VERNON, N.J. – Pumpkin season arrives in North Jersey this weekend when Heaven Hill Farm opens its Great Pumpkin Festival for an eight-week run filled with hayrides, farm animals, carnival rides and more than 35 family attractions.
The festival opens Saturday, Sept. 12, at the farm on Route 94 in Vernon and runs on select dates through Nov. 8. This year’s corn maze will carry a “Celebrating America 250 Years” theme as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.
It is a familiar fall destination in Sussex County, but the festival isn’t confined to pumpkins. Heaven Hill Farm is bringing back its pig races and Dynamo Dog Show along with the maze, animals, rides and hundreds of fall-themed photo spots spread across the property.
Pumpkin Picking, Hayrides and a Giant Corn Maze
For families coming for the traditional autumn experience, the hayride leads to the pumpkin patch, where visitors can search for a pumpkin to take home.
The corn maze is getting a patriotic theme this season. “Celebrating America 250 Years” will mark the approaching semiquincentennial while sending visitors through one of the festival’s signature attractions.
Then there are the pigs.
The farm’s pig races return this year, along with the Dynamo Dog Show and carnival rides. Farm animals and other outdoor activities round out a lineup that Heaven Hill Farm says includes more than 35 attractions.
“Excited to welcome families back for another incredible fall season,” festival organizers said in announcing the 2026 event. “Each year brings new opportunities to create memorable experiences where guests can enjoy the beauty of autumn, spend quality time together, and make lasting traditions.”
The festival’s opening also comes just as the seasonal attraction calendar begins filling up across Vernon. The township is already known as a year-round recreation destination, including Mountain Creek, where skiing and snow tubing take over once colder weather arrives.
For now, it’s pumpkins.
Great Pumpkin Festival Runs Through Early November
Heaven Hill Farm isn’t operating the festival every day during its September-to-November run, so families planning a trip will want to check the calendar first.
September dates are Sept. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27.
The schedule expands considerably in October, with festival dates Oct. 1-4, 7-12, 14-18, 21-25 and 28-31. The final dates are Nov. 1, 7 and 8.
Festival hours and ticket prices vary, and advance tickets are available through Heaven Hill Farm. Organizers recommend checking the farm’s current schedule before traveling.
Parking is free.
Pets, however, have to stay home.
Heaven Hill Farm is located at 451 State Route 94 in Vernon. The festival is designed as a full-day attraction, with pumpkin picking and traditional farm activities mixed with shows and rides rather than a simple trip through a pumpkin patch.
That puts its opening just two days away.