Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: October 3-October 5

New Jersey is buzzing with celebrations this weekend. Enjoy spooky fun at the Asbury Park Zombie Walk, explore stories and activities at the Collingswood Book Festival, and have fun with…

BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 27: Zombie enthusiasts rehearse a dance before setting out on a "Zombie Walk" in the city center on October 27, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Approximately 150 zombies, who had organized themselves through Facebook, walked and limped across Alexanderplatz, growled and moaned at passers by and performed their jerking dances. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

New Jersey is buzzing with celebrations this weekend. Enjoy spooky fun at the Asbury Park Zombie Walk, explore stories and activities at the Collingswood Book Festival, and have fun with the community at the Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair. Don't miss "A Night With Janis Joplin" and unforgettable performances by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones and The Rascals for a weekend full of entertainment.

Asbury Park Zombie Walk and Undead Festival

  • What: Zombie gathering to kick off the season
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 11 a.m.
  • Where: Asbury Park, along the Boardwalk on the Fourth Avenue Green Space
  • Cost: Free

The Asbury Park Zombie Walk is a family-friendly event that allows all ages to dress up as zombies and walk along the streets and Boardwalk of Asbury Park, enjoying spooky fun. Affectionately dubbed "the biggest Halloween party in New Jersey," the Zombie Walk symbolizes the joy, scares, and sense of community that Halloween brings. There'll be a makeup tent, along with plenty of sinister entertainment all day long, to celebrate the season the ghoulish way.

Collingswood Book Festival

  • What: Community celebration of reading
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Downtown Collingwood, with the Loompaland Craft Area and Children's Exhibits on Irvin Ave.
  • Cost: Free

The Collingswood Book Festival is a fun event celebrating reading, creativity, and community. While at the festival, families are invited to visit Loompaland Craft Area and Children's Exhibits, featuring hands-on activities and entertaining performances. Features include Insectropolis, the Kids Music Round, a joke workshop with Ethan Berlin, and hands-on activities from organizations such as Eat Play Learn and Community Rocks. With face painting, a kids' bookstore, games, prizes, and play zones, it's a lively, family-friendly event that brings books and imagination to life.

Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair 2025

  • What: Community block party
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Downtown Ridgefield Park, 234 Main St., Ridgefield Park
  • Cost: Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase

The Ridgefield Park Downtown Street Fair transforms Main Street into a vibrant public block party, featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities. There'll be live bands on the Cedar Street stage, a DJ with games and activities in front of Park Street, as well as vendors selling a variety of arts and crafts, original merchandise, and delicious food. Kids will enjoy the kids' area with bounce rides, slides, a face painter, and much more.

Other Events

Get ready for a weekend filled with unforgettable performances across New Jersey. From soulful tributes and legendary rock acts to lively Irish tunes, there's a show for every music fan to enjoy:

  • "A Night With Janis Joplin": Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. (additional dates available through Oct. 19, 2025) at Bell Theater at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
  • Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe TonesFriday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Hibernian Club, 2419 Kuser Road, Hamilton Township
  • Cousin Brucie Presents The Rascals: Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel