The Best Things to Do This Weekend in NJ, June 18-20

STATE FAIR MEADOWLANDS

State Fair Meadowlands
Meadowlands, East Rutherford
All weekend
The State Fair Meadowlands is kicking off its historic 24 day run this Friday with over 100 different rides and games to enjoy, plus live entertainment from acts like The Jay Mattioli Magic Show, Pirates of The Columbian Caribbean and many more. Visit their website for the entertainment schedule and to purchase tickets.

Downtown Somerville Cruise Nights
Main Street, Somerville
Friday, 6 PM – 9 PM
Head down to Main Street in Downtown Somerville every Friday until Labor Day to see some classic cars and enjoy free live entertainment. 

Summer Feministival
Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Friday, 5 PM – 7 PM
Come support local women-owned businesses at this year’s Feministival Fair. There will be food trucks and plenty of unique activities for kids to enjoy such as yoga, a bubble show, a puppet show, dance performances and more. No tickets required.

Field Station: Dinosaurs Grand Re-Opening Day
Overpeck Park, Leonia
Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Calling all dino lovers! Field Station: Dinosaurs is back with their first ever exhibit, Movie Dinosaurs: From Gertie to Indominus Rex, plus new trails to explore and dinosaurs to discover. Guests will also get to see the premiere of their brand-new musical The Great Dinosaur Whodunit. Passes start at $16.95 and children under 2 years old are free.

Character Brunch at Von Thun Farms
Von Thun Farms, Washington
Saturday, Various Times
Make your way to Von Thun Farms to have brunch or lunch with special guests — Peppa Pig, Scooby Doo and Paw Patrol. Head to their website for the schedule and to purchase tickets.

Summer in the Sun Food Truck and Music Festival 
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
Bring the family out for a day of live music and awesome food at Sussex County Fairgrounds. With 16 different food trucks there will be something there for everyone to enjoy. Leashed dogs are permitted and tickets can be bought at the door or online on Eventbrite.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration
Various Locations, Scotch Plains
Saturday, 3:00 PM – 10:35 PM
Social Justice Matters is holding their Juneteenth commemoration,Roots and Wings: The Art and Tradition of Storytelling and the Black Experience,” a celebration of the tradition of storytelling and its significance in African and African American culture. Part of the celebration is being held at Shady Rest, the nation’s first Black owned country club. At this event you can take a tour of Shady Rest, play some mini-golf, attend a book reading and more. Registration for this event is required.

Juneteenth Family Storytime
Denville Library, Denville
Saturday, 10 AM
Denville Voices for Racial Justice are coming to the Denville Library to read stories and create a craft to remember and celebrate Juneteenth. Kids need to register beforehand but the event is free.

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH? WE’VE GOT A LIST OF PLACES HOSTING EVENTS.

June Craft Fair
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM – 3 PM
This craft fair will be filled with handmade crafts, baked goods, live music, food vendors and more. Admission and parking are free but attendees are encouraged to bring a can of pet food as a donation.

Father’s Day Fun at American Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
Saturday, 11 AM – 10 PM ; Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM
Come celebrate Dad with some indoor mini-golf at American Dream in the Meadowlands this Father’s Day weekend. The first 50 guests will receive a mini backpack with a surprise inside. Tickets can be purchased on American Dream’s website.

Start of Summer Festival
Pemberton Township Fire Station, Browns Mills
Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM
The Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Company is hosting its first ever annual Start of Summer Festival, complete with craft vendors, food trucks, and a rummage sale. Admission is free.

American Spirit Night Drive-In Movie Night
Billian Legion Park, Bound Brook
Saturday, 7:15 PM – 10:30 PM
The Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership is presenting the Disney classic film “Johnny Tremain” at Billion Legion Park. Before the showing, kids will have the chance to meet some Founding Fathers, learn colonial style dancing and much more. Event and refreshments are free but pre-registration is required.

Sustainability Arts Crafts & Music Festival
Downtown Washington Borough
Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Come indulge in the greener things in life with some kid friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors and all day live music in Downtown Washington Borough. Also make sure to stop at the farmer’s market while you’re there for some fresh produce. This event is rain or shine and free. 

Father’s Day at iPlay America
iPlay America, Freehold
Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
There is plenty to do with Dad this Sunday at iPlay America in Freehold. This Father’s Day, Dad will get a free iRide Plus Band or Powerplay Pass so he can play all day! Grab a meal at Game Time Bar and Grill and get one free with a complimentary beer then hit the Top Golf Swingsuites for a game. If you reserve your bay in advance you will get $10 off your rental! Registration is required.

Father’s Day Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sunday, Various Times
Grab Dad and go let off some steam at the Whippany Railway Museum this Father’s Day. Trains will be running for the first time since 2019 and Lackawanna Railroad icon, Miss Phoebe Snow will be there to help celebrate. Checkout their website for departure times and tickets.

Father’s Day Berries and Brews
Ort Farms, Long Valley
Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Come down to the farm and celebrate Father’s day with live music, delicious treats and plenty of fun activities like pick your own strawberries and hayrides. Pick your own strawberries are first come first serve so make sure to get there early! 

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE DAD THIS WEEKEND? HERE ARE SOME FATHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES.

Cars & Croissants
Downtown Summit
Sunday, 8 AM – 11 AM
Head to Downtown Summit for some yummy baked goods from the farmer’s market and a chance to see hundreds of unique cars. This event is weather permitting and parking is free. 

Summer Solstice Music Festival
Haddon Avenue, Haddon
Sunday, 4 PM – 10 PM
This free event located in Downtown Haddon will feature a beer garden, live entertainment, food trucks and much more!

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