NJShore Guide

October Events at the Jersey Shore

October features Victorian celebrations in Cape May, Oktoberfests, and spooky Halloween events.

15Events
4Major Festivals
2Free Events
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15

Events

4

Major Festivals

2

Free Events

5

Categories

Destination Events in October

Major festivals and events worth planning your trip around.

πŸ›οΈ
πŸ›οΈMajor Event

Victorian Weekend

Cape May, Cape May County

Event packages from $30

October 9-12, 2026

Various events throughout

Cape May's signature Victorian celebration with house tours, dinners, and themed events.

Highlights

53rd annual celebrationVictorian house toursVintage baseball gamesMurder mystery dinners
πŸ‘₯10,000+
🍽️
🍽️Major Event

Beach Haven Chowderfest

Beach Haven, Ocean County

Saturday free, Sunday tasting $30-35

October 3-4, 2026

Saturday free events, Sunday tastings 12-4pm

LBI's signature fall food festival with 20,000+ visitors tasting competing chowders.

Highlights

35th annual20,000+ visitorsChowder competitionLive entertainment
πŸ‘₯20,000+
πŸƒ
πŸƒ

Jersey Shore Half Marathon

Sandy Hook, Monmouth County

$65-85

October 4, 2026

8am start

Flat, scenic half marathon through Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area.

Highlights

Flat, fast courseSandy Hook peninsula settingOcean and bay viewsNational park backdrop
πŸ‘₯2,500 runners
🍽️
🍽️Major Event

LBI Chowderfest

Beach Haven, Ocean County

$5 tasting cups

October 3, 2026

11am-5pm

LBI's premier fall food festival with 20+ restaurants competing for best chowder.

Highlights

20+ competing restaurantsVote for your favoriteLive musicCraft vendors
πŸ‘₯8,000+

Major Events

πŸͺ
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦Free

LBI FLY International Kite Festival

Ship Bottom

October 9-10, 2026|10am-5pm, night fly Saturday evening

International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.

πŸƒ
πŸƒTicketed

LBI 18-Mile Run & 12K

Long Beach Island

October 11, 2026|8am start

53rd annual 18-mile race the length of Long Beach Island.

53th annual
October 18, 2026|7:30am start

Nation's third-oldest marathon featuring 8 miles on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

67th annual
October 9-12, 2026|Various events throughout

Celebrate Cape May's Victorian heritage with house tours and themed events.

October 1-31, 2026|Various events throughout October

Month-long spooky celebration with ghost walks and Scarecrow Alley.

October 23-25, 2026|Friday 9pm through Sunday noon

Boat-based striped bass tournament with weigh-in at Sea Shell Resort.

πŸͺ
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦Free

LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival

Long Beach Township

October 9-10, 2026|All day

12th annual kite festival on LBI with massive inflatables and flying demos.

12th annual
October 31, 2026|Morning start

Fast, flat course through the Wildwoodsβ€”half marathon, 10K, and 5K options.

πŸƒ
πŸƒTicketed

Jersey Shore Half Marathon

Highlands

October 4, 2026|Morning start

Flat, fast course through scenic Sandy Hookβ€”ideal fall marathon prep.

Local Events & Celebrations

πŸ₯£

Chowderfest LBI

Beach Haven β€’ October 4, 2026

Ticketed
🦞

Avalon Seafood Festival

Avalon β€’ October 10, 2026

Ticketed

Events by Category

Events by County

Monmouth County

2

events

Jersey Shore Half Ma...Jersey Shore Half Ma...

Ocean County

7

events

Beach Haven Chowderf...LBI Chowderfest

Atlantic County

1

events

Atlantic City Marath...

Cape May County

5

events

Victorian WeekendCape May Victorian W...

πŸ’‘ October Tips

Peak fall foliage makes this ideal for Cape May's Victorian events.

October Highlights

Victorian WeekendOktoberfestsHalloween Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What events happen at the Jersey Shore in October?

October features 15 events at the Jersey Shore including Victorian Weekend, Oktoberfests, Halloween Events. October features Victorian celebrations in Cape May, Oktoberfests, and spooky Halloween events.

Are there free events at the Jersey Shore in October?

Yes, 2 of the 15 events in October are free to attend. Many towns host free concerts, parades, and community celebrations.

What should I know about visiting the Jersey Shore in October?

Peak fall foliage makes this ideal for Cape May's Victorian events.

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