The Township of Nutley is proud to announce a full schedule of community events this fall, offering residents of all ages the opportunity to gather, celebrate, and honor traditions. From solemn ceremonies to festive family activities, Nutley’s events calendar brings neighbors together throughout the season.

“Our community thrives when we come together to honor, celebrate, and support one another,” said Mayor John V. Kelly, III. “This fall’s lineup reflects Nutley’s spirit of remembrance, togetherness, and fun, living up to the standard that Nutley continues to be a destination in all facets of life.”

Upcoming Fall Events in Nutley:

September 25: 12:30pm (44 Park Ave.)

Annual Senior Picnic – Seniors 60 and older are welcome to join us at the Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the fall season with fabulous picnic food and great friends!

September 27:

Town-Wide Garage Sale – Go treasure hunting across the township as residents open their yards and driveways. Permit applications are now available at the Department of Public Works in Town Hall, 2nd Floor.

September 28: 11am-4pm (Memorial Park/the Mud Hole). 

Fall Festival in the Park – The Parks and Recreation Department’s annual tradition will feature retail vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and entertainment for all ages, making it the perfect way to welcome the fall season with friends and neighbors.

October 1: 10am-11:30am (BGL 243 Washington ave,)

Coffee with a Cop

Join your neighbors and Police Officers for Coffee and Conversation. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in   your neighborhood!

October 4: 11am-2pm (Essex County Yanticaw Park’s Lower Level)

Health and Wellness Festival – Resources, screenings, and wellness activities to support a healthy Nutley brought to you by the Public Affairs and Health Department.

October 4: 8am-1pm (DPW’s Municipal Garage, 1 Cortland St.)

Leaf Bag Distribution & Food Drive – Residents can pick up free leaf bags while contributing to the community Food Drive. Ten bio-degradable leaf bags will be provided per household. The leaf bag giveaway will be combined with a Food Drive for the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s food pantry. Canned goods, cereal, peanut butter, pasta, and rice are all needed. Presented by the Department of Public Works.

October 5: 9am–2pm (Nutley Farmers Market)

Paws in the Park – The Nutley Dept of Public Affairs and Health in partnership with Lynns Pampered Pets and the Nutley Farmers Market invite all to a fun-filled day of activities, adoptions, food and more!  Donations for the Fur Pet’s Sake Pantry at the Nutley Family Service Bureau will be accepted throughout the day.

October 10: 6pm-8pm (Public Safety building)

43rd Annual Fire Prevention Open House – The Nutley Fire Department will be presenting the 43rd Annual Fire Prevention Open House on Friday, October 10th at the Public Safety building. The family-friendly event will feature bouncy houses, train rides, refreshments and much more.

October 12: 9am-2pm (DPW’s Municipal Garage, 1 Cortland St.)

Hanger & Rigid Plastic Recycling – Hosted by the Department of Public Works, residents are invited to properly recycle hard-to-dispose-of items.

October 15: 6-7:30pm (Parks and Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave.)

Grandma/Grandpa and Me Pumpkin Painting Party – Brought to you by the Parks and Recreation Department, this event is specific to grandparents and their little pumpkins. Light refreshments, a pumpkin, and paint will be included for each child at the Parks and Recreation building. Two adults are limited per child and the children must live in Nutley to participate. 

October 23: 6:00pm-9pm (Old Canal Inn, 2 E. Passaic Ave)

Trivia Night – Join the Public Affairs and Health Department for an engaging evening of laughter, learning, and lively competition at the Old Canal Inn. This event is open to all. Come and test your knowledge of our hometown and much more!

October 24: 6:30-8:30pm (Parks and Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave.)

Spooktacular Halloween Party – The Parks and Recreation Department presents a fun night filled with Halloween snacks, drinks, a hayride, and plenty more!

October 31: 3:30-5:30pm (Public Safety building)

Public Safety Trunk or Treat – This popular event will once again feature decorated car trunks, treats and entertainment. The Public Safety Department-sponsored event is an opportunity for the “Trunk or Treaters” to be able to visit the Nutley Police and Fire station in a positive way, enhancing the relationship between police, fire and the community, in a well-lit and secure area.

Every Sunday through October 26: 9am-2pm (Booth Drive by the High School).

Nutley Farmers Market – Shop fresh produce and local goods in the heart of town. 

November 6: 6-8pm (Parks and Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave.)

Princess Ball – A magical evening filled with fairy tale delight presented by the Parks and Recreation Department. Children will enjoy a special appearance by Cinderella and other princesses from our favorite fairy tale stories as well as music, a whimsical princess meal, ice cream and more. Be sure to come dressed as your favorite prince or princess! 

November 11: 11:00am (Town Hall Commission Chambers)
 Veterans Day Observances – The Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health, in partnership with the Military and Veterans Affairs Bureau and the Nutley Veterans Council, invites the community to join them in observing Veterans Day 2025. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 11th in Commissioners Chambers on the 3rd floor of Town Hall or at the WWII Monument based on weather conditions. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00am.

November 11: Immediately following Veterans Day Observances
 Veterans Day Ruck March – Immediately following Veterans Day Observances, the Ruck March recognizes the approximately 22 veterans a day who take their own life. The suggested weight for a rucksack will be 22 pounds or 22 canned goods to be donated to the Nutley Family Service Bureau Food Pantry immediately following the 5K Ruck March. All are welcome to participate; any and all other weight, or no weight, is permissible as well. All participants are responsible for packing and bringing their own rucksack or backpack. 

December 7: 5:30-7pm (Nutley Town Center Outside of Town Hall)

Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration – The entire community is invited to attend the Township’s official kick-off of the Holiday Season on Sunday, December 7th, from 5:30pm - 7pm, with activities scheduled to take place on both Chestnut Street and Franklin Avenue. Festivities include photos with Santa, a mini-train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and much more!  

December 15: 6-7:30pm (Parks and Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave.)

Christmas Cookie Decorating with Grandma & Grandpa (and Santa, too!) – The evening will include cookie decorating, light refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. Grandparents are admitted free! Nutley Residents only. Presented by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Through December 1:  (Public Affairs and Health Department, 149 Chestnut Street)

Annual Holiday Treasure Chest / Adopt-a-Family Program – Donations can be dropped off at the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health, 149 Chestnut Street, Nutley, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.