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Hot Air Balloons & Arts and Crafts Festival
Warren County Community College
Thursday – Sunday, 2 pm – 9 pm
With food trucks, entertainment, and an Arts and Crafts show each day, this 4-day festival is sure to be fun for the whole family. Every evening at 6:30 pm, weather permitting, hot air balloon launches will take place, and you can even register to take part in a balloon ride. Check the website for tickets and more information.
Dog Days of Summer Kick-Off Event AND Music on Main Event
Main Street, Boonton
Friday, 5:00 – 9:30 pm
Dog Days of Summer is an installation of over 120 unique cat and dog sculptures, exhibited on the entire length of Main Street. Artists include professionals as well as local elementary and high school students. The event will kick off with a “leash cutting” in front of the Dog Days of Summer Mural at 5:30 pm. This opening coincides with the first night of Music on Main for some extra entertainment.
Free Outdoor Kids’ Movie Screening
Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Homes Parking Lot, Madison
Friday, 8 pm
Tired of watching movies at home, grab a chair or blanket and watch this one outside. This week’s movie is Tom & Jerry. Viewers are invited to bring beach chairs and blankets. Seats are limited, so be sure to contact danglermovienight@gmail.com to reserve your family’s spot.
NJ Greek Fest To Go
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield
Friday, 4 pm to 9 pm & Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm
If you’ve never had souvlaki, baklava, or koulourakia, this is your opportunity to change that. These and many more favorites will be available for curbside pickup at NJ Greek Fest. All orders must be placed online, so make sure to preorder on the website.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Liberty Lake, Bordentown Township
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
This weekend will be the second and last New Jersey Renaissance Fair event of the year. Featuring merchants, food, and tons of exciting shows throughout the day, this weekend promises crazy entertainment for the whole family Tickets (available for digital purchase only) are extremely limited, so make sure there are some available before you head out.
Food Truck Festival
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown
Saturday, 12 pm – 8 pm
If you’re hungry for some food and fun, head over to the Donaldson Farms Food Truck Festival on Saturday. In addition to food trucks and live music, there will also be games and activities for all ages. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids at the door or $6 for adults and $4 for kids online.
Strawberry Festival
Von Thun Farms, 2 Locations: 438 Route 57 West, Washington and 505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Enjoy a fun-filled day of strawberry picking, hayrides, food, and more at the Von Thun Farms Strawberry Festival this weekend With over 20 kids’ activities and games, this is sure to keep children of all ages entertained. Make sure to visit the website for ticket options and details.
23rd Annual Spring Chester Craft Show
Municipal Field, Chester
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
This show features handcrafted art pieces from a wide variety of artists and artisans. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the nearby Historic Chester area, which includes over 80 shops and eateries as well as parks and farms for the whole family to enjoy. The Craft Show will be held rain or shine, and tickets are $4 each.
Hudson River Loop Walk
Exchange Place, Jersey City to George Washington Bridge to World Trade Center
Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm
The Hudson River Loop Walk (which is 10-30 miles depending on the route you choose) is an organized scenic walk between Jersey City and the World Trade Center, that goes over the George Washington Bridge, which gives pedestrians incredible views from the George Washington Bridge, the Little Red Lighthouse, and more. There is also an optional detour to see where Alexander Hamilton died in his famous duel with Aaron Burr. Tickets are free, but registration is required. You can opt to take the ferry as well if you want to make it a shorter trip.
Youth Fishing Challenge
Various Locations
Saturday
Whether your family members have never touched a fishing rod before or are all seasoned pros, you’ll get a great chance to try your hand at fishing during this free statewide event. Registration is free and there are event sponsors in 16 counties throughout New Jersey. Participants ages 20 and under will have the opportunity to win giveaways and prizes at the end of the challenge. If you want to register, make sure to sign up with your county’s sponsor using the contact information on the website.
Carnival Extravaganza
LifeTown, Livingston
Sunday, 11 am – 2pm
LifeTown is hosting this special even for children with special needs. This already amazing space that caters to individuals with special needs and gives them the tools they need to adapt to everyday activities, is aiming to bring families together for their special carnival. The accessible carnival will offer a host of fan-favorite activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, fun games, clowns and entertainers, inflatables and more. Limited spots are available, families must register here, once they’ve reached capacity this form will close.