The school year is finally wrapping up, and it’s a great weekend to get out and make the most of all that’s happening around New Jersey — from World Cup watch parties and America 250 celebrations to festivals, food, music and family movie nights.
Here are some highlights:
- SoccerFest at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden
- North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
- Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival in Augusta
- Jurassic Park Movie Night at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
- World Cup Watch Party & Cultural Festival at Iron Peak Sports & Events in Hillsborough
- America’s Big Birthday Parade & Festival: Red, White & You in Middletown Twp.
- Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties
WEEKEND
SoccerFest
Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden
Thursday – Saturday
Bringing World Cup fever to South Jersey, this multiday celebration will have large-scale match screenings along the Delaware River, along with a marketplace, international foods, and a showcase of the region’s craft beers and local wines.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Thursday – Saturday
The 2026 season of the popular outdoor summer musical series includes three popular Broadway musicals. This is the final weekend for “All Shook Up.”
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
DeVry University Campus, North Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
At this much-anticipated two-week fest in Middlesex County, there are all the fun carnival staples, plus acrobatic acts, racing pigs, a giant Ferris wheel, a petting zoo, and of course, fireworks.
North to Shore Festival
Multiple Locations
Thursday – Sunday
Known as “The Festival Only Jersey Could Handle,” the North to Shore Festival is gearing up for statewide lineup of concerts, art exhibits, comedy shows, film screenings and more.
Bridgefest
Ocean Grove
Friday – Saturday
Katy Nichole and Colton Dixon headline The Bridge Radio’s annual Christian outreach event with their music concerts. Listen to teachings from pastors, join the youth rally, have a baptism by ocean, and bring the kids to the food trucks or activities area.
Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Friday – Sunday
Listen to top acts like Almost Queen, Super ’70s Rock Show and Triple Rail Turn, then head to the BBQ Pitmasters booths for top-notch BBQ.
Fantasy Faire
WheatonArts, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Performers bring to life the “Kingdom of Wheaton” through a series of interconnected shows. Strolling costumed characters will act as historical and mythical figures, and you can come dressed in a fantasy-themed costume, too. There will be live performances, sword demos, family art activities, pirate games and a merchants’ alley.
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
There will be wine for the adults, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and vineyard tours.
Blueberry Bash
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Grab a bucket because the PYO blueberry fields are open. After, sit down for a show by Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theatre or NJ Bubble Parties. There will be live country music, visits with the animals, activities in the children’s area and pony rides. Pam Mount’s Blueberry Bash Buffet, The Barn Door Café and the farm store will be stocked with blueberry-themed food and snacks. The winery will be open in the historic apple orchard, serving the popular Harvest Blues apple-blueberry wine.
FRIDAY
World Cup Fan Festival
Downtown East Rutherford and Rutherford
Downtown East Rutherford and neighboring Rutherford will host a fan celebration the day before Panama vs. England plays at MetLife Stadium on June 27.
America’s 250th: Free Outdoor Movie
Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville
Bring a blanket or chair and watch “National Treasure” under the stars.
Jurassic Park Movie Nights
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Mantua Twp.
Bring the kids to watch one of the classic dinosaur movies while being surrounded by dinosaur skeletons and replicas. Choose to see the movie from inside the theater or outside on the veranda. You can also explore the galleries after hours, dig for real fossils in the quarry, compete in trivia and move about during the Dino Dance Party.
Game Night: A Very Fey Drag Dungeons & Dragons
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Players will play the one-shot The Solstice Gala D&D game with a Drag Dungeon Master for Pride Month.
Mahwah-Ramsey Pride
Bradley Center, Mahwah
This year, Ramsey and Mahwah are joining together for a celebration with music, food, drag performances, vendors, family activities and resources.
North Beach Fireworks Spectacular
Atlantic City
The oceanfront fireworks display can be seen from The Park and the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Pride in the Village
Shops at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Nerd-D Collective invited The Wizard and all his fans to their first-ever all-inclusive LGBTQ+ night market. Watch a drag performance hosted by What’s the Buzz Productions, explore the marketplace, and check out the art installations.
Guest Appreciation Free Unlimited Ride Night
iPlay America, Freehold
Everyone will get a free Unlimited Ride Band so you can ride the rides together all night. There will be vendors set up in City Square, a live DJ, and other bonuses if you’re a Pass Holder.
SATURDAY
Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea, Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
There will be curated vendors selling everything from art to vintage finds indoors. Food trucks will be located outside.
Game On! Family Fun Day
Military Park, Newark
The afternoon of soccer and other games ends with a live outdoor watch party. There will be soccer drills, open play, relay races, team competitions, creative stations, crafts, food vendors, music, community partners, and live hosted moments.
Classic and Custom Car Exhibit
Woolsey Park, Titusville
June 27
The car show will be followed by an Evening Under the Stars, music by Castle Lane and fireworks.
Wings & Things Arts & Crafts Festival
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
June 27
Featuring Hot Rods at the Hangar, this arts, crafts, aviation and car show will include arts & crafts, carving workshops, live music, a beer and wine garden, crafters, food trucks, the Game Glide Adventures Simulator, face painting, caricatures, paddle boats, an art contest, RC cars and chalk art.
Ice Cream Party & Wheat Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Farmer Jim and his crew will use a “hit and miss” engine to churn gallons of ice cream in the shade of a maple tree, while live music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, kids’ games, and a sailboat craft add to the fun on the front lawn.
Aesop Romp! Kids’ Show
Hopewell Valley Stage, Hopewell
The purpose of this interactive musical based on Aesop’s Fables is to introduce kids to live theater. The show will change week to week.
World Cup Watch Party & Cultural Festival
Iron Peak Sports & Events, Hillsborough
There are plenty of screens to watch the Panama vs. England, Croatia vs. Ghana, Colombia vs. Portugal, DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, Algeria vs. Austria, and Jordan vs. Argentina games. There will be interactive kids and family activations, sponsor tables, games, giveaways, food trucks, soccer skills challenges, and late access to the SUMMIT Sports Bar.
Beachstock
Between Huntington and Granville avenues, Margate
“The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party” returns with new music, food and more kids’ activities. Highlights include free surf and kite lessons, the MBA Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, cornhole, volleyball and a Tiki Beach Bar.
Transform the Hustle’s Family Fun Fest
Military Park, Newark
The afternoon includes soccer games and drills, relay races and team competitions, creative stations and crafts, food vendors, music, live hosted moments, and an outdoor watch party.
Red Bank Arts Festival
Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Red Bank’s first-ever Arts Festival includes a juried art show; Fresh Markets stands; a makers market; live performances by School of Rock Red Bank, Jazz Arts Project, Lakehouse Music Academy, and Count Basie Center for the Arts; and a kids art zone.
Taste of Highlands
Huddy Park, Highlands
For five hours, take your map to different locations in the half-square mile town so you can get food samples and drinks. Visit all the stops and you’ll be entered into a giveaway.
International Mud Day
Lightbridge Academy, South Brunswick
Families can join a morning of muddy, hands-on fun before International Mud Day on June 29. The event will include mud stations; water tables with shovels, cups and spoons for scooping, pouring and sensory play; and immersive outdoor experiences.
Soccer Match Festival and Watch Party
Magnolia Landing, Journal Square, Jersey City
Aside from watch parties during the Panama vs. England and Croatia vs. Ghana games, there will be a live Vallenato band, a DJ, six food trucks, a beer garden, artisan vendors, face painting, and soccer-themed activations.
SUNDAY
America’s Big Birthday Parade & Festival: Red, White & You
Middletown Twp.
The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee and Middletown America 250 will host a countywide semiquincentennial parade coinciding with the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, one of the most pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War. Following the parade, America’s Big Birthday Festival takes place at Mater Dei Park with food trucks, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.
Revolution in Harmony: Celebrating America 250 Concert
Monmouth County Library Headquarters Branch, Manalapan
MadRegalia will perform songs depicting iconic moments from the American Revolution in addition to music that was popular at the time.
Red, White & Blueberry Festival
Hammonton High School, Hammonton
The biggest blueberry festival happens in the Blueberry Capital of the World, highlighting our state’s favorite fruit for the 40th year. Plus, there’s live music, food, classic cars, a juried art show and kiddie rides.
Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Dunellen
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Discover unique handmade goods, new gift items, treats, and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting 50+ small businesses and talented makers in the community. A different food truck is featured each month.
Toy Pals Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Andy and his buds Space Ranger, Cowboy, and Cowgirl will join your kids for breakfast at the Bistro, during this brunch event loosely based off of Toy Story. Kids get their own menu and coloring book.
Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties
Princeton
Princeton will celebrate the global spirit of the tournament through international foods (get your Global Foods Passport), cultural programming and community watch parties.
ONGOING
Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
June 25; July 2, 9 and 16
The 114th Summer Concert series will feature works in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, including Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, Rogers and Hammerstein, Sousa and others. A special “Independence Day” celebration concert will take place on July 2, featuring appearances and presentations by “George Washington” and members of the Westfields Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution in period dress. Also featured on July 2nd will be special vocal performances by Mr. Kerry Stubbs, accompanied by the band.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park Night Climbs
The Great Gorge, Vernon Twp.
June 26, 27; July 10
July 11, 24 and 25; August 7, 8, 21 and 22
September 4, 5, 19; October 3, 17, 31; and November 14
Climbers can test their skills on both the Black Creek Flyer Course and the eight sections of the Aerial Adventure Courses after dark.
Car Cruise
Historic Smithville, Galloway
June 26
July 10 and 24
August 14 and 28
September 11 and 25
Stop by The Village Greene to see vehicles on display, or to show off one of your own.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through June 27: All Shook Up
July 8-18: 1776
July 29 – August 8: Guys and Dolls
The 2026 season of the popular outdoor summer musical series includes three popular Broadway musicals.
Riverton 4th of July
Multiple locations, Riverton
June 27 – July 4
There’s a whole host of activities to celebrate America’s birthday. Bring your dancing shoes to the Cocktail Party at Riverton Yacht Club on June 27. The annual free Concert in the Park on June 28 features The Broken Hearts, a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band. The house decorating contest wraps up on June 28. A bike decorating workshop will be held on July 3. July 4 includes: the Bill Oliver 5K, 1-Mile Run for Fun, Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade, park festivities, a pet pageant, The Great Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, and a raft race.
Wildwood 4th of July Week Events
The Wildwoods
June 28 – July 5
Events for America’s 250th birthday include the reenactment of Turtle Gut Inlet, a patriotic done show, a baby and a pooch parade, a 5K beach run, Friday night fireworks, a sports card show, the farmers market and boardwalk craft show, a 78th Army Band concert, and a huge 4th of July celebration.
Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties
Princeton
June 28; July 14
Princeton will celebrate the global spirit of the tournament through international foods (get your Global Foods Passport), cultural programming and community watch parties.
Art of the Game Soccer Ball Art Exhibit
West Orange Arts Center, West Orange
Through July
Seventy artists turned ordinary soccer balls into works of art ahead of the World Cup. After the opening reception on June 6, the soccer balls will be on display around town through July.
Resilience Through Art: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Expression
Keep Creating Art Wellness Center, Montclair
Through July 7
The Eclectic Chic Boutique and Keep Creating Art Wellness Center are collaborating on a collection of personal stories, joy, struggle, transformation and resilience by LGBTQ+ artists through painting, illustration, mixed media and fiber arts.
NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Hub
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison
Select dates, through July 15
Every match day gives fans the rare chance to step onto the field, catch live DJs and player appearances, and enjoy a rotating mix of local talent, food trucks, and fan activations, with select games shown on the main stage screen. The SI Stadium Concert Series will rock the main stage on June 22 with Kygo & Kaleo.
Summer of Soccer
Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
Through July 19
There will be daily outdoor watch parties at the Carousel Bar and Pool Bar, with an oversized, inflatable soccer ball pool installation, giveaways, and Brazilian-themed decor, music, and food and drinks.
Ultimate Outdoor Soccer Experience
Darby Road Public House & Restaurant, Scotch Plains
Through July 19
The ticketed event on game days include 25-foot TVs, food trucks, mini soccer fields, a full bar and beer tents.
World Cup Fan Fest
American Dream, East Rutherford
Through July 19
The mega shopping and entertainment complex next to MetLife Stadium, where eight matches will be played, will host daily watch parties, live performances, celebrity appearances, giveaways, concerts, brand activations and special events. Head back here for more details as they are released.
Summer of Soccer & Science
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through July 19
Celebrate the World Cup through Pup Cup matches, drone soccer, LSC Rat-thlete Matches, sock-er and subsoccer. On select days, you’ll meet pro players from Gotham FC. During the 3 pm games, LSC will hold watch parties.
Explore Millburn-Short Hills World Cup Celebration
Millburn-Short Hills
Through July 19
Series highlights include a digital resource that names the best spots in town to watch the games, World Cup-themed retail sales and dining offers, the World Cup Skills Day on June 20, and a World Cup Final Viewing Party on July 19.
World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
Lucky Strike North Brunswick, Lucky Strike Green Brook, Lucky Strike Times Square (NYC), Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers (NYC)
Through July 19
Come for bowling, but stay for the soccer matches. Order themed cocktails in commemorative cups, ask about the branded socks and other giveaways, and watch all the matches tied to the World Cup schedule.
Newark Fan Village
Ferry Street, Newark
Through July 19
Fans will gather to watch every match in large-scale viewing areas. There will be cultural programming, family-friendly activities, and a curated international food hall.
Big Block Match Parties
Hoboken
Weekends, through July 19
Six different neighborhoods will hold block-party watch events, rotating each weekend. Each event will have large-screen live match viewing, interactive soccer games and fan activities, family-friendly programming, outdoor dining, community gathering spaces, and local restaurants getting in on the action.
WorldCup AC Beach Soccer Tournament
Stockton University’s Esports Innovation Center, Atlantic City
Weekends, through July 19 (not on July 4)
The Atlantic City Boardwalk will become a soccer-focused destination , including live beach soccer, open pick-up games, youth clinics, organized matches, skill stations, esports activations, community partner tables, family programming and free watch parties.
Boardwalk Nights
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Twp.
Select nights, through August 2
The all-new Shoreline Pier on the Boardwalk has an all-new nighttime show. After sunset, stick around for powerhouse vocalists, energetic dancers, gravity-defying acrobats, balancing acts, comedy and music from Boardwalk Band, Singin’ SeaGals, Beachside Balancers, Surfs UP and Sway-Watch. The Final Wave show closes out each night. Boardwalk Nights is part of the inaugural summer season of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk, a revamped area with five new attractions and boardwalk-inspired dining.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
Nightly, through August 16
See over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring the towering Chinese Dragon, glowing flower gardens, ad special lanterns celebrating Philadelphia’s big summer events. The historic Rendell Family Fountain comes alive with choreographed lights, water, and music. Nightly performances feature acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts, and the ancient art of Face Changing.
American Freedom Train Exhibit
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sundays, through October 11
The museum’s newest exhibit shares the stories related to the American Freedom Train (AFT) of 1975-76. This steam-powered, 26-car train was a traveling Bicentennial exhibition that carried more than 500 pieces of Americana, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s robes and Bible, Judy Garland’s dress and ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” and a lunar rover.
Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip
Peddler’s Village
Through August 31
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday, Peddler’s Village will display five magnificent sculptures created by two world-renowned master sand sculpting teams. Each sculpture will be dedicated to a region of the U.S., and collages on each will show sites like the Statue of Liberty, Kennedy Space Center, Mount Rushmore, Route 66, and the Golden Gate Bridge, among others, as well as animals, architecture and American history scenes.
Butterfly Feedings
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Select weekends, through August 31
While you explore the grounds, visit the butterfly house throughout the day to hand-feed the butterflies. Other activities include storytime, arts & crafts, and animal encounters.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 4
The winery will be open all day, but around sunset live music starts to play. Grab a bite to enjoy, have a glass of wine, and let the kids play on the tractors and in the play areas.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through September 5
The live summer music series kicks off on June 6 with a Caribbean Heritage Month celebration with steel pan music.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through September 6
Plus Labor Day, Monday, September 7
Set in the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, you can have a glass of wine or a wine slush, listen to live music from local artists, stroll the farm, visit the animals, and let the kids play on the tractors and playhouses.
Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 7
The traveling exhibit finds a new home inside historic Hangar #1, showing the role AC played in World War II: hotels were converted into military barracks, ballrooms into drill halls, and Boardwalk Hall into a training facility. You’ll experience oral histories, archival materials, and personal stories that highlight the wartime experiences of servicemen, nurses, volunteers and civilians.
Tipsy Tiki Pop-Up Bar
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 7
The restaurant will be all about island vibes, with tropical cocktails (and mocktails) and menu specials. Beach-inspired drinks are served in island-themed glassware. The bar area is decorated with lots of floral décor.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through September 7
There are animatronics, robots, ride designs, costumes and props that mimic The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving you an insider’s look at the storytelling and building behind the rides and worlds at the Florida and California theme parks.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Through September 7
Young fans of the PBS KIDS series will feel like they’re part of the show. Kids will be involved in character meet-and-greets, original live shows, a climbable life-sized trolley, a seek-and-find nature walk, a tactile station where you can learn about animals, the Tunnel of Make Believe, and a sensory-rich replica of the iconic Neighborhood Music Wall.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Got questions about this weekend’s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, theme parks) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It’s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.
Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?
A: You’ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor flower shows, events and festivals.
Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this Father’s Day (and Juneteenth) weekend (June 26-28)?
A: This weekend (June 26-28, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights this weekend include SoccerFest at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival, Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival in Augusta, World Cup Watch Party & Cultural Festival at Iron Peak Sports & Events in Hillsborough, America’s Big Birthday Parade & Festival: Red, White & You in Middletown Twp. and Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties.
Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?
A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey, plus more events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: Where can I find more events near me?
A: This weekend’s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar.
Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
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