New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
Solberg Airport, Readington
Friday, 1 PM – 10 PM; Saturday, 6 AM – 10 PM; Sunday, 6 AM – 8 PM
America’s largest summertime hot air balloon festival is happening again this weekend at the Solberg Airport. Along with balloon rides there will be live music with performances by Styx and Barenaked Ladies. Also catch David “The Bullet” Smith as he tries to set a world record launching over a soaring balloon. Tickets can be purchased on Etix.
The Junkyard Art Exhibit
Woolsey Park, Titusville
Friday, 6 PM – 8 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM
This weekend the Hopewell Valley Arts Council is hosting The Junkyard, a unique outdoor exhibit featuring sculptures that are made with upcycled materials like plastic bottles, styrofoam and old car parts. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
Johnson’s Corner Farm Christmas in July
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Head on over to Johnson’s Corner Farm for a Christmas in July celebration with Santa Claus himself. Guests will enjoy hayrides, classic cars, BBQ and tunes courtesy of DJ Frank. Admission to the event is free.
Beach Ball-A-Palooza
Bayfront Fields, Toms River
Friday, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
This free event has something for the whole family. Come enjoy live music from Jimmy and The Parrots and a magic show with Ken the Magician. There will also be food trucks, nature walks and fun games to play.
Monmouth County Fair
East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold
Friday, 4 PM – 11 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 11 PM; Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM
Come enjoy live demonstrations and entertainment at this jam-packed fair. Enjoy shopping from local agricultural vendors and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stands. Check out their website for the full schedule of events.
Rock, Roll, & Soul
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Friday, 8 PM
Rock n’ roll fans can come over to Roosevelt Park for a free concert featuring hits from favorites like Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. While this event is free guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate.
The New Jersey Documentary Film Festival
Sparta Avenue Stage, Sparta
All weekend, 12 PM -10:30 PM
Calling all documentary fans! This weekend is the New Jersey Documentary Film Festival where over 40 different documentaries will be screening, many of which are made by local filmmakers. There will also be Q&A sessions after the film screenings. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
Night in Venice Boat Parade
Various locations, Ocean City
Saturday, 6 PM
Head to Ocean City for their 66th annual boat parade! There will be multiple grandstands set up including The Bayside Center where there will be refreshments and a DJ. Stay around for fireworks at the end of the night. Check out their website for more information.
A Good Day-Outdoor Concert
Ellsworth Park, Union City
Saturday, 2 PM – 4 PM
This free outdoor concert is featuring hits from New Jersey-based composer Eric Sirota’s musicals A Good Day, Frankenstein and more.
3rd Annual ARC of Warren County Food Truck Fest
Donaldson Farm, Hackettstown
Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
Come grab a bite to eat at the Warren County Food Truck Fest. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, craft beer, live music and some classic boardwalk style games. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Adult admission is $7 and for kids over 3 it is $4
Café Improv Live Outdoor Concert
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Saturday, 2 PM – 5 PM
This 30 year Princeton tradition is back again at Hinds Plaza. Come enjoy an afternoon of live music, stand up comedy and poetry performed by talented locals. RSVP for free on Eventbrite.
Waldo Ave Community Garden Open House and Fundraiser
Waldo Ave Community Garden, Jersey City
Saturday, 12 PM – 5 PM
Head to the Waldo Ave Community Garden for some free family friendly fun and to support the garden. There will be live music, kids crafts and fun games like giant Jenga. Guests will also be able to tour the garden and learn all about composting.
Outdoor Acoustic Open Mic
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Sunday, 2:30 PM – 5 PM
Grab a lawn chair and some snacks and come enjoy an afternoon of acoustic music in a picturesque wooded setting. Tickets are $5
Makers + Shakers Pop Up Market
Pier Village, Long Branch
Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
Come enjoy some shopping with an ocean view at the Makers + Shakers pop-up market. Local artisans and small businesses will be selling goods like jewelry, home decor, beach accessories and more. There will also be artsy photostations around so guests can snap some cool pics.
“Out-of-Doors and Over There” Walking Tour
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State, Somerville
Sunday, various times
Step back in time with this free outdoor walking tour that dives into the local history from the Revolutionary war up to the signing of the Knox-Porter Resolution that ended World War I. Check out EventBrite for tour times.
