South Toms River is getting ready to welcome autumn with a full day of family activities, local shopping, food, and community fun at the Fall Harvest Festival at Mathis Plaza.
The South Toms River Optimist Club will host the festival on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mathis Plaza, located at 134 Route 166 in South Toms River.
Set along South Toms River’s scenic waterfront, the festival will bring residents and visitors together for an autumn celebration while creating an opportunity to support local businesses, vendors, artisans, makers, and food truck operators.
A Full Day of Fall Fun in Ocean County
The Fall Harvest Festival is planned as an all-ages community event featuring many of the traditions families look forward to each fall.
Visitors can browse local vendors, grab something to eat from participating food trucks, listen to music, and spend the day enjoying seasonal activities along the waterfront.
Planned attractions include a dedicated kids’ zone, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and seasonal mum sale.
For families looking for things to do in Ocean County this fall, the festival offers an opportunity to enjoy several seasonal activities in one location while supporting the businesses and organizations participating in the event.
“Events like the Fall Harvest Festival reflect what South Toms River is all about—bringing neighbors together, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful experiences for families,” South Toms River Mayor Oscar Cradle said in the event announcement.
“We are grateful to the South Toms River Optimist Club for organizing this wonderful celebration, and invite everyone to join us at Mathis Plaza for a memorable day of fall fun.”
An Opportunity to Shop and Support Local
Beyond the family activities, events like the Fall Harvest Festival give small businesses an important opportunity to introduce their products and services to new customers.
Local vendors will be part of the day’s festivities, giving attendees another reason to shop small while discovering businesses, artisans, and makers from the surrounding area.
Food trucks will also be participating throughout the event, adding local food and specialty offerings to the festival experience.
For NJBusinessList.com, that’s an important part of events like this one: a community festival can also become a marketplace where residents discover businesses they may continue supporting long after the event is over.
Vendors and Food Trucks Are Still Wanted
There is also an opportunity for local business owners to become part of the festival.
The South Toms River Optimist Club is currently seeking additional vendors and food trucks for the October 4 event. Local businesses, artisans, makers, and food truck operators interested in reaching attendees are encouraged to contact the organizers about available opportunities.
Prospective vendors and food truck operators can contact: Crystal Wurst at 732-232-7470, Sandy Ross at 908-783-0291, or Anna Polozzo at 732-278-1134.
Save the Date for the South Toms River Fall Harvest Festival
The Fall Harvest Festival will take place Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Mathis Plaza, 134 Route 166, South Toms River, NJ 08757.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly fall outing, want to shop from local vendors, are ready for pumpkin season, or simply want to spend a fall day along the waterfront, mark October 4 on your calendar.
And for local entrepreneurs, don’t just attend—consider participating. Becoming a vendor is an opportunity to put your business in front of the community, meet potential customers face-to-face, and be part of an event designed to celebrate South Toms River and the businesses that help make the area thrive.
Lisa Mazzuca is owner of On Your Mark Designs, a digital marketing agency working with small business clients throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey and beyond. Lisa has been a webmaster, content marketer, and SEO specialist since 2001. Mazzuca serves on the board of directors of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and the local non-profit organization, A Need We Feed. Lisa is also the Vice President of the Ocean County Business Association, an industry exclusive business networking and referral group.