Fall Fest, Diwali Celebrations: NJ Weekend Events

NEW JERSEY — After many rainy weekends, and the first taste of cold weather this week, Garden State residents will welcome a dry and pleasant forecast for this first weekend in November.

There are fall festivals and celebrations, as well as some local concerts and fundraisers. Patch took a look at the events calendar, and found a few events for those looking for something to do this Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 4 and 5).

Hoofy’s Fall Fest in Barnegat

The fourth annual Hoofy Fest, in honor of the late Officer Alex Hoffman, raises money for a scholarship fund in his name. Mom and dad can enjoy local breweries and wine vendors, while kids can have fun with a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games and more.

• Date and time: Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Location: 11 Birdsall Street, Barnegat
• Tickets: None needed
• More info: https://patch.com/new-jersey/barnegat-manahawkin/poor-forecast-postpones-barnegats-hoofy-fest

Jay Sean headlines Diwali celebration, Edison

Jay Sean's performance is scheduled at 5:30 p.m., followed by diya lighting at 6:50 p.m., fireworks at 7:15 p.m., and a musical performance by Prudhvi Chandra featuring Sumangaly with MLive Band. Attendees can also enjoy a kid’s zone, food and retail vendors, with 65,000 lights on display.

• Date and time: Nov. 4 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Location: Papaianni Park, Edison
• Tickets: None needed
• More info: https://patch.com/new-jersey/edison-metuchen/jay-sean-will-headline-edisons-2nd-annual-diwali-celebration-saturday

Holiday Gifts, Crafts and Collectibles Faire in Toms River

"In addition to over 80 vendor tables, there will be historical and cultural displays, baked goods for sale, a used book sale, our popular 50-50, and much more."

• Date and time: Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Toms River High School South cafeteria
• Tickets: None needed
• More info: https://oceancountyhistory.org/events/

‘Barbiefest’ and breast cancer fundraiser in Haddon Twp.

A South Jersey bar encourages attendees to wear their best Barbie and Ken costumes, with prizes available for the best dressed. Twenty percent of "Dine & Donate" proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society's initiatives for breast cancer research, patient advocacy and support.

• Date and time: Nov. 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: Keg & Kitchen (90 Haddon Ave.)
• Tickets: None needed.
• More info: https://patch.com/new-jersey/haddon/barbiefest-coming-haddon-township-bar

5K in honor of NJ soldier killed in Iraq, Holmdel

The seventeenth annual “Run with Dennis” 5K honors Lt. Dennis Zilinski II of Middletown, who was killed while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2005. The Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center will be open after the run.

• Date and time: Nov. 5, race beginning at 10 a.m. with a ceremony and tribute to Dennis and all active-duty soldiers and veterans at 8:50 a.m.
• Location: PNC Arts Center, Holmdel
• Tickets: Registration for the 5K will be open the day of the race.
• More info: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/middletown-soldier-killed-iraq-war-honored-5k-run-walk-sunday