Fall is officially here in Hillsborough, 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 Hillsborough this October.
Dates, hours and other event details can change. Check with organizers before heading out.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; registration at 8:30 a.m., parade at 9 a.m.
Where: Ann Van Middlesworth Dog Park, 570 Pleasant View Road, Hillsborough, NJ
Dress up your favorite four-legged family member for Hillsborough Parks and Recreation's Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest. The free event features a costumed dog parade, vendors and prizes, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. before the parade starts at 9 a.m. at the pavilion. Participating dogs must remain leashed, be spayed or neutered and show no signs of aggression.
When: Monday, Sept. 28–Monday, Oct. 26; awards ceremony Oct. 26, 4:30–6 p.m.
Where: Hillsborough Municipal Complex, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ
See the community's creativity on display during the annual Hillsborough Scarecrow Festival, which this year celebrates America's 250th anniversary. Scarecrows created by residents, businesses, organizations and other community groups will line the front of the Municipal Complex, with visitors able to vote for their favorites online. The festival culminates Oct. 26 with a free family event featuring children's activities, seasonal refreshments, face painting, balloon animals, a DJ and photo booth, followed by the awards presentation at 5:30 p.m.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 4–6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Somerville, Somerville, NJ
Head to nearby Somerville for a free afternoon of Halloween fun during the Halloween Spooktacular. Families can trick-or-treat downtown, paint pumpkins on the Courthouse lawn and enjoy entertainment throughout the event. Other activities include a 360-degree photo booth on Division Street and appearances by costumed characters, with a trick-or-treat candy map coming closer to the event.
When: Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 1; Fridays and Saturdays, 7–10 p.m.; Sundays, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Norz Hill Farm, 120 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ
Prepare for one last season of scares at Scare Farm at Norz Hill Farm, marking its 20th and final year. The nighttime experience combines two haunted walking trails and two hayrides for an outdoor journey through the farm after dark. The scares begin at 7 p.m. each night; advance tickets are available online for specific dates and arrival times.
When: Mondays through Saturdays through Nov. 7; weekdays, 3–4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where: Abma's Farm, 282 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, NJ
Make a day of classic fall activities with the Fall Fun Package at Abma's Farm. The ticketed experience includes a round-trip hayride to the pumpkin patch, a full-size corn maze and shorter Popcorn Trail for younger visitors, pumpkin patch access and admission to the Petting Zoo; pumpkins are purchased separately by weight. Advance tickets are required for ages 2 and older and can be purchased online.
Looking for more things to do in Hillsborough this fall? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.
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