Only a few more weekends of summer before fall arrives—and now that the weekend’s almost here, it’s prime to find things to do in NJ this weekend. So while the weather is still nice, make the most out of the weekend with a trip to Whippany for a Touch-A-Truck event, or load up your plate at Flemington’s Greek Festival.
For more fun, check out our complete list of fairs and festivals, and if 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 things to do in NJ this weekend by county below.
THINGS TO DO IN NJ ALL WEEKEND
46th Annual Fall Chester Craft Show
Chester
Shop crafts made by artists from across NJ and beyond, including jewelry, home furnishings and fine art. Maybe find some spooky decor to give your house some Halloween flair.
$5, free/ages 12 and under
South Jersey Apple Fest
Millville
Kick off apple harvest season by digging into a variety of treats like candy apples and apple doughnuts at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, then visit the Everything Apple Dessert Contest while the kids take pics with the Apple Mascot. Visit the craft show for ceramics, soaps, jewelry and more from more than 75 artists. There’ll also be an apple toss for adults, plus hayrides, crafts, face painting, pony rides and more for the kids.
$3, free/ages 6 and under
Flemington Opa! Greek Festival
Flemington
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, load your plate with Greek fare like moussaka, pastitsio and roasted lamb shank. Wash it down with Greek wine and beer, then hit the pastry table for some baklava. Before you’ve had your fill, hit the Fun Zone for inflatables, pony rides and face painting, plus the international marketplace and vendor fair for some shopping.
$2/suggested donation for ages 12 and up
The Lion Guard Exhibit
Jersey City
It’s the last weekend for your lil’ lions ages 2-8 to explore and play in Liberty Science Center’s African Savanna. At this exhibit, they’ll learn about problem solving, creative thinking and animals living in the Pride Lands through hands-on activities and special missions.
Included with admission
Allamuchy Country Fair
Allamuchy
Mark your calendars! Bring your friends and family to the Waterloo Concert Fields for carnival rides, live music, fireworks, food, beer and other classic fair entertainment.
Prices vary
SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 7)
NJ Taco Festival
Augusta
Dig into tacos, watch wrestling matches, listen to an AC/DC tribute band, and check out the Reaper Pepper Eating Challenge and Chihuahua Beauty Pageant.
Prices vary
Sailfest 2019
Toms River
The whole family can come out for sailboat races, crafters, vendors and food trucks, plus kiddie rides and inflatables at the Rotary Club of Toms River.
Free
NJ 9/11 Memorial Empty Sky USATF 5K Run/Walk
Jersey City
Pull on your sneakers for a run or walk through Liberty State Park in support of the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation and remember the NJ residents lost on 9/11. Register beforehand or same day.
$30-40
Chocolate, Wine and More
Freehold
Bring your sweet tooth to iPlay America for a wine and chocolate combo that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Chocolatiers, bakeries and special food markets will be in attendance, and visitors can sample it all. And while you indulge in treats, kids can head into iPlay for some arcade action.
$10
SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 8)
Touch-A-Truck 2 & Train Ride
Whippany
Visit the Whippany Railway Museum, where kids can explore working trucks and meet the people who build, protect and serve their communities. From firetrucks to construction vehicles, the kids can climb inside, honk horns, flash lights and more. After, hop on the mid-1900’s excursions train for a 10-mile round trip along the Whippanong Trail.
$16/adults, $11/ages 12 and under, free/ages 1 and under
Farm to Table Apple Pancake Breakfast
Chester
Take the family to an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Alstede Farms. Think sausage, eggs, bacon, potatoes and pancakes topped with fresh apples. Then, hit the fields and orchards for wagon rides, a run through the corn maze and live entertainment.
$24.99/adults, $19.99/kids
Edgewater Arts and Music Festival
Edgewater
Bergen County’s largest juried art competition boasts photography, crafts, mixed media, fiber arts, student competitions and more. Listen to music, dig into food and sip drinks while you check out this year’s artists.
Call for costs
Great Meadows Food Truck & Music Festival
Great Meadows
Bring the kids and furry friends, plus blankets and chairs for a day filled with live music, entertainment, food truck fare and spirits.
$5, free/ages 10 and under
Read with Reptiles
Chester
Head to Toys with Love for a reading of Scary the Scared Iguana and live water dragons with Churchville Nature Center.
Free
Safety Fest 2019
Maplewood
The kids can meet and crawl through the emergency vehicles of Maplewood and South Orange’s first responders. Then, head to safety demos from the police and fire departments, plus learn American Jiu Jitsu self-defense essentials.
Free
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND
If you have any upcoming events you’d like to add to our calendar, click here!
