Fall Things to Do
When the leaves turn shades of yellow and red, and pants replace shorts, you know it’s the end of an era. Lucky for us, it’s also the start of a new one. Like summer, fall is a special time to visit Elizabeth.
Hike, bike, or picnic at any one of our local parks. Play a round of golf at a nearby course or go horseback riding. Attend a harvest festival or pick out your favorite pumpkin at the patch. Maybe even go on a ghost tour; this centuries-old city surely has its fair share of ghoulish haunts.
Located in the urban Gateway Region of the state, Elizabeth is within driving distance to other New Jersey fall attractions. Though we’ll surely miss summer and splashing around at spray parks, fall is still as good a time as any to enjoy our historic city.
Get your trip itinerary ready; here are some fall things to do in Elizabeth, NJ.
Fall Events and Festivals
Try carving a pumpkin or working up the courage to go on a ghost tour! Between our centuries-old history, impressive fall color display, and festivals and events in and around our city, Elizabeth is the perfect place for you and your family to celebrate the season.
Colonial Beer Making Class
When: October 10, 2026
Where: 1003 Morris Avenue, Union
Join Liberty Hall for their annual Colonial Beer Making Class. Reserve yourself a seat and learn about the traditional method of beer-making taught by brewmasters. The event will also feature colonial-inspired games, and each attendee will get a beer-making kit and box lunch included in the ticket price!
Boos and Booze
When: October 14, 2026
Where: 1003 Morris Avenue, Union
Curious about the history of the jack-o'-lantern? Learn all about it from Liberty Hall's impressive storytellers while carving and decorating your own pumpkin and enjoying the museum's snacks, wine, beer, and signature drinks available during the event.
Liberty Hall Museum Pumpkin Patch
When: October 24, 2026
Where: 1003 Morris Avenue, Union
Make sure to visit the Liberty Hall Museum and Academic Center, which hosts a pumpkin patch as well as hayrides, pumpkin carving, and even ghost tours. It’s very likely you’ll see a ghost during your visit. After all, Liberty Hall was built in the 1700s in the height of the American Revolution. Maybe you’ll spot the ghost of William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor, who built and lived in what was originally a private country home with his family.
Find more fun here in town by visiting our Halloween in Elizabeth, NJ blog for more happenings for you to attend.
Fall Food
Turn your fall trip into a foodie's delight with our restaurants' and bakeries' fall menus featuring seasonal bites from apple pies to butternut squash soup.
Fall Foods
Find fall-inspired menus at some of Elizabeth’s restaurants. Visit our top coffee shops in Elizabeth for seasonal drink flavors and go-to favorites like pumpkin spice to warm up your morning coffee run. Or swing by some of our local bakeries, like Brisas Bakery and Santiago's Bakery, for fall-inspired desserts.
Seasonal Produce
You’ll feel like you bit into fall when you munch on a New Jersey red apple. Luckily, you can munch on as many apples as you’d like when you visit the Chester-based Alstede Farms stand at Elizabeth’s Peterstown Farmer’s Market, open through November. Grab a selection of our delicious produce and make your own tasty fall desserts or seasonal dishes for you and yours!
Outdoor Activities
Enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves at a park or nature trail. Choose between lacing up your shoes to hit the trails and exploring the seasonal colors on foot. Or opt to lie out on a picnic blanket and soak in the colors within our parks.
Relax at Our Parks
Elizabeth is home to more than 45 parks featuring plenty of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy an afternoon picnic at Mattano Park or stroll through some of the nature trails found at Warinanco Park. If you don’t mind the cool breeze, visit Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park for the fishing and views of the New York City skyline.
Cycle the Season
If biking is more your idea of fun, you won’t break too much of a sweat while exploring the Elizabeth River Trail in the fall. This mile-and-a-half-long riverside trail features both walking and biking paths.
More Outdoor Fun
For a more rural experience, drive over to Union County’s Watchung Stables for a day of horseback riding. Or check out some of the best fall foliage in the region at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, a half-hour car ride south of Elizabeth, featuring hiking and biking paths through open fields, swampland, and freshwater marshes.
Sports and Recreation
Fall is football season, and thanks to our position near MetLife Stadium, you can enjoy a live game without having to deal with the chaos that comes with staying next to the stadium. Take advantage of cooler weather too by trying your hand at golf after attending a live sports game nearby.
Catch a Football Game
Nothing screams fall like football, especially if you’re a big sports fan. With the professional season underway in September, there’s no better time than now to catch an NFL game. Luckily, Elizabeth is within driving distance of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets.
Take to the Greens
Golfing is another way for sports lovers to enjoy the cooler weather. Spend a day at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, known for its challenging hills and valleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go pumpkin or apple picking in Elizabeth, NJ?
The Liberty Hall Museum's annual pumpkin patch event makes it easy for Elizabeth families to pick pumpkins in town. Nearby, you can visit Alstede Farms for apple picking opportunities.
Are any of these fall things to do free activities?
Yes! Our outdoor activities are all free!
Are there any indoor fall activities in Elizabeth?
Yes, checking out the fall flavors at our local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries gives you the chance to engage in the fall season in the comfort of a cozy coffeehouse or warm pastry shop. Liberty Hall's Boos and Booze event is also indoors. So if the autumn breeze is a little too chilly, their indoor event is sure to keep you warm and dry for when the weather gets fickle.
Does Warimanco Park in Elizabeth have any fall events?
Yes! Warimanco Park hosts Union County's annual Hayrides and Campfire events. Check out more information about the event on Union County's event announcement page.
What are the haunted houses and Halloween events near Elizabeth, NJ?
We love Halloween here in Elizabeth! Check out all the spooky happenings going on this season on our Halloween page!
Which of these events are family-friendly fall activities in Elizabeth, NJ?
All of these events, except for Boos and Booze, are family-friendly.
Is there an autumn events calendar for Elizabeth, New Jersey?
Our Events page's calendar is a valuable and helpful tool for navigating ongoing and upcoming events in Elizabeth. Find the latest fall fun and autumn activities with our calendar, and don't miss out on our newest events.
Holiday Shopping
Beat the seasonal rush and escape the cold by taking advantage of major shopping deals at Elizabeth's shopping centers and local artisan stores.
Already in love with Elizabeth's autumn scene? Explore our area and check out all the many fall things to do in New Jersey. Elizabeth is a great place to plan a stay and experience so much of the season. Find a room for you and yours by utilizing our Plan Your Trip tool!
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Elizabeth Ave. Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 965-0660 | Website
1003 Morris Ave. Union, New Jersey 07083 (908) 527-0400 | Website
360-484 5th Ave Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 527-4000
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Elizabeth River Trail Phase I Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202 No Phone Number Avai
651 Kapkowski Rd Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 354-5900 | Website
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