Things To Do In Ocean County This Weekend: Fall Festivals, Craft Fairs And More

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — From autumn festivals and holiday shopping to cranberry picking and fireworks, Ocean County has plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season this weekend.

Several community events are planned for Saturday, Nov. 7, offering activities for families, live entertainment, local vendors and seasonal treats. Here's what's happening around the county, listed in order of time.

Bayville Elks Autumn Harvest & Craft Vendor Fair

Start the day with some holiday shopping at the Bayville Elks #2394 Autumn Harvest & Craft Vendor Fair on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, baked goods, specialty foods and home decor. The indoor and outdoor fair, weather permitting, offers an opportunity to find unique, personal-touch gifts ahead of the holiday season.

Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the Elks' special needs, Antler Youth and drug awareness programs.

For questions, contact Jan at jbernardinorn@gmail.com.

Cranberry Experience At Headley Family Farm

Also taking place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday is the Cranberry Experience at Headley Family Farm.

The two-hour hands-on experience will explore the area's history, the beginnings of New Jersey's cranberry industry and the farm's cranberry heritage.

Participants will also have the opportunity to spend 20 minutes dry-picking cranberries in the field and take home what they collect. A fresh apple cider doughnut and a cup of apple cider are included.

Admission is $25 per person.

Awesome Autumn Fun At Jake's Branch County Park

Families can head to Jake's Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road in Beachwood, for Awesome Autumn Fun on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The free event is open to all ages and will feature hayrides, a petting zoo, lawn games, live music, children's crafts and food trucks.

It's an afternoon of seasonal activities for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Lacey Township PBA 238 Oktoberfest

The Lacey Township PBA 238 Oktoberfest is scheduled for Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Argos Farm.

The event will feature live entertainment by The Pickles, pig roasts prepared by the Forked River German Butcher Shop and a live radio broadcast by Thunder Country 106.

Guests can also enjoy beer, wine and cider from Shore Point Distributors, cigars from Smokers Haven Cigars, fire pits, a Chick-fil-A food trailer and the fall activities offered at Argos Farm.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8.

For sponsorship information, email 238oktoberfest@gmail.com or call or text (640) 279-0238.

Food Trucks, Fire Pits And Fireworks At Laurita Winery

Laurita Winery is celebrating the fall season Saturday, Nov. 7, with an evening of food, live music and fireworks.

The event will include food trucks, fire pits and apple and pumpkin cannons, giving visitors the chance to launch apples and pumpkins across the vineyard.

Additional activities include live music, wine by the glass or bottle, free vineyard wagon rides, wagon rides to Dancer Farm, pick-your-own pumpkins and flowers, local vendors, apple cider doughnuts and hot apple cider drinks.

Scotty's Stretching the Mozz will also be among the food offerings.

Admission includes a free souvenir glass. Tickets are $15 online through 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and $20 online after that time and at the door. Admission is free for guests under 21.

VIP pergolas are also available for reservation through lauritawinery.com.