There’s still lots of summer left (and all the fairs and festivals that come with it). 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!
August 1
Butterfly Festival
Watershed Institute, Pennington
Tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House, the Insect Zoo, and bug and butterfly parades are just some of the features at this “naturally” entertaining festival, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year with crafts, food, hayrides and more.
Peach Festival
Community Presbyterian Church, Chester
Peach Festival will feature peach pies, homemade peach ice cream and peach jams; along with a farmer’s market, a huge White Elephant sale, toys and games, books, a 50-50 drawing, sports equipment and more.
Summer Celebration
Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
You’ll find summer-themed games, a film screening, live music, art making, and more in and around the museum.
Wildwood Tram Car Graphic Novel Release
George F. Boyer Museum, Wildwood
To celebrate the release of Flag Me Down: The Story of Wildwood’s Tramcar, Michael Jasorka, Bombshell Comics and the Wildwood Historical Society will hold a one-day signing event. You’ll get to meet longtime tramcar driver John “Gigi” Gigliotti, and the voice of the tramcar warning herself, Florence Stingel.
August 1-2
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
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.
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
There will be wine for the adults, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and vineyard tours.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Peach Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The Peach Truck is a sponsor this year – meaning you can buy fresh Georgia peaches directly from the truck. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, family activities, outdoor food and drinks, peach-themed specials and treats, a sidewalk sale, in-store specials, and more. All month long, the restaurants and tasting rooms will be serving up peach-inspired food and drink specials.
August 2
Crafts & Vintage Fair
Jubilee Park, Clifton
There’s a vintage area with a variety of antiques, collectibles and repurposed items; an Arts & Crafts Area area with makers selling original paintings, 3D origami, artisan soaps and body care products; gourmet food trucks; and live music.
Mondays, August 3-24
Ocean City Drone Shows
6th Street Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean City
Hundreds of drones will rise above the ocean to create animated displays in the night sky. The summer series of drone shows will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The shows start at dusk and last around 15 minutes
August 4
Music-in-the-Park: Children’s Summer Series
Fords Park, Fords section of Woodbridge
Listen to singer Suzi Shelton perform while kids make their own crafts.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
August 4-28
Free Summer Drop-in Craft Days
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Stop by the museum to see dinosaur fossils, Civil War flags, toys from years gone by, art exhibits and a planetarium – and then make a free craft to take home.
August 5
Tot Dance Downtown
Hall of Records, Freehold
This one is for the littles! Kids will dance, play with bubbles and watch balloon art.
Wednesdays, August 5-26
Wildwood Crest Food Truck & Summer Music Series
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Stop by each week for a rotating lineup of 12 food trucks and different bands taking the stage. Artisan crafts, local goods, and specialized merch will be for sale.
Thursdays, August 6-27
Free Summer Storytime
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Stop by the Discovery Den with the kids for a story followed by a related craft activity., Then explore the rest of the museum, which includes dinosaur fossils, Civil War flags, toys from years gone by, art exhibits and a planetarium.
August 7
National Lighthouse Day
Multiple Locations
Visit any or all of the 11 lighthouses along the Jersey Shore, which offer free entry and/or special activities on August 7 every year. If you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view, and maybe a prize.
Dancing Under the Stars
Hind Plaza, Princeton
Pros from the Central Jersey Dance Society will demo basic steps and then lead you in a variety of dances to all types of music all night.
Drone Shows
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Head outside of the resort and onto the beach for a post-sunset drone show.
Barking Lots Sips & Brews
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees
The evening includes food trucks, Tito’s cocktails and local brews, live music from Emotional Damage, corn hole, games, PAW-casso paintings and a doggie pool party.
Fridays, August 7-28
Happy Hour on the River
South Riverwalk Park, Trenton
Before Trenton Thunder games on Fridays, each family-friendly happy hour party will include live music, activities, and food and drink purchases. The band lineup is Peter Fontaine on August 7, El Kabong on August 14, and Rumbaile Salsa and Santana on August 28. The first 250 people to arrive will get $1 hot dogs.
August 8
New Brunswick Heart Festival
Downtown New Brunswick
The State Theatre New Jersey-run festival features lots of free, outdoor activities presented by various arts organizations in New Brunswick. There will be live music, dance performances, dance classes for kids with the pros from Princeton Ballet School, an arts market, craft vendors, balloon animals and face painting, and a health and wellness tent.
Muddy Dash
New Jersey MotorSports Park, Millville
This obstacle course has families run, walk, crawl and slide through a few muddy miles of kid-friendly challenges. There will be mud pits, foam and music. Stay for the post-race party.
August 8-9
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
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.
August 9
Main Street Pops Artisan Markets
Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
The popular monthly market showcases a curated selection of unique, handmade treasures from local artisans.
August 13
Angelsea Nights
Angelsea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The lively pedestrian festival is a mix of food trucks, shopping, and street entertainment like stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers.
Revolution in Harmony: Celebrating America 250 Concert
Monmouth County Library – Marlboro branch
MadRegalia will perform songs depicting iconic moments from the American Revolution in addition to music that was popular at the time.
August 15
Montclair Jazz Festival: Downtown Jamboree + Block Party
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts all led up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party, a major music fest taking over the streets of Montclair.
Touch-a-Truck
Bierman Autism Centers, Parsippany
Kids can climb in, look around, honk the horn, and meet the people who drive firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles and other vehicles. The events are sensory-friendly, and are designed for kids with autism ages 2–9. There will be other activities and games, lots of snacks, and tours of the center. A quiet corner will be available all morning for those kids who need a break. The day will include tours of the brand-new center where you can meet the staff.
August 16
Wallisch Homestead Flea & Vintage Marketplace
Wallisch Homestead, West Milford
JC’s Promotions will set up a vintage and antique section, new item marketplace, craft area, and garage sale finds on the historic 99-acre site.
August 18
Music-in-the-Park: Children’s Summer Series
Joseph Medwick Park (Grove 1), Carteret
Listen to singer Suzi Shelton perform while kids make their own crafts.
August 19
Tot Dance Downtown
Hall of Records, Freehold
This one is for the littles! Kids will dance, play with bubbles and watch balloon art.
August 21
Dancing Under the Stars
Hind Plaza, Princeton
Pros from the Central Jersey Dance Society will demo basic steps and then lead you in a variety of dances to all types of music all night.
August 22
Touch-a-Truck
Bierman Autism Centers, Berkeley Heights
Kids can climb in, look around, honk the horn, and meet the people who drive firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles and other vehicles. The events are sensory-friendly, and are designed for kids with autism ages 2–9. There will be other activities and games, lots of snacks, and tours of the center. A quiet corner will be available all morning for those kids who need a break. The day will include tours of the brand-new center where you can meet the staff.
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Westfield
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
August 22-23
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
There will be wine for the adults, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and vineyard tours.
August 29
Touch-a-Truck
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
Kids can climb in, look around, honk the horn, and meet the people who drive firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles and other vehicles. The events are sensory-friendly, and are designed for kids with autism ages 2–9. There will be other activities and games, lots of snacks, and tours of the center. A quiet corner will be available all morning for those kids who need a break. The day will include tours of the brand-new center where you can meet the staff.
August 30
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Discover unique handmade goods, new gift items, treats, and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting 50+ small businesses and talented makers in the community. A different food truck is featured each month.
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Red Bank
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
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Read More:
Where to Find Free Outdoor Concerts This Summer
Head to a County Fair in New Jersey This Summer
