• Atlantic Visiting Nurse Rummage Sale, Far Hills, 9:30AM - 3:30PM
  The Atlantic Visiting Nurse Rummage Sale returns to the Far Hills Fairgrounds October 3–5, bringing shoppers from across New Jersey to explore 25 departments of clothing, furniture, antiques, and more. Running for over a century, the sale spans nearly two acres, draws more than 10,000 attendees annually, and is powered by 400 volunteers—all while supporting a vital community cause. Admission is free, more info here
• South Brunswick Jazz Café Concert, Monmouth Jct, 7:15PM
  The South Brunswick Jazz Café kicks off October with Dave Orban & the Mojo Gypsies on Friday, October 3, at 8 p.m. at the South Brunswick Municipal Complex. Known for their lively mix of jazzy blues, old-school R&B, and a touch of New Orleans funk, the high-energy quartet—led by New Jersey Blues Hall of Famer Dave Orban—promises a night of toe-tapping music. Admission is $6 at the door, with light refreshments included and BYOB, more info here
• Helen Mazur Opening Reception, Princeton, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
  The Present Day Club in Princeton will host the opening reception for "Happiness Is," a new exhibit of vibrant oil and acrylic paintings by Helene, on Friday, October 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. The show, featuring landscapes and still lifes created over the past year, will also be open for viewing on Fridays throughout October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The reception is free to everyone, and located at 72 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey.
• Spirits on the Square, Princeton, 4:00 - 6:00PM
  Palmer Square in Princeton is bringing festive spirit to Fridays in October with themed happy hours, shopping specials, and live music. From 4 to 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy fall treats and deals, with shops staying open until 8:30 p.m. Live performances follow from 5 to 7 p.m., including Alice Marie on violin (Oct. 3), the Erik Daab Trio (Oct. 10), and The Fast Ant and Dougie Dog Duo (Oct. 17). The kickoff evening on October 3 also features spooky pop-up dancers from Princeton Ballet School. More info here
• Garden State Watercolor Society Exhibition, Princeton, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
  The Garden State Watercolor Society will open its 55th Annual Juried Exhibition, This Land is Your Land, with a reception and awards ceremony on Friday, October 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton. Featuring 83 artists’ interpretations of the iconic theme, the exhibition runs through January 4, 2026.  Registration is required, and can be found here

• Fall Harvest Days @ Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough, 10:00AM - 4:45PM
  Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough is kicking off Fall Harvest Days, a family-friendly celebration packed with hayrides, corn mazes, a Kids’ Corner, and a scenic pumpkin patch with over 60 varieties to choose from. Visitors can enjoy farm tours with animals from alpacas to donkeys, feast on burgers and cider donuts at Café 120, and shop seasonal goods at the market. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here 
• North Brunswick Heritage Day, North Brunswick, 3:00PM
  North Brunswick will celebrate its Annual Heritage Day on Saturday, October 4, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Community Park, with a rain date of October 5. The free family-friendly festival features rides for kids, a beer garden, diverse food and business vendors, live music, and a fireworks display to close out the night. Free to attend, more info here
• Unruly Sounds Festival, Princeton, 12:00 - 5:00PM
  Unruly Sounds Festival returns to Hinds Plaza for its ninth year, showcasing original music by local composers, Princeton University graduate students, and area musicians. Curated by Mika Godbole of Mantra Percussion, the all-day event features a mix of post-classical and contemporary sounds, with performances by artists including Olivier Tarpaga, Owen Lake and the Tragic Love, and Jacqui Kerrod. Free to attend, more info here
• Princeton University Eating Clubs Tour, Princeton, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
  Author Clifford Zink will lead a Princeton University Eating Clubs walking tour on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at Colonial Club on Prospect Avenue. The program highlights the architecture and history of the 16 Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, with the chance to step inside one of the clubs. Advance tickets are required at $20 per person, and copies of Zink’s book The Princeton Eating Clubs will be available at a discount, tickets available here
• Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, Bridgewater, All Day
  Bridgewater Commons will host the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival from October 4–12, featuring a dazzling display of 15 handmade lanterns up to 10 feet tall throughout the mall. The celebration, organized by the Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange, includes a live music and dance performance on opening day and lantern-making workshops for families on select dates. The event highlights Chinese culture while fostering community unity and harmony.  More info here
• Westfield Street Fair, Westfield, All Day
  Westfield will host its Annual Street Fair & Craft Show in downtown Westfield, inviting families for a full day of food, rides, live music, DJ performances, and shopping from artists, crafters, and vendors. Admission is free, making it a lively community event filled with entertainment and local creativity.
• Matawan Fall Festival, Terhune Park, 12:00 - 5:00PM
  The Matawan Chamber of Commerce is hosting it's annual Matawan Day on Saturday. Free for all to attend, this event will feature live music, games, food trucks, and over 100 local vendors serving their wares. Rain date will be held Sunday. More information here
  
  

• Somerville Street Fair & Craft Show, Somerville, All Day
  Downtown Somerville will come alive with the Annual Somerville Street Fair & Craft Show, offering a full day of family fun with arts and crafts, food, rides, live music, and DJ performances. The free-admission event showcases local artists, vendors, and unique finds, making it a highlight of the fall season for the community.
• Free Family Fall Festival, Lawrence Township, 3:00 - 6:30PM
  School of Rock Princeton will host a Free Family Fall Festival on Sunday, October 5, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event at 1761 Princeton Avenue in Lawrence Township will feature live performances by student musicians, family activities and games, food from local vendors, and special anniversary offers for new families. Admission is free and open to the community, more info here
• Mercer Rowing Oktoberfest, , 4:00PM
  The Mercer Rowing Club will host its 15th Annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 5, starting at 4 p.m. The 21+ celebration, open to Mercer families and alumni will feature dinner provided on-site, with guests encouraged to bring their own beverages.  Tickets are $30, and the proceeds go towards supporting the club. More info here
• Fall Family Day, Princeton, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
  Morven Museum & Garden will host its Fall Family Day on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, offering seasonal activities like scavenger hunts in the historic mansion, fall-themed story time at 11 a.m., leaf art, and garden harvesting. Snacks and cider will be provided, and admission is $5, with free entry for children under 10 and Morven Members. The event takes place rain or shine. More info here