12 Fun Ways To Send Off Summer

Don’t let the season slip away just yet—these exciting events are the perfect excuse to get out and go.

We’ve been talking about the end-of-summer countdown, but the final weekend of the warm-weather season is officially upon us, as fall officially begins on the equinox, Sept. 22. This, of course, isn’t bad news: The next three days are packed with family-friendly happenings, from outdoor adventures and community celebrations to activities that will keep kids smiling and parents happily soaking up those moments.

So before school-year routines fully take over, make the most of the season’s grand finale. Here are a few great ways to get out, get together and enjoy one more summer weekend with the family.

Sept. 18

• For Friday night fun, the Bergen County Zoo is holding a Wine Safari in partnership with Partner in Wine. The zoo fundraiser will include an after-hours tour of the grounds, light snacks and refreshments and samples of three wines inspired by the animals’ native countries. The event starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are required.

Sept. 18–20

• Apple-picking season is underway at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, an ideal event for a family outing, friendly get-together and day date with a significant other. Make your reservation (weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and pick your own apples. Afterward, stop by the farm market for fresh cider donuts and warm up by the firepits.
• Celebrate autumn’s arrival with food, fun and festivities at the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival. For three days, Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park will boast carnival rides, a petting zoo, a farmers’ market, a craft fair, live music and entertainment, food trucks, exhibits and demonstrations, games and activities. Parking and admission are free. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
• For a smaller celebration, check out the Saint Anne Carnival in Fair Lawn. Enoy rides, games, face painting, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and more. Festivities take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
• It’s opening weekend of The Old Ladies Bar, the latest production by the Players Guild of Leonia. Stop by for a story that takes place over a hot and hazy weekend in which old friends gather over memories, unresolved conflicts, liquor, laughter and a whole lot of love. Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Can’t make it this weekend? Performances also will take place Sept. 25–27.

Sept. 19

• Lace up your running sneakers and head to Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford for the Autism Speaks Empower Walk + 5K Run. Registration for the event includes the walk and run, awards and resource fair. Registration opens at 8 a.m., which will be followed by the 5K at 9:15 and the walk at 10:30.
• Step into history at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, which is hosting a Civil War Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reenactors will set up on the grounds and show visitors how Civil War soldiers lived, trained and prepared for military operations. Families can explore exhibits, watch demonstrations, handle replica artifacts and more. Tickets are available online and on-site.
• Check out the works of more than 30 artists at Art in the Park, Ridgewood’s fine art fair in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can meet the artists, shop for their next treasure and enjoy live music.
• If you like chicken wings and cold brews, you’ll find some of the best at the Garden State Wings & Beer Festival at the Teaneck Armory. Local beer vendors will be pouring all day while visitors can feast on wings, enter a wing-eating contest and vote for who they think serve the best wings in New Jersey. For the young ones, there will be an Ultimate Adventure Zone for kids (additional fee applies). The fun takes place from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
• Discover the wonder of nature at the New Jersey Audubon’s Twig to Tonic: Birch Beer Workshop, happening at 3 p.m. at Franklin Lakes’ Lorrimer Sanctuary. Participants will walk through the grounds, learn how to identify birch trees, make birch beer concentrate and decorate bottles to take home. The program is intended for adults and children ages 12 and older with a chaperone. Register online.

Sept. 20

• Enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the autos at Joey’s Fund Charity Car Show at Closter Plaza in Closter. The event raises money for cancer research as well as other life-threatening diseases and will feature classic muscle cars, hot rods, high-powered imports, today’s exotics and more. There also will be face painting, a bouncy house, door prizes, raffles and other giveaways. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the fun.
• Browse more than 200 vendors at the annual Ridgewood Fall Craft and Art Street Fair, happening in downtown Ridgewood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you’re done shopping, be sure to fill up at the food court, watch demonstrations and enjoy games and activities.

How are you celebrating the final weekend of summer? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.