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
Musikfest
Bethlehem, PA
Voted the best music festival in North America in a USA Today poll this year, Musikfest boasts more than 450 performances on 14 stages this summer. Best part? Thirteen of those stages require no tickets or admission. There’ll also be crafters, art activities, street performances, comedy shows and fireworks on Sunday.
Free
Newark Museum: Unexpected Color
Newark
Explore the artistic and creative works of Fredrick Carder and Thomas N. Armstrong III, two leading glasswork visionaries. With more than 130 pieces highlighting Carder’s designs, experience the functional and artistic uses of colorful glass.
Free-$15
Tommy and Me
Philadelphia
Be a part of NFL Hall of Famer and sports journalist Ray Didinger’s autobiographical production. He’ll recall dreams of being in the Hall of Fame, then stick around for a discussion with the cast, director and the legend himself.
$40-50
Down on the Farm
Cape May
The kids can get a first-hand look at how early farmers lived through hands-on activities and exhibits that’ll highlight the trades, architecture and lifestyle of Americans at the Historic Cold Spring Village.
$14/adults, $12/kids, free/ages 3 and under
New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse
Augusta
Bring your family to 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
The Northern Trust
Jersey City
Hit Liberty National Golf for the first event of the FedExCup, a playoff series that determines the season champ on the PGA Tour. Participating players include Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson and Adam Scott. There’ll also be a Family Care Suite, autograph zone and plenty of food options.
$40-75
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Middlesex County Fair
Middlesex
Indulge in county fair food like frozen cheesecake on a stick, gyro wrapped in pita or even a batch of fluffy waffles. For your lil’ thrill seekers, don’t miss Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus as they fly sky-high in the air, combined with pyrotechnics. There’s even an agriculture-themed magic show featuring Farmer Ed and Ready, Set, Grow.
Free admission
Waterworks Exhibition 2019
Long Beach Twp.
Take the kids along for a science lesson about various sea creature paintings, photography, ceramics, mixed media works and digital 3-D prints.
Free admission
Peach Harvest Festival
Chester
Appeachiate peaches at Alstede Farms. Savor the taste of farm-fresh peaches this weekend with the family or friends. Kids can seek a little thrill in the corn kingdom or moon bounce. The adults can enjoy vino provided by Tomasello Winery.
Prices vary
Mario Party Lock-In
Hackettstown
Ages 9-17 can stomp Goombas, sail past piranha plants and hunt for Yoshi’s eggs while munching on pizza at the Warren County Library. Registration required.
Free
Greenburg’s Great Train & Toy Show
Edison
Choo-choo! Learn about different types of tables of trains, peek at huge operating displays and check out free workshops and demonstrations.
$10/adults on Saturday, $9/adults on Sunday, free/ages 11 and under
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
The Shoppes at the Farm Farmers’ Market
Whitehouse Station
Take the family to your local farmers market and immerse them in the community. There’ll be live games, music and free coffee.
Free admission
Rahway Comic Book Festival
Rahway
Immerse yourself in the world of comics at RAH-CON, filled with Funko collectibles, comic books, sports cards, toys, Pokémon and even comic-themed crafts for the little ones. Don’t forget to get a few photos of yourself and your favorite characters at the event!
$4
Flemington Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
Flemington
Think live music, family entertainment, food from local restaurants, plus a microbrew beer garden.
Prices vary
New Jersey Jackals ’90s Night
Little Falls
Watch the Jackals take on the Sussex County Miners, last year’s Can-Am League Champions. Dress in your best grunge look (you don’t have to wait for fall to break out that flannel!). The first 1,000 fans will take home a Jack the Jackal bobblehead, plus stick around after the game for a fireworks show.
$12-17
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
Food Truck Fest
Bridgewater
Grab your blankets and chairs and spread out at Duke Island Park for some tunes from the ’50s and ’90s performed by The Fabulous Grease Band. There’ll also be 11 food trucks, serving up dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, burgers, ice cream and more.
Free admission
FIND MORE EVENTS IN YOUR AREA
If you have any upcoming events you’d like to add to our calendar, click here!