If your ideal autumn weekend involves photo-worthy pumpkin houses, corn mazes, tractor rides through flower fields, and absolutely zero shame about ordering an apple fritter for breakfast, we have good news. Just about an hour outside Manhattan, a massive New Jersey farm is gearing up for one of the season’s most quintessential fall festivals.
Happy Day Farm’s annual Fall Festival officially kicks off on September 19, 2026, transforming 130 sprawling acres in Manalapan Township into an autumn wonderland with over 35 family-friendly activities.
🌽 What to expect at Happy Day Farm this fall
Across select dates from September 19 through November 8, 2026, visitors can explore the farm’s massive attraction lineup:
- The 10-Acre Dolly Parton Corn Maze: Featuring three miles of winding pathways shaped into a giant silhouette of the country icon
- U.S. 250th Anniversary Maze: A shorter, kid-friendly maze open on select weekdays that takes roughly 20 minutes to complete
- Pumpkinville: A whimsical village featuring full pumpkin houses, interactive installations, and endless autumn photo ops
- U-Pick Fields: Wander through vibrant rows of fresh zinnias, cosmos, and giant pumpkin patches
- 35+ Farm Attractions: Pig races, a petting zoo, pedal carts, tire mountain, a pirate ship, tetherball, and tractor rides
- Classic Festival Eats: Indulge in warm zeppoles, powdered funnel cakes, freshly fried apple fritters, cheese steaks, hot dogs, and ice-cold fresh-squeezed lemonade
💡 Pro-tips for planning your trip
- Weekend vs. Weekday Tickets: Weekend tickets ($29) cover all 35+ activities (including the Dolly Parton maze and pig races) and must be bought online in advance. Weekdays ($23) offer a calmer experience with access to Pumpkinville, flower fields, tractor rides, and the America 250 maze, but tickets are cash-only at the door
- Free Pumpkin Access: If you only want to pick pumpkins without entering the festival grounds, pumpkin patch access doesn’t require a festival ticket—you simply pay for what you pick!
- Beat the Crowds: Visit on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons for zero lines at the food stands and wide-open photo ops at Pumpkinville
📍 Event details at a glance
- What: Happy Day Farm Fall Festival 2026
- When: Select dates from September 19 – November 8, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm (Last entry at 4 pm)
- Where: 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
- Cost: $23 on weekdays (cash at door) | $29 on weekends (online only) | Free for kids under 2