The first weekend of autumn is almost here and there are plenty of festivals and other family-friendly activities for residents of all ages to enjoy.
Check out what activities are taking place around the region this weekend.
Around South Jersey
- The series of autumnal celebrations kicks off with the Camden County Fair. This year’s fair, taking place Sept. 23 and 24, will be wedged between gardens — both beer and botanical. For the first time since 2014, the annual event is returning to the county’s sustainability campus on Lakeland Road, after spending the last few years at the grounds of Camden County College.
- A number of South Jersey towns will be kicking off autumn with festivals this weekend. One of them is Evesham Township, who will be hosting its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. along Main Street. There will be more than 90 crafters, artists and food vendors on hand. There will also be live music and activities for kids. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.eveshamcelebrations.org.
- The Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olde Stone House Village, 208 Egg Harbor Road in Sewell. There will be hayrides, a pumpkin patch, carnival games, food, live music and demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Guests can also take part in a scarecrow-building contest. The event is free an open to the public. Email [email protected] to pre-register for the scarecrow-building contest.
- Voorhees Animal Orphanage will host its 21st annual Woofstock Festival on Saturday. The event will take place at John Connolly Park in Voorhees from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes tons of activities for both people and dogs. There will be music, vendors, raffles, food, demonstrations and an alumni parade to cap off the day. Admissions is $2, with all proceeds going toward the Voorhees Animal Orphanage. The rain date is Oct. 7. Visit www.vaonj.org/woofstock2017 for more information.
At the Jersey Shore
- The largest Irish Festival on the East Coast lands in Wildwood this weekend. A number of pubs around Wildwood will participate in the Irish Fall Festival Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrate Irish heritage with dancing, music, vendors a 5K run, golf tournament and more. Activities will take place all weekend long along Olde New Jersey Avenue. For a full schedule of activities, visit www.cmcaoh.com/festival.html.
- Another festival will take place in Margate this weekend. The town will host its 16th annual Fall Funfest By the Bay on Saturday and Sunday along Amherst Avenue between Decatur and Coolidge Avenues. The event includes food, arts and crafts, activities for kids, live entertainment and beer gardens. The event is free and open to the public. The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.margatehasmore.com for more information.
In Philadelphia
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is holding its sixth annual Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer at the Philadelphia Zoo on Saturday at 9 a.m. All are invite to participate in either the 5K run or the walk. The cost is $10 to participate in the walk and $20 to participate in the run. Kids ages 5 and under are admitted for free. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Visit http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Walk/Walk?pg=entry&fr_id=73353 for more information and to sign up.
- The third annual Philly Cheesesteak and Food Fest will take over Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on Saturday. The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can sample some of the best cheesesteak and food vendors from around the city. There will also be live entertainment, activities for children, a craft beer garden and a chance to walk the bases on the field. General admission is $20, premium tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $65 and include early admission at 11 a.m. Visit www.cheesesteakfest.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
