Fall Fun, And Chowderfest Returns: 5 Things To Do In NJ This Weekend

NEW JERSEY —Autumn is in full swing as we prepare to turn the calendar to October on Sunday, and there are plenty of seasonal events and fall favorites in New Jersey to check out.

Patch looked at the events calendar, and rounded up five things to do this weekend (Sept. 30 and Oct. 1) in New Jersey. Here are some ideas:

Chow down at the 34th annual Chowderfest

Are you a Chowder Champion? Dig into a bowl of clam chowder and enjoy a number of other fine food options, as well as wine and beer, while you browse vendors and enjoy live music — read more here on Patch.

• Taylor Ave Waterfront, Beach Haven
• Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tickets: Required for Chowder Cook-Off, not for the festival

Roll through NJ's railroad history

As part of NJ TRANSIT’s 40th anniversary of rail operations, train enthusiasts are invited to the Hoboken Terminal to view some of the agency’s iconic heritage locomotives and celebrate the state's railroad history. The event is free and will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday near Track 17.

Hoboken's twice-yearly Arts and Music Festival is also Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on lower Washington Street - read more here on Patch.

Celebrate everything 'Made in Jersey'

The Made In Jersey Festival returns to shine a light on the Garden State's crafters and creators, with local culinary options as well as pours from craft wine, beer and spirit businesses around the state. Local musicians from around the state including Matt Cappy, Living On A Bad Name, The Lenahan Band, and BStreetBand will perform, and there is also a kids' stage. It is free to attend.

• Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden
• Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Raise a glass (for four days straight) at Belford Brewing Oktoberfest

The 10th Annual 'Belftoberfest' started Thursday and runs through Sunday with games, competition, and German music along with a selection of local bier (ahem, beer) including Belftoberfest Märzenbier, Hefeweizen Bavarian Wheat Ale, and Dunkel Lager. For $20 you can purchase a ceramic mug with $6 stein fills all weekend long - read more here on Patch.

• Belford Brewing Company, Belford, Middletown Twp.
• Thursday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 1

Or, check out one of these ongoing fall events:

Fall Family Fun Weekends at Terhune Orchards

• 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
• Weekends beginning Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Festival at Wightman Farms

• Wightman Farms, Morristown
• Weekends Sept. 2 – Oct. 29 (weekends)

Oktoberfest at Six Flags

• Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
• Select dates Aug. 26 through Nov. 5