Summer heat is rolling in this weekend, but the real heatwave hits Monday—so make the most of the milder temps while you can. Hit up a cultural festival, catch some live music, or greet the summer solstice with an outdoor yoga session.
WEEKEND
The Princeton Festival
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Thursday – Saturday
There is a daily lineup of musical performances and operas. On June 8, a farmers’ market will be set up in the gardens.
Barefoot Country Music Festival
Wildwood
Thursday – Sunday
Top act Lainey Wilson will headline along with big names like Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll and Jordan Davis. More than 40 pro and up-and-coming artists will perform across five stages.
Juneteenth at Marcus Live!
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday to Sunday
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant created an “M’s Soulful Supper” dinner to represent heritage, freedom and new beginnings. The meal includes grilled pork chops (strength and resilience) with blueberry sauce (sweetness and hope), loaded sweet potato mash (comfort) and garlic-sautéed spinach (vitality)
Steinways of the Stars Tours
Steinway & Sons, Paramus
Thursday – Sunday
Have you ever pictured yourself playing a Steinway grand piano? Through this national tour, pianos used by musicians like Lady Gaga and Olivia Rodrigo will be on display and available to play.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Foschini Park, Hackensack
Thursday – Sunday
Hosted by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), the carnival packs food, rides and entertainment into four days to give kids a place to go instead of using drugs.
Cape May Coffee & Chocolate Festival
Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May
Friday – Saturday
Sample a variety of coffee roasts and styles, along with chocolate-themed sweets, from local coffee shops, gourmet roasters, artisan chocolatiers, bakeries and more.
Native American Heritage Celebration & Pow Wow
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
The largest Native American gathering in New Jersey, this festival brings together over 1,000 Native American artists, performers, and educators from across the Americas to the original homeland of the Raritan Lenape Indians. Event highlights include traditional storytelling and cultural demos, dance exhibitions, live music, authentic Native American foods, a marketplace with 40+ booths, and representatives from the Lakota, Navajo, Mohawk, Cherokee, Aztec, Hawaiian and other tribes.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Rose Squared Art Show
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
Saturday – Sunday
This event showcases 150+ vendors with works in apothecary, food, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Blues, Wine & BBQ
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro
Saturday – Sunday
Wash down sauce ribs, tender brisket and juicy pulled pork with a variety of wines while listening to live music by jazz & blues bands.
The Prudential North to Shore Festival x Asbury Park Bazaar
Grand Arcade, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
As part of the giant statewide music and comedy festival, this weekend’s activities will feature shopping from a curated market of makers and artists from the Jersey Shore and beyond, kids’ activities, photo ops, food and drinks, and music.
Drumstick Summer Smackdown Sampling Event
Sunset Park, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
Drumstick ice cream will bring its famous Drumstick and Waffle products for you to try, for free.
Celebrating Seaside Pride
Seaside Heights
Saturday – Sunday
On Saturday, sit down for the Pork Roll Egg & Queens drag brunch at Seaside Social House. At night, the beach bonfire includes live music. On Sunday, drag brunch bingo is at Island Beach Fish Company.
Down on the Farm
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May
Saturday – Sunday
Experience farm life by visiting barnyard animals, watching farming demonstrations, checking out antique and modern farming equipment exhibits, and learning about vegetable gardening.
FRIDAY
Barking Lots Sips & Brews
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees Twp.
There will be food trucks, cocktails and local brews, live music, cornhole, and games for the family. Pups can make a PAW-Casso painting or hang out at the doggie pool party. This is a fundraiser for Athe nimal Welfare Association and its mission to save homeless animals.
Juneteenth Cocktail Party Fundraiser
Art is Bond, Montclair
The party honors three key sites on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail: the Howe House, the Montclair History Center, and St. Mark’s Church.
Free Shake Day
Wayback Burgers, Voorhees, Secaucus, Newton, Little Ferry
On the first day of summer, get a free 12-ounce vanilla milkshake. Summer Happy Hour runs from June 21 through August 31 with $2 lemonades and $5 milkshakes from 2-5 pm.
Summer Solstice Music Festival
Haddon Avenue, between Strawbridge Avenue and Cooper Street, Haddon Twp.
Celebrate the start of summer with live music, food trucks, strolling entertainment, beer gardens, and a kids’ zone.
Hot 97 Summer Jam
Prudential Center, Newark
The biggest names in hip hop perform on one stage, including A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, Ayra Starr, Ja Rule and Friends: A Tribute to Irv Gotti, Kash Doll, Bobby Konders & Jabba ft. Masicka, Jim Jones & Friends, Cash Cobain, 41 (Kyle Rich, Jenn Carter, Tata), and more.
Juneteenth Ice Cream Social
The Pennington African Cemetery, Pennington
Get free Mr. Softee ice cream (while supplies last) while you take a tour of the cemetery to learn about the slaves who were buried there.
SATURDAY
Taste of Highlands
Highlands
Spend five hours eating and drinking around the restaurants in Highlands. You’ll get your food passport stamped and can enter to win prizes.
Battleship Beer Fest
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
There will be beer, music and food aboard the decommissioned USS New Jersey, where you can tour the living history museum and see what life was like as a wartime sailor from the 1940s to 1990s.
Atlantic County Pride in the Park
Memorial Park, Mays Landing
See your neighbors from across the county take part in a festival-like atmosphere to celebrate Pride. There will be live performances, food trucks, local vendors, community organizations, and more.
Antique Auto Show
Tabernacle grounds, 6th and Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Over 300 vintage vehicles will be on display, and then they’ll parade along the boardwalk in the afternoon.
McDonald’s Block Party
McDonald’s, Routes 33 and 35, Neptune
The Gillis Organization, which runs this location, will hold a block party event to celebrate its 30 years in Neptune. The event will feature face painting, chalk drawing, a mechanical bull, inflatables, live music, raffles and snacks.
Boots & BBQ Festival
Bergen Equestrian Center, Overpeck County Park, Leonia
There will be beginner line dance instruction, open dancing, BBQ food trucks $2 pony rides, and face painting at this fundraiser for Bergen Equestrian Center’s Our Stable Life, which is an equine therapy program.
Juneteenth Celebration
Veterans Park, Gloucester Twp.
The day of culture and community will feature local businesses, a cultural marketplace, food, live music, and plenty of entertainment.
Underground Downtown Art and Music Crawl
Asbury Park
Pick up a map and go to any of 30 different locations for free concerts, comedy shows, workshops, poetry readings and art exhibits, as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival.
Dairy Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Join farmer Katelyn as she demonstrates handling and milking the farm cow, Blizzard. Learn about cow breeds, and milk and cream production. Inside the farmhouse, you can help make cheese and butter before churning and tasting a batch of old-fashioned ice cream.
Opening Day of Albatross
Albatross, Edison
The luxe mini golf and bowling alley opens to the public today, complete with its beautiful bar, open-air kitchen restaurant, and movie-like atmosphere.
Juneteenth Parade & Freedom Festival
New Brunswick
The Vulcan Pioneers of New Brunswick will lead the parade along George Street and Remsen Avenue to Recreation Park on Pine Street. The festival will have food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and giveaways.
Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Dunellen
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Open Tower Day
Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower, Wharton State Forest – park by the Emilio Carranza Memorial, Tabernacle
To get to the top of the tower, you’ll have to climb 9 flights of steps (60 vertical feet each way) and brave the see-through metal grate landings and stair treads. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful vista of the Pine Barrens.
Emerald City DJ Danc Party for Youth
United Methodist Church of Red Bank, Red Bank
Cast members from Red Bank Theater for Audiences production of “The Wizard of Oz” will lead a dance party for kids, which includes a fortune teller, games, giveaways and snacks.
Boonton Rainbow Pride
Grace Lord Park, Boonton
Rain or shine, this grassroots collab between Boonton residents and business owners makes connections with the LGBTQIA+ community. Shop local, watch as a flag is raised in front of the Elks Lodge, listen to speakers, enjoy performers, play lawn games, see the rainbow art installation, make crafts, and dance along to DJ’d music.
International Day of Yoga
Pier A Park, Hoboken
The General Consulate of India is a partner in the celebration of the summer solstice, which includes yoga sessions, a sound bath, and kirtan.
SSAAM Juneteenth 2025: Stories of Freedom
Mt. Zion AME Church and Reasoner/True House, Skillman
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, which is Central Jersey’s only Black history museum, puts together a day of heritage performances, spoken word performances, storytelling, a drum circle, a read-aloud story corner, an artisan marketplace and the launch of the Little Free Library of Banned Books.
PrideFest 2025
Safe Haven at Keneva Farm, Mullica Hill
There will be a color run, live music featuring Laura Cheadle & The Girls, vendors, an animal village, food, games, and activities.
How to Train Your Dragon Release Party
MarketFair, Princeton
Interact with a dragon stilt walker, meet “Toothless” and a Viking, pose for a photo, and make a Viking sword craft.
Giralda Music & Arts Festival
Giralda Farms, Madison
As part of Morris Arts’ 41st festival, there will be children’s activities, an art show and sale, and a concert by New Jersey Symphony.
Brenda K. Starr: Jersey Shore Freestyle
House of Independents, Asbury Park
As part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, the freestyle artist from the ’90s will perform her hits like “I Still Believe” and “What You See is What You Get.”
Touch-a-Truck
Hamilton Twp. Public Library, Hamilton Twp.
The Hamilton Township Police Division, Fire Division, and Department of Public Works are hosting a sensory activity for kids so they can explore the vehicles used for different tasks throughout the town. Goodie bags and Kona Ice will be given to kids, while supplies last. This will also be the kickoff for the library’s summer reading program.
Antique Car Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Show your kids and grandchildren how cars used to look. The display of pre-World War II vehicles have running boards, rumble seats, three-on-the-tree, handcrank start, spoke wheels and flat windshield features that aren’t on modern-day vehicles. Enjoy a day on the farm with live music, lunch and wine.
SUNDAY
Wild Fest Food Truck and Music Festival
Clinton Elks Lodge, Pittstown
There will be food trucks, live bands, a special kids den area with face painting, and roaming animal mascots at this benefit for Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, a charity dedicated to the care and release of orphaned and injured native New Jersey wildlife.
The Baldassare and MaraTHON 5K
South Mountain Recreation Complex, West Orange
Run, walk, stroll or crawl your way through the grounds of the waterfront reservoir area in honor of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas, who was tragically killed in their North Brunswick home for years ago. The 5K fundraises for the newly established Danny’s Pantry.
Bridgewater Spring Carnival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The mall will become a party ground, with rides, inflatables, carnival games, a DJ, food vendors, a petting zoo and an arts & crafts tent.
Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show
Fair Lawn
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Tipsy Tiki Bar Pop-Up Character Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 2
There’s a new menu of 10 tropical drinks (including mocktails) you can sip on while catching all the summer vibes. Today is a special character breakfast with a luau-themed menu and meet-and-greet with characters from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. Kids can take photos and will get a coloring book.
ONGOING
Summer STEAM Programs
Newark Public Library, Newark
Saturdays, June 21 to July 26
Dress your kids ages 5 to 10 in something that can get messy, because this program lets kids dive into hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects each week. Parents must attend, too.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
June 22, September 7, October 19, November 2 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
Summer Market Pop-ups: July 13 and August 10 at Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
Holiday Markets: December 7, 14 and 21 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Peter Pan
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
June 25-29
The story is made so that 3-10-year-olds can enjoy its retelling on stage.
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, June 25 to September 10, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy
Wednesdays, July 2 to August 27, Thompson Park, Jamesburg/Monroe Twp.
Sundays, July 6 to August 24, Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield
Thursdays, August 7 and 14, Joseph Medwick Park, Carteret
July 24 at Spring Lake Park and 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.
OutMontclair Pride Events
Montclair
Select dates, through June 28
Events include a Pride flag raising, cocktail reception, art exhibits, a variety show, Doughnuts & Drag, film screenings, lectures and a Pride market.
Cape May Music Festival
Various venues in Cape May
Select dates, through June 28
World-class orchestral and chamber jazz, Celtic and brass band music, and Bach’s Lunches will be held at various venues throughout Cape May throughout the month.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through June 28
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
Chamberlain University, North Brunswick
Select dates through June 29
Entertainment includes Rosaire’s Royal Racers, the magic of Lance Gifford, All American Petting Zoo, a High Flying Pages Thrill Show, an all-new Amazing Drone Show and fireworks, in addition to carnival games and rides, food vendors and other attractions.
Prudential North to Shore Festival
Stone Pony in Asbury Park
NJPAC and Prudential Center in Newark
Through June 29
Musicians and comedians will celebrate their Jersey-based talents through a series of shows taking place throughout the state. Events in Atlantic City will be announced throughout the year.
Nubian Heritage Quilters Exhibit
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Sundays, through June 29
The Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild preserves the rich history of African American quilting and will offer a special display for its 30th anniversary.
High Tide Makers and Artisan Park
Carousel at Pier Village, Long Branch
Sundays, through June 29
Shop makers and artisans showcasing everything from handmade jewelry to one-of-a-kind artwork. There will be face painting and temporary tattoos for kids.
Spring Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Weekends, through June 29
Bring the entire family for some fresh air on the farm. Stop into the farm store, take a stroll around the property, listen to live music, and try some of Terhune’s own wine.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Through June 29
Performance dates include audio-described on June 22 and 28, Open-Captioned and ASL-interpreted on June 28 and 29, and autism-friendly on June 21.
Hoboken Tern Parade
Throughout Hoboken
Through June 30
Thirty businesses in Hoboken will display a decoy statue of the Common Tern, which is Hoboken’s official honorary bird. Activities throughout the next few months include library storytime, an Earth Day celebration, bird walks, scavenger hunts and a special RigaTERNi pizza.
Bucks Fever Art & Sculpture Exhibition
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through July 6
Check out an extensive showcase of fine art and sculptures created by regional artists.
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 10
As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, take the kids to see a collection of 16 flags that flew during the Revolutionary War.
Picnic in the Park
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through the summer season
You can order a curated picnic lunch that you can eat with the family in the Acer Courtyard (where the peacocks hang out) or anywhere within the 42-acre sculpture garden.
Safari in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
There will be a spectacular display of safari-themed sand sculptures, both large and small.
Butterfly House
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
Saturdays – Sundays, through August 31
See hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they fly around the exhibit.
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 1
This real-life interpretation of the book Grossology teaches kids all about farting, burping, sneezing and other bodily functions in a fun, educational – and awesomely gross way. Kids can climb a wall of skin that uses pimples and warts as footholds, dodge a snot ball, compete in an arcade game about urine, and play a game of Operation.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 1
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. It’s coming from the UK to New Jersey for a few months.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Tipsy Tiki Bar Pop-Up
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 2
There’s a new menu of 10 tropical drinks (including mocktails) you can sip on while catching all the summer vibes. Book a resy for a table with the family, or make it a Girls Night Out and hang at the bar.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 5
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and will change artists each week.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through September 7
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.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents. From July 25 to August 2, a slate of birthday celebrations will be announced. July 30 is the “C…is For Celebrate!” fireworks show.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the newly reopened Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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