September is one of the best months to get out and explore Bergen County. Summer isn't quite finished, fall is beginning to make its appearance, and cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to enjoy local parks, downtowns, historic sites, cultural attractions and community events.

From the Hudson River waterfront and Palisades to charming downtown districts and some of North Jersey's best outdoor destinations, there's plenty to discover close to home.

Here are some ideas for enjoying Bergen County in September 2026.

Experience the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival

Get an early start on the fall season at the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival at Overpeck County Park.

The annual festival brings together family activities, entertainment, food and seasonal attractions for a weekend celebrating the beginning of fall.

It's also an opportunity to explore Overpeck County Park, one of the county's major recreational destinations.

Check Bergen County's current event schedule for final dates, hours and activities before heading out.

Location: Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park/Leonia area

Spend a Day at Overpeck County Park

Even without a festival on the calendar, Overpeck County Park is worth a September visit.

The expansive county park offers walking and biking paths, athletic facilities, playgrounds, open space and waterfront scenery.

September's cooler weather makes it a particularly comfortable time for a long walk, run, bike ride or picnic.

Bring lunch and spend a few hours outside before New Jersey inevitably reminds us that winter exists.

Explore the Palisades Interstate Park

For some of Bergen County's most impressive scenery, head to Palisades Interstate Park.

The park stretches along the Hudson River and features dramatic cliffs, wooded trails, scenic overlooks and historic sites.

September is an excellent time to hike the trails before peak fall foliage crowds arrive later in the season.

If hiking isn't your thing, several overlooks provide spectacular views across the Hudson River toward New York.

Visit Historic Fort Lee

Fort Lee played an important role during the American Revolution, and the Fort Lee Historic Park helps tell that story.

Located atop the Palisades near the George Washington Bridge, the park includes reconstructed military encampments, exhibits and scenic views of the Hudson River.

The combination of history and location makes it an easy September outing, particularly when paired with lunch or dinner in Fort Lee.

Location: Fort Lee

Spend an Afternoon in Downtown Ridgewood

You don't need a scheduled festival to enjoy a September afternoon in Ridgewood.

Downtown Ridgewood offers a walkable collection of restaurants, cafés, shops and local businesses centered around Ridgewood Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Have lunch or dinner, grab coffee and spend some time exploring the downtown on foot.

September's more comfortable temperatures make this one of the easiest ways to enjoy a local afternoon without constructing an itinerary that resembles a military operation.

Explore Downtown Englewood

Englewood offers another of Bergen County's active downtown districts.

Palisade Avenue and the surrounding streets feature restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural destinations within a walkable area.

Make an afternoon or evening of it by exploring downtown, trying a restaurant you've never visited and checking the schedule at the Bergen Performing Arts Center.

Catch a Show at Bergen Performing Arts Center

Located in Downtown Englewood, Bergen Performing Arts Center, commonly known as bergenPAC, hosts concerts, comedy, theater and family entertainment throughout the year.

September is a good time to check the performance calendar and combine a show with dinner downtown.

Location: 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Visit the New Jersey Botanical Garden

For a peaceful September day outdoors, head to the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands in nearby Ringwood.

Although just outside Bergen County in Passaic County, it's an easy destination for residents of northern Bergen County and features formal gardens, woodland areas and walking paths.

September offers a chance to enjoy late-summer gardens while the surrounding landscape begins its gradual transition toward fall.

Hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation

For outdoor recreation without leaving Bergen County, visit Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah.

The reservation includes thousands of acres of wooded terrain, hiking trails, streams and scenic areas.

Trails range from easier walks to more challenging hikes, making it possible to tailor the visit to how energetic you're feeling.

September is one of the best months for hiking here, particularly as temperatures begin to cool.

Location: Mahwah

Explore the Hermitage Museum

History lovers can visit The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus.

The historic property has connections to the Revolutionary War and later generations of Bergen County history. The house's distinctive Gothic Revival architecture also makes it one of the county's more recognizable historic landmarks.

Check the museum's current tour and program schedule before visiting.

Location: Ho-Ho-Kus

Visit the Bergen County Zoo

The Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park in Paramus makes for an easy family outing.

The zoo features animals from North and South America and is located within one of Bergen County's most popular parks.

After visiting the zoo, spend some additional time walking through Van Saun County Park or enjoying its other recreational amenities.

September's cooler temperatures can make both the animals and the humans somewhat more enthusiastic about being outdoors.

Location: Van Saun County Park, Paramus

Walk Through Van Saun County Park

You don't need children in tow to enjoy Van Saun County Park.

The park offers walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic facilities and plenty of open space in addition to the zoo.

It's an easy destination for a September walk, picnic or relaxed afternoon outside.

Discover Aviation History at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey

Bergen County also has a connection to aviation history.

The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey, located at Teterboro Airport, features historic aircraft, aviation artifacts, photographs and exhibits highlighting New Jersey's contributions to flight.

It's a particularly good option for an indoor September activity or for anyone interested in aviation and transportation history.

Location: Teterboro

Enjoy the Hudson River Waterfront

Eastern Bergen County offers numerous opportunities to enjoy views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.

Communities including Fort Lee and Edgewater provide waterfront parks, walking areas, restaurants and scenic viewpoints.

A September evening is an ideal time to walk along the waterfront, have dinner and enjoy the skyline after sunset.

Sometimes one of the best local activities is simply appreciating the view people travel hundreds of miles to see.

Explore a Bergen County Farmers Market

September is harvest season in New Jersey, and local farmers markets provide a chance to enjoy fresh produce and locally made foods before the growing season winds down.

Markets and farm stands throughout Bergen County offer Jersey-grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods and specialty products.

Pair a farmers market visit with breakfast or lunch in one of the county's downtowns and turn an ordinary Saturday morning into a local outing.

Take an Early Fall Drive Through Northern Bergen County

Bergen County's reputation is often dominated by its busy commercial corridors and proximity to New York City, but northern portions of the county offer a very different landscape.

Take a September drive through communities such as Mahwah, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River and Upper Saddle River.

Tree-lined roads, parks, historic homes and lower-density neighborhoods provide a noticeable contrast to the more urban areas closer to the Hudson River.

While peak fall foliage usually arrives later, September begins bringing the first subtle signs of the changing season.

Enjoy September in Bergen County

One of Bergen County's greatest strengths is its variety.

You can spend the morning hiking through wooded hills, visit a historic Revolutionary War site, have lunch in a walkable downtown, see a performance in the evening and finish the day overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

September is an especially good time to take advantage of everything the county offers. Summer isn't completely gone, fall is beginning, and comfortable weather provides plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore.

As a local real estate professional serving Bergen County and the surrounding area, I believe understanding a community means knowing more than home values and market statistics. It's also about knowing the parks, downtowns, history, cultural attractions and local destinations that help make an area a great place to call home.

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