Summer in New Jersey is all about amusement park rides, live entertainment, and all the festival treats you’ve been craving. Here’s what’s happening across New Jersey in July:
Select Dates, July 1 – August 15
Montclair Jazz Festival
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
The Smithsonian Institution has selected the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, as part of its “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” a celebration of jazz cities that helped shape the nation. The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts (plus Wednesday, July 1) lead up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on Aug. 15.
July 1 – August 16
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
See over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring the towering Chinese Dragon, glowing flower gardens, ad special lanterns celebrating Philadelphia’s big summer events. The historic Rendell Family Fountain comes alive with choreographed lights, water, and music. Nightly performances feature acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts, and the ancient art of Face Changing.
July 3-5
New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
The river towns will mark America’s birthday in the very place where George Washington traveled during the Revolutionary War – and still has an open bar tab! On Friday, join a discussion with children’s book author Abigale Readlinger; look for costumed re-enactors dressed as the Washingtons, Ben Franklin and General Henry Knox; attend shows by Music Mountain Theatre and Roxey Ballet; and grab a seat for New Hope’s largest fireworks display in history. On Saturday, there is a pub crawl for adults led by George Washington and Sam Adams; and a giant outdoor concert. Sunday includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a freedom parade, dragon boat races, and the synchronized singing of “God Bless America” from both river banks.
July 3-5, 11-12, 18-19
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.
July 4
Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
The afternoon of July 4 will feature over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions and fireworks. Major acts set to hit the stage include legendary hip-hop group and Bergen County natives the Sugarhill Gang, the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band and Tempo Alegre.
Hammonton Independence Day Parade & Festival
Hammonton
Activities begin in the morning at Veterans Park, where live music, food stands, historical exhibits and a patriotic ceremony will take place. At 4 pm, break for the parade down Bellevue Avenue; bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers will be judged for the contest. Come back to Hammonton High School at night for live entertainment, more food and activities, and a fireworks display.
USA 250 – America’s Birthday Bash
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The 116th annual birthday party for America starts with a flag raising and a parade in the morning. At night, there will be live music, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks.
Oceanfest
Long Branch
At one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey, you and your crew can watch dance performances, listen to musicians and see clowns. Stroll the boards, shop local businesses and grab a bite at nearby restaurants; then stay for the fireworks display to cap off the night.
Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The 4th of July party includes live entertainment, family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, and blueberry-themed BBQ faves.
Summit’s 4th of July Celebration
Soldiers Memorial Field, Summit
The 79th annual Fourth of July Celebration features a flag raising ceremony, children’s decorated bike parade, food truck festival, concerts, and a grand fireworks display.
America 250 – Milltown Parade
Milltown
All of the town favorites return for the country’s 250th anniversary celebration: a fishing derby, 5K race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, and music of all kinds.
July 4-5
Celebrate America Food Trucks & Fun
Laurita Winery & Marketplace, New Egypt (Plumsted)
Spend Independence Weekend at the winery, where activities include food trucks, live music, lots of wine, time with the kids in the vineyard, and fireworks on Saturday night.
July 4-19
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
The iconic Rink will become a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens will be transformed into a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones will be located across the Plaza.
July 9-11
Randolph Freedom Fest
County College of Morris, Randolph
For the 50th year, the campus grounds will be filled with music, carnival games, mechanical rides, amusements, food, a beer garden and fireworks in a post-July 4th celebration.
July 10
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest
Get your shovels ready and head to the beach, where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of just sand and water. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their amazing pieces of art.
July 10-12
Anglesea Blues Festival
Anglesea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The weekend brings together blues music and BBQ favorites. Regional and national musicians will take the stage, playing the free outdoor main stage as well as local clubs and pubs. BBQ pros will compete in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, serving up plenty of delicious food along the way. Pitch a tent or drive an RV and camp out for the whole weekend.
July 11-12
Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival
Memorial Park, Maplewood
The annual two-day music and arts festival is run entirely by volunteers, and it’s free! There will be tons of mini concerts from musicians in every genre. This year will include a special Independence: Your Story art gallery, displaying artists’ paintings, photos, mixed media, sculptures and jewelry that envision America’s 250th anniversary.
Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
Kings Highway, Haddonfield
One of the region’s top fine art and craft shows lines the streets with tents, making it easy to browse while visiting downtown restaurants, shops and other local spots along the way.
July 12
Artisan Market Pop-Up
Pier A Waterfront Walkway or 770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken (depending on the date)
There will be 60+ vendors selling jewelry, baked goods, eyewear, handmade items, prints, knitted items, accessories and chocolates.
July 18-19
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.
The Atlantic City Beach Festival and World Cup Watch Party
1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City
In time for the third-place match and World Cup final, this high-energy event combines live Latin music, beachfront entertainment, soccer viewing, concerts, food trucks and stands, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Flower Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Terhune’s first-ever Flower Festival offers a full day of activities across the farm. For the kids: pony rides, barnyard tractors, interactive play areas, the Little Tikes Farm Store, the Junior Mechanics Shop, rubber duck races, a scavenger hunt, hands-on games, NJ Bubble Parties, Dennis the Magician’s Magical Bug Show (with a special ladybug release), themed craft projects. For the adults: Wine tasting in the 100-year-old historic apple orchard – including peach slushies. For everyone: Live music from local bands from 12 to 4 pm; Pam Mount’s food tent sells barbecue, fresh salads, gazpacho and apple cider donuts; the Barn Door Café will serve peach ice cream.
July 19
Hackettstown Street Fair + World Cup Celebration
Main Street, Hackettstown
While you stroll along the street, check for places that are tuned into the World Cup final match. There will be more than 100 booths set up, crafters, entertainment, live performances, a kid’s area and local shopping.
July 25
Sourland Mountain Festival
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Learn all about the Sourland region as you listen to live music, eat local foods, sip craft beers and spirits, and take part in family activities. Since this is held at the winery, you know the samples will be on point. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of the Sourland Mountain region of Central New Jersey.
Gospel Music Festival
Monument Park, New Brunswick
The sounds of R&B, gospel and soul music will fill the streets of New Brunswick, as mini concerts take center stage at the park.
July 25 – August 1
Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival
Warren County Fairgrounds, Phillipsburg
After watching the hot air balloons soar overhead, head back to the fairgrounds for Demolition Derbies, the Traditional Arts Expo, a Kids’ Corral, concerts, garden tractor pulls, horse shows and carnival rides throughout the day.
July 26
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.
July 31 – August 2
The Ultimate Pickle Experience
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
While snacking on pickle samples, order a meal from any of 20 food trucks parked outside the convention center. Watch pro pickle wrestling, sign up for a pickle eating contest, join the Pickle Olympics, and bring the kids to the Bounce-a-Mania Zone.
Clam Fest
Huddy Park, Highlands
The stars of the show are the seafood-based food trucks, but if you’re more of a land lover, come for the Lions Club funnel cakes or the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. The streets will be closed for rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors, music, and on Saturday a fireworks display.
July 31 – August 8
New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
The fairgrounds will be packed with rides, games, attractions, food, music and farm animals to celebrate all things Jersey. Aside from carnival events, the kids will want to see the Circus Incredible show, the Hontz Family Bavarian Band, tractor pulls, lumberjack competitions, Oscar the Robot and agricultural exhibits.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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Read More:
4th of July Celebrations and Festivals in New Jersey
