Soccer withdrawal is about to kick in as World Cup excitement comes to a close in New Jersey this weekend. Watch parties are planned all over the state for the third-place match on Saturday and the Final (live from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford!) on Sunday.
Here’s what else is happening this weekend:
- The Color & Light Festival in Asbury Park
- Mean Girls: The Musical on stage at Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Holmdel
- Luau Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery in New Egypt
- The inaugural Flower Festival at Terhune Orchards in Princeton
- A tribute to Dr. Alan Grant (the late actor Sam Neill) from Jurassic Park at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua Twp.
- A Cat Expo and Show at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison
- Water Ice Festival in Atlantic City
- Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison
- House Music Festival at Warinanco Park in Roselle
- Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival in the City of Orange
- Supertri New Jersey triathlon in Mercer County Park West Windsor
WEEKEND
The Little Mermaid Jr.
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, Bridgewater
Thursday
The Little Mermaid Jr. features characters and songs from the movie performed by young actors.
Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
Thursday
The music is for America’s 250th anniversary, including Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, Rogers and Hammerstein, Sousa and others.
Car Show
George Street, New Brunswick
Thursday
Every third Thursday this summer, hot rods, customs, stocks, classics and other cars will take over George Street; along with live music, food, and special offers from local businesses and restaurants.
Summer of Soccer & Science
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
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.
White Meadow Lake Festival Days
White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
The private community will be open to the public for rides, music, food, drinks, entertainment, a magician, strolling performers, a psychic, a marketplace, glitter tattoos, Henna tattoos, permanent jewelry, and more.
Fanatics Fest NYC
Javitz Center, New York City
Thursday – Sunday
This is the biggest sports fan convention in the world, and the biggest trading card show in NYC, with over 1 million square feet of space across the Javits Center. The event includes 100+ exclusive merchandise and product drops; immersive league, team and brand activations; autograph sessions; 400+ athlete and celebrity appearances; photo opps; live panels; a dozen stages for live broadcast areas and podcast zones; a Kids Zone; Fanatics games; the largest hobby show in New York City, and more.
Color & Light Festival
Grand Arcade, Asbury Park
Friday – Saturday
The Grand Arcade of Asbury Park Boardwalk will be the “screen” for projection-mapped images set to music. The original works of 3D animated storytelling are so realistic that the building will look like it’s physically transforming. And this year, creative studio Maxin10sity joins the lineup for the World Cup “Welcomes the World” Special Edition, as part of NJPAC’s North to Shore Festival.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown
Friday – Sunday
The MAC Players will tell the story of Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world beyond the sea.
Mean Girls: The Musical
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Bell Works, Holmdel
Friday – Sunday
The cast is made up of students from the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy along with professional adult actors.
Tribute to Dr. Alan Grant from Jurassic Park
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Mantua Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
Fans of the Jurassic Park movies can honor the late actor Sam Neill, who passed away on July 13, and his iconic character of Dr. Alan Grant. The special tribute weekend features Jurassic Park screenings, a Dr. Alan Grant costume contest, photos under the Jurassic Park arch, and Jurassic Park-inspired drinks at Quarry Grounds Cafe.
World Cup Fan Fest
American Dream, East Rutherford
Saturday – Sunday
The mega shopping and entertainment complex next to MetLife Stadium will host watch parties, live performances, celebrity appearances, giveaways, concerts, brand activations and special events.
World Cup Watch Parties
Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City
Saturday – Sunday
Bring the kids to this beer hall during the World Cup games, and order some traditional German food as snacks.
FIFA World Cup™ Watch Party in Haddon Twp.
Haddon Square, Haddon Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
The Watch Party will include a beer garden hosted by Reunion Hall, a kids’ soccer zone, food trucks, trivia contests, raffles, a DJ and more.
New Brunswick’s Official World Cup Watch Party HQ
The Yard at College Avenue, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
Located on the historic College Avenue campus in Rutgers–New Brunswick, The Yard is broadcasting every World Cup match live on the Jumbotron. There will be live music, food, games and more open to Rutgers students on break, alums and the community.
Welcome World Watch Parties
George Street, New Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
Come down to George Street for a multi-screen viewing of the World Cup games. Several local businesses have adopted World Cup teams and will be decorating their storefronts to showcase their team pride: Sofia Jewelry & Accessories — Team Spain; Salad House – Team Argentina; Puffin – Team USA; Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina – Team Mexico; Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge – Team Columbia; Consulate of Mexico – Team Mexico; and Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe – Team Egypt.
Big Block Match Parties
Hoboken
Saturday – Sunday
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
Saturday – Sunday
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.
World Cup Watch Parties
Dave & Buster’s, multiple locations
Saturday – Sunday
Watch the games on massive screens. There will be soccer-themed arcade games, $5 beers and margaritas on match days, limited-time food offerings and exclusive merch. For the Championship Final on Sunday, you can reserve a spot at the Hat Trick Watch Experience, featuring unlimited wings and fries, plus unlimited gameplay all day.
World Cup 2026 Watch Parties
Lucky Strike North Brunswick, Lucky Strike Green Brook, Lucky Strike Times Square (NYC), Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers (NYC)
Saturday – Sunday
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
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Summer of Soccer
Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
Saturday – Sunday
There will be 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
Saturday – Sunday
The ticketed event on game days include 25-foot TVs, food trucks, mini soccer fields, a full bar and beer tents.
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals – Luau at Laurita
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Take a vineyard wagon tour, feast on island-inspired eats, sip on Laurita wines, and shop in the marketplace. For kids, there will be a balloon/face painting artist, a kid’s play area, corn hole, and live entertainment. There will be live performance by the South Pacific Island Dancers featuring authentic Hawaiian dancers and Samoan Fire Knife Dancers.
Flower Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Terhune’s first-ever Flower Festival offers a full day of activities across the farm. For the kids: pony rides, barnyard tractors, interactive play areas, the Little Tikes Farm Store, the Junior Mechanics Shop, rubber duck races, a scavenger hunt, hands-on games, NJ Bubble Parties, Dennis the Magician’s Magical Bug Show (with a special ladybug release), themed craft projects. For the adults: Wine tasting in the 100-year-old historic apple orchard – including peach slushies. For everyone: Live music from local bands from 12 to 4 pm; Pam Mount’s food tent sells barbecue, fresh salads, gazpacho and apple cider donuts; the Barn Door Café will serve peach ice cream.
CFA Cat Expo and Show
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Saturday – Sunday
Cat lovers will come out for a huge marketplace, shows, displays, merch, the World Cup of Cats, and adoption info.
ARIH Summer Food Truck Tour
Walmart, Teterboro
Saturday – Sunday
ARIH, the Western-Korean fusion brand created with BTS, will offer samples of its Dual Biotic Sodas, Postbiotic Energy Drinks and Modern Noodles.
Beach Blast Soccer Tournament
The beaches at Baker and Poplar avenues, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
Beach Blast brings over 1,000 youth and adult soccer teams from all over the East Coast to the Wildwoods to compete in a 5-vs.-5 barefoot soccer tournament on the beach.
The Atlantic City Beach Festival and World Cup Watch Party
1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City
Saturday – Sunday
In time for the third-place match and World Cup final, this high-energy event combines live Latin music, beachfront entertainment, soccer viewing, concerts, food trucks and stands, and interactive family-friendly activities.
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
Saturday – Sunday
The iconic Rink was turned into a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens are now a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones are located across the Plaza.
FRIDAY
ViewerCon 2026
NJPAC, Newark
This will be the ultimate fan fest for fans of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Joy Reid, Taye Diggs, Bevy Smith and other actors. You’ll listen to exclusive convos, meet celebs, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and see a special screening of Fightland, the highly anticipated STARZ series executive produced by 50 Cent.
SATURDAY
Water Ice Festival
The Park at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Thirty water ice vendors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware will have their flavors on hand for sampling. Vote for your favorites as you walk along the boardwalk.
Firetruck Day
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor
Families can meet local firefighters, check out emergency vehicles, watch a firetruck parade, meet Smokey Bear and Sparky, operate a real fire hose, and get a free fire hat.
Time Travelers Vintage Expo
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
This traveling vintage market is stopping in NJ along its 17-city tour. You’ll find lots of vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade, and more.
Family Fun Day
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
The activities and crafts will be from the 18th century with a 21st-century twist. There will be a bounce house, a juggler, a face painter, food trucks and more.
House Music Festival
Warinanco Park, Roselle
This year’s lineup features Chill X, Millie Milz, Soul Fingers, Dawud Johnson, Soulful Messiah, Stacy Kidd, MCEE Ras Anthony, and Zaykeya Productions and Entertainment, alongside a highly-anticipated special performance by Darryl Bonneau.
America 250 Drone Show
Mannino Park, Old Bridge
There will be 200 drones in formation to patriotic lights and music. There will also be a DJ and food trucks.
Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival
Monte Irvin Orange Park, City of Orange
There’s a full lineup of mini jazz music concerts, a health fair, and a food truck village.
Walmart’s Legendary Kickoff Experience
Walmart, East Brunswick
There will be World Cup matchday vibes here, along with skills challenges, fan competitions (like a giant game of tic-tac-toe) custom merch you design yourself, a live DJ, and free food and drinks. Spend the day with soccer legends Alexis Nunes, Carles Puyol and Sami Khedira. The store takeover is presented with LALIGA in honor of the World Cup.
Summer in the Street
Washington Street, Toms River
This annual street fair features food trucks, a shopping area, kids’ activities, and a beer & wine garden. Local businesses, restaurants and the brewery will have outdoor seating.
SUNDAY
Supertri New Jersey
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Formerly the Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon, this course open to athletes of any age and skill level includes a sheltered swim in Mercer Lake, a closed‑road bike course, and a flat run through the park.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
This easy, child-friendly hike through the woodlands will teach you about the plants and animals around.
TUMS Food Match Cup Food Truck
American Dream, East Brunswick
The truck tour brings along a plantain dog, kimchi carnitas tacos and raclette poutine, inspired by the biggest teams playing in the World Cup; along with samples of TUMS to alleviate any gastro symptoms. There will be giveaways, soccer-themed prizes and merch.
Ocean County’s Official World Party & Youth Skills Soccer Day
ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood
The World Cup Final will be shown on the BlueClaws’ 1,854-square-foot video board. The event will include free inflatable rides and games around the warning track and parts of the concourse. The Boardwalk and the BlueClaws Mini Golf Course will both be open. The event will also include a free soccer skills day for kids ages 6 to 13, with shooting, passing, dribbling, juggling, a dizzy bat shooting contest.
FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Turkey Brook, Mt. Olive (Budd Lake)
Watch the Final on a giant 16′ x 9′ LED screen. Food vendors include Mi Sabor, NFC Sweet Treats & More, Marty’s Ice Cream and Jersey Girl Brewing. Picnic under the pavilion. There will be games for kids.
Hackettstown Street Fair + World Cup Celebration
Main Street, Hackettstown
While you stroll along the street, check for places that are tuned into the World Cup final match. There will be more than 100 booths set up, crafters, entertainment, live performances, a kid’s area and local shopping.
Score Local: Fair Lawn World Cup
The Craftsman, Fair Lawn
The World Cup Final Pregame Celebration will be a family-friendly event with a live DJ, giveaways, food and drinks, and festivities before the final match.
Big Block Match Parties
Hoboken
The neighborhood comes alive with 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.
World Cup Final Watch Party at bergenPAC
bergenPAC, Englewood
bergenPAC will broadcast the final game from inside the air-conditioned theater, on a big screen.
World Cup Final Watch Party
Middletown Sports Complex, Middletown
Watch the Final on a massive 40-foot screen. There will be other games to play, beach volleyball, an outdoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, a tiki bar plus non-alcoholic drinks, and sports merch.
World Cup Watch Party
Varitage Brew Works, Bloomfield
Calling itself a “soccer-centric brewery,” the Summer of Soccer takes the party outside to the Washington St. Rock Lot with a giant double-sided LED wall for the Final game.
Explore Millburn-Short Hills World Cup Celebration
Millburn-Short Hills
The series is capped off with a World Cup Final Viewing Party on July 19.
Ultimate Outdoor Soccer Experience
Darby Road Public House & Restaurant, Scotch Plains
The ticketed event on game days include 25-foot TVs, food trucks, mini soccer fields, a full bar and beer tents.
Newark Fan Village
Ferry Street, Newark
Fans will gather to watch the match in large-scale viewing areas. There will be cultural programming, family-friendly activities, and a curated international food hall.
World Cup Watch Parties
Rahway
The free community event features a live match screening, family-friendly activities like soccer-themed games and a 360-degree photo booth, and special promos at local businesses.
World Cup Watch Party
Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City
Bring the kids to this beer hall during the World Cup games, and order some traditional German food as snacks.
International Soccer Finals Watch Party
The Lawn on District Drive at The Park, Berkeley Heights
There will be lawn games, shopping, a kids zone, live music, and a livestream of the match on a large outdoor screen.
World Cup Final Viewing Party
Taylor Park, Millburn
During the grand finale of the series, the community will gather to watch the final match on a massive LED screen at the park, along with live music, food stands and kids’ entertainment.
World Cup Final Watch Parties
Downtown Freehold
Metropolitan Cafe, The Court Jester NJ, Federici’s Family Restaurant, and The American Hotel will each hold World Cup watch parties for the Final match.
World Cup Watch Parties
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Rent a TopGolf Swing Suite and catch all the action live from a private lounge. There will be themed food specials, drink discounts, prizes and giveaways, and large projector screens.
FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party
3705 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
WorldCupAC is holding a free viewing of the Final outside of the Esports Innovation Center. Aside from the big game shown on the big screen, the Rocket League tournament finals will be held.
Soccer at the Shore Splash Zone at The Pool
Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City
The Pool has been turned into an arena, where you can watch the soccer match on 30+ screens while swimming or while sunning.
The Atlantic City Beach Festival and World Cup Watch Party
1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City
In time for the third-place match and World Cup final, this high-energy event combines live Latin music, beachfront entertainment, soccer viewing, concerts, food trucks and stands, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Around the World – World Cup Final Watch Party
Claremont Avenue, Jersey City
Claremont Avenue from West Side Avenue to Mallory Avenue will become a “world village,” featuring curated cultural zones representing different regions. There will be two large screens to watch the game (which kicks off at 3 pm), food, a beer garden, a DJ, live performances, a marketplace and a photo booth.
Official Formula 1 Arcade Spa-Francorchamps Watch Party
F1 Arcade, Philadelphia, PA
There will be open sim racing before and during the race.
Soccer Stars Clinic
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Kids will start with warm-up games and skill-building activities focused on movement, coordination and teamwork. Then, players will break into tournament-style soccer games organized by age group. After, they can explore the rest of the museum.
ONGOING
Angelsea Nights
Angelsea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Thursdays, July 16 and 30; August 13
The lively pedestrian festival is a mix of food trucks, shopping, and street entertainment like stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Princeton Summer Theater, Princeton
July 18, 25-26, 31; August 1
Princeton Summer Theater’s Children’s Show is based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schultz.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through July 18: 1776
July 29 – August 8: Guys and Dolls
The 2026 season of the popular outdoor summer musical series includes three popular Broadway musicals.
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
July 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.
New Brunswick Restaurant Week
New Brunswick
Through July 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.
Shrek: The Musical
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
Through July 26
See the hit musical come to life on stage through characters Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and others.
World Cup at New Jersey Hall of Fame
New Jersey Hall of Fame, American Dream, East Rutherford
Through August 1
Celebrate the achievements of the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s four soccer inductees, Carli Lloyd, Tim Howard, Christie Pearce Rampone and Heather O’Reilly. Watch their induction ceremony speeches, read more about their groundbreaking careers, view their jumbo trading cards, and create your own with the latest photo opportunity.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Homes Mystery
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
Select dates, through August 2
This mystery has lots of twists and turns to keep kids engaged in the audience.
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.
Shark and Ray Summer
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through 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).
Pick-Your-Own Flowers
Petal & Pine Flower Farm, Monroe Twp.
Thursdays – Sundays, through at least August 23
The family behind Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm opened a new PYO flower farm, where you can walk among 5 acres of zinnias, celosias, snapdragons, eucalyptus, lavender and sunflowers to pick for your home bouquet. There are lawn games, mini golf, farm animals, a coffee trailer, a pedal tractor area and photo ops in the wildflower field.
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 17-19)?
A: This weekend (July 17-19, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include World Cup watch parties for the Final; the Color & Light Festival in Asbury Park; Mean Girls: The Musical on stage at Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Holmdel; a Luau Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery in New Egypt; the inaugural Flower Festival at Terhune Orchards in Princeton; a Cat Expo and Show at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison; a Water Ice Festival in Atlantic City; Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison; the annual House Music Festival at Warinanco Park in Roselle; and the Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival in the City of Orange; and the Supertri New Jersey triathlon in Mercer County Park in West Windsor.
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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