September’s harvest moon, a harbinger of the autumnal equinox, has ushered in a wonderful season of days filled with a bumper crop of timeless celebrations – maybe that’s why so many toothless jack-o-lanterns are always smiling.

Oktoberfest in Cape May is almost like being in Bavaria along Carpenter Lane between Perry and Jackson streets as it’s transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food – and a biergarten, of course. www.capemaychamber.com

West Cape May, once the lima bean capital of the world, still celebrates its farming heritage with a Lima Bean Festival in the Borough’s Backyard Park with all things lima bean – soup, salsa, ice cream, crafts and even a royalty to reign over the festival. Oct. 8th, 732 Broadway. www.capemay.com

It's a busy time in the local vineyards as the last grapes are harvested. Watch the wine making process while enjoying the ambiance of the vineyard, tours, tastings and a glass of chardonnay or cab from last year’s harvest. It’s crushing time at the Grape Stomping Harvest Festival Oct. 1st at Natali Vineyards and Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville is hosting its first Hallowine Fest. Oct. 29th and 30th. www.natalivineyards.com and www.cedarrosevineyards.com

Breweries are joining the fall fun with pumpkin beers – imagine! MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood has Nummy Pumpkin, and at Glasstown Brewing Company it’s Pumpkin Porter. Cape May Brewing Company's Pick of the Batch Fall Festival is back Oct. 8th in the Brewtanical Garden for a jam-packed day of fun with new brews and some fall-themed contests. www.capemaybrewery.com

The Olde Tyme Harvest Festival along Mechanic Street in Cape May Court House combines a bit of carnival and street fair, rides, music, vendors, food trucks and more. No wonder it’s always one of the township’s largest events of the year. Oct. 22nd and rain date Oct. 23rd. www.middletownship.com

Make a tissue paper, stained glass apple, a scarecrow face or beaded fall corn at the Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts in Millville. Enjoy the creativity of diverse artists and relax in the Beer and Wine Garden with beverages from the Glasstown Brewing Company and Bellview Winery. The Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser features beautiful handcrafted glass pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Oct. 1st and 2nd. www.wheatonarts.org

Enjoy the foliage along the back roads of Cape May and Cumberland counties, checking out an antique place or two, picking apples after a hayride with kids and stocking up with some homemade jams, jellies or pickles from local farm stands before these autumn days dwindle down to a precious few. #njsouthernshore