• The Fall NJ Gem Show, Edison, 12:00 - 8:00PM
  Hart Events’ Fall NJ Gem Show opens today at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison, bringing five days of sparkling treasures, rare minerals, and hands-on fun for all ages. Visitors can shop museum-quality gems, meet experts, and enjoy activities from geode cracking to gemstone panning, plus kid-friendly digs and treasure-making crafts. The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 12, with evening hours midweek and free parking for all attendees. Tickets start at $10 for individuals and can be purchased here
• Pumpkin Carving, Hopewell, Various
  Hopewell Valley’s beloved Carve festival returns for its 11th year at Woolsey Park this weekend, showcasing more than 30 massive 150-pound pumpkins carved by local artists. Visitors can enjoy live music, artisan pizza, ice cream, a beer garden, fire pits, and family-friendly activities like face painting and mini-pumpkin decorating. With evening illuminations under the big-top and a festive fall atmosphere, it’s one of the region’s most anticipated autumn events. Tickets start at $20 for adults, and can be purchased here
• Gallery Opening: Little Museums, Princeton, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  Meta Dunkly Arnold’s Little Museums: Opening Doors on Art History  comes to the Art Council of Princeton, bringing interactive, mixed-media creations to life, with the centerpiece The Ladies’ Art Museum imagining women artists from across centuries in dialogue about portraits of women. Using discarded materials as treasures and kinetic elements like swinging panels and magnets, Arnold invites viewers to explore her creative worlds and reconsider how museums make learning visible. Free to attend, more info about the opening here
• Stargazing at the Simpson Observatory, Trenton, 6:15PM
  Stargazers are invited to a special extended star talk this Friday, Oct. 10, at 6:15 p.m. in the Planetarium, featuring an exploration of deep sky objects visible that night. Afterward, attendees will head to Washington Crossing State Park for telescope viewing at the Simpson Observatory with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton. Free to attend, but dress warmly, more info + directions here

• Forest Lodge Oktoberfest, Warren, 11:00AM - 6:00PM
  Forest Lodge in Warren is holding it's annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 11. The all-day celebration promises live German music, hearty food, craft beers, and rides for all ages, alongside more than 20 local vendors. Admission is $10, with free entry for kids under 10, available for purchase here
• Somerset County's Journey Through the Past, Somerset, All Day
  Somerset County’s 20th annual Journey Through the Past returns this weekend, Oct. 11 - 12, offering free access to 33 historic sites across the county. Families can explore Somerset’s Revolutionary War roots, take part in living history demonstrations, and join the new Passport Program to collect stamps and win prizes. With unique artifacts, tours, and hands-on learning for all ages, the event celebrates two decades of connecting the community with its rich local heritage. More info here
• Unionville Harvest Celebration, Ringoes, 12:00 - 5:00PM
  Unionville Vineyards will celebrate the 2025 harvest with wine, live music, and local food this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 12 to 5 p.m. The free, family-friendly event in Ringoes features performances by Free Soil, Italian fare from Antimo’s Food Truck, and guided vineyard walks. Guests can toast the end of the grape harvest surrounded by the scenic hills of the Amwell Valley, where Unionville’s preserved farmland continues to thrive as one of New Jersey’s premier vineyards. More info here
• Diwali Celebration, Princeton, 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  MarketFair Mall will host a lively Diwali Celebration from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in Center Court. In partnership with SR Mosaic, the free event features traditional music and dance performances, crafts, photo ops, and festive treats, plus complimentary gift bags for the first 100 families. Attendance is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a used coat to donate to the Share the Warmth Coat Drive. More info here
• Art Show @ Golden Nugget Flea Market, Lambertville, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
  The Golden Nugget Flea Market is hosting a one day Art show from 10 - 3PM. Come see art pieces of all kinds created by local vendors, from paintings and photography to sculptures and much more! There are also two restaurants on site in case you get hungry. Free to attend, more info here
• Princton Skating Club Open House, Princeton, 11:15AM - 1:00PM
  The Princeton Skating Club will host an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Princeton Day School rink, 650 Great Road. Families are invited to learn about club membership and group lessons while enjoying a free skating session - complete with complimentary skate rentals for all participants. Free to attend, more info here

• HungaRhythm, New Brunswick, 12:30PM
  The Magyar Reformed Church in New Brunswick will host HungaRhythm: A Celebration o'f Hungarian Folk Music & Dance on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 12:30 p.m. This free concert features the lively Fészer Band and guest dancers from the Csűrdöngölő Folk Ensemble, offering an energetic showcase of Hungary’s musical and dance traditions. Attendees can also enjoy a community reception beforehand, celebrating culture, connection, and the joy of heritage. This event is free to attend (donations are welcome), and more info can be found here
• 3rd Annual Art in the Courtyard, Princeton, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
  Princeton Makes will host the 3rd Annual Art in the Courtyard Festival on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating local creativity and community. Guests can browse and buy original works from area artists, enjoy live music, and participate in interactive art experiences. The event highlights Princeton’s vibrant arts scene and invites all ages to connect with local makers and cultural organizations.  More info here
• Free Chamber Concert, Princeton, 2:30PM
  The Unitarian Church of Princeton will host a free chamber concert this Sunday, Oct. 12, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 50 Cherry Hill Road. The program, presented by Belle Mead Friends of Music, features works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Ginastera, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, performed by pianists Lew Coopersmith, Frances Slade, Mina Perry, and Rosanne Nahass, with violinist Burgel Zomorodi.
• Fall Festival, Princeton, 1:00 - 4:00PM
  Palmer Square’s Fall Fest returns to the Green with live local music, festive eats, and autumn fun on Saturday afternoon. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy performances by Jake & Dan Duo and Charles Laurita and the Mischief, fall-themed food and crafts, and family activities like face painting, pumpkin carving, and tote bag decorating. Shoppers can also take advantage of in-store promotions and seasonal treats, making it a perfect fall outing in downtown Princeton. More info here
• Fall Foliage Walk, New Brunswick, 2:00PM
  The Kingston Greenways Association will host its annual Fall Foliage Walk on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. in Heathcote Park, South Brunswick. Led by township arborist and tree expert Jeff Cramer, the guided walk features a visit to one of New Jersey’s newest “Big Trees” - a 240-year-old swamp white oak recently added to the state’s Heritage Tree Registry. The free, rain-or-shine event ends with refreshments among the autumn leaves.  More info here