Free Things to Do In and Around New Jersey in July

Get outside and soak up the summer at these free events.

 

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Start the month with 4th of July parades, celebrations and fireworks and then gear up for 4-H county fairs, many of which have free admission. Here are more events that have free admission in July.

Tuesdays, July 2 to August 13

Summer Kids Club
MarketFair, Princeton
Each week has a different theme, including balloon artistry, magic, science, bubble experiments, wildlife, and sustainability.

Tuesdays, July 9 to August 27

Tidal Tuesday: Siene the Cove
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Discover a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures as you pull in the seine net.

Tuesdays to Fridays, July 5 to August 30

Summer Programs
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Kids and adults can have fun together during different themed sessions. Tuesdays have interactive games and arts and crafts. Wednesday activities take place in the Imagination Studio. Thursdays feature two sessions of storytime for the youngest museumgoers. Fridays are led by museum docents who will take you through the galleries.

Wednesdays, July and August

Kids Club
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
The summer series features character performances and meet-and-greets, musical entertainment, storytime, and more fun for the whole family.

Thursdays, through August 15

Downtown Thursdays
West Orange
Each week there will be different events, like live music, outdoor dining, food trucks, kids’ activities, beer garden and dance lessons.

Fridays, July and August

Friday Night Fireworks
The Wildwoods
Look high above the beach and boardwalk for a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks synched to music that will be played via a sound system and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. You can tap into the live stream to view from anywhere outside of Wildwood, too.

Wednesdays and Sundays, through August 21

My Fairytale Party’s Summer Series
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Wednesdays and Sundays
There will be sing-alongs and interactive experiences with princesses and princes, fairies and pirates, Barbie and Weird Barbie, Mary Poppins, pop stars, kids karaoke, Minions, Inside Out and unicorn princesses. After the show, meet the characters and grab a quick photo.

July 1

Big Bubble Bonanza
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Guinness Book of World Records-holding master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer will mix comedy, music and interactive bubble magic. The show are sensory-friendly but open to everyone.

July 1-13

Bedminster’s Field of Honor Display
River Road Park, Bedminster
The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House host an annual tribute with a display of over 200 American flags on the north field of the park. On June 1, join the Field of Honor Celebration where you can walk through the field of flags and tour the house, including a model of the Pluckemin Cantonment, America’s first military academy. Take part in the planting of a Salem oak tree and listen to music by the White House Wind Symphony.

July 2-6

Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, Atlantic Highlands
Five nights of fun to benefit the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department include games, rides, a food court, live music every night, a beer garden, games of chance, and fireworks on Friday.

July 3

“Despicable Me” Premiere Party
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Fans of all ages can meet a Minion, go into the interactive inflatable bubble dome filled with Minion-themed balloons, eat free popcorn, participate in activities themed around the Minions and make slime.

OCEANFEST

July 4

Oceanfest
Long Branch
This annual 4th of July celebration is one of the biggest in NJ. Along the beachfront, enjoy performances by dancers, musicians, clowns and musical acts; sample from food vendors; check out displays from crafters from all over the Northeast; see a fabulous sand sculpture; take a photo with a costumed character; and bring a blanket for the nighttime fireworks display.

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The morning will start with a flag-raising and parade. At night, come back for music, food trucks, a beer gardens and fireworks.

Middle Twp. 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Goshen Sports Complex, Cape May Court House
There will be craft and food vendors, live music, games, a pie-eating contest, and fireworks.

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
The festive afternoon includes entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a historic military flyover, music by the New Jersey Wind Symphony and fireworks over Overpeck Creek.

A Revolutionary Celebration
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Watch history come alive right before your eyes as George Washington and the Continental Army reenact the celebration of the second anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1778, with cannon fire and a musket salute. You can talk with historical interpreters, explore historic buildings, enjoy patriotic music by the Mark Heter Band, see a 19th-century printing press in action, enjoy children’s crafts and watch stone carving.

PEDDLER’S VILLAGE / Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash

July 4-7

Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Celebrate Independence Day weekend and National Blueberry Month with lots of food, live music, old-fashioned lawn games, bubble making, watermelon eating contests, and lots of blueberries.

July 5

Free First Friday: New Moon Sound Bath
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Sound baths use sound bowls or gongs to use musical vibrations to clear your energy.

July 5-7, 13-14, 20-21

Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
Artisan-made items, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more will be set up for sale along the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.

Raising4 Inc.

July 6

Independence Day Light Show
Taylor Pavilion Field, Belmar
Computerized lighting and music to celebrate July 4 is followed by fireworks to celebrate USA’s birthday and honor the veterans who’ve protected our freedoms.

Evening Blacksmithing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Blacksmith Daniel Lapidow fires up the forge and heats wrought iron for bending, hammering and sharpening. Kids can help by turning the crank of the forge blower until the iron glows orange, while Daniel makes harness hooks, gate hinges, and other hardware needed on the farm.

NEW JERSEY STATE MJSEUM

Civil War Flag Unveiling
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Join a flag historian from the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association and the museum’s curator of Cultural History for a one-hour gallery walk focusing on the history of five new flags to be unveiled in the museum’s Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey. After, stay for a reception hosted by Hunterdon 300th.

July 6-7

Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Morris Museum, Morristown
The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to six cultural attractions the first full weekend of each month.

July 7

Star Spangled Bash
Historic Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
There will be 4th of July-themed snacks, crafts, and activities. There will be snow cones, sand art, outdoor games and more.

July 10

Summer Sip & Shop Vendor Craft Fair
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
There will be local craft vendors selling jewelry, crystals, candles, apparel, soaps, beauty products, handcrafted gifts, décor and more.

July 10-13

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s Annual Feast
Town Hall Park, Lyndhurst
Get ready to mangia and festa Italian-style with lots of food, rides, games, 50/50 raffles and a nightly music series.

July 11

Montclair Talent Expo
Just Jake’s, Montclair
School of Rock Montclair will give 10 music makers, poets, performers, comics, dancers, spoken worders and storytellers 10 minutes each to shine in a fun, non-judgmental environment.

July 11-21

Rockland Free Fair
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
There’s something for everyone, from midway rides and games to classic carnival foods to Cirque Cyber thrill shows featuring aerial acrobatics, to the spinning Wheel of Destiny and Globe of Death motorcycle act. Admission is free, but food and rides/games will be for purchase.

Select Dates, July 11 to September 18

Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
A series of free, all-ages, outdoor shows will take place, courtesy of Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids. Some of the newly announced shows include Spafford, Prince/Bowie, Wallace Roney Jr. and Vanessa Perea, as well as the annual return of Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree.

July 12

Baby Walk
Teetertown Preserve, Port Murray
Get outside with your baby (age birth to 23 months old) and explore your local trails.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest
Grab your buckets and shovels and get ready to create works of art in the sand. This amateur and semi-pro sand sculpting contest is hosted by professional world-renowned sand sculptor Matt Long, a former cast member of the Travel Channel’s SandMasters, and “Can You Dig It!” Sand Tools.

July 12-14

NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood
Experience the best in BBQ food and blues music on the beach and at the local pubs. The event features live cooking demonstrations, BBQ food, and top regional and national blues acts on the main stage.

July 13

Summer Music and More: El Noordzo
Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor
El Noordzo will perform their instrumental, psychedelic, Afro-Cuban surf-jazz interpretations of classic rock, punk and alternative songs. They will be joined by Dan Kassel, a cellist who performs classical, electronica, jazz and rock. There will be hands-on art activities and two different projects.

Family Fun Day
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
The whole family can take part in interactive activities and crafts, including a bounce house and water games. Food trucks include Bucky’s Pizza, Rose City Wurst and Kona Ice. The day also features music and entertainment from Andy Wang.

Caribbean/Latino Block Party and Health Fair
Campus of the CDI and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley
Hackensack Meridian Health is hosting a community block party and health fair focused on the Caribbean and Latino populations as an effort to address cancer disparities and provide needed health services and education. There will be all types of health screenings offered. Family fun will include a DJ, a dance performance, face painting, game stations, balloons, food trucks, salsa and bachata dance class, and Caribbean and Latino vendors.

City of Water Day
Throughout New Jersey and New York
This regional day of celebration will see 60+ free, family-friendly events on or near the water. A wide array of festivities will span the entire region, from all five New York City boroughs to Westchester and Rockland counties, and across New Jersey. There will be kayaking, rowing, sailing, boat tours, educational workshops, coastal cleanups, nature walks, film screenings, and more.

FBPA FRENCHTOWN / Bastille Day

Bastille Day
Frenchtown
Known as the French Fourth of July, the inspiration to celebrate stems from the tale of Frenchtown’s founder who escaped the guillotine and made his way to America. This year’s event will include a vendor market and live music by the Michael Arenella Quartet with a side of Can Can dancers at Sunbeam Park. A walking tour of downtown Frenchtown will be conducted by borough historian Rick Epstein. Doug Miller will perform his magic show at TD Bank throughout the day. The Downtown Scavenger Hunt and the Frenchtown Farmer’s Market are all day.

South Jersey Caribbean Festival
Wiggins Waterfront Park & Marina, Camden
The 24th annual festival celebrates Caribbean culture on the Camden waterfront through food, music and entertainment.

July 13 and 20

Evening Chores
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Bring your boots and work gloves, because you’ll learn what it takes to care for farm animals by picking up a pitchfork and doing evening chores. Help farmers feed and water the animals, bring in the sheep from the pasture, collect eggs in the henhouse, grind corn in the barn, scrub and fill water tubs, and clean the horses’ stalls for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Saturdays, July 13 to 27

Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Family Saturdays
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Through hands-on gardening, activities in the garden, and an art-making experience with a New Jersey artist, children and their caregivers can enjoy nature while learning about life in the past. Programs differ from week to week.

MAPLEWOODSTOCK

July 13-14

Maplewoodstock Music & Arts Festival
Memorial Park, Maplewood
Every year, there are two days of music and arts that feature more than 20 bands, 50 art vendors, 20 food vendors, a beer garden and a kid zone.

Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
Downtown Haddonfield
Visit 200+ artist tents, restaurants, and shops along Kings Highway between Washington Avenue and Haddon Avenue, along Tanner Street to Euclid Avenue, and the Emerging Artists area on Kings Court.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Sticks in the Sand Beach Hockey Tournament
The Wildwoods
Teams from all over the East Coast will compete in this field hockey tournament on the sand.

July 14

Fanwood Summer Fan Jam
LaGrande Park, Fanwood
The party will include crafters, retailers, food trucks, entertainment, a beer garden, a kids’ zone and a huge classic car show.

Audubon Butterfly Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Join members of the Bergen County Audubon Society to walk the gardens and fields looking for the butterflies that visit the garden, along with their host plants.

PuchiCon Summer Pop-Up
The Seven Crest, Teaneck
The event will feature anime-inspired vendors, artists, trivia, games, karaoke and more. Come in cosplay.

July 17

Kids Hikes For Fun
Hoffman Park, Hampton
Kids 5 and older (with a parent) can get outside and hike the trails for a summer adventure.

Wheaton Wednesdays
WheatonArts, Millville
Highlights include design contests in the Glass & Pottery Studios, special exhibit tours in the Museum of American Glass and Folklife Center, free family art activities, a campus-wide scavenger hunt and live music.

July 18

Englewood Night Market
East Palisade Avenue, Englewood
The ultimate block party includes food, dancing, music and vendors in celebration of the City of Englewood’s 125th anniversary.

RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF CAPE MAY COUNTY / Cape May County 4-H Foundation Inc. 4-H Fair & Chicken Bar-Be-Que

July 18-20

Cape May County 4-H Foundation Fair
4-H Fairgrounds, Cape May Court House
The fair provides a showplace for the work of the youth members of Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H Youth Development Program. The event is planned, managed and operated by volunteers, 4‑H members and their parents and friends. Expect lots of demos, barnyard animals, activities for kids and food vendors. And the Cape May County Board of Agriculture hosts its annual chicken BBQ.

July 18-21

White Meadow Lake Festival Days
White Meadow Lake Clubhouse, Rockaway
Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, games, contests, and entertainment. As the sun sets, watch the fireworks display over the lake.

July 19

Feminist Film Series: Moana
Alice Paul Institute, Mount Laurel
This year’s film series will include family-friendly films that explore environmentalism. Before setting up your chair or blanket on the lawn to watch Disney’s “Moana,” make an upcycled craft.

LUKE SCARPINO / New Jersey Bronco Invasion

July 19-21

New Jersey Bronco Invasion
Rio Grande Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Spend the weekend taking part in Bronco activities, with daily parking on the beach, access to the industry’s top vendors, and an opportunity to play on the exclusive beach obstacle course.

July 20

Faith & Food Truck Festival
World Harvest Christian Center, Pennsauken
There will be a variety of food trucks and small vendors, live music, prize giveaways, face painting, a bouncy houses and activities for families.

History on the Green
Somerset County Courthouse Green, Somerville
Experience Revolutionary-era New Jersey through a pop-up encampment. Engage with Revolutionary War soldiers, meet George Washington and William “Billy” Lee on horseback, see colonial artisans in action, and play with colonial toys and games during this annual living history day.

For the Love of Dogs Pet Festival
Mill Hill Park, Trenton
All-day activities include mobile grooming, giveaways from KONG Company, free microchipping, pet games, adoptions, sway and play, activities, entertainment, music by DEEJAY BOOM and adoptions by Trenton Animal Shelter.

July 20 and 27

Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest
Whitesbog Historic Village, Browns Mills
This weekly festival takes place in the blueberry and cranberry capital of NJ. Each week has a different theme: July 20 is Dog Days of Summer with a moonlight walk at night. July 27 is Moth Night; there is no blueberry fest.

July 20-27

Christmas in July
Throughout The Wildwoods
July 20: North Wildwood Christmas in July with Santa Claus: Take a photo with Santa and sing along with live holiday music.
July 20: Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival and Boat Parade
July 23: Movies in the Plaza: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch in Byrne Plaza
July 27: Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade

July 21

Riverbend District Artisan Market
Riverbend District, Harrison
There will be local artists, creators, makers, food trucks and live entertainment.

Hackettstown Street Fair
Downtown Hackettstown
There will be artisans, crafters, live entertainment, food, kids’ activities, shopping and more along Main Street.

July 23-27

Ready. Aim. Fire.
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Sara Twister is a foot archer who combines acrobatic archery, upbeat routines, and comedic audience-participation. While balancing on her arms, she can fire a bow and arrow with her feet. Saturday’s shows are during the Christmas in July festivities near the Pier Stage.

July 24

Larry Umana & His Latin Jazz Project
Roosevelt Elementary School, Ridgefield Park
Larry and his band are a yearly highlight of the Ridgefield Park’s Concerts, Arts & Culture free summer concert series.

July 24-28

St. Ann Italian Festival
St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, Hoboken
Get ready for their famous zeppole, cheesesteaks, rice balls, wood-fired pizza, fried calamari, and seafood salad. There will be a beer garden. The Grand 50/50 raffle tickets are on sale and during the feast there will be a nightly 50/50 raffle. The Feast Day Mass at 11 am on July 26 followed by the Procession.

July 25 – 28

The Play Nintendo Tour
American Dream, East Rutherford
The Play Nintendo Tour 2024 is a free experience to get hands-on playtime with some of the games for the Nintendo Switch system. This year’s tour is an extension of the Play Nintendo website, a destination for families that’s packed full of fun activities, friendly Nintendo characters, puzzles, quizzes, videos, and more.

July 26

Baby Playdates at The Park
Deer Path Park, Flemington
Bring your kids from birth to 23 months old and join park staff as you explore sensory activities, read nature books and play games while sitting on the grass and experiencing nature.

Free Fridays
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
The museum will be open late until 9 pm, with free admission starting at 5 pm, so you can see all the astronomy-themed programs and exhibits the museum has to offer.

July 26-28

Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm
High View Farms, Mt. Olive
There will be lots to see and do at the fair. There will be 4-H animals including goats, chickens, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. Kids will have fun at the animal shows, presentations, quiz bowls, on the hayride, at the arts and craft exhibits, on the monster truck rides and eating at the food trucks.

TREESCAPE AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK

July 27

National New Jersey Day
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park, Great Gorge, Vernon
Anyone whose initials are N.J. will get free admission to the aerial obstacle course, featuring 10 individual courses of varying difficulty, and the new Black Creek Flyer, a 60-minute adventure that offers over 1,200 feet of ziplining through the trees of the Great Gorge.

Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.

Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian foods, a farmers market, apparel and themed activities.

Moth Night
Community Park, East Brunswick
“Moth”ers of all ages should bring a flashlight and camera to record the moths they see when sheets and lights are set up on the trails of the park. Kids can come early to “paint” the trunks of trees with moth bait that helps attract the critters.

4-H OF MERCER COUNTY

July 27-28

Mercer County 4-H Fair
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell
The fair includes animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hay rides, pony rides, music, magic shows and farm tours. Check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association and many more. Bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.

July 28

Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Shop from 50+ vendors offering a variety of items, from food to crafts and everything in between.

Hoboken Artisan Market
Adams Street, Hoboken
Aside from 70+ vendors lining the street and outdoor lawn games, you can join a dance party with members of Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

July 30

Baby Waddle Contest
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
This is a fun event for infants and toddlers (up to 2 years old) to show off their speedy crawling or “waddling” technique on the day before the official Wildwoods Baby Parade.

July 31

Wildwoods Baby Parade
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
A Wildwoods tradition since 1909, the parade steps off from the Wildwoods Convention Center and proceeds 10 blocks north on the boardwalk to Cedar Avenue, where the winners will be announced by Morey’s Piers Mariners Landing.

Music of India: Ragas & Rhythms
Provost Square Plaza, Jersey City
Join the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players and Kulture Kool as they perform selections of popular Indian music at the Provost Square Plaza.

Through August 31

Summer in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Five incredible sand sculptures designed by John Gowdy and Team Sandtastic depict favorite summer activities like watching baseball, camping, embarking on an overseas adventure, playing games and solving puzzles, and lounging at the beach. You can enjoy sandboxes designed for play, as well as a family-friendly scavenger hunt beginning on July 12 that will feature the colorful, quirky beach-themed character “Shelly Shovel.”

Read More:
Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in NJ
Head to a County Fair in New Jersey This Summer

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