8 Pumpkin Patches & Fall Fun in Essex County NJ: Your 2025 Guide

As the summer heat fades and the air turns crisp, the world seems to transform overnight. Trees dress themselves in fiery reds, golds, and oranges, while the scent of cider and pumpkin spice lingers in the breeze. Families pull out their cozy sweaters, children clutch baskets ready for pumpkin picking, and weekends fill with laughter, hayrides, and the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Autumn isn’t just a season, it’s an invitation. An invitation to wander through corn mazes, marvel at glowing jack-o’-lanterns, paint pumpkins with little hands, and even face a spooky hayride after sunset. In every corner of the county, farms, gardens, libraries, and town squares come alive with traditions that make fall unforgettable.

If you’re ready to make the most of this magical time of year, here’s where you’ll find the best pumpkin patches, family festivals, and fall fun waiting for you in 2025.

1. Fairfield Farms Fall Festival

Location: 177 Big Piece Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004

Date: September 20–October 31, 2025 (Open 7 days a week)

Time:

Phone: (973) 227-1011

More info: fairfieldfarms.net

Highlights:

More Details: Beyond the attractions, Fairfield Farms is known for its warm, family-run charm and affordable pricing, making it a must-visit every year. The farm store offers seasonal goodies, from fresh apple cider to homemade treats, so you can take the taste of autumn home with you. Visitors also enjoy free photo spots set against hay bales and sunflowers, making it a perfect backdrop for family pictures. Parking is plentiful and easy, even on weekends. The farm staff is known for being especially welcoming and patient with kids, which keeps families coming back each year.

2. Fall Family Festival

Location: 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 | Rain Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025

Time: 11:00am–3:00pm

Phone: 973-228-8776

More info: Event Flyer 

Highlights:

More Details: This annual festival also serves as a hub for community bonding—neighbors gather, local groups showcase their work, and families get a chance to engage with educational activities while enjoying the festive spirit. Food trucks and local vendors add to the charm, offering seasonal favorites like kettle corn, cider, and warm pretzels. Children often leave with small keepsakes or crafts, making the day memorable long after it ends. For parents, it’s a low-cost, high-fun event where kids can stay engaged for hours.

3. Nutley Public Library Pumpkin Painting

Location: 93 Booth Dr, Nutley, NJ 07110

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Time: 10:30am–12:00pm

Phone: +1 973-667-0405

More info: Nutley Library Event

Highlights:

More Details: With a cozy library backdrop, this event feels intimate and welcoming. Families often linger after painting to browse fall-themed books, encouraging both creativity and a love of reading. The library staff goes the extra mile to make kids feel special, often sharing stories or songs before painting begins. Parents appreciate the relaxed, screen-free environment that sparks imagination. Space is limited, so registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Sign up starting from September 10 at 10am at NutleypublicLibrary.org.

4. Essex County Environmental Center

Location: 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ

Date: Fridays & Saturdays – Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

Phone: 973-228-8776

Highlights:

More Details: Parents appreciate the center’s emphasis on nature-based play and environmental awareness, so children not only enjoy seasonal fun but also learn about local ecosystems in a hands-on way. Workshops often highlight wildlife and conservation, adding an educational layer to the festivities. The center’s scenic trails offer short, kid-friendly walks that families can enjoy before or after the event. It’s also a great spot to introduce little ones to safe outdoor exploration without overwhelming crowds.

5. Gardens Aglow at Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

Location: 474 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ

Date: October 17, 2025 | Rain Date: October 18

Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm

More info: Event Info

Highlights:

More Details: Botanical beauty gets spooky at Gardens Aglow, where guests wander among dazzling jack-o-lanterns carved by local students. It’s more than just a display, it’s a celebration of creativity, as student-carved pumpkins illuminate the garden pathways. This event blends art, science, and seasonal festivity in one unforgettable evening. Families can stroll slowly through the glowing paths, often accompanied by live music that adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Local artists and performers sometimes join in, giving the evening an unexpected cultural twist. For couples, it’s also a surprisingly romantic night out in Montclair.

6. Zombie Walk – Montclair

Location: East Side Mags, 491 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time: 2:00pm–6:00pm

More info: Zombie Walk 2025

Highlights:

More Details: It’s not just a walk; it’s Montclair’s quirky way of celebrating Halloween. Expect live music, themed vendors, and plenty of photo-worthy moments as the streets fill with zombies of all ages. Shops along Bloomfield Avenue often join the fun by decorating storefronts or offering zombie-themed treats. The event welcomes all ages, from stroller-sized zombies to fully costumed teens and adults. Many families make it a yearly tradition, returning with new costumes and friends each time.

7. Fall-O-Ween Fall Festival

Location: Verona Civic Center, 600 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, NJ 07044 

Date: October 25, 2025

Time: 11:00am–2:00pm

More info: Verona Library Events

Highlights:

More Details: The Verona Civic Center transforms into a festive hub, with music echoing across the square and children parading in colorful costumes, creating a lively, small-town Halloween charm. The festival doubles as a neighborhood meet-and-greet, where local businesses join in with giveaways and seasonal offers. Kids often leave with overflowing goodie bags, and families can relax on the grassy lawn while enjoying live music. It’s the type of event where friendships are made as easily as memories.

8. Haunted Hayride at Fairfield Farms

Location: 177 Big Piece Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004

Date: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in September & October

Time: 6:30pm–8:45pm (every 15 minutes)

More info: Fairfield Farms Haunted Hayride

Cost: $15 per ride

Highlights:

More Details: A local favorite for thrill-seekers, the haunted hayride mixes jump-scares with eerie storytelling, ensuring each ride feels fresh and exciting for returning visitors. Actors and props change from year to year, so no two haunted rides are ever the same. The spooky soundtrack and fog machines heighten the atmosphere, making even adults jump. Guests also appreciate that the rides are family-friendly yet still offer plenty of chills for teens.

Tips for Maximum Autumn Enjoyment

Take advantage of Essex County’s incredible autumn events to create warm family memories, discover new seasonal traditions, and soak up the vibrant fall atmosphere across New Jersey for 2025.