Skip the Summer Send-off: New Jersey’s Signature Season is Just Getting Started with ‘Locals’ Summer’ Offerings and Fall Seasonal Escapes

TRENTON, N.J. (August 12, 2026) – As travelers continue to extend summer getaways beyond Labor Day on September 7, the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT) is showcasing the Garden State’s diverse seasonal offerings, from a slower-paced “Locals’ Summer” at the Shore to fall escapes featuring charming downtowns, harvest traditions, and hands-on experiences. This year’s post-peak season provides new ways to explore New Jersey beyond the traditional summer months, with fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and a full calendar of seasonal events.

“New Jersey’s late summer to fall season is the perfect time to discover the many experiences that make our state a year-round destination,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, who oversees NJTT as Secretary of State. “This time of year brings new opportunities to enjoy New Jersey, from the Shore’s relaxed September pace to seasonal events, local businesses, and our many communities ready to welcome visitors throughout the fall.”

Savor Summer Longer at the Jersey Shore with Locals’ Summer
New Jersey’s Shore communities invite travelers to their region beyond the Labor Day holiday during “Locals’ Summer,” when warmer waters, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds create a relaxed way to enjoy the season. From National Beach Day on August 30 throughout September, destinations including Atlantic City, the Wildwoods, and Cape May provide opportunities for beach days, waterfront dining, outdoor recreation, and seasonal experiences along the coast, including Atlantic City’s historic boardwalk, the Wildwoods’ five miles of free beaches, and Cape May’s annual fall bird migration.

Find New Jersey’s Small Downtown Charm Beyond Summer Crowds
As travelers seek more authentic getaways, New Jersey’s small towns and coastal communities are experiencing renewed interest, reflecting a broader travel trend of “town-sizing,” choosing charming, walkable communities over larger, busier destinations. Visitors can explore welcoming main streets, local dining, outdoor activities, and seasonal traditions across the state, from Cape May’s Victorian architecture and North Wildwood’s seaside attractions to Haddonfield’s historic downtown and Chester’s village shops and fall experiences.

Celebrate Harvest Season with New Jersey’s Farms, Wineries, and Culinary Experiences

New Jersey’s farms, orchards, and vineyards celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage through harvest events and culinary experiences from September through October. Across the state, travelers can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, farmers markets, winery tastings, and farm-to-table experiences that showcase New Jersey’s local food and beverage scene, including seasonal programming at farms statewide and harvest celebrations at wineries throughout the South Jersey region. Those looking to extend their time outdoors this season can also find inspiration with Gardens of the Garden State, which highlights gardens, arboretums, and other scenic green spaces throughout New Jersey.

Dive into New Jersey’s Hands-On Adventures

Interactive and enriching experiences across New Jersey invite travelers to explore creative workshops, cultural attractions, and hands-on activities in urban communities and beyond. Visitors can try new activities through arts and crafts workshops in Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City, as well as immersive attractions at Liberty Science Center, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, and Adventure Aquarium.

Popular September and October 2026 Events across New Jersey

New Jersey’s fall calendar features a mix of harvest festivals, cultural celebrations, outdoor adventures, family-friendly traditions and college football rivalries taking place across the state.

September 2026

● Alstede Farms Festivals (Morris County): In early September and beyond, Alstede Farms hosts fall kickoff festivals and events featuring pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, hayrides, a giant corn maze, live music, farm activities, and fresh apple cider and cider donuts.

● Back Deck Concert Series (Morris County): Through September 10, the Morris Museum’s popular Back Deck Concert Series features outdoor performances in a relaxed setting, offering live music as summer transitions into fall.

● Pontoon Boat Tours (Bergen/Hudson County): Through September 29, complimentary guided pontoon boat tours led by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority offer visitors the chance to discover the Hackensack River. Along the way, guests can spot birds and wildlife while learning about the Meadowlands' remarkable environmental restoration and thriving urban ecosystem.

● Wildwoods Airshow (Cape May County): On September 12–13, the airshow features military and civilian aircrafts soaring above the Jersey Shore during one of New Jersey's signature aviation events. Set against the backdrop of the beach and boardwalk, the annual event delivers thrilling aerial performances while giving visitors another reason to extend summer at the Shore.

● Halsey Festival (Essex County): On September 17, Newark's celebrated arts and culture festival transforms the city’s Halsey Street into an interactive celebration of creativity featuring local artists, musicians, performers and community organizations.

● Boots at the Beach (Cape May County): Taking place September 18–19, the country music festival features live music, line dancing lessons, food and drinks, and family-friendly fun. The event brings the spirit of honky tonk to the Shore for a lively celebration by the beach.

● All About Downtown Street Fair (Hudson County): Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this beloved Jersey City tradition brings together more than 300 vendors, food trucks, live music, family activities and local businesses throughout the city's vibrant downtown on September 19. Drawing more than 30,000 visitors annually, the fair showcases the energy and creativity of one of New Jersey's fastest-growing destinations.

● Irish Fall Festival (Cape May County): From September 25 to 27, the festival celebrates Irish heritage with live music, dancing, traditional cuisine, cultural entertainment, and vendors during one of the East Coast's largest Irish festivals.

● Morristown Festival on the Green (Morris County): On September 27, one of northern New Jersey's premier fall events comes to life with living history demonstrations, local vendors, live entertainment, and community festivities in historic Morristown.

October 2026

● Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (Hudson County): For the 37th year, artists across Jersey City open studios, galleries, and creative spaces to the public during this citywide celebration of the arts October 1-4. Visitors can explore exhibitions, live performances, and installations while experiencing why Jersey City continues to thrive as one of New Jersey's premier arts destinations.

● The Race of Gentlemen (Cape May County): From October 2 to 4, vintage hot rods and motorcycles return to the beach for one of the country's most distinctive motorsports events. Drawing enthusiasts from across the nation, the event recreates the spirit of early American racing along the Jersey Shore.

● Monmouth University Homecoming Game (Monmouth County): On October 3, students and alumni can come together for Homecoming celebrations, including an alumni tailgate before the Hawks take on the Towson Tigers.

● Rutgers University Homecoming Game (Middlesex County): The Scarlet Knights take on the Indiana Hoosiers during the Homecoming football game at SHI Stadium on October 3. 

● Grand Harvest Wine Festival (Morris County): On October 3–4, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm welcomes visitors for a celebration of New Jersey's harvest season featuring local wineries, seasonal flavors, live entertainment and autumn festivities.

● Festival of Fine Craft at Wheaton Arts Millville (Cumberland County): From October 3 to 4, the festival event showcases work from nationally recognized artists while offering hands-on glassmaking demonstrations, artist workshops and interactive craft experiences. Attendees can also listen to live music with a selection of gourmet food vendors and specialty food trucks.

● Meadowlands Birding Festival (Bergen County): On October 4, bird enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy guided walks, expert talks, live raptor demonstrations, and educational programming at DeKorte Park, home to more than 300 bird species.

● Victorian Weekend (Cape May County): From October 9 to 12, this annual event celebrates the town’s Victorian heritage with historic home tours, elegant dinners, lectures, and architectural experiences set against the beauty of fall.

● Western Fall Festival (Essex County): On October 24, one of Newark’s signature fall festivals celebrates the harvest season with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and community programming.

● Princeton University Homecoming Game (Mercer County): Princeton’s Halloween Homecoming and University Day features a matchup between the Tigers and the Cornell Big Red on October 31.

For additional information on New Jersey travel experiences and seasonal offerings, visit VisitNJ.org.

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About New Jersey

New Jersey offers a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travelers and residents can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax-free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers a picturesque escape and dynamic opportunities for visitors from near and far. For more information, visit www.visitnj.org.

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