All About Downtown Street Fair, Jersey City

The leaves will soon be falling, the air is crisp…it’s time for fall festivals!

By Laurie Pellichero

Mark your calendar for these upcoming New Jersey events:

St. Demetrios Greek Festival

September 7-10

St. Demetrios 40th Annual Greek Festival

721 Rahway Avenue, Union; Thursday 6-11pm, Friday 5-12pm,
Saturday Noon-Midnight, Sunday Noon-8pm

www.stdemetriosunion.org

Be Greek for a weekend! Enjoy authentic Greek food prepared on premises including souvlaki, gyro, and pastries. Also beer, wine, and ouzo. Live music, DJ entertainment, folk dancing, vendors, rides and games, and free parking.

September 10

Chatham Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

30 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham; 10am-5pm

Now in its fifth year, this festival features more than 125 fine artisans from the tri-state area and beyond selling their creations, artist demonstrations, a free jazz concert, specialty foods, gourmet food vendors, and a hands-on craft area for children.

September 16

All About Downtown Street Fair

Newark Avenue between Grove and Coles Streets, Jersey City; Noon-8pm

www.jcdowntown.org

This festival features more than 100 vendors selling all sorts of products ranging from handmade jewelry to one-of-a-kind artwork, crafts, top food trucks from the tri-state area, and lots of fun for the family. Live entertainment and music.

September 16-17

Bergen Street Fest

Teaneck National Guard Armory, 1799 Teaneck Road, Teaneck; 11am-11pm

www.bergenstreetfest.com

A two-day festival featuring gourmet food selections provided by food trucks; children’s activities including bouncy houses, face painting and more; live entertainment including cover bands and a local artist showcase; and arts and crafts vendors.

September 16-17

Fine Art and Crafts Show

Anderson Park, 274 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair; 10am-5pm

www.rosesquared.com

This show has been selected as one of Sunshine Artists’ Magazine’s top 200 shows in the country. With about 150 exhibitors, you can watch demonstrations, meet talented artists and learn what inspires them, sample specialty food treats, enjoy a variety of ethnic foods, and much more.

September 16 - November 5

Great Pumpkin Festival

Heaven Hill Farm, 451 Route 94, Vernon

www.heavenhillfarm.com

One of the largest fall festivals in Northern New Jersey. Admission includes more than 30 activities including an old-fashioned hayride, corn maze, farm animals, farm market, and wine tastings. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Noon-5pm; Saturday and Sundays and Columbus Day, 10am – 6pm.

September 23

Franklin Day Festival

Colonial Park, 156 Metters Road, Franklin Township; Noon-5pm

www.franklintwpnj.org

This family-friendly festival features live music, artists and craftspeople, dance performances, food trucks, children’s activities, a classic car show, art walk, putting green, and more.

September 23

Leonia Oktoberfest

American Legion Hall, 399 Broad Avenue, Leonia; 2-9pm

www.leoniaoktoberfest.com

The 18th annual Oktoberfest sponsored by the Rotary Club of The Palisades to support the Weekend Snack Pack Program at local schools. This is a family-friendly event with food and drink, kids activities, music, and German competitions.

October 1

Caldwell Street Fair

Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell; Noon-5pm

www.caldwellstreetfair.com

Sponsored by the Rotary/Kiwanis and located in a six-block area on Bloomfield Avenue in the center of town, this festival features great rides, a beer garden, live band, entertainment, arts and crafts, and ethnic and regional food.

October 7

Bottle Hill Day

Downtown Madison; 10am-5pm

www.rosenet.org

This festival in downtown Madison spans nearly eight blocks and features street vendors, merchant sidewalk sales, live entertainment on four stages, a beer garden, car show, amusement areas, craftspeople, and food establishments.

Morristown Festival of Books

October 13-14

Morristown Festival of Books

Several historic venues, Morristown

www.morristownbooks.org

The Morristown Festival of Books brings together acclaimed authors with readers and book lovers. Authors will speak and answer questions for one hour at one of several Morristown locations. Book sales and signings, following author presentations, will occur at a tent on the grounds of the historic Vail Mansion.

October 14

34th Annual Harvest Celebration

Downtown Chester

www.ilovechester.com

This festival in in historic downtown Chester features apple press and woodcarving demonstrations, Chester food fest, antique cars, pumpkin painting, Colonial musketeers, and lots more.