This year is flying by! We’re wrapping up Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month and looking ahead to Oktoberfest. In between, there is a wide variety of festivals, conventions, and fundraisers to keep the family entertained while supporting some worthy causes.

Residents are pressing town leaders in Woodbridge to adopt a new program to control feral cats. Advocates say shelters are overwhelmed and a trap-neuter-release (or TNR) program is a humane, cost-effective solution. Marge Petrow, who leads a volunteer group once signed to run the program, clashed with officials over whether the township shelter was supposed to take the lead. Business Administrator Vito Cimilluca called her account “completely inaccurate.” Petrow later responded: “We did not walk away. We were left without support from the township and had no choice but to pause.”

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The Middlesex County Jazz festival kicks into full swing this weekend after a full lineup of performances Wednesday in Woodbridge. The festival spans multiple towns, each with its own unique setting:

🔗 Festival info 

Friday, Sept 26 • 7:00 PM • Union County Performing Arts Center

This special screening of Encanto is designed for children and families with sensory sensitivities. Lights are kept up, sound is lowered, and moving around is welcome. Tickets are just $5.

🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 27 (12–6 PM) & Sunday, Sept 28 (12–5 PM) • Bridgewater Commons

Robots take over the mall! See robot battles, driving demos, and STEAM activities. Free, hands-on fun for kids and families.

🔗 roboconnj.org

Saturday, Sept 27 • 1:00–9:00 PM • Amboy Avenue (Clara Barton)

Eight blocks of rides, food, live music, and local vendors turn Amboy Avenue into one of the largest street festivals in the region. Entry is free, but rides and concessions are extra — bring cash for food trucks and carnival games.

🔗 Event Info

Saturday, Sept 27 • 12:30 PM — 2:00 PM • Woodbridge Community Center

Dance to drive awareness—no experience needed and all fitness levels welcome. Eight instructors will lead a high-energy session; 100% of proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Minimum $15 donation(QR/cash/check); space is limited—reserve with Roxanne Garretson at 201-370-2387 (call/text).

🔗 More info

Saturday, Sept 27 • 2:00–6:00 PM • Woodbridge Elks, 665 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge

All vehicles are welcome for an afternoon of chrome and community on at Woodbridge Elks #2116, 665 Rahway Ave (arrive 1:30 PM for car check-in). Free admission for spectators; $20 registration per vehicle. Expect trophies, a 50/50 raffle, vendors, and food & refreshments.

🔗 Details

💃🏻 Rahway Latin Dance Party

Saturday, Sept 27 • 1:00 – 8:00 PM • Rahway Arts District Park, Central Ave. & Irving Street, Rahway

Bring the family and join your neighbors for an electrifying afternoon and evening of great music and Latin vibes featuring three distinct acts to get you dancing.

🔗 Event info

Saturday, Oct 4 • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM • Ted Blum 4-H Center

Medieval costumes, jousting-style demos, crafts, and kid-friendly activities. Tickets (~$15) with early arrival perks.  

🔗 Festival details

Sunday, Oct 5 • 11:30 AM–4:00 PM • Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge

Step back to the fall of 1770 with historic reenactments, living history exhibits, and period costumes at Somerset County’s estate. Suggested donation ~ $5 per person.

🔗 Festival details

Friday–Sunday, Oct 4–6 • Mercer County Park

Enjoy three days of Italian culture with authentic food, wine, rides, live entertainment, and artisan vendors. A family-friendly tradition that’s been drawing crowds for over two decades.

🔗 Festival details

Saturday, Sept 27 • 2:30 – 9:00 PM • 44 Stangl Rd, Flemington

Oktoberfest takes over Flemington, starting with an afternoon of live music at Lone Eagle Brewing, followed by more fun at The Strange Brew Crew in the evening. Catered food at both sites.

🎟 Admission: Free (food & drinks sold separately)

🔗 Event info

Sunday, Oct 5 • 12:00 – 5:00 PM • West Main St, Freehold

Downtown Freehold’s Oktoberfest is a free, family-friendly street festival with live music, German food, and community vendors filling Main Street. Grab a bratwurst and a beer and soak up the Bavarian spirit without spending a dime at the gate.

🎟 Admission: Free (food & drinks sold separately)

🔗 Event info

Friday, Oct 3 • 7:00 – 10:00 PM • 249 Broadway, Keyport

German-inspired dinner, desserts, music, and a stein-holding challenge—billed as family-friendly.

🎟 Admission: $25

🔗 Event info

Saturday, Oct 4 • 1:00 – 10:00 PM; Sunday, Oct 5 • 12:00 – 6:00 PM • 787 Featherbed Ln, Clark

One of NJ’s most authentic Oktoberfests: two full days of German food, dancing, and beer-garden fun (kids under 12 free).

🎟 Admission: $10 (general public)

🔗 Event info

Saturday, Oct 11 • 12:00 – 10:00 PM • Jersey Cyclone Brewing, Somerset

Seasonal brews, food trucks, and live entertainment—Dirndl or Lederhosen earns you a half-priced pint.

🎟 Admission: Free (food & drinks sold separately)

🔗 Event info

Sunday, Oct 19 • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Veterans Park South, Hamilton

Live music, vendors, and kids’ activities—bring cash for food and attractions.

🎟 Admission: Free (food & drinks sold separately)

🔗 Event info

As the war between Israel and Hamas and Gaza enters its third horrifying year, it’s important to remember the victims of the October 7 attacks and the dozens of hostages who are still being held. As we do so, please also consider saying a prayer for the thousands of Palestinian civilians who have been killed in the conflict and the hundreds of thousands who are still suffering violence and famine. Here are a handful of upcoming events in the area.

Sunday, Sept 28 • 6:00 – 7:00 PM • Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater

A participatory community sing-along inspired by Israel’s “Singing in the Square,” featuring healing songs in Hebrew and English, moments of silence, and shared stories. Lyrics will be provided so everyone can join. Free; registration required.

🔗 Event info

Sunday, Sept 29 • 7:00 – 8:15 PM • Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater

Arts & Culture editor Jessica Steinberg reflects on shifting from cultural coverage to reporting the war’s human toll through articles, podcasts, and on-the-ground stories. She’ll also highlight how Israeli society is processing trauma through new art and music. Held Sept 29 (moved from Oct 7 for Sukkot); free for community members with registration; VIP dinner at 6:00 PM ($118) and sponsorships available.

🔗 Event info

Thursday, Oct 9 • 7:00 – 8:30 PM • Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County

Author and advocate Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali shares the story of her great-niece Abigail, whose kidnapping and return moved millions worldwide. The evening includes an audience-requested reflection to honor lives lost and reaffirm unity, presented with the Jewish Book Council’s JBC Author Series. Free; registration required (light refreshments served).

🔗 Event info

Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can simply reply to this newsletter or contact me here.

Have a great weekend!