Berkeley Heights' Littell-Lord Farmstead Fall Festival Returns Oct. 17

The Littell-Lord Farmstead on Horseshoe Road in Berkeley Heights will host its 5th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If rain moves in, the festival shifts to Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the same hours. Now in its fifth year, the festival draws residents, families, local organizations, vendors, and community partners to the Horseshoe Road property for a day celebrating the historic farmstead and its ongoing restoration.

Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights community events, historic properties, and local activities across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Festival Details and Family Activities

The day includes tours, activities, and entertainment, along with a look at the restoration work currently underway at the Farmstead and what lies ahead for the site. The festival provides community members with opportunities to explore the historic property, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the restoration progress from Phase 1 completion through Phase 2 work.

Tours offer visitors insight into the farmstead's history, architecture, and significance as a community treasure. Activities and entertainment create a family-friendly environment welcoming neighbors and visitors of all ages.

Historic Property Significance

The Littell-Lord Farmstead is described by Berkeley Heights as one of the township's most treasured historic properties. The festival serves as an opportunity to mark the progress of the Farmstead's ongoing restoration and engage community members in the preservation mission.

Historic properties represent community heritage and cultural identity. The Littell-Lord Farmstead's restoration reflects Berkeley Heights' commitment to maintaining and preserving the site for future generations as a community asset.

Restoration Progress and Community Engagement

The 5th Annual Fall Festival coincides with Phase 2 of the Littell-Lord Farmstead restoration project, which began in August 2026. Phase 2 focuses on exterior restoration: windows, doors, shutters, siding, and exterior painting. The project is funded through grants and private donations, with matching grant mechanisms requiring community contributions to unlock additional funding.

The festival provides an opportunity for community members to learn about restoration progress, understand the funding model, and potentially contribute to the Littell-Lord Trust supporting Phase 2 and future phases.

PBA Fishing Derby

Also on October 17, PBA Local 144 will hold a Fishing Derby at the Farmstead alongside the festival. The fishing derby adds another recreational and community activity dimension to the fall festival day, providing families with additional participation options.

Further details on the derby have not yet been released. Community members interested in the fishing derby should watch for additional announcements as October 17 approaches.

Community Vendors and Organizations

Local organizations and vendors participate in the festival, creating a marketplace of community goods, services, and information. Vendors and partners contribute to the festival atmosphere and provide community members with opportunities to support local businesses and learn about local services.

The vendor presence reflects how the festival functions as a community gathering bringing together diverse participants celebrating the historic farmstead and fall season.

Weather Contingency

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17. If rain moves in, the event shifts to Sunday, October 18, at the same hours (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The rain date ensures that weather does not disrupt community participation and enjoyment of the festival.

Community members should monitor weather forecasts as October 17 approaches and check for any announcements regarding weather-related changes.

Fall Season and Historic Site Celebration

The 5th Annual Fall Festival represents an established tradition celebrating the Littell-Lord Farmstead's historic significance and community importance. Fall festivals create seasonal gathering opportunities bringing neighbors together around shared community assets and seasonal celebration.

For Berkeley Heights residents and families seeking fall activities, historic exploration, and community connection, the Littell-Lord Farmstead Fall Festival provides a day of celebration, learning, and community engagement.

Location and Accessibility

The Littell-Lord Farmstead is located on Horseshoe Road in Berkeley Heights. Community members should plan for parking and accessibility when attending the festival. The October 17-18 timeframe allows families to plan attendance around fall schedules and weekend activities.

Find more Berkeley Heights community events, historic properties, and local activities on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When is the Littell-Lord Farmstead Fall Festival?
A: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If rain, Sunday, October 18 at same hours.

Q: Where is the festival?
A: Littell-Lord Farmstead, Horseshoe Road, Berkeley Heights.

Q: What activities are included?
A: Tours of the historic property, activities, entertainment, and a showcase of the restoration work currently underway and future plans.

Q: How many years has this festival been held?
A: This is the 5th annual fall festival at the farmstead.

Q: What is the Littell-Lord Farmstead?
A: One of Berkeley Heights' most treasured historic properties, currently undergoing restoration with Phase 2 focused on exterior work.

Q: Can I learn about the restoration project?
A: Yes. The festival includes information about restoration progress and what lies ahead for the site.

Q: Who participates in the festival?
A: Residents, families, local organizations, vendors, and community partners.

Q: Is there a fishing derby?
A: Yes. PBA Local 144 will hold a Fishing Derby at the Farmstead on October 17. Details coming soon.

Q: How can I support the farmstead restoration?
A: Donations to the Littell-Lord Trust support restoration work and unlock matching grant funding.