About this Event
There’s something special about fall at the Jersey Shore—and on October 17, Pier Village invites families, friends and four-legged companions to celebrate the season with an afternoon of music, autumn traditions, festive treats and plenty of fun.
The Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade transforms Pier Village into a lively fall destination with entertainment and activities for all ages, from pumpkin carving and games to live music, seasonal treats and a parade of pups dressed in their Halloween best.
MUSIC BY THE SEA
Enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment throughout Pier Village.
DJ JoJo | 12–4 PM
Family-friendly favorites keep the celebration going all afternoon.
The Nerds | 1–4 PM | Boardwalk Gazebo
Get ready for a high-energy live performance overlooking the ocean.
Bavarian German Band & Traditional Dancers | 1–4 PM | Carousel Stage
Celebrate the season with lively music and traditional dancing.
FALL FUN FOR EVERYONE
Embrace the season with hands-on activities and festive experiences throughout Pier Village, including:
- Pumpkin carving demonstrations
- Strolling Entertainment
- Bracelet making with Little Words Project
- Face painting
- Inflatable rides and fall games
- Trick-or-treating at participating Pier Village shops and vendor tables
- Paint a Pot at Blue Skies Pottery
- Carousel rides
- Miniature golf
- Bowling
- VR golf
- Air hockey and arcade games
A PARADE FOR THE PUPS
The afternoon's most anticipated guests have four paws.
Bring your best-dressed pup to the Pooch Parade & Costume Contest, featuring a festive procession, prizes presented by Doggie Sweets and plenty of opportunities to celebrate your four-legged family members.
Pooch Parade
Line-up: 12 PM
Parade: 12:30 PM
After the parade, continue the fun with:
Yappy Hour + Dog Trick-or-Treating at Carousel Bar | 1 PM
Pumpkin Patch photo opportunity for you and your pup
Pet treats, baked goods, costumes and more
Pooch Parade registration is $5, with proceeds benefiting Pick Your Paw Rescue.
[Register your dog for the Pooch Parade]
A TASTE OF FALL
Make your way through Pier Village for seasonal treats and sweet autumn favorites, including:
🍎 Candy Apples at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
🍦 Ice Cream at Coney Waffle and The Baked Bear
SOMETHING A LITTLE MAGICAL
Explore special experiences throughout the afternoon, including psychic readings by Gifted Sara and a special meet-and-greet with Sparky, the Long Branch Fire Department mascot.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Come for the festival. Stay for the oceanfront setting, shopping, dining, games and entertainment that make Pier Village a destination all year long.
Whether you're bringing the kids, meeting friends or arriving with your favorite four-legged companion, it's the perfect excuse to spend a fall afternoon at the Shore.
Saturday, October 17 | 12–4 PM
Pier Village | Long Branch, NJ
Free to attend. Individual activities, purchases and Pooch Parade registration may have associated fees.
Vendors and additional activities will be announced.
POOCH PARADE RULES & REGULATIONS
- Dogs must be registered by 12:15 PM.
- Registered participants should check in at Doggie Sweets between 11 AM–12 PM.
- Pooch Parade registration is $5.
- All dogs must be licensed, leashed and pre-registered.
- Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
- Children 12 and under participating with a dog must be accompanied by an adult, with a minimum of one adult per child.
- Awards will be presented immediately following the parade.
The Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade is presented by Pier Village and the City of Long Branch, with special thanks to Doggie Sweets.
Event venue & nearby stays
Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.