Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade

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