School’s out, and there’s tons of fun festivals and events in and around NJ. Here are 50+ things to do this weekend.
WEEKEND
Montville Twp. 4th of July Celebration
Montville Twp. High School, Montville
Thursday – Friday
There will be rides, a car show, food trucks, featured bands and eating contests. Fireworks are at 9:15 pm on Friday.
OutMontclair Pride Events
Montclair
Thursday, Saturday
Events include a Pride flag raising, cocktail reception, art exhibits, a variety show, Doughnuts & Drag, film screenings, lectures and a Pride market.
Peter Pan
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Thursday – Sunday
The story is made so that 3-10-year-olds can enjoy its retelling on stage.
Prudential North to Shore Festival
Stone Pony in Asbury Park
NJPAC and Prudential Center in Newark
Thursday – Sunday
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.
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
Chamberlain University, North Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
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.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Thursday – Sunday
Performance dates include audio-described on June 28, and Open-Captioned and ASL-interpreted on June 28 and 29.
Hoboken Tern Parade
Throughout Hoboken
Thursday – Monday
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. This is the last weekend to look for the birds.
Cape May Music Festival
Various venues in Cape May
Thursday and Saturday
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.
Bridgefest 2025
Great Auditorium, Ocean Grove
Friday – Saturday
The Bridge Christian Radio puts on its 20th annual concert series, with this year’s theme of “God Still Speaks.” The Friday night concert features CAIN. On Saturday, there will be activities and games for all ages, a youth rally for teens, a food vendors, beach baptisms in the Atlantic Ocean, fellowship along the boardwalk, and a prayer tent.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Friday – Saturday
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.
Rocks, Ribs & Ridges Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Friday – Sunday
Southern and classic rock music bands include George Thorogood and The Destroyers, Orleans, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Grand Funk Railroad and Artimus Pyle. Finger-licking barbecue options come from Smokin’ Mo’s Southern BBQ in Sandyston, plus other BBQ joints from the U.S. and Canada.
Garden State Comic Fest
Codey Arena, West Orange
Saturday – Sunday
This will be the ultimate world of comics: artists, comic books, anime, toys, collectibles, media guests, and cosplay.
LEGO Show
Northlandz, Flemington
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from hands-on building zones, kids can enter a LEGO competition and see giant LEGO displays. LEGO Master Manny Garcia will be on hand for expert advice.
Battle of Monmouth
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Saturday – Sunday
The Continental and British armies will reenact one of the longest battles of the Revolutionary War. You can visit the encampment, which has meet-and-greets with the historical interpreters, food vendors, old-time merch, and a visit inside the Visitor Center for more history lessons.
Spring Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Beach Blast Soccer Tournament
Beaches of Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
Beach Blast is a five-on-five, barefoot on the sand soccer tournament on the beach, hosted by the Cape Express Soccer Club of Cape May County, with divisions for boys and girls U8 to U19, men’s, women’s, and co-ed open.
FRIDAY
North Beach Atlantic City Fireworks Celebration
North Beach, Atlantic City
Start the evening with live music, drink specials and other activities across from the boardwalk area. You can visit the restaurants along Tennessee Avenue for specials. Then, the fireworks light up the sky around 9:30 from viewing areas around the resorts.
Splash Into Summer
Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
The swim party for kids and families includes one hour of swimming with inflatables, followed by music, crafts and snacks.
New Jersey Symphony Concert
Branch Brook Park, Newark
This free program features a medley of classics, Broadway themes and patriotic favorites. There will be a fireworks display after the concert.
Opening of Bam Kazam
American Dream, East Rutherford
There are more than a dozen different rooms that combine Hollywood-caliber set design with special effects and gaming technology so it’s part arcade, part escape room for teens.
Washington St. Party Under the Stars: Caribbean Night
Washington Street, Bloomfield
The Bloomfield Center Alliance and Casa De Flora Bar are putting on a block party with al fresco dining, carnival dancers, music by DJ Ralph Daniel, and a new night market.
SATURDAY
Gospel Music Festival
Monument Park, New Brunswick
Listen to a series of headliners, musicians and bands perform Gospel music in the park.
Hot Rods at the Hangar
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
The first-ever Hot Rods at the Hangar takes place during the annual Wings and Things event at the Naval Air Station, featuring food trucks, live music, artisanal crafts, displays and a car show.
Ice Cream Party & Wheat Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Farmer Jim and his crew will churn gallons of ice cream while the Jugtown Mountain String Band plays live music. There will be kids’ games, and a sailboat craft on the front lawn.
Kaleidoscope Cove
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Today is the grand opening of a new 2,000-square-foot exhibit that welcomes 100 new species of fish and sea creatures. There’s a glowing jellyfish exhibit, a touch experience, an interactive light wall, a glowing grotto, digital animal IDs, and a digital sand station. At the Draw Alive mural, kids can sketch their own underwater animals and watch as their drawings become animated and swim across the screen in real time.
Barkchella Dog & Human Party
Newark Brewery, Newark
There will be live bands and DJs, dog activations, celebrity dogs, speakers, vendors, networking, contests, drink specials for dogs and their owners, Yappy Hour and craft beer.
Spirit of Monmouth Festival
Main Street, Downtown Freehold Borough
Freehold Borough is dubbed the place “where freedom stood,” since it was an integral part of Revolutionary War times. This celebration of the Battle of Monmouth will include vendors, food trucks, historical exhibits; and live music by British Invasion Years, Saw Mill Run and WCT Band.
Beachstock 2025
Huntington and Granville avenues, Margate
“The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party” lights up the shoreline, complete with food vendors, crafters, live music, cornhole, wiffle ball, pickleball, volleyball, surf and kite lessons, sand sculpting, environmental exhibits, kids’ activities, a twilight bonfire, the screening of “Moana 2” at twilight.
Harborfest Street Fair
Delaware Avenue, Cape May
There will be vendors, food, a beer garden, live music, kids’ activities and nature programs.
An Evening Under the Stars
Woolsey Park, Titusville
The early Independence Day celebration held by the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association will include a classic custom car exhibit, music by Castle Lane Band, and fireworks.
Pop’s Farm Market Food Truck Festival
Linwood Fields at Pop’s Farm Market & Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
There will be 10 gourmet food trucks, a bounce house, lawn games, hayrides, a kids’ inflatable area, a picnic grove, live music, face painting, craft vendors, a beer garden with beer from Old Hights Brewing Company, and a wine tasting with wine from Balic Wine.
Wings & Things Arts & Crafts Festival
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
The one-day festival includes kid’s crafts, carving workshops, craft vendors, a beer and wine garden, live music and food trucks. But while you’re there, check out the museum’s 26 aircraft on display, plus the Hot Rods at the Hangar car show, and The Longest Yarn 3D wool exhibit.
SUNDAY
New Jersey Symphony Concert
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
This free program features a medley of classics, Broadway themes and patriotic favorites as you overlook the Hudson River, NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Firefly Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
While you wait for the fireflies to light up at night, make your own wings and antenna, listen to live music, ride a pony, play in the barnyard area, watch Lolly Hopwood perform and grab some goodies from Pam’s Firefly Tent.
Nubian Heritage Quilters Exhibit
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
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
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.
ONGOING
L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
June 27 to July 2
Along with activities such as Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Cowtown USA, a dock dogs competition, a weekend craft/business fair, and fairway rides provided by Reithoffer Shows, the L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair has a nightly entertainment schedule. This is held by members of L.E.A.D., who are law enforcement officers who promote fun activities vs. substance abuse.
Master Gardeners Children’s Garden Series
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
June 28, July 12, September 13
Each program teaches kids and families a range of gardening tips and tricks. The themes are growing a backyard garden in June, how worms are used in vermicomposting in July, and how to use succulents in a sand garden in September.
Acoustic Open Mic
The New Weis Center, Ringwood
June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28
Play your instrument or listen to others perform. A stage will be set up by the 1800s-era farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres.
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, through 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.
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.
Summer STEAM Programs
Newark Public Library, Newark
Saturdays, through 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.
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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