Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade

The Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade transforms Pier Village into a lively fall destination with entertainment.
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.