10 Things That Should Be On New Jerseyans' Calendar This September

September is always a busy month as New Jerseyans return to school and work routines, and 2025 is no exception.

If it’s not a meeting with your kids’ teachers, it’s a football game or fall musical. If it’s not an imposing deadline at work, out-of-town business trips, and demands on your volunteer time.

Don’t forget to schedule date night, family day, or even “you” time before the usually mild month of September slips away.

To help you fill out your calendar, we’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss events from around New Jersey:

Fall Music Series

• When: Sept. 6 (1 p.m.)
• Where: On the green at Palmer Square (40 Nassau Street, Princeton)
• Details: Celebrate the fall season with live music every Saturday afternoon on the green. Attendees can also enjoy al fresco dining, local shops and more.

Raritan Food Truck Festival

• When: Sept. 6 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Where: Washington School Park, Raritan
• Details: The Raritan Borough Fire Department will be hosting their second annual Food Truck & Music Festival with 18 gourmet food trucks, kids activities, vendors and more.
• Admission: Attendees are asked to bring a canned or boxed food item to support the local food pantry.

52nd Annual Rose Squared Fall Chester Craft Show

• When: Sept. 6-7
• Where: 134 Main Street, Chester
• Details: See unique and inspired handcrafted works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry and more at this annual craft show in the heart of Historic Chester.
• Admission: $6 admission ($1 off with postcard or email) benefiting the Historic Chester Business Association.

Rocktoberfest

• When: Sept. 13 (12-10 p.m.)
• Where: Taylor Park (100 Main Street, Millburn)
• Details: Rocktoberfest is a music festival fundraiser featuring live music, food, drinks, shopping and activities for the entire family. The event showcases over 30 music bands/solo artists playing on multiple stages throughout the day and into the night.
• Admission: The event is a community-building fundraiser, with proceeds from the day’s event benefitting the Millburn Education Foundation.

Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival

• When: Sept. 13 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Where: The Flying W Airport (Medford, NJ)
• Details: Enjoy live music, drink tastings and samples, plus various food trucks at the Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival.
• Admission: Tickets are required and start at $20. Attendees 12 and under are free. Sales end on Sept. 13.

Fall Harvest Festival

• When: Sept. 20 & 21 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Where: The Historic Village at Allaire (4263 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township)
• Details: Explore the village, enjoy seasonal entertainment, crafters, historical demonstrations and more at the village’s Fall Harvest Festival.
• Admission: $10 per person ($5 for those 4-12 years old, three years old and under are free)

The Newark PorchFest

• When: Sept. 20 (12-6 p.m.)
• Where: Forest Hill (adjacent to Essex County Branch Brook Park)
• Details: For the Forest Hill Historic District’s 6th celebration of community arts, attendees will be able to enjoy KidsFest (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.), a variety of artists, food trucks and more for PorchFest from 12-6 p.m.

South Orange Downtown Beer Fest

• When: Sept. 20 (2-6 p.m.)
• Where: 12 Sloan Street, South Orange Village
• Details: Sample craft beers from regional breweries, savor bites from local food vendors, and enjoy games, music and more at South Orange Downtown's Beer Fest.
• Admission: The event is 21+ and proceeds benefit programs that support small businesses and enhance community spaces in South Orange Downtown. Tickets are required.

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival

• When: Sept. 20 & 21
• Where: Warren County Community College
• Details: Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors, live bands, tethered rides, a mass balloon launch and more at this Warren County festival.
• Admission: Tickets are $10 per adult, $4 for kids ages 4-12, and free for kids three years old and under online through Sept. 19.

Sea Turtle Brunch

• When: Sept. 21 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
• Where: Picatinny Arsenal, Wharton
• Details: Sea Turtle Recovery is hosting its annual Brunch Buffet to help save threatened and endangered sea turtles. The fundraising event will feature a buffet, presentations, a silent auction, live music and more.
• Admission: Tickets are required and start at $59.30 (including a $4.30 fee). Ticket sales end Sept. 4 at 11:59 p.m.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!