9 Family-Fun Events To Start October

Soak up sunshine and good vibes at Bergen’s fall fairs, festivals and shows.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Events To Start October

The first weekend of October is shaping up to be a warm one, and we’re ready to make the most of it. With fall festivals in full swing and harvest season vibes everywhere, a little sunshine only adds to the fun!

Whether you’re in the mood for bustling downtowns, delicious eats or a few festive scares, gather your crew or the whole family and explore these can’t-miss happenings across Bergen County.

Oct. 3–5

  • Bergen’s favorite haunted attraction is back at Darlington Lake County Park in Mahwah. Don’t miss a chance to take a ride on Pantophobia’s haunted hayride, The Wrath of Cyrus Grain: Terror on the Trail. Start off the spookiest month of the year with shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 4

  • Head to Ridgefield Park’s Main Street for the Downtown Music Fest and Street Fair, an event filled with gourmet food trucks, kids activities and, of course, non-stop live music. Browse more than 100 vendors and merchants and enjoy a block party atmosphere. The fun starts at 10 a.m.
  • At the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, enjoy a historical and spirited Oktoberfest with fun for the whole family. In addition to German food and drinks, there also will be live music, face painting, pumpkin painting and clowns to keep everyone entertained. Everything kicks off at noon. Tickets are available online and in-person.
  • Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at Kennedy Field in Norwood. This community event is kid friendly and filled with crafts, Bhangara, Bollywood and Garba dance lessons, music and food. The program is open to all and aims to share Indian and South Asian culture with the entire community. This event starts at 3 p.m.

Oct. 5

  • Start a warm October Sunday at the Thielke Arboretum Fishing Derby, happening at the Thielke Arboretum in Glen Rock. This event is open to children ages 5 to 16 (kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult), and two time slots are available: 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Prizes will be given out for both the biggest and smallest fish caught. Online registration is required.
  • Want community, food, music and lots of animals? Stop by the Bergen County Zoo starting at 10 a.m. for Pride at the Bergen County Zoo, a celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. The event is included with a ticket to the zoo, and includes activities for all ages, food trucks and more.
  • Westwood’s Veterans Park will be transformed into a seasonal wonderland during the Harvest Fest Craft Fair & Antique Corner. Check out more than 125 vendors and artisans, plus all your favorite fair foods and fantastic autumn vibes. The fair begins at 10 a.m.
  • If you’re looking for some seriously cool rides, both modern and vintage, look no further than the Joey’s Fund Charity Car Show at Closter Plaza in Closter, which begins at 10 a.m. Proceeds for this event benefit charities that ease the burden of families with children fighting cancer and other diseases.
  • Now in its sixth year, Hackensacktoberfest in Hackensack promises to be bigger than ever before. Enjoy a day at Atlantic Street Park filled with craft beers, delicious bites, live music, a vendor market and more. Plus, take the opportunity to stroll through downtown Hackensack for the perfect place for dinner to close out the weekend. This event kicks off at 1 p.m.

What are you doing this weekend? Be sure to tag us in all your best moments over on Instagram @bergenmagnj!

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life