Fall is officially here in Barnegat, and there's no shortage of ways to make the most of it. From festivals and farmers markets to pumpkin patches, live music and other seasonal fun, October brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy what's happening close to home.
Here are some events and activities happening in and around Barnegat this October.
Dates, hours and other event details can change. Check with organizers before heading out.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 11, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 49 W. Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ
Raise a glass to fall at the Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival, returning to Heritage Park for two days of seasonal festivities. The festival brings together New Jersey wineries, live entertainment, food and artisan vendors, with guests welcome to bring chairs, blankets and pop-up tents to relax throughout the day. Wine sampling tickets are available for guests 21 and older, while nonsamplers and guests under 21 can attend for free.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17–Sunday, Oct. 18, noon–4 p.m.; VIP admission at 11 a.m.
Where: Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ
Celebrate Halloween alongside the animals during Boo at the Refuge, a two-day event at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, animal encounters, crafts, games and a costume parade and contest, along with opportunities to meet animal ambassadors. Adults can also enjoy Halloween cocktails and beer, with VIP ticket holders getting into the event an hour early.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25; 5K at 8:30 a.m., Little Monsters Dash around 9:45 a.m.
Where: Surf City Volunteer Fire Company #1, 713 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, NJ
Dress for the season and hit the streets of Surf City during the inaugural LBI Halloween Hustle, featuring a 5K run/walk and Little Monsters Dash for kids. The flat 5K course starts and finishes on North 7th Street near the firehouse, with costumes encouraged and a costume contest adding to the Halloween fun. The Little Monsters Dash follows the 5K awards ceremony, and proceeds benefit Surf City Volunteer Fire Company #1 and EMS.
When: Thursdays and Fridays through Oct. 30, 2–6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (also open Monday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Where: Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Spend a fall day on the farm during the Argos Farm Fall Festival, running on select days through the beginning of November. Visitors can explore the corn maze, pick pumpkins straight from the patch and enjoy live music, wagon rides, farm animals and more than 30 attractions, including a jumbo jumping pillow, cow train, hay slide and bee zip line. Pumpkins aren't included with admission, and visitors who only want to pick pumpkins don't need a general admission ticket.
When: Thursdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, 6–9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6–10 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 12, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
See Argos Farm in a different light during Jacks & Lights, its family-friendly nighttime Halloween experience. Thousands of carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate a glowing pumpkin trail, with additional attractions including a flashlight maze, pumpkin patch, photo opportunities and seasonal food and drinks; a "Spook-Easy" is also offered on select dates. The nighttime event runs separately from the farm's daytime Fall Festival, with timed tickets available online.
Looking for more things to do in Barnegat this fall? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.
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