Dogs On The Boardwalk, Food Expo: Check Out These Weekend Events In NJ

NEW JERSEY — There is fall fun aplenty this weekend in the Garden State, even if Saturday is forecast to start a little rainy. Dress your pup up for Halloween, get your pumpkin ready for a parade, or chow down on some local food.

Here's what we found on the calendar this weekend (Oct. 21 and 22) in New Jersey.

Dog Day and Howl-O-Ween Parade, Cape May Co.

Dogs get their day on the Boardwalk this weekend, including a parade and a "Pet of the Year" competition. Also, there will be dog-specific vendors and photo-op stations available.

• Date and time: Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parade is Saturday at 3 p.m.
• Location: Ocean City
• Cost: Free; registration has ended for parade participants.
• More info: Click here.

Vail Pumpkin Illumination, Morris Co.

The family fun festival featuring art demonstrations, live music and illuminated pumpkins will spark up the "spooky season" at the Vail Mansion in Morristown. According to event organizers, guests are encouraged to bring their carved pumpkins to light at dusk. There will also be live music and an art workshop, as well as a luminary parade.

• Date and time: Sunday, Oct. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Location: Vail Mansion, 10 South Street, Morristown.
• Cost: Free.
• More info: Click here.

The Great Food Expo, New Jersey Expo Center

Foodies wanted for this smorgasbord of vendors: Shop more than 50 booths and bring home some new flavors from emerging artisan and small-batch brands, while also sampling some of the food and drink and maybe even picking up some cooking tips.

• Date and time: Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: New Jersey Expo Center, Edison
• Cost: $10, but you can claim a free ticket from ShopRite while supplies last.
• More info: Click here.

Gloucester Township Food & Craft Beer Festival, Camden Co.

Enjoy craft beer or wine from local breweries and wineries, and listen to music while you stroll along the pike and browse the food truck vendors ready to serve up their specialties.

• Date and time: Saturday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. (Rain date Sunday)
• Location: 15 S Black Horse Pike, Blackwood
• Cost: Free.
• More info: Click here.

Middletown Day celebration, Middletown

Enjoy a family fun day of food trucks, live music, craft and art vendors, first responder touch-a-trucks, children's inflatables and games and other entertainment. Stop by the Car Show to cast your vote for coolest car, say hello to Crunchy the Dinosaur, or get your caricature done by the children's games.

• Date and time: Sunday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo
• Cost: Free
• More info: Click here.