THINGS-TO-DO

Family fun: Concerts, festivals, shows and more this fall in New Jersey

Bob Makin
Courier News and Home News Tribune
Franklin Day returns Sept. 22 for family fun in Colonial Park in the Somerset section of the township.

Ah, fall! The kids are back at school, so you don’t need to entertain them as much as you do in the summer. But once the weekend rolls around, you’ll need to keep your tykes bzzzzy, so here’s a litany of things families can enjoy this fall in Central Jersey. The following events include concerts, theatrical presentations, foodie-driven happenings and educational opportunities — and lots of fun. They are organized by date, making it easy to add them to your calendar over the course of the next eight weeks. And please make sure you tell them that we sent you!

“Run for Wife,” through Oct. 18, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, www.hhplayhouse.com
The Hunterdon Hills Playhouse's fall presentation is a classic farce about a meek and mild taxi driver with two wives in the same town because of his inability to say “no” to a woman in need. 

READ:Central Jersey Jazz Festival is ‘an unprecedented tri-county effort’

READ: A look at Octoberfests and other fall foodie fun

Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College fall programming, Sept. 14 through Nov. 3, Branchburg, rvccarts.org

Highlights will include “Beyond Sacred: Voices of Muslim Identity” with Ping Chong + Co., Oct. 12; Tiempo Libre, Oct. 19; The Capitol Steps, Oct. 20; “The Nature of Forgetting” with Theatre Re, Oct. 27, and Soul of America, Nov. 3.  

Mike and Amy Aiken at Rebel Marine dock near their sailboat, Ocean Girl. They sail the world, making music and seeing the sights. From Sept. 20 to 22, they will return to Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg for the Aiken & Friends Music Fest.

Aiken & Friends Music Fest, Sept. 20 to 22, Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, aikenandfriendsfest.com/

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mike Aiken will present a three-day program of music and workshops at RVCC. Proceeds go to scholarships and student programs. Other performers will include the M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio, Brian Ashley Jones, Sally Jaye, and Banjo Nickaru and Western Scooches. On Sept. 22, the college’s Community Day will coincide with planetarium and art exhibits, free hand and arm massages by cosmetology students, a photo opp with a racecar and much more. The event helps kick-off the college's 50-year anniversary celebrations.

RELATED: RVCC marks 50 years of community education and engagement

A free Fishing Derby for People with Special Needs will be Sept. 22 at Echo Lake Park, Mountainside.

Fishing Derby for People with Special Needs, Sept. 22, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, ucnj.org/opsn-reg

This free event open to all ages is a wonderful way to celebrate the last days of warmer weather in Union County parks, Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados said in a news release. “We invite residents young and old to come and enjoy the outdoors at this fun event,” Granados said in a statement. Co-sponsoring Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club also will provide a hot dog lunch. Contest prizes will be awarded. Chairs and fishing poles will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Rain date is Sept. 23. Registration is required at the website above or 908-527-4781.

Fifth annual Franklin Day Festival, Sept. 22, Colonial Park, Somerset section of Franklin Township, franklintwpnj.org/FranklinDay

This full day of family fun will include live music, more than 150 vendors, dance performances showcasing Franklin's diverse community, 20 food trucks and vendors, a classic car show, Pickle Ball, an ArtWalk, and lots of free rides and activities for children. The kid fun will include free pony rides, a reptile exhibit, bouncy houses, paddle boats, bubble soccer, miniature golf, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, games, and township vehicles to climb into and explore. Music will be provided by Groove City Dance Band and Funktion11.

Culture Crawl 2018, Sept. 22, downtown Rahway, culturecrawl.org

With the arts underfunded and under attack, Rahway continues to provide barrier-free access to the arts with this free one-day arts and music festival throughout downtown Rahway. Artists of all genres will be on display, lining the streets with live performances, interactive art, sculpture, video, spoken word, film, music, unique vending, yoga, and a pop-up dog park. 

The late Richard Pryce Jr. is the inspiration for the Pryceless Leaders Foundation and its Caribbean Mulitcultural Family Fun Day on Sept. 22 in Perth Amboy.

Pryceless Leaders Foundation’s Caribbean Multicultural Family Fun Day, Sept. 22, Rudyk Park, Perth Amboy, 443-380-3851

This festival of amusements, face painting, live music, vendors, dance groups, motivational speakers and national entertainment is dedicated to Richard Pryce Jr., a community leader who was killed violently in 2015. Also in his honor, Pryceless Leaders Foundation works in partnership with communities and organizations to end violence. As part of that mission, reggae, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and African music will be on the musical menu. Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz and Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood will participate.

Princeton Arts Council's “An Evening With Bollywood: A Celebration of Indian Culture” will be Sept. 22 at Princeton Shopping Center.

“An Evening With Bollywood: A Celebration of Indian Culture,” Sept. 22, Princeton Shopping Center, artscouncilofprinceton.org

This free celebration of Indian culture from the Princeton Arts Council will feature Uma Kapoor’s NachNation Dance Group, Bollywood-inspired arts and crafts, Indian food and drinks, a Bollywood dance party, an Open Bazaar Market with handmade jewelry and apparel, Bollywood makeovers, and henna tattoos.

John Basilone Parade and Celebration, Sept. 23, Somerset Street and other venues throughout Raritan Borough. facebook.com/events/1739967496306155/

In addition to a 1 p.m. parade, Raritan’s annual salute to hometown World War II hero John Basilone will include a 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Ann’s, a display dedicated to the Congressional Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipient in the borough library, and a ceremony, concert and art display at the Basilone Statue.

Hub City Sounds: Third Annual Indo-American and Yoga Festival, Sept. 23, Boyd Park, newbrunswickarts.org 

Offering mouthwatering treats, music and theater performances inspired by the rich tradition and culture of India, the food is plentiful and an off-the-hook representation of the various cuisines of India with such vendors as Ukrainian Mobile Cuisine, New York Masala and Oye India will serve samosa, samosa chaat, pakora, chai, pav bhaji, roti and dahl.

Mercado Esperanza takes place the third Sunday of the month at Joyce Kilmer Park in New Brunswick, Spring to Autumn.

Mercado Esperanza, Sept. 23 and Oct. 14, Joyce Kilmer Park, 143 Joyce Kilmer Ave., New Brunswick. elijahspromise.org, newbrunswickarts.org/, nbciclovia.com/

Mercado Esperanza is a community market celebrating the food heritage, cultural legacy, and artistic soul of New Brunswick’s diverse population. The Latin-flavored outdoor market is an initiative of Elijah’s Promise’s Promise Culinary School, which works to incubate small food businesses for participating students and graduates, as well as local residents enrolled in the school’s food business incubation program. On Oct. 14, Mercado Esperanza will coincide with Hub City Sounds: 4th Annual Corazon Latino Festival @ Ciclovia. Local vendors will include JamaGrille, Jamaica Taste, Caribbean Thyme, Jocelyn's Food, and Soulicious.

The fifth annual East Brunswick Community Day will be Sept. 23 at the township Community Arts Center.

Fifth annual East Brunswick Day, Sept. 23, Community Arts Center, eastbrunswick.org/EBDay2018

This free event acknowledges the many nonprofit, volunteer-based organizations in the township, while showcasing local businesses. More than 130 exhibitors will participate with information, literature, demonstrations and giveaways. Continuous entertainment on outdoor stages will feature performances by Mark Miklos, School of Rock, Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio, Center Stage Dance, Bob Denson Blues Band, and Epic Soul. Highlights also will include New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum, free health screenings, a silent auction to support youth programs, and free kids’ fun. Meals will be available for purchase at a Taste of East Brunswick food court.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Sept. 23, Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, ucpac.org

Explore the richness of the Hispanic culture through music, art and entertainment with the Mike Ramirez Salsa Band. Local leaders will be honored for their community achievements. The free event is being coordinated through the county’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity as part of the Moving Union County Forward initiative.

Flemington Rotary Beerfest, Sept. 28, Liberty Village Outlet Marketplace parking lot, exploreflemington.com/

Flemington Rotary BeerFest allows participants to taste and sample in a souvenir glass 60 craft beers from 30 breweries. Food also will be available to purchase. All net proceeds will benefit the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Flemington, which includes scholarships for graduating seniors of Hunterdon Central Regional High School and Hunterdon County Polytech Career & Technical School. Live music will be among the highlights.

Oktoberfest on Sept. 29 in Somerville include its annual Beer Stein Holding Contest, as well as a Brat Eating Contest.

Downtown Somerville's sixth annual Oktoberfest, Sept. 29, North Bridge Street between Main and High streets, https://goo.gl/g3cLor

Tapastre & Project PUB will present local craft beers, ciders, meads and traditional Oktoberfest brews, along with plenty of food from local restaurants and live music from awesome bands throughout the day. Highlights also will include a giant beer pong, an annual Stein Holding Contest, a live Brews & Brushes painting experience, a Brat Eating Competition, and pumpkin painting and face painting for the little ones. Portion of proceeds from $8 advance and $10 day-of admissions will go to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in the North Branch section of Branchburg. Day-of admission is only $8 with a canned pet food donation.

Third Annual Historic Camp Meeting Revival, Sept. 29, Skillman Park, Main Boulevard, Skillman section of Montgomery, sourland.org/2018-camp-meeting-revival/

This family-friendly history-oriented event will include a picnic lunch of bourbon barbecue pulled pork or chicken wings, cole slaw, maple vegetarian baked beans, a roll, sweet tea or lemonade, sweet potato pie or old-fashioned pound cake. Music will be performed by Capital City Gospel Singers. East Amwell historian Jim Davidson will present a history of the black community in the Sourland region.

39th Raritan River Festival, Sept. 30, Boyd Park, New Brunswick, facebook.com/events/348627699004754/

This free family-friendly celebration of the Raritan River will feature live music, environmental exhibitors, food vendors, pony rides, petting zoo, cardboard canoe races, and the annual Rubber Duck Race to benefit the Beez Foundation's fight against pediatric brain cancer.

Playhouse 22 will produce "Little Shop of Horrors" through Sept. 30 at East Brunswick Community Arts Center.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” through Sept. 30, Playhouse 22, East Brunswick Community Arts Center, playhouse22.org/ 

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop Of Horrors” has devoured the hearts of theater goers for more than 30 years. Meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood.

Hunterdon County “World Music Day,” Sept. 30, Deer Path Park, Readington, www.HCWorldMusicDay.org

Families can experience and interact with music from around the world at the third annual Hunterdon County "World Music Day." Organizers have made this a full day of musical experiences for all ages, including performances from world-class musicians, fun and interactive programs for kids, and jam sessions for musicians of all levels. The free festival is organized by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission in partnership with the Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation. The event features a full lineup of performances on the main stage, including The Tony Trischka Trio, with Michael Daves and Jacob Jolliff; Aurelio Martinez, aka AURELIO; Karavika, a chamber quartet that blends classical music of the Indian subcontinent and folk music of the Americans with western chamber music; Eco del Sur, featuring Latin American music; and Anthony Carrera, a New Jersey world music multi-instrumentalist. Roxey Ballet Company, a contemporary ballet company based in Lambertville, will perform "Celebrating Diversity." World Music expert Andy Wasserman leads workshops for all ages in the "World-Beat Pavilion" and the "Jam Pavilion" will feature a variety of instrumentalists. Food trucks begin serving at noon; attendees are encouraged to bring blankest and lawn chairs to sit on during the day.

Rockin the Reservation, Sept. 30, Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside, ucnj.org/fall

Formerly known as Harvest Festival, this day of live music and hands-on family-friendly activities will feature the country tunes of Big Hix and October Rose, art demonstrations, interactive art and music, a petting zoo, pony rides, scarecrow building, a pumpkin patch, multi-cultural dancing, music demonstrations, food trucks, and sensory trail tours.

Union County Hayrides and Campfires will take place Oct. 5 at Warinanco Park Sports Center, Roselle, and  Oct. 7,  12, 14, and 19 at Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside.

Union County Hayrides and Campfires, Oct. 5, Warinanco Park Sports Center, Roselle, and  Oct. 7,  12, 14, and 19, Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside, ucnj/tickets

Presented the Board of Chosen Freeholders and county Department of Parks & Recreation, this event also includes hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over the campfire. “The hayride and campfire events are always among the most popular events in our parks, so those interested in participating should get their tickets early, either online or in person, and plan for a fun-filled evening to begin the fall,” Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados said in a news release.

Taste of Highland Park, Oct. 7, North 4th Avenue, facebook.com/events/153057182222607/

Highland Park’s annual foodie-fest in October will feature a main street of many fine restaurants in conjunction with Pino’s annual Harvest Party. Highlights will include a beer and wine garden, pumpkins, and live music. Admission to the event is free, but tasting tickets range from $3 for one to $50 for 25. A taste of each restaurant costs one ticket. 

Sixth annual Dunellen HarvestFest, Oct. 7, Washington Park, Dunellen, facebook.com/events/192333828168519

Dunellen Downtown Management Organization signature event will feature artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, foods, music, dancing, and more! If you like painting pumpkins and other fall-flavored fun, this is your jam!

Lord Stirling 1770s Festival, Oct. 7, Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge section of Bernards, somersetcountyparks.org

Travel back in time as exhibitors and militias re-create Colonial life on the site of Lord Stirling's Manor. Colonial craftspeople will ply their trades, a town crier will deliver the daily news, and Revolutionary War military detachments will camp and conduct maneuvers on the former estate lawn. The event promotes historical and environmental education highlighting the unsung Revolutionary War hero William Alexander, aka Lord Stirling, who lived on the site and served under Gen. George Washington.

"Women Who Rock and Write: Female Singer/Songwriters Then and Now” Nalani & Sarina, Oct. 8, Raritan Valley Community College's Nash Theatre, Branchburg, roger.shutack@raritanval.eduhttps://www.nalanisarina.com/

In this free event, critically acclaimed Central Jersey-based folk 'n' funk, rock 'n' soul twin duo Nalani & Sarina share the inspiration for their powerful song by paying homage to the great female singer-songwriters of the past. "Women Who Rock and Write” is the fifth presentation in the “Music as a Mirror on History” series sponsored by the College’s Humanities, Social Science, Social Work and Education Department, as well as RVCC Arts. The series invites professional musicians to perform and discuss the relevance of their music with students, staff, faculty and the public. The Oct. 8 event will include a question-and-answer session, as well as a meet-and-greet with the artists. 

Live At The Fillmore, Oct. 10, Theatre at Woodbridge Middle School, woodbridgeartsnj.org

Live At The Fillmore is a seven-piece band committed to recreating the early Allman Brothers Band concert experience in an authentic manner. The band exclusively plays the material performed by the Allman Brothers’ first lineup, prior to co-founder Duane Allman’s untimely death in 1971. Presented by Music on Main Street, the concert will take place in an historic auditorium similar to those the early Allman Brothers performed in. The 1911 venue contains interesting architectural features and a restored Works Progress Administration mural from the 1930s. The theater recently was renovated with comfortable seats, air-conditioning and modern stage lighting.

CanalFest returns Oct. 13 East Millstone Park, East Millstone section of Franklin. Performers will include Swing Sabroso, pictured.

CanalFest, Oct. 13, East Millstone Park, East Millstone section of Franklin, facebook.com/events/286145485498740/

This annual fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank and celebration of the Delaware & Raritan Canal will feature kids’ activities, canoe rentals, arts, crafts and food vendors, local history talks, fire department open house, blood pressure screenings, community info tables, and live music by High in the Mid-80s, Swing Sabroso, Kinderhook, The Hub Kings, Black Circle Symphony, Classical Revolution, Robin Renee and more.

New Brunswick Oktoberfest, Oct. 13, George Street, newbrunswick.com/pub/event/story/552/

The fall celebration of food, beer, music, and community in the New Brunswick City Center will feature a variety of local cuisine and traditional German treats, craft and German brews, and interesting vendors. Highlights also will include free kids' activities, games, and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to get into the Oktoberfest spirit by wearing their best dirndl or lederhosen. Live music will be provided by School of Rock, Pepperville, and a traditional German band. The event is free, and food will be available for purchase, as will beer in a 21-and-up biergarten.

Popcorn Nation Harvest Festival, Oct. 13, Edgewood Farms, 125 Cole Road, Flemington, exploreflemington.com

The inaugural Popcorn Nation Harvest Festival aims to bring food, music, agricultural education and family fun together in one event. Popcorn Nation is a Flemington store that sells a variety of popcorn gift items. Several food trucks will be on hand. Live music will be provided by Craig Sailer Project, Seattle Sound Machine, and CC Coletti. Highlights also will include a Paint & Sip Workshop, sales of hand-crafted jewelry, a corn maze, and hayrides. Proceeds from $10 admission will go to local charities.  

Ciclovia, Oct. 14, throughout New Brunswick, nbciclovia.com

From Recreation Park on Sanford Street to Feaster Park on Throop Avenue onto Remsen Avenue at Townsend Street, the streets of Hub City will be closed to traffic so families and friends can use them entirely for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding and celebrating good health. For the last few years, New Brunwick Ciclovia, which means cycleway or open streets, has been a free citywide initiative to promote healthy, active living.  

Hub City Sounds: 4th Annual Corazon Latino Festival @ Ciclovia, Oct. 14, Joyce Kilmer Park, New Brunswick, facebook.com/events/236808650450945/
Enjoy a carnival-themed adventure showcasing rich Latino and Caribbean culture filled with traditional dances, music, visual arts, displays and much more. The free event is open to all ages and pet friendly. Blankets or lawn chairs are suggested. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Rutgers Gardens Fall Festival, Oct. 15, New Brunswick, facebook.com/events/357519148002478/

Learn more about the student-run farm and the plants and food it produces, meet baby animals from Rutgers’ Cook Campus, play pumpkin and lawn games, participate in a scavenger hunt, and try delicious dishes from farm market vendors, as well as the New Brunswick-based Cheezen Food Truck. 1079 WOLD will provide live music.

Staff members of the Don Manuel Latin restaurant in Perth Amboy is pictured last year at the annual Taste of Perth Amboy, which will take place on Oct. 18.

Taste of Perth Amboy, Oct. 18, Cornucopia Cruise Line’s St. Charles vessel, 401 Riverview Drive, eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-perth-amboy-2018-tickets-48703332980

Taste of Perth Amboy is back with another night of city restaurants’ best entrees and desserts, as well its music. The cuisine and entertainment offer a glimpse into the Latin and international culture of Perth Amboy. One of the restaurants will take home the coveted People’s Choice Award. More than 350 guests are expected at the event, which will overlook a scenic portion of the Raritan Bay and Raritan River. Proceeds benefit the Center for Support, Success & Prosperity, Raritan Bay YMCA’s homeless initiative.

Flemington Restaurant Week, Nov. 4 to 9, downtown Flemington, exploreflemington.com/flemington-restaurant-week

Flemington’s popular Restaurant Week, which has expanded to twice a year, returns for the fall variation. Menus for local restaurants will feature price-fixed three-course dinners from $15 to $35 with special pricing of other meals. New this season are take-out specials.

Families will enjoy Peppa Pig Live! in “Peppa Pig’s Surprise!” on Nov. 7 at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Peppa Pig Live! “Peppa Pig’s Surprise!,” Nov. 7, State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, STNJ.org

It’s a lovely day, and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have a surprise for her and her younger brother, George, but no matter how hard they try, Peppa and George cannot guess what it is. Audiences will enjoy fun interactive games and, of course, many surprises! The live show encompasses the charming, colorful nature of the popular preschool series and features brand-new songs and life-size puppets that walk, talk, dance, and jump up and down to give audiences a unique, immersive theatrical experience.

Staff Writer Bob Makin: 732-565-7319; bmakin@gannett.com