The chill is settling in at night, the leaves are starting to change color and wisp away in the wind, and football season is in full swing. The weather is gorgeous in our lovely towns and the area is packed with the most quintessential events to “ease into fall”! It’s nice to have a handy guide of what’s on the schedule to give you options for these autumn weekends in Cranford, Westfield, and neighboring towns!

 

Cranford Paint Out 2017, Cranford (Saturday, September 16, 1:00-5:00 pm)

There’s still time to register by September 13!(visit Registration) If you love to paint and love our town of Cranford– you HAVE to attend this event sponsored by The Artist Framer of Cranford. Whether you are an adult or child, everyone is welcome to head to The Artist Framer to check in (11 am – 1pm day of event at 17 North Avenue East) and then go paint your vision of your favorite spot in scenic Cranford. Visit the event’s Facebook page at Cranford Paint Out FB Page for inspirational suggestions by The Cranford Historic Preservation Society. Vasari Classic Artists’ Oil Colors will be on hand to give you an opportunity to try some of their newest paint colors! Whether you participated in the event or just enjoy seeing artists in action – head to Alden Street at the closing to view all of the finished masterpieces!

 

Centennial Village Group 10^th Music Fest, Cranford (Saturday, September 16, 4:00 – 9:00 pm)

Walk over to Lincoln School in Cranford (132 Thomas Street) and bring your friends and family to this FREE event! There will be live bands including Hugo Furst and the Lovehandles, local food vendors, lawn games, 50/50 raffles, and a tricky tray! This will be an entire evening of fun! All proceeds go to preservation and beautification of Centennial Village where some of our favorite restaurants and shops reside! Head to their Facebook page for more info at Music Fest FB

 

22^nd Annual Fanny Wood Day 2017, Fanwood (Sunday, September 17, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Go to South Avenue in Fanwood, NJ and the fun begins! The lineup for this festival is crazy! Local business and restaurant have put together insane contests such as the “Pancake Eating Contest”, “Chicken Wing Eating Contest”, and the “Bubble Gum Blowing Contest”! The local YMCA will be a huge attraction with their Family Zumba Class at 11:30 am, “Paint Your Own Y-Shirt”, “Make Your Own Slime”, and obstacle courses! In addition to these fun events, festival goers can experience a car show, local vendors, petting zoo, pony rides, rock climbing, kiddie rides, and live entertainment. Sounds like non-stop fun! For more info head to their Facebook page at FannyWoodDay2017 FB

 

28^th Annual FestiFall, Westfield (Sunday, September 24, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm)

The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce another fabulous lineup of events at FestiFall this year! Rain or shine – bring the entire family to Downtown Westfield to experience over 250 local vendors, arts & crafts, live music all day, children’s activities in the Kid Zone, and local culinary treats! For more information closer to the event, check out their Facebook page at FestiFall FB

 

7^th Annual Rubber Ducky Race, Cranford (Sunday, October 22, 4:00 – 5:00 pm)

Hanson Park Conservancy brings you another highly anticipated event in October. Walk to Sperry Park and watch over 1000 individually numbered rubber ducks race down the Rahway River and spill over the falls to the finish line! Winning ducks will be announced at the event and coveted prizes are local merchant gift bags, local shop gift certificates, and monetary awards! Get your tickets for ducks now at Periwinkles (North Union Avenue in Downtown Cranford) or the Cranford Canoe Club (Springfield Ave). Single ducks are $5 and $20 will get you a flock of 5! These colored ducks are hot items and cannot be purchased the day of the race! All proceeds benefit Hanson Park maintenance and educational programs. Here is the Facebook page for the event: 7th Annual Rubber Ducky Race FB

 

 

13^th Annual Feast of St. Michael, Cranford (September 28 – October 1)

Literally thousands of local residents will flock to St. Michael’s School Parking Lot (Holly & Alden Sts.) to celebrate the church’s patron saint during Feast Hours and enjoy fun for the whole family. Everyone loves this event and this year is no exception: popular bands every night including the Alden Street Band and Goldenseal, amazing rides, local vendors, and memories to last forever! The event kick-off is September 28^th at 6:00 pm! For bracelet night/discount ride information head to their Facebook page at Feast of St. Michael FB

 

10^th Annual Scarecrow Stroll, Cranford (October 24-November 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a decade, this has been a cherished tradition in Cranford. Everyone loves heading into downtown to see the newest and most creative scarecrow for the year and vote on their favorites! You, your family, or an organization from Cranford or any neighboring town can still register and design your own through their Facebook page at Scarecrow Stroll FB Page! Registration closes October 13. Since this is a special anniversary – it promises to be the biggest and best scarecrow event yet! I’ve heard there will be a special “Nighttime Stroll”. Get ready for some downtown fun!

 

Duke Farms in the Fall, Hillsborough Township (1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township)

Enjoy breathtaking sights at this sprawling estate in Hillsborough: just a 50 -minute car ride and you are in paradise! You’ll find “almost 1000 acres of land devoted to an ongoing exploration – of native species, preservation and sustainability efforts. Duke Farms brings you festivals, workshops, and an award-winning café! Come enjoy an “Autumn Waterfall Walk” where you can enjoy a 3-mile walk past 4 waterfalls and 6 water bodies, a Fall Mystery Walk, Bat Storytime for kids, and huge sunflower fields! Visit dukefarms.org for more info!

 

 

 

Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Township (80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township)

Celebrating 25 years – autumn is the perfect time to get away and explore the grounds. This is a 42-acre sculpture park and museum where, no matter where you roam, you will always stumble upon some stunning installment of art. It’s a “magical place where art and nature are always at play”. Just one hour away – take a drive for a “Moonlight Tour and Dinner” at the renowned Rat’s Restaurant, Vineyard dinners, Sing-a-Long Happy Hours, First Fridays, picnic lunches, and Tots on Tour. Our own Cranford Library even has museum passes for this destination! See the full calendar of upcoming events at groundsforsculpture.org

 

Liberty Hall Apple Harvest Time, Union (1003 Morris Avenue, Union NJ)

Throughout September enjoy strolling through Liberty Hall’s gorgeous orchards – out back by the historic firehouse and firetruck! You can have a “semi- private” experience picking your own apples in this stunning landscape of apple trees, flowing shrubs, and trees displaying their change of colors. $8 for a small bag and $15 for a large bag. Call ahead at 908-527-0400 to make sure the apples are plentiful and ripe before you come! http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/events/apple-harvest-time