Hunterdon County is preparing to welcome the crisp days and colorful landscapes of fall with one of its most anticipated events of the year. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Flemington’s historic Main Street will be transformed into a lively celebration for the 3rd Annual Hunterdon Harvest Fest. From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., visitors will experience the sights, sounds, and flavors that make the county a premier destination each autumn.
The festival has quickly become a cornerstone of the season, drawing locals and travelers alike with its unique blend of farm-to-table food, community activities, and cultural showcases. Guests can stroll along Main Street, sampling dishes crafted by Hunterdon’s talented chefs, exploring more than 50 vendors, and sipping on seasonal craft beers and wines in the dedicated beer garden. Families will find plenty of entertainment too, with free children’s activities, interactive games, and a collaborative community art installation designed to capture the spirit of the season.
Parking is available at no cost in nearby public lots, making the event easy to access for visitors from neighboring towns and beyond. Adults planning to enjoy the beer and wine selections are reminded to bring valid identification. Full event details, including participating vendors and musical acts, can be found on the official festival website.
County Commissioner Sue Soloway reflected on the importance of autumn in Hunterdon’s cultural identity:
“Autumn is when Hunterdon truly shines. Travelers come here for the color in the trees, but they leave remembering the orchards, the farms, the historic streets, and the sense of welcome they felt in every town. Our pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and Halloween events create memories that visitors and families will carry with them long after the fall.”
Raising a Stein: Hunterdon’s Oktoberfest Celebrations
In addition to Harvest Fest, the season also brings an abundance of Oktoberfest traditions along the Hunterdon Beer Trail. Local breweries are leaning into the fall spirit with festivals that highlight crisp lagers, hearty festbiers, and plenty of live entertainment.
- Readington Brewery will host its 4th Annual Oktoberfest on October 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This lively event combines seasonal brews with live music and the brewery’s famous goat races, a crowd favorite that guarantees laughter and excitement. Guests can also test their stamina in the stein-holding competition while enjoying hearty food and festive camaraderie.
- Conclave Brewing invites visitors to its Flannel Fest on October 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite flannel shirts as they sip small-batch brews and enjoy live music. At 3:00 p.m., the tribute band Big River will deliver a spirited homage to Johnny Cash, ensuring the afternoon is as musical as it is flavorful.
- Odd Bird Brewing will present its Cask Festival on October 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests can sample traditional Czech-style lagers and enjoy beers poured “old world” style, gravity-fed for authentic character. This event offers a taste of Bavaria right in the heart of Hunterdon.
- Wild Fern Brewing will host its first-ever Oktoberfest on October 11, running from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The celebration will showcase the brewery’s inaugural Festbier release, a bustling outdoor beer tent, and a full day of live music. Adding to the excitement are food offerings from The Borscht Belt, cornhole tournaments, and high-energy stein-holding contests.
Whether it’s the thrill of trying a new seasonal brew, raising a stein with friends, or joining in quirky competitions, Oktoberfest in Hunterdon County offers an experience that blends tradition with local creativity.
Discovering Autumn Adventures in Hunterdon
Beyond festivals and beer trails, Hunterdon County invites visitors to experience autumn in countless ways. Its farms, orchards, and rolling landscapes make it one of New Jersey’s most picturesque fall destinations.
U-Pick Adventures: Families and friends can head to local favorites such as Melick’s, Phillips Farms, Schaefer Farms, West Portal Pumpkin Patch, and Peterson Family Farm. These spots allow guests to pick their own apples and pumpkins, filling baskets with seasonal treasures while creating lasting memories.
Scenic Train Rides: The Black River & Western Train offers a unique seasonal journey, taking riders from Flemington Station to Everitt Farms. At the farm, visitors are greeted with corn mazes, wagon rides, and expansive pumpkin patches—a perfect outing for families seeking both nostalgia and adventure.
Outdoor Exploration: For those who prefer quieter pursuits, Hunterdon’s scenic trails and bike paths provide breathtaking opportunities to take in the season’s fiery foliage. The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath, in particular, is a favorite for both cycling and leisurely walks, with its vibrant canopy of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Wine and Cider Experiences: Hunterdon’s vineyards and cideries invite guests to sip crisp, locally made beverages beside crackling firepits or overlooking vineyard views. With cool evenings setting in, these venues offer the perfect combination of warmth, flavor, and relaxation.
Seasonal Thrills: Haunted Hunterdon
For those who like their autumn with a hint of fright, Hunterdon delivers with haunted attractions that are not for the faint of heart.
- Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton transforms into a chilling haunted destination each October. The historic mill’s eerie reputation, combined with shadowy mazes and twisted trails, makes it one of the region’s premier Halloween destinations. The 200-year-old site provides an authentic backdrop for spine-tingling encounters.
- At Schaefer Farms, the Farm of Horrors returns, featuring a lineup of four terrifying attractions. The Hayride of Horror, the Trail of Terror, the Massacre Ma
