This weekend in New Jersey is packed with Shore festivals, concerts, a mega World Cup sticker swap and more.
Highlights include:
- New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the Sand Sculpting Festival in the Wildwoods
- Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival in Maplewood
- Storybook Land’s Birthday Celebration
- Christmas in July in Historic Smithville
- Largest Sports Sticker Exchange in Eight Hours at American Dream
- Fur-ever Friends Pet Adoption Event & Tango’s Gotcha Day Celebration at Sesame Place Philadelphia
WEEKEND
Downtown Thursdays Evening Market
Alden Street, West Orange
Thursday
This month’s event features live music by The Characters, a popular Jersey Shore band.
Randolph Freedom Fest
County College of Morris, Randolph
Thursday – Saturday
For the 50th year, the campus grounds will be filled with music, carnival games, mechanical rides, amusements, food, a beer garden and fireworks in a post-July 4th celebration.
New Jersey Jeep Invasion
Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
BlinkerFluid Productions is known for epic car shows and off-road adventures, and The Invasion comes to Wildwood for a weekend dedicated to car showcases, an obstacle course on the sand and tons of Jeep merch.
Anglesea Blues Festival
Anglesea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
The weekend brings together blues music and BBQ favorites. Regional and national musicians will take the stage, playing the free outdoor main stage as well as local clubs and pubs. BBQ pros will compete in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, serving up plenty of delicious food along the way. Pitch a tent or drive an RV and camp out for the whole weekend.
Fur-ever Friends Pet Adoption Event & Tango’s Gotcha Day Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Friday – Sunday
Elmo adopted his puppy Tango in 2022, and since then, Tango’s “Gotcha Day” has been celebrated with a dance party, puppy-themed games, a scavenger hunt, a musical stage show and photo ops. This year, for the first time, Philly Rescue Angels will bring rescue dogs to the park for you to meet and potentially adopt.
Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival
Memorial Park, Maplewood
Saturday – Sunday
The annual two-day music and arts festival is run entirely by volunteers, and it’s free! There will be tons of mini concerts from musicians in every genre. This year will include a special Independence: Your Story art gallery, displaying artists’ paintings, photos, mixed media, sculptures and jewelry that envision America’s 250th anniversary.
Christmas in July
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
The Village Greene will turn into a summertime Christmas celebration with visits with Santa, train rides, a shopping area on the Greene aside from the shoppes, and family-friendly activations and pop-ups.
Stony Hill Farms Pickle Fest
Stony Hill Farm, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
There will be pickle samples, flights, food items and merch.
Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
Kings Highway, Haddonfield
Saturday – Sunday
One of the region’s top fine art and craft shows lines the streets with tents, making it easy to browse while visiting downtown restaurants, shops and other local spots along the way.
FRIDAY
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest
Get your shovels ready and head to the beach, where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of just sand and water. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their amazing pieces of art.
Art à la Carte for Teens
Asbury Park Art Club, Asbury Park
Teens select their own project from a “menu” – like beach glass mosaics, bracelet making and air dry clay.
SATURDAY
Evening Blacksmithing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Blacksmith Daniel Lapidow fires up the forge and heats wrought iron for bending, hammering and sharpening – and you can help out by turning the crank of the forge blower while he makes harness hooks, gate hinges, and other hardware needed on the farm.
Uncle Sam Patriotic Parade
Spring Lake
Celebrate America’s 250th on the water. Paddleboarders should bring their own paddleboards and show up dressed in their best red, white, and blue attire – like Uncle Sam hats, flag-themed outfits, and patriotic flair.
Florence Twp. Patriotic Celebration Day
Florence Twp.
This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Our Freedom.”
French Shopping Day
Montclair
This town-wide French-inspired shopping experience takes you on a passport scavenger hunt. Visit L’Alliance New York booth on Church Street to pick up your passport, take pictures at the Emily in Paris-inspired photo booth, and walk around for French food tastings and music.
Butterfly Festival & Old Fashion Picnic
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Activities include butterfly house tours and a butterfly release, the Bugs on the Go Show, info on the life of a honey bee, a talk on native bees, and a butterfly parade. You can also tour the historic house and battlefield. There will also be live music and a community art show.
Storybook Land Birthday Celebration
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Aside from the typical rides and attractions, there will be birthday festivities, a special parade and themed entertainment throughout the park.
Summer Fairy Festival
Watershed Institute, Pennington
Magical activities include building fairy cottages using natural materials, splashing together during mermaid games, fluttering around an obstacle course, and dressing as a fairy or other mythical creature.
No Sitter Necessary: Viral Family Dance Party
The Claridge, Atlantic City
There’s something for everyone here: K-pop music for the kids, Zara Larsson for summer lovers, and Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears for the ‘rents. There’s a live DJ and lyrics on screen so you can sing and dance along.
SUNDAY
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville
This free public event will include a guided cultural tour of Akshardham, a Veterans Appreciation Ceremony and dinner in the spirit of gratitude, unity, service and patriotism.
K-Pop Trio Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Join the K-POP Demon Slayers Trio at The Bistro for photo ops and a special kid’s brunch.
Touch-a-Truck
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Explore fire trucks, farm equipment, construction vehicles, and other mighty machines on the grounds of the living history farm.
Largest Sports Sticker Exchange in Eight Hours
American Dream in East Rutherford
Rockefeller Center’s South Plaza in New York City
Panini will host a multi-venue Guinness World Records title attempt for their World Cup-focused sticker collection, from 11 am to 7 pm. Buy stickers and trading cards and meet up with other soccer fans.
Jersey Shore Summer Comic Book Show
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
The collectibles festival features comics, trading cards, toys and crafts. Meet artists, writers and costume groups.
ONGOING
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park
Roosevelt Park, Edison
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.
Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
July 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.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown
July 10-12, 17-19
Children’s matinee is July 11
The MAC Players will tell the story of Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world beyond the sea.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park Night Climbs
The Great Gorge, Vernon Twp.
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
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.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Princeton Summer Theater, Princeton
July 11-12, 18, 25-26, 31; August 1
Princeton Summer Theater’s Children’s Show is based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schultz.
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
July 11-12, 18-19; August 1-2, 8-9; September 5-6
Dozens of booths will be set up along the southern end of the boardwalk, so you can look for handcrafted jewelry, home décor, unique artwork, beach-inspired treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats.
Shrek: The Musical
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
July 11-26
See the hit musical come to life on stage through characters Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and others.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Homes Mystery
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
Select dates, July 11 – August 2
This mystery has lots of twists and turns to keep kids engaged in the audience.
Artisan Market Pop-Up
Pier A Waterfront Walkway or 770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken (depending on the date)
July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8
There will be 60+ vendors selling jewelry, baked goods, eyewear, handmade items, prints, knitted items, accessories and chocolates.
“Everything” Flea & Collectibles Market
Frank V. Marina, Kearny
July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, December 13
“Everything” means all sorts of new and gently-used secondhand items, collectibles and more, like everyday household items, clothing, personal products, essentials and kids’ toys.
New Brunswick Restaurant Week
New Brunswick
July 12-25
Visit 7 or more restaurants that are part of Restaurant Week – either your faves or new ones you want to try – and submit your receipts for a chance to win gift certificates from other restos in town.
Shark and Ray Summer
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
July 13 – August 16
Centered around Shark Week, you can see the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, plus six new spotted eagle rays. Activities include talks about eagle rays, a sing-along with the aquarium’s mascot Gill the Shark, hands-on stations with a marine biologist, a game corner, a dance party in the Rotunda and a puppet show designed for littles. Sign up to watch shark feedings, or leave the kids at home for the adults-only Sunset With the Sharks event (on July 24).
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.
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
Through July 19
The iconic Rink will become a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens will be transformed into a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones will be located across the Plaza.
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.
Montclair Jazz Festival
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
Select dates, through August 15
The Smithsonian Institution has selected the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, as part of its “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” a celebration of jazz cities that helped shape the nation. The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts (plus Wednesday, July 1) lead up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on August 15.
LuminoCity’s Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Through August 15
More than 70 life-sized animatronic dinos comes to life, roaring, moving and swaying like real prehistoric creatures. There are plenty of interactive experiences, like the Triceratops Bounce Nest, Neon Octo-Beats (an inflatable giant octopus that plays DJ beats), and a playground area, the Caveman Axe Throw, a Dino Speedway, a Safari Dig, fossil hunting, and a carousel. At night, the grounds are illuminated for a glow-in-the-dark experience.
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.
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.
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.
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 3, 2027
Kids can climb into the iconic blue train cab, dress in a conductor’s uniform, load and sort freight and baggage onto a train car, take a picture next to a mural of Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, build bridges, and fix Percy’s engine.
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 weekend (July 10-12)?
A: This weekend (July 10-12, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include the New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the Sand Sculpting Festival in the Wildwoods, Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival in Maplewood, Storybook Land’s Birthday Celebration, Christmas in July in Historic Smithville, the Largest Sports Sticker Exchange in Eight Hours at American Dream, the Fur-ever Friends Pet Adoption Event & Tango’s Gotcha Day Celebration at Sesame Place Philadelphia.
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!
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Read More:
Our Mega Guide of Fairs & Festivals in New Jersey
The Best Free Things to Do in NJ During July
World Cup Fan Fests & Watch Parties in NJ
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