Fall is officially in full swing and Downtown Toms River is celebrating the season of bright colors, pumpkins, and treats (oh my!) As the leaves turn from luscious green to firey reds, yellows, and oranges, artists and crafters will be coming together for the Annual Harvest Arts Festival. The annual event is the perfect prelude to the parade where witches, ghouls, and ghosts will converge on Main Street. Also celebrating the new season is Downtown Toms River’s The Music Academy – after all, playing carols is not that far down the road!

Harvest Arts Festival In Downtown Toms River

Even though the summer was filled with craft and farmers markets, there’s nothing truly like Downtown Toms River’s Annual Harvest Arts Festival on Saturday, October 21st from 11:30am – 5pm. Artists from across the region will be showcasing unique pieces for all to see and hoping for the judges favor. Be sure to check the out some of the area’s most delicious food trucks, handcraft, and merchandise vendors around.

Head out with friends to grab a beer in the Beer and Wine Garden while rocking out with local bands. While you’re enjoying shopping and eating, the kids can have a ball on inflatables, rides, free games, and free pumpkin painting.

While you’re in Downtown Toms River, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out the 2nd Annual Scarecrow Walk. Local businesses, families, and community groups will be competing for cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place) to see who’s (family friendly) scarecrow wins our hearts (or scares us silly!) If you think you have what it takes, be sure to enter by October 6th. While you’re judging, or attempting to win votes, be sure to check out the window decorations of Downtown Toms River businesses, designed and decorated by Toms River High School South students. If you’ve never seen these paintings, it will certainly be a treat!

Just ten days later, Downtown Toms River will serve as the meeting place for the 79th Halloween Parade, organized by the Toms River Volunteer Fire Co. #1. On Halloween evening, October 31st at 7pm, those young and old, big and small, and even motorized vehicles will be traveling down Main Street, hoping to take home a coveted trophy.

Business Spotlight: The Music Academy

Tracy Harman Photography

Offering lessons on today’s most popular instruments from piano and keyboards to acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, and percussion instruments, The Music Academy in Downtown Toms River will have your kid (or yourself) jamming out in no time. Whether you want to brush up on your vocal skills, learn to play with others, or pick up a new instrument, The Music Academy is your number one choice.

Offering individual and group instruction programs that focus on the unique needs and individuality of each student, The Music Academy will find the perfect musical education. Comprised of a “mastermind” of professionals that includes both educational, real-world, and music-degree holding graduates, their curriculum combines all aspects of “musical knowledge” to create a “cutting edge” music education.

Looking Ahead to November

Next month, Downtown Toms River will begin welcoming the holiday season (yes, we’re talking about November) with Small Business Saturday on November 25th, celebrating the town’s beautiful Bed & Breakfast, and staying in touch with you with their brand-new newsletter!

For more information visit www.downtowntomsriver.com