As October settles over Cape May County, the Jersey Cape transforms into a lively fall destination. The summer rush fades, the air turns crisp, and weekends quickly fill with celebrations that stretch from the first days of the month to the start of the holiday season.

Beginning in mid September and continuing through mid October, Morey’s Piers in Wildwood embraces the spirit of Oktoberfest. Each weekend offers Bavarian style food, music, and entertainment along the boardwalk, adding a festive note to early autumn. www.moreyspiers.com

The Race of Gentlemen (October 2–4) brings living automotive history to the Wildwoods beach, where pre 1945 vintage vehicles thunder across the sand in authentic drag races. Spectator fee applies. Details at www.TheRaceOfGentlemen.com

October opens with heritage and hands on tradition at Historic Cold Spring Village. On October 3–4, the Harvest Moon Festival highlights spinning, weaving, open hearth cooking, and other traditional arts. Just days later, October 10 becomes one of the busiest days of the season. Avalon’s Arts & Seafood Festival, www.visitavalonnj.com serves fresh coastal favorites alongside artisan creations, while West Cape May celebrates its agricultural roots with the Lima Bean Festival, showcasing creative recipes and crafts inspired by the beloved legume, www.westcapemay.us. That same day, Historic Cold Spring Village hosts its Pumpkin Festival, filling the grounds with hayrides, games, music, and pumpkin painting. www.hcsv.org

Cape May’s Victorian Weekend (October 9–12) invites visitors to step back in time. This annual celebration features tours, a Vintage Baseball Game, a Craft & Collectibles Show, historic house visits, and more. For information, visit www.capemaymac.org or call 609-884-5404 / 800-275-4278.

Throughout October, the Emlen Physick Estate fully embraces Halloween. From October 1–31, guests can stroll Scarecrow Alley, join ghost tours, or enjoy Murder Mystery Dinners, all infused with Victorian charm. www.capemaymac.org. Later in the month, Historic Cold Spring Village returns with Ghoul Spring Village on October 16–17 and 23–24, offering a family friendly haunted walkthrough, craft vendors, and seasonal fare. www.hcsv.org

October’s coastal communities showcase their own signature traditions. Ocean City’s Fall Block Party on October 10 features more than 400 crafters and vendors, followed by nighttime fireworks along the boardwalk. www.oceancityvacation.com

From October 15–18, Cape May hosts NJ Audubon’s Cape May Autumn Festival, a beloved event celebrating the region’s world class bird migration with field trips, hawk demonstrations, workshops, and seasonal programs. www.njaudubon.org/cape-may-fall-festival/

The following weekend brings a full lineup of activity: the Wildwoods Fall Festival on October 16–17 at Fox Park; Sea Isle City’s Harvest Classic on October 17 with family activities and live music (www.seaislechamber.com); and the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey on October 17–18, encouraging visitors to tour historic lighthouses and lifesaving stations from Sandy Hook to Cape May. www.lighthousechallengenj.com

October concludes with the Exit Zero Fall Jazz Festival, held October 23–25 at Cape May Convention Hall. Nationally recognized performers bring smooth, vibrant energy to the shore during this popular event. www.exitzerojazzfestival.com

By the third weekend in November, Cape May shifts fully into holiday mode. Holiday Preview Weekend introduces Christmas Candlelight Tours, Lamplighter Tours, Ghosts of Christmas Past trolley rides, Holiday Inns Tours, and Breakfast with Santa. Congress Hall becomes a Winter Wonderland, its lawn transformed into a festive village of vendors, treats, and twinkling decorations – an enchanting way to welcome the holiday season. www.capemaymac.org