Best Events in Ocean County, New Jersey – October 2026

October is one of the busiest and most festive months at the Jersey Shore, with food festivals, fall celebrations, live music, Victorian teas, and major community events happening across Ocean County. Below is a curated list of the top events worth covering for your readers, with dates, times, locations, and official links.

🎉 1. Beach Haven Chowderfest – Chowder Cook-Off Weekend

October 3–4, 2026 Location: Taylor Avenue Waterfront, Beach Haven, NJ Saturday Merchant Mart: 10 AM – 5 PM (Free) Sunday Chowder Cook-Off: 11 AM – 4 PM ($35 advance / $40 gate; under 10 free unless voting) Ocean County’s signature fall food festival returns with competing LBI restaurants, live music, and a massive vendor marketplace. Official Website: Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (linked via Ocean County Tourism)

🍁 2. Pine Barrens Jamboree – 32nd Annual

October 10, 2026 Time: 10 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Wells Mills County Park, Waretown A beloved Ocean County Parks tradition featuring folk music, crafts, Piney culture, and free admission. Event Website: Ocean County Parks

🎶 3. Autumn Rockin’ Oldies Spectacular

October 4, 2026 – 3 PM Location: Stafford Township Arts Center, 1000 McKinley Ave, Manahawkin A tribute show celebrating classic female artists with live performances. Tickets: Via Bandsintown

🎵 4. LBI Chowder Fest – Sky City Social Performance

October 4, 2026 – 2:30 PM–10:30 PM Location: Beach Haven, NJ Live music as part of the Chowderfest weekend.

🎤 5. Alan Turner – Kenny Rogers Tribute

October 4, 2026 – 7 PM Location: Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes, Jackson Township A tribute performance honoring Kenny Rogers.

🎨 6. Downtown Toms River Harvest Arts Festival

October 17, 2026 – 3 PM Location: Washington Street, Downtown Toms River A major fall street festival featuring vendors, food, crafts, and live entertainment. Website: https://downtowntomsriver.com/events/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtowntomsriver

🎃 7. Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk

October 2026 (Recurring through month) A family-friendly downtown display of creative scarecrows made by local groups and businesses.

🫖 8. Harvest Victorian Afternoon Tea – Mathis House

October 2026 (Recurring daily Tue–Sun) Times: 11 AM or 3 PM Location: Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River Seasonal soup, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and live music in a Victorian setting. Pricing: $50 weekends / $40 midweek with senior & military discounts. Recurring listings show availability throughout October. Website: https://downtowntomsriver.com/events/ (Mathis House listings appear in Downtown Toms River calendar)

🎪 9. Fall Harvest Festival – Mathis Plaza

October 4, 2026 – 10 AM Location: Mathis Plaza, South Toms River A community fall festival with vendors, food, and family activities.

🚗 10. 5th Annual Field of Dreams Car & Truck Show

October 4, 2026 – 11 AM Location: 1505 N. Bay Avenue, Toms River A large car and truck show supporting local community programs.

🛍️ 11. Baby & Kids Expo – Ocean County Mall

October 17, 2026 – 12 PM Location: 1201 Hooper Ave, Toms River Family expo featuring vendors, products, and activities for children.

🏈 12. Dual Autograph Signing – Ocean County Mall

October 3, 2026 – 1 PM Location: Ocean County Mall, Toms River A sports autograph event featuring two athletes.

🏡 13. Garden State Home Show

October 10, 2026 – 10 AM Location: RWJBarnabas Health Arena, Toms River A large home improvement expo.

🎃 14. Mall-O-Ween – Ocean County Mall

October 22, 2026 – 4 PM Trick-or-treating and Halloween activities for families.

🚤 15. Fall Huddy Park In-Water Boat Show – 17th Anniversary

October 1, 2026 – 10 AM Location: Huddy Park, Toms River A waterfront boat show featuring vendors and demonstrations.

🏃 16. Pinktober: Power in Pink

October 4, 2026 – 10 AM Location: 734 NJ‑37, Toms River A breast cancer awareness fitness event.

🥁 17. Silverton Volunteer Fire Company 75th Anniversary Festival

October 3, 2026 – 9 AM Location: 15 Kettle Creek Rd, Toms River Includes a fall festival, motorcycle poker run, 5K, and fun run.

🔗 Helpful Official Links

• Ocean County Tourism: https://oceancountytourism.com/
• Ocean County Tourism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tourismoceancounty
• October 2026 Events Calendar: https://oceancountytourism.com/events/month/2026-10/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1
• Downtown Toms River Events: https://downtowntomsriver.com/events/
• Downtown Toms River Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtowntomsriver