There’s Still Time To Catch Fall Festivals Near Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Fall is a great time to get outside in Basking Ridge and take in the rich offering of festivals.

The changing colors of autumn provide a scenic background for fall and harvest festivals, which have contests ranging from apple bobbing and pumpkin carving to lumberjack contests and Halloween parades.

Fall is also the season for corn mazes, pumpkin patches (Where To Pick A Pumpkin Near Basking Ridge) and apple orchard visits.

Here are a few festivals and events in the Basking Ridge area worth putting on the calendar:

Haunted Walking Tour Of Basking Ridge: Mr. Local History Project's annual Haunted Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village is returning on Sunday, Oct. 23. Participants can join the Witch of Winding Lane, as local historian Paula Axt and her ghoulish friends share a one-hour tour of the downtown village of Basking Ridge with tales of roaming ghouls, tainted ghosts and twisted stories that have been handed down throughout the town’s history. The tour starts at 3 p.m. and ends at the Presbyterian Church cemetery. Tickets are $25 each. All proceeds from the event go towards the Mr. Local History High School Scholarship Fund.

4-H Trunk or Treat: On Friday, Oct. 21, the Somerset County 4-H is hosting a Trunk Or Treat open to the public for all ages. This will be a devilishly good time filled with games, activities, arts and crafts, and of course, candy! Get dressed up in your scariest or cutest costume. Click here for more information.

Brite Nites: Returning for an 11th year, Wagner Farm Arboretum's spectacular Halloween-themed event "Brite Nites" showcases an elaborate display of intricately and creatively hand-carved and lighted pumpkins. These breathtaking pumpkin sculptures have been updated with new themes, LED bulbs, and new special effects. By popular demand, Brite Nites has returned to a Walk Thru format! There will also be a Drive Thru option for those who prefer to view the displays from the comfort of their vehicle.

Drive Thru Event dates: Thursday Oct. 27 with timed entry from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 15 minute intervals. Event closes promptly at 10 p.m.

Walk Thru Event dates: Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. Walk thru tickets are general admission and are not timed. Entry begins at 6:30 and ends at 9 p.m. Event closes promptly at 10 p.m. For tickets and information click here.

Fall Festival and Trunk & Treat: The Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, located at 279 Route 202-206 in Pluckemin, is inviting the community to a “Fall Festival and Trunk & Treat” event on the church grounds on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. (rain date Oct. 30). Entry is free. In addition to the annual Trunk & Treat, this year’s event will include a bounce house (sponsored by Gus & Bucky’s Car Wash and BMW of Bridgewater), a balloon artist, games, a vendor market, a classic car display, food for purchase and music. A special appearance by the Batmobile is also planned. And a Pumpkin Patch to get a pumpkin. Click here for more information.

Haunted Somerville: "Haunted Somerville" will be held on Oct. 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and "Campfire Stories, Myths, & Legends" on Oct. 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Somerville.

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