Fall Fun and Local Highlights: South Jersey October Events and Happenings

As autumn arrives, South Jersey events, seasonal activities, and community initiatives generate excitement. Are you considering a year-round beach lifestyle? Find the latest homes for sale in Avalon, NJ.

Northern Lights Spotted in New Jersey

Northern Lights captured by Theresa Zeits of Ocean View, NJ

Recently, New Jersey residents experienced the rare sight of the Northern Lights, reminding everyone of nature’s beauty. READ MORE

Community and Environmental Initiatives

Avalon and Stone Harbor are making a strong push to preserve the local environment through several community-driven efforts.

• Avalon Aerial Dune Grass Fertilization: Between October 21-25, residents and visitors in Avalon may spot an airplane flying low over the beach. Don’t be alarmed—this is part of a scheduled aerial fertilization of the dune grass, a critical effort to maintain the health of the dunes that protect the shoreline. The fertilizer is non-toxic and will be dropped in pellet form along the beach. LEARN MORE
• Beach Sweeps in Avalon and Stone Harbor: On October 19, both Avalon and Stone Harbor are hosting beach clean-up events. These sweeps, organized by Clean Ocean Action and The Wetlands Institute, bring volunteers together to help remove trash and debris from local beaches. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the environment, consider joining either of these events. LEARN MORE
  • Avalon’s sweep is at 30th Street Boardwalk from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.
  • Stone Harbor’s clean-up will take place at the 95th Street beach entrance, starting at 9:00 am. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, trash bags, and datasheets.
• Off-Season Trash Pick-Up in Stone Harbor: As of September 15, Stone Harbor will shift to a once-a-week trash and recycling pick-up schedule for the off-season. Residents can easily schedule their pick-up either by calling Public Works or using the online system.
  MORE INFO

Family-Friendly October Happenings in South Jersey and Halloween Fun

Moreover, October offers exciting events for families and Halloween enthusiasts in the area!

• Sea Isle City Halloween Parade and Dance Party: Mark your calendars for Friday, October 18! Starting at 7:00 pm, the Halloween Parade will march from 45th to 40th Streets along Landis Avenue, followed by a dance party at Excursion Park. Dress up and enjoy an evening of spooky fun. REGISTER
• Sea Isle City Harvest Classic: On Saturday, October 19, head to Excursion Park from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for Sea Isle City’s Harvest Classic. This fall festival will feature pumpkin decorating, hayrides, live music, and the Scarecrow Contest. Local businesses will also be joining in the fun with pop-up shops. Don’t miss the pie-baking contest, where attendees can enjoy a delicious slice of fall! MORE INFO
• Creature Feature & Craft at The Wetlands Institute: The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor offers a live animal presentation every Saturday through the fall and winter. The next session is on October 19 at 2:00 pm, where visitors can get up close with crabs, fish, and other fascinating sea creatures. MORE INFO
• Trick or Treating and Trunk or Treat: The Halloween festivities continue later in the month.
  • Stone Harbor and Avalon Trick or Treating will take place on October 31 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. REGISTER HOUSE
  • Sea Isle City’s Trunk or Treat will be held the same evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sea Isle City Library parking lot. Bring the kids, decorate your cars, and enjoy some safe trick-or-treating fun! MORE INFO

Other Local October Events in South Jersey and Activities

• Ghostly Card Party: Avalon’s Ghostly Card Party will be held on October 29 at the Avalon Community Hall. This afternoon of fun includes Mah-Jongg, Bridge, board games, lunch, a raffle, and a 50/50 drawing. Admission is $25, and tickets must be purchased in advance. MORE INFO
• Avalon Garden Club Poinsettia Sale: The Avalon Garden Club is preparing for the holidays with their Poinsettia Sale, running now through October 29. Red poinsettias are available for order, with pick-up scheduled for November 29 at the 29th Street Greenhouse. ORDER FORM
• Stone Harbor Business District Trick or Treat: If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Halloween on the 31st, Stone Harbor’s business district is hosting a Trick or Treat on October 26 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Perfect for a daytime stroll with the family! MORE INFO

Whether you enjoy the outdoors, experience festive fall fun, or witness a rare natural light show, this October in South Jersey has much to offer! Therefore, be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming events and enjoy all the beauty and excitement the season has in store.