September is one of the best months to get out and explore Somerset County. Summer isn't quite over, fall is beginning to arrive, and the calendar is filled with festivals, outdoor activities, farmers markets, history and community events.

Whether you've lived in Somerset County for years or are still discovering everything the area has to offer, here are some ideas for enjoying September 2026 close to home.

Spend the Day at the Somerville Arts Fall Arts Festival

Downtown Somerville welcomes artists and visitors for the Somerville Arts Fall Arts Festival on Sunday, September 13.

The festival is a perfect excuse to spend a day exploring Downtown Somerville while enjoying art and the atmosphere of one of Somerset County's most active downtown districts.

While you're there, stop for lunch or dinner, grab a cup of coffee and visit some of the locally owned shops and businesses along Main Street.

Location: Downtown Somerville
Date: Sunday, September 13

Celebrate a Local Hero at the Basilone Day Parade

One of Somerset County's most meaningful annual traditions returns to Raritan on Sunday, September 20.

The Basilone Day Parade honors Raritan native and United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during World War II and was later posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

The annual parade brings the community together to remember Basilone's service and sacrifice and has become a significant local tradition.

Location: Raritan
Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.

Experience September at Duke Farms

Duke Farms in Hillsborough is worth visiting throughout the year, but September's transition from summer into fall makes it an especially nice time to explore the property.

Visitors can walk or bike the trails, explore the grounds and gardens and learn more about conservation and the natural environment.

Duke Farms also offers Weekend Ecology Walks on Saturdays during September. For something a little different, "An Evening Chat with Bats" is scheduled for September 10 and features a nighttime walk focused on observing bats and learning about the important role they play in the ecosystem.

Check Duke Farms' current hours and parking requirements before visiting.

Location: Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough

See Canstruction at Bridgewater Commons

From September 15 through September 22, Bridgewater Commons will become home to some very unusual works of art.

Canstruction features large-scale sculptures constructed entirely from canned food. Design professionals create the structures as part of a competition, and visitors can view the creations and vote for their favorites.

More importantly, the event supports the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, combining creativity with a worthwhile local cause.

Location: Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Dates: September 15–22

Welcome Fall at Wagner Farm Arboretum

Fall officially arrives in September, and Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren Township is celebrating with its inaugural Harvest Festival & Artisan Market on Saturday, September 26.

The festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature local artisans, seasonal food, food trucks, activities and the opportunity to explore the arboretum's gardens.

Admission is free.

Location: Wagner Farm Arboretum, Warren Township
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Bernardsville Farmers' Market

September is prime harvest season in New Jersey, making it a perfect time to visit a local farmers market.

The Bernardsville Farmers' Market takes place on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers and a variety of locally produced items.

The market on September 26 is also scheduled to feature live music.

Make a morning of it by visiting the market and then spending some time exploring Bernardsville's downtown shops and restaurants.

Location: Bernardsville
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Catch a Somerset Patriots Game

September offers another opportunity to enjoy professional baseball right here in Somerset County.

The Somerset Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, play at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.

The Patriots have home games against the Hartford Yard Goats scheduled during September, giving baseball fans a chance to catch some late-season action before the schedule comes to an end.

An evening game in September can be particularly enjoyable once the temperatures begin cooling down.

Location: TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater

Step Back Into Revolutionary History at Rockingham

Somerset County played an important role in American history, and September is an appropriate time to explore some of it.

Rockingham State Historic Site in Franklin Township served as George Washington's final wartime headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Washington stayed at Rockingham in 1783 while awaiting news of the Treaty of Paris and preparing his Farewell Orders to the Army.

Special "Welcome World to George Washington's Rockingham" programs are scheduled on several dates throughout September as part of New Jersey's observance of America's 250th anniversary.

Although the historic house is currently closed for stabilization work, programs include an introduction to Rockingham's history, reproduction artifacts and opportunities to tour the grounds.

Explore the Sourland Mountain Preserve

September's cooler temperatures make it a great month to go hiking.

The Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough offers wooded trails through one of Central New Jersey's most distinctive natural areas.

Whether you're looking for a relatively short walk or something more challenging, it's an excellent way to spend a September morning or afternoon outdoors.

Wear appropriate footwear, bring water and remember that nature stubbornly refuses to install air conditioning or snack machines along the trail.

Walk or Bike Through Colonial Park

Colonial Park in Franklin Township offers hundreds of acres of recreational space and is another easy destination for a September afternoon.

The park includes walking and biking areas, gardens, picnic areas, athletic facilities and plenty of open space.

It's also home to the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, one of the park's signature attractions.

September is a particularly pleasant time to explore the park as the temperatures become more comfortable and the landscape begins its gradual transition toward fall.

Spend an Afternoon in Downtown Somerville

You don't need a festival or scheduled event to enjoy Downtown Somerville.

Main Street and the surrounding downtown area offer restaurants, cafés, shops and entertainment within a walkable setting.

Have lunch or dinner, grab coffee, visit a few local businesses and simply spend some time walking around downtown.

With cooler September weather, it's one of those simple outings that doesn't require reservations, tickets or the logistical planning normally associated with convincing several human beings to go somewhere at the same time.

Take a Scenic Drive Through Somerset County

Somerset County offers some beautiful scenery as summer begins transitioning into fall.

Take a drive through communities such as Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone and the surrounding countryside. The area's winding roads, farms, open spaces and historic properties provide a very different view of New Jersey than the one people see from its major highways.

While peak foliage generally comes later in the fall, September begins bringing the first subtle changes to the landscape.

Stop for lunch, visit a park or farmers market, or simply explore a part of the county you haven't visited recently.

Enjoy September Close to Home

One of the things that makes Somerset County special is the variety found within a relatively small area.

You can spend the morning hiking, visit a historic Revolutionary War site in the afternoon, have dinner in a walkable downtown and catch a baseball game that evening, all without leaving the county.

September is an especially good time to rediscover those local attractions. Summer isn't quite finished, fall is beginning, and there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the communities around us.

As a local real estate professional serving Somerset County and the surrounding area, I believe understanding a community goes beyond knowing home prices and market statistics. It's also about knowing the parks, downtowns, history, events and local traditions that help make an area feel like home.

Event dates, times, admission requirements and other details are subject to change. Check directly with event organizers and venues before making plans.