12 Events To Kick-Start Fall

Grab a pumpkin spice latte and celebrate the new season in Bergen County.

Who says fun and games conclude at the end of summer? Certainly not Bergen! Our county has a mix of exciting events lined up for the first full weekend of fall. From seasonal festivals and hayrides to live music and road races, here’s your guide to what’s happening—because autumn weekends are meant to be savored.

Check out one or more of the following family-friendly events:

Sept. 26–28

• For a weekend of rides, games, fair food and more, head to the annual St. Peter’s Carnival in River Edge. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
• Looking for more carnival rides and games, food trucks, vendors, exhibits and demonstrations? All that and more is at the annual Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

Sept. 26

• Don’t just pet the animals at Demarest Farms, you can paint a watercolor of them too! Stop by the Hillsdale farm from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Paint and Sip at the Petting Zoo, where you and your friends can paint a masterpiece. Tickets are $45 and includes all painting materials; guests can bring their own beverages.
• Welcome the new season at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, which hosts an Asian Autumn Celebration featuring the AAPI Jazz Collective. The live musical performance takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and showcases jazz musicians and artists. Tickets are available online.

Sept. 27

• Start the first Saturday in fall with a good stretch. Yoga for the Soul at Bergen Town Center in Paramus is a free and easy way to reduce anxiety and stress while getting your blood flowing for the day. Bring your yoga mat to the level 4 parking garage at 9 a.m.
• Do you or your kids want to learn how to fish? New Jersey Audubon is hosting Fishing Basics starting at 10 a.m. at the Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. The hands-on, 90-minute program is part of Lorrimer’s Wilderness Skills Series. Register today online.
• Raise a glass and toast to the season during The Baron’s Oktoberfest at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Local brewers Hackensack Brewing, Brix City and Gearblock Brewing will be on hand while families can enjoy pumpkin picking and tours of the historic homes on site. The event is free to attend and runs from 1 to 6 p.m.
• Leonia is holding its annual Oktoberfest celebration at Wood Park from 3 to 9 p.m. The part includes live music, Bavarian dancers, clowns, face painting, a photo booth, Oktoberfest platters, sausages, chicken tenders, sandwiches, sweets, cider and craft beer by Hackensack Brewery. Purchase your tickets online.
• Enjoy music in nature when the Glen Rock Pops orchestra performs Woodland Musicale Encore at Glen Rock’s Thielke Arboretum. The 4 p.m. concert is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Sept. 28

• Before the Giants game at MetLife Stadium, enjoy breakfast during Legends Brunch with Bart Oates at Marcus Live! in American Dream mall. Feast on a delicious spread while you snap photos and get autographs from the former New York Giants player. The event takes place from 9 to 11 a.m., and tickets are available online.
• Feeling the Sunday scaries? Unwind at Hackensack’s Atlantic Street Park and soak up Sunday in the Garden, presented by Emanuel Christian Church. Everyone is welcome for free live music, refreshments (ice cream, bubble tea, empanadas), face painting and good vibes. The program begins at 11 a.m.
• Listen to the sounds of the annual Bergen All-Star Jazz Blast, part of the county’s free Music at the Barn concert series. Guests should bring their own chairs to the Wortendyke Barn Museum in Park Ridge for the 4 p.m. performance.

Be sure to tag us in your favorite photos from this weekend @bergenmagnj.