TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River will welcome fall with a five-hour outdoor festival featuring a KISS tribute band, free carnival rides, hayrides, face painting and a pumpkin patch.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s Rockin’ Fall Fest will run from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Winding River Park North, next to the Winding River skating rink.
KISS cover band takes the stage
A KISS tribute band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing the rock group’s theatrical stage show and familiar songs to the park.
The evening will also feature food trucks and a beer garden. Admission information was not listed in the township’s announcement, but the promoted carnival rides, face painting, pumpkin patch and hayrides will be free.
Updates are expected through the official Toms River Township website.
Two hayride experiences planned
Free children’s hayrides will operate from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The attraction will change after dark, with “scary” hayrides for older children scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m.
Families can also visit the pumpkin patch, have their faces painted and ride the carnival attractions throughout the festival.
The event will be held at Winding River Park, which includes trails, playground space, athletic fields, picnic areas and restrooms.
Shuttle location still to be announced
The township said shuttle service will be provided, but the pickup location has not yet been announced. Residents planning to attend should watch for an update closer to the festival.
If rain forces a postponement, the event will move to Sunday, Oct. 4.
The festival joins a busy schedule of Toms River and Ocean County community events planned for the fall.