire? Bonfires are not legal in most shore towns. However, they are permited at Island Beach State Park. Pack up the s’mores and firewood for the perfect beachside evening.

Fall Fishing: 

October marks the peak season for fishing along the Jersey Shore. It’s the perfect time to test your angling skills as the fish make their way south for the winter. Fall fishing brings active striped bass, bluefish, and even hungry shark species as the temperatures drop. Additionally, you can expect to catch tuna, albacore, mahi-mahi, and bonito in the Mud Hole. Reel from the coast or book with a local fishing charter for an exciting fishing experience.

Lighthouse Challenge – October 21 – 22, 2023

Every year, during the third weekend of October, the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey comes to life. This unique event invites participants to undertake a thrilling quest within the span of a two-day weekend. During the challenge, guests will be visiting 10 lighthouses,  3 lifesaving stations, 1 museum, and 1 virtual site.  The challenge route spans the scenic Atlantic Coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May.  Embark on this adventure and enjoy the rich history of NJ’s cherished lighthouses while enjoying the cool crisp fall breeze. 

The Witches of Spring Lake Paddle for a Cause – October 14, 2023 at 10am

Witches and warlocks are making a comeback in Spring Lake for a magical paddle event. Mark your calendar for October 14, 2023, at 10:00 am (with a rain date of October 15, 2023, at 10 am). This year, all proceeds will benefit the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, helping create a safe, nurturing environment for child abuse victims.

Now that you’re excited about these fantastic fall activities along the Jersey Shore, it’s time to secure the perfect NJ Shore vacation rental directly with a host of one of over 1,900 New Jersey Shore vacation rentals listed on ShoreSummerRentals.com. With accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious beachfront properties, you’ll have the ideal base for your autumn adventures.

Whether you’re drawn to the history of Cape May, NJ, the lively atmosphere of Ocean City, NJ or the tranquility of Spring Lake, the New Jersey Shore offers something for everyone during the Fall season. Pack your bags and plan your itinerary to make unforgettable memories along the stunning New Jersey Shore this Fall!