Events and Happenings

Multi-day Events

Smithville Oktoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville

Oktoberfest in Smithville has become one of the most popular traditions in South Jersey with over 150 crafters, an international food court, kids activities, non-profit activities and more. Plus, enjoy over 50 Village shoppes, train and carousel rides, paddle boats, eateries and antique arcades. Free shuttles will run from Smithville Square 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

‘Into the Woods’

Now-Sunday, Oct. 5

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point

“Into the Woods” is a 1986 musical that intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and guests’, with the main characters taken from the “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella” and others. Visit www.gatewaybythebay.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Scullville Terror in the Junkyard

Friday and Saturday 7-10 p.m.

Sunday 7-9 p.m.

Fleming’s Junkyard, 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township

One of South Jersey’s most haunted attractions is open for the season. Terror in the Junkyard is back for another year of screams and frights. Opening night is this Friday. Hayride tickets are $15 each, or walk through the maze for $10. Combo tickets are $20; $2 discount for military and first responders. Purchase online and learn more at www.scullvillefire.org/hayride.

Ocean City Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Discount Days

Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5

Asbury Ave. and the Boardwalk

Select vendors in Ocean City will be offering amazing deals all weekend long. Shop and enjoy the vibrant Boardwalk and downtown Asbury Ave.

OCTC Presents Ring of Fire

Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 12

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

Experience Johnny Cash’s iconic songbook in a unique musical journey through love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption and the healing power of home and family. Hear iconic hits such as “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with the title song “Ring of Fire,” performed by a multi-talented cast that paints a musical portrait of The Man in Black. Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 10; Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Saint Joseph’s Regional School

Super 50/50 Raffle Drawing

Now-Friday, Oct. 24

SJRS is hosting a Super 50/50 Raffle Drawing, where 10 lucky winners will win total cash prizes of $20,000, with one grand prize of $10,000. Only 400 tickets will be sold. The drawing date is Friday, Oct. 24 at the SJRS Fall Fest. Email culrich@sjrs.org or call Christine Ulrich at 609-457-4023 for more information.

Friday, October 3

Fall Concert Series at Ocean City Library

6:30 p.m.

1735 Simpson Ave.

This week, the Hampton Brass Quartet performs music of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in a reimagined concert experience. This program will be held in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. The event is free and seating is first come, first served.

Movie Night in the Park in Galloway

7 p.m.

Galloway Municipal Complex, 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road

Join Galloway Township for their Fall Movie Night at dusk. Bring your chairs and blankets and watch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” under the stars. Free entry, free popcorn and free parking. This family-friendly event is open to all.

Saturday, October 4

Vagabike 2025

9 a.m.-6 p.m.

672 N. Trenton Ave., Atlantic City

This Saturday, Vagabond Charities, Inc. is presenting its annual Vagabike fundraiser. More than 250 participants will take a leisurely bike ride down the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, with a route that includes popular establishments including the Wonder Bar, Ducktown, Back Bay Ale House, Steel Pier, Cardinal, Byrdcage and more. All proceeds benefit the Vagabike Scholarship Fund and Atlantic City High School Athletic Department. Sign up via Eventbrite by Thursday, Oct. 2 or visit www.facebook.com/vagabondac for more information.

Ventnor Shredding and Textile Recycling

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ski Beach, Dorset and Burk avenues

Ventnor residents can safely dispose of documents for shredding. Just pull your car to the shred truck and the driver will unload the material for you. No need to park and carry items. There will also be a textile recycling collection.

MMSC Pup Strut

10 a.m.

16th Street and Ocean Ave., Brigantine

Join the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for their 5th Annual Pup Strut. Enjoy a morning of music and sandy paws, along with pet-friendly vendors and a walk along the Brigantine beach with your dog to support MMSC and their mission to bring awareness for seal pups along our coast. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The walk will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Sign up and learn more at www.mmsc.org.

AppleFest

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

John Wesley Gandy Farmstead, 26 Tyler Road, Ocean View

Join the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Twp. for their 24th Annual AppleFest this Saturday. The event will include music from Linda & Ollie, demonstrations by traditional craft artisans and an apple pie baking contest, along with appearances by local crafters and community nonprofits. Admission is free for all ages.

Salt and Clover Fall Festival

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, Petersburg

Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy is now a salt and clover sheep farm. There will be plenty of activities for the kids including hayrides, face painting and pony rides, along with plenty of food, drinks and local vendors. Say hello to the farm animals and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Admission is free.

Port Republic Heritage Celebration

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Port Republic Heritage Society is hosting its 3rd Annual Heritage Celebration. The event begins at 10 a.m. with a Daughters of the American Revolution service at Chestnut Creek Monument, followed by guest speaker Norman Goos at City Hall at 1 p.m., Port School Essay and Art Awards at 2:30 and a Craft Fair and Refreshments at Port Community Church starting at 3:30 p.m. For an additional fee, attendees can take an endless hayride, enjoy ghost stories, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, pumpkin painting and pirate stories from 3:30 to 5:30. Additional information is available at www.portheritage.org.

HEROtini Happy Hour

4-6 p.m.

Harrah’s Resort, 7777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City

Join the HERO Campaign for mocktails by The Pool at Harrah’s. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious mocktails, free appetizers, live music and prizes. Plus, attendees will have the chance to vote on their favorite mocktails. Be part of the mission, one sip at a time and support safe and sober driving. Admission is free.

Northfield Trunk or Treat

5-7 p.m.

Birch Grove Park

Join members of the community and the Northfield Police Department for an evening of ghosts, goblins and fun. Trunk or Treat will begin at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Shannon Campbell at 609-641-2832 or email scampbell@cityornorthfield.org.

Sunday, October 5

Northfield Antique Car Show

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Volunteer Fire House, 1475 Burton Ave.

The Northfield Volunteer Fire Company is hosting its 9th Annual Antique Car Show this Sunday. Enjoy a selection of classic cars and antique models, along with a silent auction. Admission is free. For more information, please call 609-517-8538.

Upper Township Fall Fest and Car Show

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amanda’s Field, 1091 Route 50, Petersburg

Join Upper Township for a fun-filled day for the entire family. Festivities include the annual Show and Go Car Show, where participants will showcase their rides. There will be live music, food trucks, craft vendors and a beer garden, along with NFL football on the big screen. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Eagles Tailgate on the

Beach in Brigantine

12-4:15 p.m.

14th Street Beach

Join the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce in celebrating Philly pride with an afternoon of Eagles football on the big screen as they take on the Broncos. Watch the action while soaking in the ocean breeze for an unforgettable game day atmosphere. Game time is at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets online at https://brigantinechamber.wildapricot.org.

Tuesday, October 7

Thoughts from the Bookshelf

3 p.m.

Margate Library, 8100 Atlantic Ave.

Join JFS Village for a monthly book club gathering. This month, the group will discuss the novel “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by best-selling author Fiona Davis. This book tells the story of two women who independently investigate a series of rare book thefts. RSVP by Oct. 3 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Community Connections

4-7 p.m.

War Memorial Park, Main St. and Route 50, Mays Landing

Beautiful Minds is hosting their annual Community Connections this Tuesday, featuring impactful organizations and resources from across our region. The event will include unique games and activities, along with food trucks, a guest DJ and workshops on mental health and wellness. All ages are welcome to attend.

Movie Night at the Longport Library

5:30 p.m.

2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the Longport Library for pizza and a movie as you watch the newest Superman movie. Call the library at 609-487-7403 to register.

Senior Dance Society

7:30-10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road

Join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, October 8

Shutting the Gate: Origins

of the Quota-Based System

3 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Join Prof. Jack Pesda to learn about the historical times and conditions in the United States during the 1920s. RSVP by Oct. 3 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872, or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

ACEA Free Regional

Business-to-Business Mixer

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road, Somers Point

Business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals are invited to join the Atlantic City Economic Alliance for an evening of connection and collaboration. Attendees can meet and mingle with fellow business leaders and key support organizations from across the region. Forge new partnerships, strengthen community ties and discover valuable resources. Space is limited. For more details and registration, visit www.aceanj.com/mixer.

Somers Point Pinochle Club

6-8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler Road

The Pinochle Club gathers every Wednesday night throughout the year to play. All are welcome to join.

Thursday, October 9

Absecon Galloway Rotary Club Meeting

8 a.m.

Phoenix Diner, 200 W. Absecon Blvd., Absecon

The members of the Absecon Galloway Rotary Club invite you to be their guest at their next meeting, held on the second Thursday of each month at Phoenix Diner. Learn more about Rotary, how they serve the local community and to meet community members. For club information, go to www.facebook.com/AbseconGallowayRotary or email Rose McCarthy, Club President, at bluerose46@aol.com.

Saturday, October 11

Ocean City Fall Block Party

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Asbury Ave.,from Fifth-14th St.

The Fall Block Party is just one week away. Mark your calendars and join over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more along Asbury Ave.,Visit www.oceancityvacation.com for more information.

Monday, October 13

Musical Connections

1 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Feel the stress of the day peel away as you listen to familiar tunes from various genres, including classical, contemporary and jazz and instruments with friends and neighbors. Whether you’re a caregiver or cared for, JCC looks forward to welcoming you. RSVP by Oct. 8 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Health and Wellness

Depression and Anxiety Group

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center 1125 Atlantic Ave.,Suite 617, Atlantic City

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

NAMI Family Support and

Connection Groups

Monday, Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point

NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led group for family members, caregivers and loved ones 18+ for individuals living with a mental illness. Connection is a recovery support group for adults living with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit www.namiacm.org or email info@namiacm.org for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.

These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

Dementia Support Group