There’s still lots of summer (and all the fairs and festivals that come with it) left. We’ve rounded up some of the best free and free admission things to do in August so you can start planning the rest of your summer!
Tuesdays and Thursdays in August
Mummers Night
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
The Mummers will parade down the boardwalk, with select local marching bands, from 6th to 14th streets.
Saturdays and Sundays in August
Master Gardener Butterfly House Grand Opening
EARTH Center, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is hosting a series of community events at their “hoop house,” where Master Gardeners have nurtured butterflies throughout the growing season. You can learn about butterfly host plants and participate in capturing butterflies for the house.
August 1-31
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.”
August 1-2
Pyrotoxic Fire Show
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
This free fire effects show takes place on the Pier Stage.
August 1-3
Clamfest
Huddy Park, Highlands
Aside from the food trucks, festival favorites include the Lions Club Funnel Cakes; the Beer, Wine and Sangria Garden; games of chance; children’s activities sponsored by the Highlands Recreation Department; and specialty vendors. Musical acts include Soul Seduction on Thursday; Johnny 5 is Alive Band on Friday; and The Wallnutz, The Jonzes and the Sensational Soul Cruisers on Saturday, followed by fireworks. Admission and parking are free, but rides/games and food have an additional cost.
August 2-3
Peach Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The annual festival is known for its peach-themed treats, live entertainment, activities, summer sidewalk sales, kids’ activities, food and giant sand sculptures.
August 3
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.
Peach Festival
Community Presbyterian Church, Chester
There will be handmade peach ice cream, peach pies, fresh local peaches for sale, a rummage sale, and a 50/50 drawing.
Fort Lee Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be vendors, outdoor games, live music and seasonal surprises.
Morey’s Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament
Beach by Morey’s PigDog Beach Bar, Wildwood
Beach Wrestling combines several wrestling disciplines, including Sumo, into a 16-foot diameter ring placed directly on the sand. Anyone 7 and up can participate in a tournament on the sand.
Honey Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Look inside the honey bee boxes and meet the worker. Help uncap and extract this year’s clover honey from the combs, then have a taste and bottle some to take home. Kids will work on a beeswax medallion craft.
August 4
Life Rolls On
Baker Avenue, Wildwood
World champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer created a free event that gets people living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities into the ocean and riding waves with the help of volunteers and special adaptive surfboards.
Tuesdays, August 6 and 13
Summer Kids Club
MarketFair, Princeton
Each week has a different theme, including balloon artistry, magic, science, bubble experiments, wildlife, and sustainability.
Tuesdays, August 6-27
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 throughout August
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.
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.
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.
Fridays in 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 livestream to view from anywhere outside of Wildwood, too.
August 2
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, indulge in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
August 3-4
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.
August 6 is National Night Out. See where police departments are holding community events.
August 7 is National Lighthouse Day. How many steps have you climbed?
August 7-9
Somerset County 4-H Fair
North Branch Park, Bridgewater
The fair has been going on for more than 75 years. The 4-H clubs showcase their work, local businesses and entertainment can support the youth, and families can eat, play, go on rides and check out all the displays.
Select Dates, August 8 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.
August 9
Baby Walk
South Branch Reservation, Annandale
Get outside with your baby (birth to 23 months old) and explore your local trails.
August 9-10
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, South Egg Harbor City
The attractions include a car show, a baby parade, a pet parade, an open mic, and a pie-eating contest.
August 9-11, 16-18
MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament
Wildwoods’ Beaches, Wildwood
The beach at Rio Grande Avenue, behind the infamous Wildwoods sign, will be sectioned into four fields so kids can “play ball.” The tournament is for youth baseball teams 9U-15U. You can watch from the beach or boardwalk for free.
August 10
Monroe Twp. Fire Department’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
Avenue K and Thompson Park, Monroe Twp.
The day starts with a fire truck parade through the neighborhood and continues at the park with a kiddie area, food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, a concert by The Nerds and fireworks.
Potato Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Grab a bushel basket and follow behind the potato plow as workhorses Bill and Jesse unearth rows of potatoes for picking. Kids can help collect, clean and sort the crop, which will be delivered to local soup kitchens and food pantries. Then they can make their own potato chips.
NBT India Independence Day
North Brunswick Township Middle School, North Brunswick
Celebrate India’s independence from Britain. Activities include songs, dances, instrumental decorations, skits and more. There will also be art, public speaking and cake decorating competitions.
Heart of the City Festival
East Cherry Street, Rahway
The festival celebrates Black and Brown creatives in the NJ area. Eat at a local restaurant, browse the vendor tables, and watch performances by Chinstrumentals, SincerlyChico, MOZZ!, C.A.L., Brandon Winters, BlackDanielWhite, Chased0ut, HEZ, Matt Q, Madison Star, and Anny Warhol. The event will also include an interactive art installation, family-friendly activities for all ages, prizes and giveaways.
Vintage Base Ball Game & Car Show
Washington Boro Park & Pool, Washington Twp.
The Neshanock Base Ball Club of Flemington faces off again against the Warren Hills Varsity Baseball Team at a vintage game with 19th-century rules from the 1800s. The day will also feature a car show with vintage cars, artisan vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
Stangl Road, Flemington
This “farm to festival” celebration brings local farmers, boutique restaurants, craft breweries, live bands, artisans, kids’ activities, food trucks, and vendors together to celebrate everything that makes Hunterdon County special. New Jersey corn and tomato dishes are prepared by local restaurants, chefs, farmers, bakers, dessert-makers, and food trucks. The event features nine local New Jersey craft breweries and one cidery. Bring a chair or a blanket to listen to live music and DJs throughout the site. Admission and parking are free.
COURTESY OF STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY / New Brunswick Heart Festival
New Brunswick Heart Festival
Monument Square, New Brunswick
The annual free, outdoor festival features dance classes for kids and adults, an Arts Market, craft vendors, free balloon animals and face painting, a health & wellness tent, a history corner featuring historical interpreters, arts & crafts activities, games, free Henna and caricatures. There will be live music and dance performances by The Suyat Band performing funk and Motown hits, InSpira Performing Arts, Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia, DJ IZM, and more to be announced.
History-Music Fest
West Windsor History Museum/Schenck Farmstead, West Windsor
Take a tour of the 18th-century Schenck Farmstead. Order from Grover’s Mill Coffee House or Jhopri Plainsboro Indian cuisine. Listen to rock, Indian fusion, Ukranian, opera, pop, Dai, classical and R&B music. Attitudes In Reverse, Friends of West Windsor Open Space, Send Hunger Packing West Windsor-Plainsboro, The Little Free Pantry, Girl Scout troops 72820 and 70697, West Windsor Arts Council, and other organizations will be set up with booths.
Back to School Give Back
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
During this Back to School event, bring the kids for music and live performances, character meet-and-greets, Bouncy House Magic, free ID finger printing, free hair cuts and free backpacks and school supplies.
August 10-11
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.
August 11
Car Show
Marlboro Recreation Center, Marlboro
After checking out all the big wheels, stay for the summer concert.
August 13 and 15
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 is sensory-friendly but open to everyone.
August 14
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.
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.
August 15
Sizzling Sidewalks: Feast & Fashion
Downtown Englewood
This stylish affair brings together the best food and fashion.
August 16
Baby Playdates at The Park
Hoffman Park, Hampton
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.
August 17
Canning Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn the ins and outs of canning and help farmers prepare summer produce for use in the fall and winter months. You’ll see antiques like Mason jars or some antiques from Grandma’s cellar. Kids will work on a canning wreath project.
Back to School Bash
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls
Kids will be treated to face painting, glitter hair, food and demos. There will be Moms of Business pop-up shops throughout the outlets, in all the walkways and the center area near the fireplace and food court. Plus lots of free swag for kids.
Small Town Summer Art Work
Sgt. George Ashby Memorial Park, Allentown
Parade down the path in the park and meet the local artists who will have their work on display. Try your hand at down-home yard games. There will be specials, sales, and artistic offerings at the businesses throughout Historic Allentown.
August 18
Summer Mercado: Family Fun Fest
Joyce Kilmer Park, New Brunswick
The community festival celebrates the food, arts and culture of New Brunswick and its diverse Latino community.
PuchiCon Summer Pop-Up
The Seven Crest, Teaneck
The event will feature anime-inspired vendors, artists, trivia, games, karaoke and more. Come in cosplay.
August 20-23
Cirque-tacular
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Elite acrobats will be performing ground and aerial acts above the Pier Stage.
August 22
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.
August 24
Women’s Equality Day Festival
Alice Paul Institute, Mount Laurel
This family-friendly festival will feature craft vendors, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, lawn games, activities, and more.
Caribbean Festival
Donaldson Park, Highland Park
There will be lots of island vibes with Caribbean food, music, and dance performances (reggae, soca, and calypso); an epic Jerk chicken tasting cookoff; and info about the English, Spanish, French, and Dutch speaking Caribbean.
EARTH Center Garden Arts & Music Festival
EARTH Center, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County’s Master Gardeners will lead you on garden tours. Visit the Rows for the Hungry and learn how you can volunteer. Fish or kayak from the pond. Hike or bike along the park trails. Listen to music while sitting down for a picnic or ordering from the food trucks.
Fiddlin Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The annual contest sponsored by the Hunterdon Folk Exchange brings together the area’s best fiddlers. There will be fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists and other musicians on porches, under trees, and on the lawn playing traditional folk and bluegrass music. The day will also feature homemade food, ice cream, horse-drawn wagon rides, a children’s craft, and a closing performance featuring 30 fiddlers.
Touch-a-Truck
TRIAD 1828 Centre, Camden
Along Camden’s waterfront, several police, law enforcement and construction vehicles will be set up so kids can touch and play. There will be food and music, plus a free stuffed backpack giveaway while supplies last.
Picket Fence Art Show
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The fence lines of Howell Farm will be transformed into gallery walls as local artists display their work. Children can try their hand at painting farm still-life subjects, under the direction of fine artist and children’s book illustrator Mary Watson.
Summer of Love ’60s, ’70s & ’80s Music Festival
Haddon Square, Haddon Twp.
Summer of Love is a groovy festival featuring music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Eddie Berner, of the iconic band A Flock of Seagulls, will perform along with a lineup of musicians from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The festival also features a beer garden, food trucks, a kids zone, trivia contest, glow party, Mamma Mia flash mob and more.
August 25
IndoAmerican: Janmashtami Festival
Monument Square, New Brunswick
Offering food, music and dance performances inspired by the culture and traditions from Northern and Southern India, there will also be educational dance and theater presentations, and Zumba Bollywood.
Craft Show & Antique Corner in the Park
Veterans Memorial Park, Westwood
Shop at the booths of 125+ talented artists and crafters who will be highlighting stained glass, woodwork, jewelry, florals, pottery, ceramics, apparel, photography, folk art, birdhouses, garden and children’s items, resin art, bonsai, soaps, candles and pumpkins. At the Antique Corner you will find vintage toys, pottery, silver, prints, vintage paper, linens, primitives, Americana, lamps, glassware and so more. Appraisals will be conducted for a $5 per item fee.
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.
August 31
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.
Howell Farm Plowing Match
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The 41st annual plowing match kicks off a 10-month growing season for wheat, rye, barley and spelt. Plowing is the first step in working the soil so the fall crops can be planted. The different teams will race to plow the fields. There will also be obstacle course driving. After, kids can make a horse tail ribbon.
19th Century History Faire
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Experience life in the 19th century. There will be demonstrators, rides, museums and more. In attendance will be reps from museums from all over New Jersey, each with their own booth of artifacts and activities. There will also be a demonstration by The Wheelmen, where you’ll get to see how people rode high-wheel bicycles in the 1800s.
August 31 – September 1
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.
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