Ocean County Weekend Events: Fall Fairs, Chowder Cook-Off And More

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Fall is in full swing, and Ocean County residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the season this weekend.

From fall festivals and craft shows to a chowder cook-off, live music, children's activities and a community anniversary celebration, events are planned throughout the county on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4.

Here's a look at what's happening, listed in chronological order.

Point Boro Library Fall Fest

The Point Pleasant Borough Branch of the Ocean County Library will host its Point Boro Library Fall Fest from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3.

The free, all-ages event will take place in the Green Space behind the library parking lot at 834 Beaver Dam Road. Activities include fall crafts, games, live music, face painting, snacks and more.

The Point Pleasant Beach Branch's "Pickin' at Point" drop-in acoustic jam session will also be on hand. Visitors can bring a chair, blanket or instrument and join the jam session.

Additional parking accommodations will be available. If the weather is inclement, the festival will move inside the library. Registration is not required.

Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off Merchant's Mart

The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off weekend kicks off with the Merchant's Mart from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Taylor Avenue Waterfront in Beach Haven.

The free event will feature local vendors and artisans, along with beer, wine, seltzer, food, shopping and music. The event will take place rain or shine.

The Cook-Off Classic, featuring 12 local restaurants, will follow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tasting will return as restaurants compete for chowder-cookoff honors. Beer, wine, seltzer, food, shopping and music will also be part of Sunday's festivities. Tickets are required for the Cook-Off Classic.

Eagleswood Township Country Fair & Craft Show

The 30th Annual Eagleswood Township Country Fair & Craft Show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Eagleswood Township Municipal Building, 146 Division St.

The community event will feature crafters, a car show, live music by Pinelands Entertainment with line dancing, pumpkin and cookie decorating, inflatables, food vendors and face painting.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4.

Silverton Volunteer Fire Company 75th Anniversary Fall Festival

The Silverton Volunteer Fire Company will celebrate its 75th anniversary Saturday with a fall festival, motorcycle poker run and 5K and fun run throughout Silverton.

The day begins with registration for the 80- to 100-mile Motorcycle/Classic Car Poker Run from 9 to 11 a.m. at the firehouse at 15 Kettle Creek Road in Toms River. The poker run costs $25 per entry, $15 for an additional passenger and $25 for a classic car or hot rod.

The Silverton Volunteer Fire Company's 5K and fun run will take place alongside the day's activities.

The annual community festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature live music from The Phil Engel Band, free inflatable children's rides, food, beer and wine, fire equipment displays, police demonstrations, extrication and fire demonstrations, craft and community vendors and more.

Lakehurst Youth & Recreation Fall Festival

The Lakehurst Youth & Recreation Fall Festival begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lake Horicon in Lakehurst.

The family-friendly festival will include food trucks, a 21-and-over beer garden, DJ music, games, activities, vendors, raffles and giveaways.

Fireworks are scheduled for dusk.

Lacey Day

Lacey Day 2026 has been postponed to Sunday, Oct. 4, and will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Gille Park.

The community celebration will feature a battle of the bands, "kid" River Games, local businesses and food trucks.

Nonprofits, local businesses, artisans and makers are welcome to participate as vendors. Food vendors are no longer being accepted. Organizers are encouraging vendors to decorate their booths in red, white and blue for a chance to win the best booth award as part of the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

Island Beach Fall Fest

The Island Beach Fall Fest is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Swimming Area 1 at Island Beach State Park.

The fall celebration will feature craft vendors, live music, children's activities, food trucks and a pet costume parade and contest.

A $10 suggested donation is requested.

Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off Classic

The weekend wraps up in Beach Haven with the Cook-Off Classic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Taylor Avenue Waterfront.

Tasting will feature 12 local restaurants, along with beer, wine, seltzer, food, shopping and music. Tickets are required to participate in the tasting.