National Grouch Day Storytime (Deptford)

In honor of National Grouch Day, there will be a special story time at the Deptford Barnes and Nobles where they’ll be reading some miserable tales about being grouchy... oh, yeah, and cheering up. Saturday October 15 at 10am, FREE. Call 856-232-3123 for more info.

Sussex County Harvest Festival (Augusta)

Your basic countywide autumn celebration, made special by taking place in gorgeous Sussex County. Family activities, craft demonstrations, agricultural exhibits and a Farmer’s Market.  Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 4pm. FREE. Sussex County Fairgrounds. Email DTraylor@sussex.nj.us for more info.

Latino Heritage Day (Newark)

The 10th Annual Latino Heritage Family Festival at Newark Museum will transform Engelhard Court into “Plaza Latina” with mask-making, music with Sammy Galvez and the Latin All-Stars, beading, and even some salsa lessons with a dance instructor. Oh, and don’t miss the Mexican hot chocolate. Saturday, October 15 from 1 to 4 pm. FREE with suggested museum admission of $10/adults, $6/kids.

Metro Howl-O-Ween Basset Bash (Paramus)

The bassets have been partying for fifteen years now, can you believe it? The Metro Basset Hound Club will be presenting their 15th Annual Metro Howl-O-Ween Basset Bash to benefit homeless, abused and injured basset hounds on Sunday, October 16 from 11am to 3pm at Van Saun Park (Pavilion F). All New Jersey Basset hounds and their humans are welcome. $15/adult and $10/children includes all food, contests and treats for the hounds. But you MUST pre-register, no walk-ins (or trot-ins) allowed. Sunday, Oct 16 from 11am to 3 pm. For more info or to register, call Donna or Bob at 201-556-0111 or email MetroBasset@aol.com.

Three Wishes & the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (Upper Saddle River)

In this 45-minute Aesop’s Fables puppet show, a hungry wolf tries to outwit the shepherd and little Henry and Gretchen are given three wishes. In case puppets freak your kids out (mine run screaming), the puppeteer will demonstrate the behind-the-scenes workings of the dangly bunch. Also, kids will learn how to make a puppet at home. Saturday, October 15 at 3pm. $12/person, purchase tickets in advance here.

2011 Howl and Hike (Ledgewood)

The bassets aren’t the only dogs having fun this weekend. Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association is having their annual Walk to raise funds for pets in need. Fun family activities (want to bounce on a rubber horse?) and prizes will be given for the top fundraisers—yeah, there’s a pet food scoop to be had if you raise a hundred bucks, but the grand prize is a flat-screen TV. These dogs don’t mess around. Sunday, October 16 from noon to 4pm. Register in advance or just turn up to watch the fun. Call (973) 347-0378 for more info.

Harvest Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park (Pennsylvania)

If you’re tired of pumpkin-y events, here’s a Harvest festival that’s slightly different and yeah, it’s PA, but just barely (on the border of PA and NJ). See living historians demonstrate blacksmithing, period cooking and handwriting, tour historic buildings, visit a military encampment and more.
Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 4pm. $9/person. Call 215-493-4076 for more info.

 Four Centuries in a Weekend (Union County)

Come to the deserted village of Feltville/Glenside Park (where ghost rumors abound, hmmm) for hay rides, apple cider pressing, guided tours, old-fashioned children’s game and even the dedication of the newly restored Masker’s Barn. Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, October 16 from noon to 5pm. FREE.