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Sussex County’s free Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The County of Sussex, the Sussex County Beekeepers Association and the Garden State Garlic Growers are teaming up again for the 15th annual celebration of local farms, honey and garlic at 37 Plains Road.
If you are mapping out October weekends across the county, this free fairgrounds day pairs well with the fall picks in our Things to Do in Sussex County this October guide.
What to Expect at the Fairgrounds
According to the Sussex Skylands event listing from the Sussex County Division of Planning, the festival is a free, covered family event, so the day can move forward rain or shine. Expect a farmers market with local fruit, vegetables, cheese, wine and other regional products, plus honey displays and honey goods from the Sussex County Beekeepers Association.
Garlic fans can shop with the Garden State Garlic Growers, and dozens of local artisans, crafters and vendors are set to showcase handmade work. Kids’ activities listed for the day include wagon rides, pumpkin painting and crafts.
When, Where and Cost
Mark Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822. Admission is free. The Division of Planning lists (973) 579-0500 on the event page for festival information, and updates also appear on the festival’s Facebook page.
Augusta is a Frankford Township mailing address in the heart of Sussex County’s farm country, a short drive from Newton, Branchville and Lafayette. Plan a little extra time for fairgrounds parking on a free festival Saturday.
Why This Festival Matters Locally
This is one of the county’s clearest community showcases of what northwest New Jersey grows and makes. Beekeepers bring education alongside jars to sell. Garlic growers put a specialty crop front and center. Artisans and farm vendors fill out a full day that feels like a harvest fair without a ticket price.
For families already planning apple and pumpkin outings, the festival sits nicely alongside the farms we highlight in our apple and pumpkin picking guide. Use one weekend for pick-your-own and another for honey, garlic and the covered fairgrounds market.
How to Make the Most of October 17
Arrive closer to 10 a.m. if you want first look at the farmers market tables and vendor booths. Bring cash and a reusable bag for produce, honey and garlic, and dress for a cool mid-October day even though the main festival space is covered. Check the Sussex Skylands listing or the festival Facebook page the week of the event for any last-minute notes from organizers.
If you are already in Wantage that same Saturday for library plans, the Sussex County Library Halloween Train Display at the Sussex-Wantage Branch runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 69 County Route 639. It is a separate free stop, not part of the fairgrounds festival, and requires no registration.
Featured photo: Engin Akyurt via Pexels.
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