There’s still lots of summer left (and all the fairs and festivals that come with it). We’ve rounded up some of the best free and free admission things to do in August so you can start planning the rest of your summer!
Fridays, August 1 to September 5
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Bring the family to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and, with different artists each week.
Saturdays, August 2 – September 7
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm. Note: admission is free except on select festival weekends.
Saturdays and Sundays, through August 31
Butterfly House
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
See hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they fly around the exhibit.
Sundays, August to October
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Mondays in August
Kids Takeover
Outside Chocolate Works, on the Broadwalk, Red Bank
Every Monday afternoon, kids ages 2-8 can bring their bikes and scooters to play along the Broadwalk. There will also be games and sidewalk chalk drawings.
Tuesdays to Saturdays, through August 29
Free Weekly Summer Programs
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Each day has a different themed program. Tuesday and Wednesday are storytime with crafts, Wednesdays and Fridays are drop-in activities at the Imagination Studio, and Thursdays are crafts from the activity cart.
Select Dates, August to September 10
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, through September 10, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy
Wednesdays, through August 27, Thompson Park, Jamesburg/Monroe Twp.
Sundays, through August 24, Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield
Thursdays, August 7 and 14, Joseph Medwick Park, Carteret
August 21 at Johnson Park – Children’s Summer Series
Bring a lawn chair and snacks and listen to live music played at these free family outdoor summer concerts.
August 1
Free First Friday: Paint a Pal
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
On the first Friday of the month, the studio is open for a free activity. Tonight, everyone in your family can paint their own 3D-printed figurine.
Sunflower Trail Days
Alstede Farms, Chester
Walk the Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail, snap photos, and take in the beauty of thousands of sunflowers in bloom. You can also pet the farm animals, relax on the new porch swings and get some homemade ice cream.
Farm Fun Day: Lammas/Lughnasadh Festival
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
Celebrate the beginning of the harvest during the ancient festival of Lammas/Lughnasadh. There will be farm market vendors, hayrides, milking of the cows, corn dolly and greeting card crafts, a ballet story, a dance demo, yoga for adults, and lots of ice cream.
August 1-31
Safari in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
There will be a spectacular display of safari-themed sand sculptures, both large and small, that you can check out while visiting the shops and restaurants around the village.
August 2
Honey Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Look inside the hives and meet the worker bees. You can help uncap and extract this year’s crop from the combs, then taste the honey. The hive opening will be at 11 am, but honey will not be extracted until 1 pm.
Fort Lee Artisan Night Market
Fort Lee Commons, Fort Lee
Local makers will sell fashion and accessories, jewelry, beauty and bath products, fine art and photography, pet products, home decor, kids’ items, artisanal foods, and more.
Artisan MarketÂ
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Olde Freehold Day
Lake Topanemus, Freehold Borough
The day will begin with a brief ceremony honoring Freehold Borough’s veterans. Then there will be live music, food trucks, a beer garden, a marketplace, an art show, a climbing wall, a dunk tank, canoeing and paddleboats, and a Kid Play Zone with a petting zoo and inflatables.
Morey’s Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
This tournament draws wrestlers of all ages and skill levels from across the region, who will compete in a ring that’s etched into the sand.
End-of-Summer Bash
Bierman Autism Center, Princeton and Ramsey
The sensory-friendly party is geared to kids with autism ages 2–9, but is open to all families. Event highlights include backyard games, inflatables, face painting, balloon twists and snacks. A quiet corner will be available all morning for anyone who needs a break.
August 2-3
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Rain or shine, “the boards” of the boardwalk will be lined with tents and booths of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique artwork and other beach-themed treasures.
Sevens Down the Shore Rugby Tournament
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
The Washington Township Rugby Club is bringing the sport to the beach so that kids and adults can compete in a 7s format right on the sand.
Sticks in the Sand Field Hockey Tournament
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Field hockey players have to pass, sprint and shoot while running on the sand.
Peach Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The annual peach-themed festival will feature a variety of treats, lots of fresh peaches, live entertainment, activities, summer sidewalk sales, and giant sand sculptures. Family activities include a mobile escape room, a gel blaster battlefield, face painting, gem mining, lawn games, axe throwing and sand art.
Move Like Mess Events
Saturday: Lowe’s of Paramus
Sunday: Lowe’s of Union
The kids of MyLowe’s Rewards members are invited to a youth clinic featuring hands-on soccer workshops with local coaches, exclusive Lionel Messi video content, giveaways and interactive activities.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
August 3
Life Rolls On
Baker Avenue beach, Wildwood
Life Rolls On gets people living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities into the ocean and riding waves with the help of volunteers and special adaptive surf boards.
August 6
Salsa at Sunset
Pioneer Plaza, Morristown
MPAC’s annual salsa night spices up the town with Latin rhythms, dancing by Bri’La Flor Dance Studio, and group lessons.
August 6-10
Township of Ocean Italian Festival
Joe Palaia Park, Oakhurst (Ocean Twp.)
The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean presents its 49th annual festival featuring lots of Italian food, games, rides – and fireworks on Friday night.
August 7
Ocean City Sand Sculpting Contest
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Kids, teens, adults and families can build their own sand sculptures, and then have them judged for prizes.
August 8-10 and 15-17
MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
Boys will play America’s favorite sports pastime on the sand, so base running and catching fly balls becomes even more challenging. The tournament kicks off with a Home Run Derby the Friday of each weekend. Off-the-field activities include food vendors, bat demos and merch stands.
August 9
Potato Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Follow behind the potato plow as workhorses Bill and Jesse unearth rows of potatoes for picking. Help collect, clean and sort the crop, which will be delivered to local soup kitchens and food pantries. A few potatoes will be made into potato chips for you to taste.
End-of-Summer Bash
Bierman Autism Center, Eatontown
The sensory-friendly party is geared to kids with autism ages 2–9, but is open to all families. Event highlights include backyard games, inflatables, face painting, balloon twists and snacks. A quiet corner will be available all morning for anyone who needs a break.
National Book Lovers Day
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids, teens and adults who love to read can stop by for a book exchange, crafts like bookmark-making, book-themed games, and book bingo. Come dressed as your favorite fictional character, go on a museum scavenger hunt, and have some popcorn during storytime.
New Brunswick Heart Festival
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
The free, outdoor music festival has cultural performances lined up all afternoon, plus dance classes for the kids, an arts market, craft vendors, balloon animals, face painting, a health & wellness tent, cariactures, and a history corner.
August 9-10
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Rain or shine, “the boards” of the boardwalk will be lined with tents and booths of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique artwork and other beach-themed treasures.
Wildwood Beach Basketball Tournament
Beach next to Morey’s PigDog Beach Bar (near Oak Avenue), Wildwood
Teams of up to four players will “shoot” for the crown to be named the best baller in Wildwood. Kids and adults can sign up for the 3-on-3 basketball game that’s played directly on the sand – no dribbling allowed!
Saturdays – Sundays, August 9 – September 14
August Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
The whole family can come to the winery for live music, time outdoors, and samplings of Terhune’s sangria and fresh fruits.
August 10
Atlantic Highlands Food Truck & Music Festival
Marina Lawn, Atlantic Highlands
There will be 18 gourmet food trucks selling everything from lobster rolls and empanadas to cupcakes and tacos. Lone Eagle Brewing will sell craft beers, plus you can order sangria or margaritas. There will be vendors, face painting, and live music by the bay.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market Summer Pop-Up
Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Jonas Brothers Visit American Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
Kevin, Joe and Nick will stop by American Dream ahead of their MetLife Stadium concert. They’ll take part in a live Q&A at The Arena, featuring a track-by-track conversation about Your Hometown, their newest album.
Marlboro Township Recreation Department Car Show
Marlboro Recreation Center Parking Lot, Marlboro
Show off your wheels, then stay for a concert by Big Hix.
August 11-12
Adult Wiffle Ball Tournament
Rio Grande Avenue beach, Wildwood
On the beach behind the giant “Wildwoods” sign on the boardwalk, teams of up to six players will play in a round-robin tourney on the sand.
August 13
Cruisin’ Downtown
Washington Street, Toms River
Rare and iconic vehicles from decades past take center stage in downtown Toms River.
August 14
Cruisin’ to Cure MS Car Show
Adventure Crossing USA – The Dome, Jackson Twp.
Tonight’s car show theme is Great American Getdown, with Corvettes and Mustangs. There will also be live music, entertainment, and food and drinks inside the golf, video game and entertainment complex.
August 16
Neshanic Station Car Show
Neshanic Station Bridge, Branchburg
The car show runs at the same time as the farmers market, so you can shop for fresh foods you can eat while walking through the car displays. Trophies are usually awarded for Best Original, Best Customized, and Best Of Show.
Jazz House Summer Workshop Showcase
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
More than 150 emerging student artists from across the globe will showcase their talents in this free, outdoor summer concert.
Jersey Fresh Jam
TerraCycle Headquarters, Trenton
The free, all-ages festival brings together dozens of graffiti artists, DJs, MCs, and breakdancers for a full day of music, murals, food and community to showcase hip-hop culture. Organized by Trenton-based graffiti artist Leon Rainbow and the Vicious Styles Crew, this year’s lineup includes live mural painting from aerosol artists, dynamic 2-vs-2 breaking battles, and sets from underground DJs and emcees. Local vendors will be on site selling food and locally made goods.
Canning & Pickling
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Use equipment you can get at the store—and some of the farm’s antiques—to learn the process of canning to keep summer fruits edible in the winter.
Terhune Orchards’ 50th Anniversary
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Mark 50 years of Terhune’s farming in the community. There will be wagon rides, live music, kids’ games, a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony, and tastings of special anniversary wines. You can also explore a photo exhibit in the farm’s historic 250-year-old barn featuring customer photos. The winery, farm store, and Barn Door Café will be open throughout the day.
Hub City Sounds: Janmashtami Festival
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
Music and dance performances are inspired by the culture and traditions from Northern and Southern India, complemented by educational dance and theater presentations, Zumba, Bollywood, and a visual arts workshop.
Free Screening of NASA’s ‘Planetary Defenders’
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Book a seat in the planetarium to watch a documentary about asteroid detection and how to protect the Earth from potential impacts.
August 17
Metuchen Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Metuchen
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Fire Muster & Fire Fighter’s Family Day
WheatonArts, Millville
Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade will display 80 antique fire trucks from the Mid-Atlantic States throughout the WheatonArts campus. One not to miss is the 1961 Ward LaFrance Firebrand model featured in Peyton’s Places: The Santa Game – you can climb aboard and take pictures in the same spot as Peyton Manning did during the episode. You can also access all WheatonArts exhibitions and artist demos during the day.
Clash of the Titans
Point Pleasant Community Park, Pt. Pleasant
A team from Lester Glenn Subaru team will take on the Point Pleasant Challengers Flag Football team. There will be food trucks, music, games, activities and prizes after the game.
August 18
Lakeland Squares Free Intro Dance
Lakeland Squares, Towaco
Learn the steps to New Jersey’s official state dance – the square dance – like the do-si-do and promenade.
August 18-23
St. Joan of Arc Carnival
St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton
There will be bands performing nightly, a beer garden, a super 50/50 raffle, food, games and rides. Tuesday is Dollar Dog Night, and Thursday night is the pig roast. There will also be an electric bike raffle.
August 20
Wheaton Wednesdays
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville
The arts center will be open late, and offer free art activities, plus design contests in the Glass and Pottery Studios. Step inside the Museum of American Glass for special exhibit tours, visit the Folklife Center for special programming, participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt, listen to live music, and have some food.
Woodbridge 2025 Downtown Cruise
Main Street, Woodbridge
Downtown Woodbridge and the Woodbridge Downtown Merchants support this block party that includes family activities and trophies awarded to the hottest cars.
August 21
New Brunswick Car Show
George Street, New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s City Center will be lined up with hot cars, plus bands performing live music (walk down to Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave.), and specials at the shops and restaurants along the street.
August 22-24
Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
The expo will feature more than 200 tables of sports cards, non-sports cards, toys, comic books, Pokémon, Funko Pops, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, jerseys, books, posters, coins, T-shirts, LEGOs, antiques, and more.
OPA Greek Fest
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, North Wildwood
The church will host its inaugural Greek festival, packed with authentic culture, food, spirits, music, folk dancing, and a Greek market.
August 23
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Westfield
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Richland Vintage & Toy Fest
Shoreline Vintage & Antiques, Richland
Check out vintage, retro, toy, antique, pop culture, art and anything cool items – such as records, comics, toys, artist originals and baked goods.
Oaks Integrated Care Touch-a-Truck
Triad1828 Centre, Camden
Trucks will roll into the Camden waterfront, including emergency response vehicles, a bomb truck, an armored SWAT vehicle, the community action van, a firetruck, a police car, and the Mobile Food Pantry. There will be a free stuffed backpack giveaway, while supplies last. Sensory-friendly hour is from 1-2 pm.
Jersey Halal Spots Food Fest 2025
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
There will be 70+ vendors, rides and entertainment in addition to tons of halal food.
Play Hook-E: Veterans, Children with Disabilities and Active-Duty Military Fishing Day
Lake Julianna at Ponderosa Estates Farm, Millstone
After fishing there will be a free BBQ, the American Warrior Outdoors pizza truck, and door prizes. Soda, pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.
Koi Fest
Fitz’s Fish Pond, Milford
Aside from learning about pond care, equipment and expert tips for a koi pond, there will also be a judged competition, meet-and-greets with koi influencers, live music, a koi auction, hot air balloon rides, kids’ activities and food trucks. General admission is free, but VIP ticket packages are available.
Fiddling’ Contest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The Hunterdon Folk Exchange holds this annual fiddling contest, the largest and longest-running traditional fiddle contest in New Jersey. There will be fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists and other musicians perched on porches, tucked under trees, and spread out on the lawn playing traditional folk and bluegrass music. The day will include homemade food, ice cream, horse-drawn wagon rides, a children’s craft, and a closing performance featuring 30 fiddlers.
Summer of Love Music Fest
Haddon Avenue (between Strawbridge and Cooper streets), Haddon Twp.
Journey back to the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with live music from AM Radio, Dancin’ Machine and The Priceless Band. There will be a beer garden, food trucks, artisan vendors, a kid zone, hula hoop and trivia contests, and a Glow Party.
Hub City Sounds: Caribbean Festival
Recreation Park, New Brunswick
New Brunswick Cultural Center at Recreation Park, New Brunswick NJ
Join the New Brunswick Cultural Center for an afternoon of Caribbean culture, music (reggae, soca, calypso), dance, and food (including a jerk chicken cookoff).
Women’s Equality Day Festival
Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice, Mt. Laurel
This is the fourth year the festival will be held at historic Paulsdale, the childhood home of suffragist Alice Paul. The event highlights 50+ women-owned businesses and organizations from across NJ and PA. There will be free tours of Paulsdale, kids’ activities, a bounce house, craft making, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and raffles.
New Jersey Folk Festival
Davidsons Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Initially postponed from the spring due to weather, the state’s longest-running folk festival will now join Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series. Celebrating its 50th year, the festival will include live music, dance, heritage exhibits, crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly programming.
Back to School Glow Party
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
Start out early shopping at GAP, where there will be an exclusive pre-party with in-store discounts, a personalized shopping experience, a mini runway-style showcase featuring the latest back-to-school fashion trends, free snacks, and an exclusive giveaway. Then move outdoors for the DJ Dance Party, which will feature glowing games, interactive creative activities, and picture-perfect photo ops. There will be free glow giveaways, while supplies last. Kids can get a drink from the Mocktail Glow Bar.
August 24
Craft Show & Antique Corner in the Park
Veterans Park, Westwood
Visit 125 exhibitors featuring arts and crafts, as well as an area dedicated to antiques and collectibles.
Rods & Rails Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Northlandz, Flemington
The world’s largest model railroad museum will hold a car show outside, in partnership with Cars and Coffee of Central NJ. There will also be live music, food vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and trophy awards for standout vehicles.
August 28
Cruisin’ to Cure MS Car Show
Adventure Crossing USA – The Dome, Jackson Twp.
Tonight’s theme is a Labor Day Luau, with tiki-decorated vehicles. There will also be live music, entertainment, and food and drinks inside the golf, video game and entertainment complex.
Outdoor Yoga Experience
Three Birds Yoga Studio, South Orange
The studio marks its fourth anniversary with a free, all-levels flow yoga class set to music by DJ Pap. After, join co-owner Sarah Bodnar for social time and fresh juice from Juice Hub.
August 28-31
Boonton Labor Day Weekend Carnival
Boonton High School
There will be rides, food, games, prizes, live entertainment, a nightly raffle, and fireworks. Saturday’s carnival follows the annual Labor Day parade in town.
August 29 – September 1
Labor Day Carnival
Mendham
There are three nights of carnival fun. On Monday, after the Labor Day Parade that marches down Main Street, the carnival opens early; at night, the mayor will draw the mega 50/50 raffle ticket before the fireworks show lights up the sky.
August 29
Nature Board Game Night
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Choose from a selection of nature puzzles and board games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Military Makeover with Montel® Season 44 Kick-Off Celebration
The Pavilion at Red Museum Village, Clinton
If you’ve watched the TV series dedicated to transforming the homes and lives of deserving veterans, you can join host and veteran Montel Williams, co-host Art Edmonds, designer and co-host Jennifer Bertrand, and other special guests for a community-wide celebration to kick off Season 44.
August 29-31
Labor Day Carnival
Mendham
There are three nights of carnival fun; and then a parade along Main Street on Monday.
August 30
Artisan MarketÂ
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring more than two dozen artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Ed’s Funcade World Championship Skeeball Tournament
Ed’s Funcade, Wildwood
Anyone can enter the Skeeball tourney to try for the world championship.
42nd Annual Plowing Match
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The plowing today kicks off a 10-month growing season for Howell Farm’s fall crops of wheat, rye, barley and spelt.
August 30-31
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Rain or shine, “the boards” of the boardwalk will be lined with tents and booths of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique artwork and other beach-themed treasures.
August 31
Labor Day Parade
American Labor Museum, Haledon
This year’s Grand Marshals are Congresswoman Nellie Pou, New Jersey 9th Congressional District, Mayor Michael Johnson, Sr., Borough of Haledon, National Association of Letter Carriers, New Jersey Education Association, and Paterson Police Benevolent Association, Local 1, and Chief Angelo Daniele, Haledon Police Department and Haledon Police Benevolent Association Local 349.
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party and Music Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
There will be live music, food vendors, craft vendors and children’s entertainment to say goodbye to summer.
Ongoing Through 2026
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springstreen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and artifacts – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
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