Free Family Fun in Middlesex County On Columbus Day Weekend

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Middlesex County has a host of exciting events planned for this weekend that are perfect for families, have free admission and showcase a wide variety of cultures and activities.

Revolutionary War Encampment in Piscataway:

Our first event is for those who love history and want to become a part of it. The Middlesex County Office of Arts and History is proud to host the first-ever Revolutionary War Encampment at East Jersey Old Town Village. Watch the village come to life as Crown and Continental forces take over. A military camp will be set up, soldiers will drill and their commanders will plan for battle.

This free event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8. Both sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. East Jersey Old Town Village is located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. Other presentations will include cooking, blacksmithing, pottery, musket drills, and a “People of the Brigade” fashion show. There will also be activities for children and food trucks will be on site for refreshments.

Oktoberfest in New Brunswick:

Saturday’s next event is an outdoor festival that combines good food and good times. An Oktoberfest celebration, presented by New Brunswick City Center, will be held Saturday, October 7 on George Street in New Brunswick. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and feature local fare, craft beer and dancing.

4-H Haunted House and Haunted Hayride in East Brunswick:

If you are looking for a good scare this Halloween season, the Teen Council of the Middlesex County 4-H Youth Development Program would like to invite you to its Haunted House and Haunted Hayride fundraiser. Join the 4-H teens every Friday and Saturday evening in October from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center, located at 645 Cranbury Rd. in East Brunswick.

Admission is $5 for each activity or $8 for both activities. The proceeds will go to fund 4-H’s next big event, Project GIFT. Project GIFT is a charitable holiday shopping event that takes place in December. Proceeds from the Halloween events enable the 4-H teens to buy presents and supplies needed for Project GIFT. At this year’s event, 4-H will host 200 limited-resource families, who can choose from the presents and “shop” for gifts for their children at no cost to themselves.

Along with the Haunted House and Hayride there will be less spooky activities for younger guests, such as pumpkin decorating and remote control car demonstrations. The 4-H Tiki Hut will also be open for snacks and Halloween treats.

For directions to the Haunted House and the 4-H Center, visit the County website at www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “4H."

South African Dance Festival in New Brunswick:

If you’re already in town on October 7, or are interested in dance, head over to the State Theatre at 15 Livingston Avenue. At 8 p.m., the Theatre will present a Festival of South African Dance featuring two dynamic companies. Admission to this family-friendly event is also free of charge. This is a free ticketed performance with general admission seating. Seats are first-come, first-served and can be reserved at STNJ.org or by calling Guest Services at 732-246-7469.

Corazon Latino Festival in New Brunswick:

New Brunswick will be the site of another celebration on Sunday, October 8, presented by the New Brunswick Cultural Center. The Corazon Latino Festival will take place at Joyce Kilmer Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature traditional dance performances, live music and food vendors that reflect New Brunswick’s rich Latino-Caribbean culture. For more details, visit NewBrunswickArts.org.

Finally, County residents and visitors alike can get moving during New Brunswick Ciclovia, presented by the City of New Brunswick. This free event closes the streets to cars and opens them to people for 5 hours, encouraging them to walk, run, skate, bike and enjoy being active. The streets will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. on Sunday, October 8. For a map of the Ciclovia route and more information, please visit NBCICLOVIA.com.

“These events are a great way to enjoy Columbus Day weekend with friends and family, and offer a chance for residents to get out and experience the fall weather,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios.

“If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, you don’t have to travel far,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood. “There’s something for everyone in this lineup, and because they are close in proximity, you can attend more than one.”

For more information about the revolutionary War Encampment and other events from the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, or for directions, call (732) 745-3030, ext. 310 or visit our County website atwww.middlesexcountynj.gov. For a schedule of events throughout the day on your mobile device, text the word CULTURE to 56512.