We’re in the thick of August, which means there’s plenty of adventure happening around the Garden State. For more fun this weekend, check out our complete list of fairs and festivals, and if the rain puts a damper on your plans, take a look at our favorite indoor activities. Got a bunch of five-and-unders to entertain? We’ve got activities that cater just to them, plus free events for the whole fam. Check out our calendar for events near you, or browse events in your county below.
ALL WEEKEND
Highlands
Are you a seafood lover? Join Hudson Park on Bay and Waterwitch Aves.from August 1-4. Sign up for the clam-shucking competition or the All-You-Can-Eat Clam Contest. While you’re enjoying clams and drinks at the beer and wine garden, get ready for the spectacular fireworks display on Friday.
Free admission and parking
New York City
“Seas” the day at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York. For the first time ever, the museum is allowing access to the hull of the Wavertree, a 130-year-old ship and iconic centerpiece of the Street of Ships,” for tours. Don’t miss out on the 45-minute ride on New York’s last remaining wooden tugboat, the W.O. Decker. With a view of the skyline, you won’t want to miss out on this weekend adventure.
$20/adults, $14/students and seniors, free/ages 8 and under
Bethlehem, PA
Bring the family to one of the largest non-gated music festivals with over 450 performances, 14 stages, and more than forty-five different options for scrumptious foods and decadent desserts from August 2-11. As you enjoy the festival, you’ll come across impromptu jam sessions and salsa dancers. With multiple different types of musical genres being played, your family are sure to be entertained by in Bethlehem. Read our story for more details and ticket info.
Free admission
Trenton
No, not the shoes! Explore crocodile fossils and rocks found in New Jersey all summer long through September 8. With 200 million years of history, there’s a lot to learn about these reptiles. See a nearly complete skeleton of crocodylian Hyposaurus rogersii. You’ll even see Deinosuchus, an NJ native and one of the biggest crocodiles ever.
Free admission
New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse
Augusta
Bring your family to get back in the barnyard at New Jersey’s largest agricultural fair in the state from August 2-10 in Augusta. With six barns full of farm animals, the daily horse show at Founders’ Park and pedal tractors, your kids will have a blast. Add carnival rides, games and mouthwatering fair food to the mix, too.
Free admission
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
Bound Brook Library
Ground control to Major Tom! The kids can learn what it takes to be a space traveler with Commander Beth, who’ll be recruiting members for the Library Space Academy. Registration required.
Free admission
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival
Phillipsburg
Up, up, and away! Watch hot air balloons soar, see a miniature horse show and participate in more than 50 contests . Don’t miss the antique tractor pull contests and the ATV mud bog. The kids can even participate in contests that cover everything from jello eating to potato sack racing, then get crafty in the pottery zone.
Adults/$7, kids ages 5-12/$4, ages 4 and under/free; free admission and parking
Edison
Uh oh, Dorothy and her pup Toto have been taken away to the magical land of Oz by a vicious tornado in Kansas. Meeting friends along the way, Dorothy tries to get back home, but the Wicked Witch of the West won’t go down without a fight. Join the theater camp at Middlesex County College for a show you won’t forget!
$3
Branchburg
Introduce the kids to this Jersey native’s music and sing along to hits including “Bad Medicine,” “Runaway,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive”.
$10
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Peach Festival and Country Auction 2019
Chester
Hit the white elephant tent for toys, games, sporting goods, books and more, then fill your stomach with peach pie, cobbler, kuchen, homemade peach ice cream and other treats. There’ll be a 50/50 raffle and an auction, too.
Free admission
Point Pleasant
New Jersey’s Pinelands are home to a myriad of rare plants and animal species, all of which you and the kids can learn about while chatting with keepers, doing activities and crafts and visiting with live animals.
Prices vary
Morris Township
Are you a car enthusiast? Check out restored Model Ts at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township. Learn how Henry Ford came to make the Model T and bop along to music.
$8/adult, $7/seniors, $6/kids ages 3-16, ages 3 and under/free admission
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
Camp Chic: Tiara and Wand Making
Montclair
Abracadabra! Join Eclectic Chic Boutique for some crafty fun for the kids! Your child can transform into a princess or prince by making their own tiara or crown and wand. With three hours of artsy goodness, their imagination can run wild with a few pipe cleaners and beads!
$65
2019 Arts & Authors Extravaganza
Cherry Hill
Join in the 8th annual celebration at the Crowne Plaza. The festival includes authors, artists, and singers from Alabama, Maryland, Florida, New York and other states. Come for book signings, a live band and author readings.
$5-175
Manasquan
Come on down to the berry best celebration. Try the famous home-baked berry delights while the kids jam out to country, pop and rock tunes. The festival will also have hamburgers, kettle corn and a summer classic, hot dogs. Don’t miss out on the antiques and local crafts for sale.
Free admission
FIND MORE EVENTS IN YOUR AREA
If you have any upcoming events you’d like to add to our calendar, click here!
