Photos Provided by Maksim Akelin Media
A little nor’easter couldn’t dampen the spirit of Tenafly Nature Center’s annual Campfire & Cocktails fall fundraiser! Originally scheduled for September 26, the event was postponed when a nor’easter swept through the area. But on Saturday, October 17, more than 150 guests bundled up and gathered for a brisk autumn evening filled with music, laughter, delicious food, and the warm glow of campfires.
The cooler temperatures only added to the cozy atmosphere as guests mingled beneath the pavilions and around the crackling fire, enjoying handcrafted cocktails from Hive & Honey and a delicious selection of bites from La Promenade. Live music by Divinity & The Professors kept the evening lively, providing the perfect soundtrack for a night of celebration and community.
Of course, what better way to warm up on a chilly fall evening than with a freshly toasted s’more? Critchley’s Candies helped make the evening a little sweeter, while guests gathered around the campfire to enjoy this classic autumn treat. Nature lovers also had the opportunity to meet one of TNC’s beloved owl Animal Ambassadors and chat with an educator about these fascinating creatures and the important role they play in our educational programs.
The excitement continued with prize raffles featuring a wonderful assortment of donated items and experiences. Guests eagerly purchased tickets for a chance to win while helping support TNC’s conservation and education efforts. The celebration also included recognition of the winner of the 50/50 raffle held on September 26, the event’s originally scheduled date.
While adults enjoyed the festivities, younger nature lovers had an adventure of their own at the special Kids Party! The evening was filled with outdoor exploration and excitement as children ventured into the forest for a guided night hike, discovering the sights and sounds of nature after dark. They also gathered around their very own campfire, enjoyed up-close encounters with TNC’s Animal Ambassadors, and learned about some of the fascinating creatures that call the forest home. With pizza, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends, the Kids Party was a memorable autumn adventure that gave the younger crowd just as much to celebrate as the adults!
Beyond the food, music, and festivities, the evening was a reminder of what makes Tenafly Nature Center such a special part of the community. Proceeds from Campfire & Cocktails support TNC’s ongoing work to protect natural spaces, care for wildlife, and provide hands-on environmental education experiences that connect people of all ages with nature.
“Events like Campfire & Cocktails are about more than just having a wonderful evening together,” shared TNC Executive Director Debora Davidson. “They’re about bringing our community together to support the work we do every day, from protecting our forests and wildlife to inspiring the next generation of nature lovers. Seeing so many familiar faces, along with new friends, reminds us just how much this special place means to our community.”
The evening’s success was made possible thanks to the generosity of TNC’s event sponsors, community partners, Board of Trustees, staff, and dedicated volunteers. A special thank-you goes to Critchley’s Candies, Divinity & The Professors, Hive & Honey, and La Promenade for helping make the evening so memorable.
As guests headed home with their TNC flashlights and other fun favors, the warmth of the evening extended well beyond the campfire. Despite the chilly temperatures and a weather-related change of plans, Campfire & Cocktails was a wonderful celebration of friendship, generosity, and a shared love of nature.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the event, and helped make this year’s Campfire & Cocktails a night to remember. We can’t wait to gather around the fire again next year!
If you were unable to attend this year’s event please show your support with a non-attending donation.
If you were unable to attend this year’s event please show your support with a non-attending donation.
All sponsorships, raffle tickets, and ticket purchases are donations to support TNC’s mission and are non-refundable.
Please Note: Donor-advised funds (DAFs) may not be used, either in whole or in part, to pay for sponsorships, event tickets, or raffle tickets that provide goods or benefits of substantial value. However, you can still support our event through your DAF by making a fully tax-deductible contribution.
For questions, please email Development@TenaflyNC.org
Saturday, October 17, 2026
(rescheduled from Saturday, September 26, 2026)
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ages 21+ | Tenafly Nature Center
Raise a glass under the stars at Tenafly Nature Center’s Campfire & Cocktails, our signature fall fundraiser where nature, community, and celebration come together for an unforgettable evening in the forest.
Step into a woodland wonderland illuminated by crackling campfires. Sip handcrafted cocktails, savor seasonal small bites, and enjoy live music surrounded by the crisp autumn air. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and relax in a beautiful natural setting—all while supporting the work of Tenafly Nature Center.
Event Highlights:
Craft cocktails from Hive & Honey
Seasonal bites from La Promenade
Campfire and s’mores from Critchley’s Candies
Nocturnal Animal Ambassadors
Prizes and Surprises
Free valet parking
Live music from Divinity & The Professors
The vibe: Hiker chic
Bring your friends, dress up just enough to sparkle, and get ready for a night in the woods you won’t want to miss. 
Optional Kids Party Add-On
Need childcare while you enjoy the evening? Limited optional childcare is available for children ages 5–16. Children ages 13–16 will participate as Junior Counselors in Training.
Gather your friends. Grab your tickets. Meet us around the campfire and celebrate 65 years of Tenafly Nature Center. Be a part of a special night that helps shape its future for generations to come.
The parking lot will be closed for this event; however, complimentary valet service will be available at the cul-de-sac (at 313 Hudson Ave), allowing guests to avoid walking up the steep incline of Hudson Avenue to reach TNC.
$85 Tickets Ready to make some fall memories? Get tickets now!
Your night out helps support TNC’s trails, programs, and conservation work. 
Tickets are limited, non-refundable, and considered a donation. If extreme weather requires the event to be rescheduled, tickets will be valid for the new date: Sunday, October 18
Registration Information:
- Tickets are limited — register early!
- Click the the button below to purchase:
- Event tickets
- Childcare (optional add-on)
Kids Party Add-On
- Drop-off: 6:00–6:45 pm | Pick-up: 9:00 pm sharp
- For children ages 5–16 (ages 13–16 will participate as Junior Counselors in Training)
- Participants will enjoy pizza and nature-themed activities
- $30 per child (includes food, drinks & entertainment)
- Limited space available
Visit our Registration and Policies page for full details, payment options, and our cancellation policy.
Can’t make it? You can still support TNC!
If you’re unable to attend this year’s event, consider making a non-attending donation. Every gift directly helps protect nature, care for wildlife, and keep our trails and programs thriving.
Help us turn up the glow on Campfire & Cocktails, an evening of woodland charm, signature drinks, and community spirit! Your sponsorship brings this lively, one-of-a-kind event to life—and fuels the heart of what we do.
Consider making a bigger impact while gaining meaningful visibility. Support the magic. Support the mission. Become a sponsor today.
Other Ways to Support:
- Raffle Donations
Please donate an item or experience for the event raffle! Items to be received by August 29. - In-Kind Donation (vendor/service): Attend the event (or volunteer at it) and help spread the word!
All sponsorships, raffle tickets, and ticket purchases are donations to support TNC’s mission and are non-refundable.
Please Note: Donor-advised funds (DAFs) may not be used—either in whole or in part—to pay for sponsorships, event tickets, or raffle tickets that provide goods or benefits of substantial value. However, you can still support our event through your DAF by making a fully tax-deductible contribution.
For questions, please email Development@TenaflyNC.org
Please help TNC spread its wings and fully enrich our communities’ lives through nature. Please consider the following
options for support.
We’re excited to offer event sponsorship opportunities. Reserve one of the following options by February 28, 2024
- Seating for 8 at event
- Bronze sponsorship recognition benefits
- Recognition on event ad journal front cover
- Recognition on event photo backdrop
- Recognition on event invitation (if secured by January 5)
- Full page ad in event ad journal
- Sponsorship plaque placed on one TNC trail for a year
- 1 45-minute private guided walking tour for up to 8 people
- Seating for 6 at event
- Bronze sponsorship recognition benefits
- Full page ad in event ad journal
- Seating for 4 at event
- Bronze sponsorship recognition benefits
- Half page ad in event ad journal
- Bronze sponsorship seating and recognition benefits
- Half page ad in event ad journal
- Seating for 2 at event
- Recognition in event ad journal
- Recognition on event website
- Recognition on one TNC social media posting and in one TNC newsletter.
Please consider adding your name as a supporter by placing a full color ad or special memory in our event journal (tickets to event sold separately).
- $1,250 – Outside Back Cover (7.75” x 5”)
- $750 – Inside Front Cover (7.75” x 5”)
- $750 – Inside Back Cover (7.75” x 5”)
- $500 – Acorn Full Page (7.75” x 5”)
- $500 – Owl Full Page (7.75” x 5”)
- $350 – Full Page (7.75” x 5”)
- $150 – Half Page (3.875” x 5”)
Ad Journal copy and graphics must be submitted by February 29, 2024
*Please note that we cannot accept political ads per IRS regulations.
Please donate an item, service or experience for the event auction!
Past auction items have included gift cards to local restaurants, passes to a family friendly events, theater or sport tickets, signed sports memorabilia, artwork, and designer bags or jewelry.
If you are unable to attend this year’s event please show your support with a non-attending donation.