There are an abundance of October Events in Cranford NJ for the community to enjoy.  Many of these events are both annual traditions and fundraisers that go towards good causes.

OKTOBERFEST IN CRANFORD NJ

Cranford Jaycee’s Annual Fundraiser

Oktoberfest is back on Saturday, October 1 at Union College from 5-10pm.   This event sells out every year and has been called the “party of the fall”.  The $55 ticket cost includes unlimited drinks, a souvenir mug, and live music.  Attendees can pre-order food from local restaurants or food trucks will be on site for purchase that night.  Proceeds benefit the Cranford First Aid Squad and other community organizations.  Oktoberfest is only one of the many events the Cranford Jaycee’s put on through the year; check out their website to learn more.

PORCHFEST IN CRANFORD NJ

Live Music on Porches

Porchfest is another Annual Event that started in Cranford in 2017.  The Cranford Community Connection  started this inclusive, town-wide event as an opportunity for residents of all ages to enjoy music on porches throughout town.  They were inspired by a neighborhood music festival in Ithaca, NY.

Porchfest is on Saturday, October 8 and is a completely free, family-friendly event!  Residents volunteer their porches for the event and the bands play completely for free.  Ten porches  were selected this year and are evenly spread across town so attendees can easily walk or bike between performances.  There are 40 bands playing in total this year with 4 per porch, playing for about 45 minutes each. Most of the bands are rock, covers and “singer songwriter” and some have come back year over year.    The organizers published a full schedule of events for the day as well as an interactive map so attendees can easily plan out their route.  T-shirts are available for sale the day of the event for $20 to help offset some of the insurance and volunteer t-shirt costs.

RUBBER DUCKY RACE

Hanson Park Conservancy’s Big Fundraiser

The Rubber Ducky Race is another beloved Annual Event that is on Sunday, October 9 at 4 pm.  Over a thousand rubber ducks are released from canoes in the Rahway River at Sperry Park to race down the falls to the cheers of bystanders.  This is a fun activity for all ages and prizes are awarded to the fastest ducks.

This is the Conservancy’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go towards Hanson Park Maintenance and Educational programs. Duck’s are sold at Periwinkles or The Canoe Club for $5 each or a flock of 5 for $20. To learn more about the Hanson Park Conservancy, please check out their website or watch my interview with Ellen McHenry, the President of the Conservancy.  Hanson Park is a true gem!

SCARECROW STROLL 

15th Annual Downtown Cranford Event

The Downtown Cranford Scarecrow Stroll is October 14-31 this year and is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.  Local groups create Scarecrows that line the streets of Downtown Cranford.  Residents and visitors are invited to stroll through town and vote on their favorites.  This year, Downtown Cranford planned numerous Halloween-themed events in conjunction with the stroll.   The first event, the Candy stroll, is an opportunity for children  Trick-or Treat at participating stores.  Other events scheduled for the month include Neewollah and an Apple Pie Eating Contest at Eastman Plaza   Check out the full line up on events on Downtown Cranford’s website.

EVEN MORE OCTOBER EVENTS IN CRANFORD NJ

Believe it or not, these are only a few of the October events in Cranford NJ.  For a full round up of events and updates, make sure to follow WeLoveCranford on Facebook and Instagram!

Oktoberfest is a festive night in Cranford!

Bands playing for Porchfest