From World Cup watch parties and fan festivals to America 250 celebrations and beach, food and music festivals, summer 2026 in New Jersey is packed. Here are the summer fairs, festivals and can’t-miss events to save the date for now:
Mega Fests
New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
July 31 – August 8
The fairgrounds will be packed with rides, games, attractions, food, music and farm animals to celebrate all things Jersey. Aside from carnival events, the kids will want to see the Circus Incredible show, the Hontz Family Bavarian Band, tractor pulls, lumberjack competitions, Oscar the Robot and agricultural exhibits.
America 250 Festivals
New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
July 3-5
The river towns will mark America’s birthday in the very place where George Washington traveled during the Revolutionary War – and still has an open bar tab! On Friday, join a discussion with children’s book author Abigale Readlinger; look for costumed re-enactors dressed as the Washingtons, Ben Franklin and General Henry Knox; attend shows by Music Mountain Theatre and Roxey Ballet; and grab a seat for New Hope’s largest fireworks display in history. On Saturday, there is a pub crawl for adults led by George Washington and Sam Adams; and a giant outdoor concert. Sunday includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a freedom parade, dragon boat races, and the synchronized singing of “God Bless America” from both river banks.
Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
July 4
The afternoon of July 4 will feature over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions and fireworks. Major acts set to hit the stage include legendary hip-hop group and Bergen County natives the Sugarhill Gang, the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band and Tempo Alegre.
Oceanfest
Long Branch
July 4
At one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey, you and your crew can watch dance performances, listen to musicians and see clowns. Stroll the boards, shop local businesses and grab a bite at nearby restaurants; then stay for the fireworks display to cap off the night.
Randolph Freedom Fest
County College of Morris, Randolph
July 9-11
For the 50th year, the campus grounds will be filled with music, carnival games, mechanical rides, amusements, food, a beer garden and fireworks in a post-July 4th celebration.
Beach Festivals
Angelsea Nights
Angelsea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
July 2, 16 and 30; August 13
The lively pedestrian festival is a mix of food trucks, shopping, and street entertainment like stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers.
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest
July 10
Get your shovels ready and head to the beach, where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of just sand and water. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their amazing pieces of art.
July 31 – August 2
The Ultimate Pickle Experience
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
July 31 – August 2
While snacking on pickle samples, order a meal from any of 20 food trucks parked outside the convention center. Watch pro pickle wrestling, sign up for a pickle eating contest, join the Pickle Olympics, and bring the kids to the Bounce-a-Mania Zone.
Clam Fest
Huddy Park, Highlands
July 31 – August 2
The stars of the show are the seafood-based food trucks, but if you’re more of a land lover, come for the Lions Club funnel cakes or the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. The streets will be closed for rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors, music, and on Saturday a fireworks display.
Music Festivals
Montclair Jazz Festival
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
Select dates, July 1 – August 15
The Smithsonian Institution has selected the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, as part of its “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” a celebration of jazz cities that helped shape the nation. The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts (plus Wednesday, July 1) lead up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on Aug. 15.
Anglesea Blues Festival
Anglesea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
July 10-12
The weekend brings together blues music and BBQ favorites. Regional and national musicians will take the stage, playing the free outdoor main stage as well as local clubs and pubs. BBQ pros will compete in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, serving up plenty of delicious food along the way. Pitch a tent or drive an RV and camp out for the whole weekend.
Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival
Memorial Park, Maplewood
July 11-12
The annual two-day music and arts festival is run entirely by volunteers, and it’s free! There will be tons of mini concerts from musicians in every genre. This year will include a special Independence: Your Story art gallery, displaying artists’ paintings, photos, mixed media, sculptures and jewelry that envision America’s 250th anniversary.
Gospel Music Festival
Monument Park, New Brunswick
July 25
The sounds of R&B, gospel and soul music will fill the streets of New Brunswick, as mini concerts take center stage at the park.
Montclair Jazz Festival: Downtown Jamboree + Block Party
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
August 15
The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts all led up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party, a major music fest taking over the streets of Montclair.
World Cup Festivals
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
July 4-19
The iconic Rink will become a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens will be transformed into a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones will be located across the Plaza.
Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties
Princeton
July 14
Princeton will celebrate the global spirit of the tournament through international foods (get your Global Foods Passport), cultural programming and community watch parties.
NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Hub
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison
Select dates, now through July 15
SI Stadium will be fans’ home for soccer, music, and culture, with the SI Stadium Concert Series and RBNY Soccer Celebration activations in one place. Every matchday gives fans the rare chance to step onto the field, catch live DJs and player appearances, and enjoy a rotating mix of local talent, food trucks, and fan activations. Most matches will air inside the “Hype House,” featuring 20 TVs, a 360-degree bar, and a permanent stage for DJs and local bands, while select games will be shown on the main stage screen. The SI Stadium Concert Series will also rock the main stage on select dates, including the already announced “Family Day featuring Kidz Bop Live” on June 14 and Kygo & Kaleo on June 22. Tickets are sold separately from the GA ticket.
The Atlantic City Beach Festival and World Cup Watch Party
1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City
July 18-19
In time for the third-place match and World Cup final, this high-energy event combines live Latin music, beachfront entertainment, soccer viewing, concerts, food trucks and stands, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Hackettstown Street Fair + World Cup Celebration
Main Street, Hackettstown
July 19
While you stroll along the street, check for places that are tuned into the World Cup final match. There will be more than 100 booths set up, crafters, entertainment, live performances, a kid’s area and local shopping.
World Cup Fan Fest
American Dream, East Rutherford
Now through July 19
The mega shopping and entertainment complex next to MetLife Stadium, where eight matches will be played, will host daily watch parties, live performances, celebrity appearances, giveaways, concerts, brand activations and special events. Head back here for more details as they are released.
Newark Fan Village
Ferry Street, Newark
Now through July 19
Fans will gather to watch every match in large-scale viewing areas. There will be cultural programming, family-friendly activities, and a curated international food hall.
More Festivals
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
Nightly, July 1 – August 16
See over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring the towering Chinese Dragon, glowing flower gardens, ad special lanterns celebrating Philadelphia’s big summer events. The historic Rendell Family Fountain comes alive with choreographed lights, water, and music. Nightly performances feature acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts, and the ancient art of Face Changing.
The Capital One All-Star Village
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
July 11-14
The All-Star Village will be modeled as a baseball theme park, and be the ultimate fan fest for baseball fans ahead of the MLB All-Star Game. There will be interactive baseball attractions, autograph signings, photos with former stars, exclusive merch, and food from around the league.
Color & Light Festival
Grand Arcade, Asbury Park
July 17-18
The Grand Arcade of Asbury Park Boardwalk will be the “screen” for projection-mapped images set to music. The original works of 3D animated storytelling are so realistic that the building will look like it’s physically transforming. And this year, creative studio Maxin10sity joins the lineup for the World Cup “Welcomes the World” Special Edition, as part of NJPAC’s North to Shore Festival.
Sourland Mountain Festival
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
July 25
Learn all about the Sourland region as you listen to live music, eat local foods, sip craft beers and spirits, and take part in family activities. Since this is held at the winery, you know the samples will be on point. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of the Sourland Mountain region of Central New Jersey.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival
Warren County Fairgrounds, Phillipsburg
July 25 – August 1
After watching the hot air balloons soar overhead, head back to the fairgrounds for Demolition Derbies, the Traditional Arts Expo, a Kids’ Corral, concerts, garden tractor pulls, horse shows and carnival rides throughout the day.
Butterfly Festival
Watershed Institute, Pennington
August 1
Tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House, the Insect Zoo, and bug and butterfly parades are just some of the features at this “naturally” entertaining festival, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year with crafts, food, hayrides and more.
New Brunswick Heart Festival
Downtown New Brunswick
August 8
The State Theatre New Jersey-run festival features lots of free, outdoor activities presented by various arts organizations in New Brunswick. There will be live music, dance performances, dance classes for kids with the pros from Princeton Ballet School, an arts market, craft vendors, balloon animals and face painting, and a health and wellness tent.
Lambertville Sunflower Festival
Bellemont Farm, Lambertville
Weekends, August 15 – September 13
Plus Labor Day (Monday, September 7)
The festival features thousands of blooming sunflowers (including cut-your-own flowers), live music, food vendors, a beer garden, family activities, a play area, photo ops, and local artisans. The farm itself will be open on weekdays during that timeframe for visitors, but there will be no vendors, food trucks or live music. Only the sunflower fields and CYO flowers will be available. Special Golden Hour sessions from 7 to 9 am for photographers and yoga sessions, and Sunflowers at Sunset evening programs, will be announced.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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Read More:
Our Mega Guide to Fairs & Festivals in New Jersey
Eat and Drink Your Way Through These New Jersey Food Festivals
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ – Where to Go Near You
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