Upcoming Family-Friendly Autumn Events In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — There are a lot of family-friendly activities happening in Somerset County this fall.

Here are some events happening in the coming weeks:

• Brite Nites are back at Wagner Farm Arboretum, Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, and 27. Timed entry from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. The events will showcase an elaborate display of hand-carved and lighted pumpkins, updated this year with LED bulbs, music, and special effects. The Barn of Fear is a haunted barn professionally designed by Dusk Productions and features updated scenes and special effects. Cost is between $4 to $15. Visit the Wagner Farm Arboretum's website for more information.
• The Franklin Day Festival will have programs for children, adults, and senior citizens. More than 100 vendors, local organizations, businesses, and artists will have tables. There will be inflatable rides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The New Jersey Army National Guard will have a Black Hawk military helicopter there. Bands, dancers, and singers will perform. An artwalk will feature creations by Franklin Township Public School students. Colonial Park, lot C in Somerset from noon to 5 p.m.
• Annual Downtown Somerville Oktoberfest. Many local craft beers and traditional Oktoberfest beers will be on hand. Local restaurants will serve food and live music will be played. Local Oktoberfest brews, traditional Marzen style ales, fall seasonals, pumpkin beers, sangria, mead and cider as well as a collection of craft beers will be served. There will be a Stein holding contest, a brews and brushes painting time, a bratwurst eating contest, and pumpkin- and face-painting for kids. Sept. 28, from noon to 9 p.m. Entry costs $8 in advance, $10 at the door, or $8 at the door with a canned pet food donation. Designated drivers and people younger than 21 may enter free with a canned pet food donation.
• The annual Steeplechase Distance Run is Sept. 29 at Amsterdam School in Hillsborough. There will be 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer runs, a 2-mile walk, and kids' sprints. The event benefits the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville. The event will be run rain or shine. Click here for information about the steeplechase run.
• The Branchburg Sports Complex will host a family fun day Sept. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be games and activities for kids 12 and younger. There will be bounce houses, soft play equipment, arts and crafts, and prizes and giveaways. Click here for more information about the family fun day.
• Winery Tasting and Tour at Sky Acres Winery in Far Hills, Oct. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Attendees can also learn how to make wine at home. Two demonstrations and tours will be at 3 and 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit Sky Acres Winery's website to purchase tickets or for more information.
• Ichabod Crane and Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a re-enactment presented by The American Historical Theater, Oct. 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough library, 379 South Branch Road. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com