State Fair Meadowlands is one of the biggest summertime festivals in New Jersey, but it’s on hiatus until 2027 because of World Cup soccer taking place this year and next year at MetLife Stadium. (FYI The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is on hold again, too).
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There are still plenty of fun fairs and festivals happening, though! Here are some of the best carnivals, food festivals, beach fests & more lined up this summer:
MEGA FESTIVAL FUN
NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR
August 1-9
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
njstatefair.org
This is the place where farm meets fun. The fairgrounds will be packed with rides, games, attractions, booths, food, music and farm animals. Aside from the typical carnival events, the kids will want to see the horse show, performing arts tent and agricultural exhibits.
BEACH FESTIVALS
BEACHSTOCK
June 28
Huntington and Granville avenues, Margate
margatehasmore.com
“The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party” lights up the shoreline with food vendors, crafters, cornhole, wiffle ball, pickleball, sandsculpting, kite and surf lessons, a sunset screening of Moana 2 and a twilight bonfire.
OCEANFEST
July 4
Long Branch
longbranch.org/176/Oceanfest
This is considered one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey. Watch dance performances, listen to musicians, laugh as clowns entertain the kids, snap a photo with a costumed character, and make a resy at your favorite restaurant. Walk along the beach to check out the awesome sand sculptures. The evening fireworks display is a must-see.
WILDWOOD CREST SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL
July 11
Heather Beach Pier, Wildwood Crest
wildwoodsnj.com
Can you dig it? Get your shovels ready and head to the beach where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of the sand. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their magnificent pieces of art.
FESTIVAL
VISIT ATLANTIC CITY SOAR & SHORE FESTIVAL
July 14-20
Beaches of Atlantic City
visitatlanticcity.com/soarandshorefestival
After a two-year hiatus, the beloved airshow returns on July 15 and 16 high above the beach, but the entertainment is scheduled all week long, including a fishing tournament, car show, silent movie experience, beachfront fireworks and a competitive stair-climbing game show.
SAILFEST NEW JERSEY
September 6
Pavilion & Waterfront Boardwalk, Island Heights
sailfestnj.com
New Jersey’s largest sailing festival returns along the Toms River with “the wind in its sails.” Boaters, sailors and nautical lovers come for the Sail Race Regatta, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, a beer/wine garden, and kids’ activities. There’s also a special 9/11 Reflection Ceremony.
FOOD FESTIVALS
ROCK, RIBS AND RIDGES FESTIVAL
June 27-29
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
rockribsandridges.com
Four new “ribbers” will cook up BBQ ribs, brisket and pulled pork while a bevy of artists hit the main stage. You can pitch a tent or roll up in an RV to camp the entire weekend.
RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
June 29
Hammonton High School, Hammonton
hammontonnj.us
The biggest blueberry festival in the area features our state’s favorite fruit, plus live music, food, classic cars, an art show and more.
CLAM FEST
August 1-3
Huddy Park, Highlands
highlandsnj.com
The star of the show is the seafood, but if you’re more of a land lover, come for the Lions Club funnel cakes or the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. There will be a beer, wine and sangria garden. The streets will be closed for rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors, music, and a fireworks display on Saturday.
LATIN FESTIVAL: TACOS & TEQUILA
August 3
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
monmouthpark.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the middle of the summer, when the racetrack offers a selection of Mexican food, margaritas and live music with horseracing in the backdrop. Kids are welcome, since there will be family fun day activities in the picnic area.
TOMATO FESTIVAL
August 30
Backyard Park, West Cape May
capemay.com
The Borough of West Cape May celebrates Jersey’s state vegetable (though yes, it’s a fruit) every year. Backyard Park will include all things tomato, whether you like sauce, salsa or a tomato picked straight off the vine.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
ANGLESEA BLUES FESTIVAL
July 11-13
Anglesea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
angleseablues.com
The weekend will be a mix of blues music and BBQ treats. Regional and national musicians will share their talents, performing on the free outdoor main stage, as well as in clubs and pubs in the area. BBQ experts will compete in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, offering lots of food options.
MAPLEWOODSTOCK MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL
July 12-13
Memorial Park, Maplewood
maplewoodstock.com
The annual two-day music and arts festival is run entirely by volunteers. There will be music from more than 20 local and regional talents, plus art, food and a beer garden, mini golf, backyard games, a KidZone, and an ice cream truck.
LONG BRANCH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
August 23
The Great Lawn and Promenade, Long Branch
jsjbf.org
The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation holds live music events every month, but this mega day of live jazz and blues music is topped off by a fireworks display at dark.
NEW JERSEY FOLK FESTIVAL
August 23
Davidsons Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
middlesexcountyculture.com
The oldest continuously run folk festival in NJ (this year marks 50 years) was postponed from April. Now part of Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series, there will be a full day of live music, dance, heritage exhibits, crafts, food and family-friendly programming.
MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL
September 13
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
montclairjazzfestival.org
Jazz House Kids produces this all-day block party, which celebrates the best in international jazz music with a range of performances.
SEA. HEAR. NOW.
September 13-14
Asbury Park
seahearnowfestival.com
Where else can you listen to music on the beach while watching surfers hit the waves as you take in local art? Asbury Park’s annual ode to sand and surf features Hozier, Blink-182, Lenny Kravitz and Sublime as headliners. Other performers include Alabama Shakes, ZZ Top, De La Soul, UB40, Trombone Shorty, Public Enemy, 4 Non Blondes and Grace Bowers.
MORE SUMMER FESTIVALS
YOUTH SPORTS FESTIVAL
Select dates through June 29
DeVry University Campus, North Brunswick
northbrunswickyouthsportsfestival.com
This popular festival that fundraises for youth sports groups in town has all the typical carnival staples. There are bells and whistles, too, like acrobatic acts, racing pigs, a thrill show and a new drone show.
RANDOLPH FREEDOM FEST
July 10-12
County College of Morris, Randolph
randolphkiwanis.org
The college campus grounds will be filled with music, amusements, carnival games, mechanical rides, food, a beer garden, family entertainment and fireworks.
PRIDE FEST IN THE PARK
July 12
Huddy Park, Highlands
highlandsnj.com
Join members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies for live music, food, specialty merch, and a wine and beer garden. Hosted by Betty Buttonz, there will also be a runway show and lip syncing competition.
HADDONFIELD CRAFTS & FINE ART FESTIVAL
July 12-13
Haddonfield
downtownhaddonfield.com
Downtown Haddonfield is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the best fine art and craft showcase in the region. Tents are set up along Kings Highway, and you can stop into the downtown shops and restaurants, too. Fun fact: Look for the giant sculpture of Haddy, the town’s resident dinosaur mascot.
BASTILLE DAY
July 13
Downtown Frenchtown and Sunbeam Park, Frenchtown
lovefrenchtown.org/bastilleday
The local version of France’s national celebration (July 14, 1789, was the beginning of the French Revolution) is marked by music, food, street performers, kids’ activities and lots of French merch.
ENGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
July 16
East Palisade Avenue, Englewood
th-experiences.com/night-market
The ultimate block party is on. There will be dancing in the streets, 50+ food vendors, an outdoor bar, music, live DJs, carnival games, vendors, local non-profit spotlights, prizes and giveaways.
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
August 2
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
thewatershed.org/butterfly-festival
Tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House, the Insect Zoo, and bug and butterfly parades are just some of the features at this festival, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The Watershed Institute will also present crafts, food, hayrides and more.
NEW BRUNSWICK HEART FESTIVAL
August 9
Downtown New Brunswick
stnj.org
Plenty of free, outdoor family fun will be presented by various arts organizations in New Brunswick. There will be live music and dance performances, dance classes for kids and adults, an arts market, craft vendors, a health and wellness tent, a history corner, arts and crafts, and more.
SOURLAND MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL
August 16
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
sourlandmountainfest.com
Learn all about the Sourland region as you listen to live music, eat local food, sip craft beers and spirits, and participate in family activities. Since this is held at the winery, you know the samples will be on point.
VETS SUMMER FEST
September 28
Vasa Park, Budd Lake
vetssummerfest.org
This annual benefit supports homeless veterans in NJ through Operation Chillout. There will be live music all day, a car show, a craft show, a bike run, plenty of food, and a kids zone to keep the little ones happy.
Read More:
July’s Best Fairs & Festivals Taking Place in New Jersey
4th of July Celebrations and Festivals in New Jersey
Head to a County Fair in New Jersey This Summer
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