It looks like we’ll finally get a break from the rain this weekend which is a good thing because we’ve found 75+ fun things to do in NJ this weekend!
WEEKEND
Somerset County 4-H Fair
North Branch Park, Bridgewater
Thursday – Friday
The fair has been going on for more than 75 years. The 4-H clubs showcase their work, local businesses and entertainment can support the youth, and families can eat, play, go on rides and check out all the displays.
Dinosaurs on the Pier
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Thursday – Friday
The educational program provides an interactive experience that includes a meet-and-greet and photos with dinosaurs after the show.
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta
Thursday – Saturday
Unique events at the fair include a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, monster truck show, bike stunt show, truck pull and tractor pull. Family entertainment includes hot dog pig races, a variety magic show, K9s in flight, Cowtown USA, Barnyard Cackle Review, Commerford Petting Zoo and freehand custom carvings. There will be exhibits and an agriculture area.
IAATO Italian Festival
Joe Palaia Park, Oakhurst
Thursday – Sunday
This year’s festival will feature an array of carnival rides; games; live entertainment; celebrityChef Marcofrom Galbani Cheese, who will be hosting cooking demonstrations at the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage; and the Children’s Galbani Cheese Stacking Contest on Saturday and Sunday.
La Festa Italiana
Holy Rosary Church, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
In honor of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Rocco, this old-world Italian street festival brings together local restaurants and food vendors, live entertainment, games and rides for the kids to celebrate Italian American culture for five days. Traditionally, the last day of the event is a Mass celebrated with the statues of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Rocco that are then processed through the streets with a marching band.
Dino Fest
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Thursday – Sunday
The season was extended for one more weekend! Look out for more than two dozen lifelike dinosaurs throughout the fields, a 4-acre dino-themed corn maze, a dinosaur dig site, stage shows, meet-and-greets with the dinosaurs, encounters with a baby T-rex and baby triceratops, and build your own Dino Bear.
Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Thursday – Sunday
Anna, Elsa and Olaf come to life in this stage play.
Middlesex County Fair
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
There will be a home arts show, vendors and exhibits. Even more fun are the events and entertainment including racing, chainsaw carving, lots of horses, a magic show, comedy, puppets, jugglers and a stilt walker.
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, South Egg Harbor City
Friday – Saturday
The attractions here include a car show, a baby parade, a pet parade, open mic and a pie-eating contest.
Castle Dracula Weekend
Fox Park & Amphitheater, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Celebrate the memory of Wildwood’s largest and most beloved haunted attraction with Q&As with former employees, an exhibit of surviving artifacts, a costume contest, vendor booths with spooky souvenirs, an artists’ corner, autographed soundtracks, a photo and video exchange and contest, a special DarkInThePark documentary screening, and more. There will be a special photo op at the reconstructed Castle Fireplace, designed by Castle Social Media Admin and Webmaster Michael Yannette.
Tri-State New Jersey Spartan Event
Mountain Creek, Vernon
Saturday – Sunday
Kids ages 4 to 14 years can participate in race heats of various difficulties, including a very special Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck obstacle course. Kids of all ages can get extra muddy in the Tonka Steel Classics Sandpit, featuring the Toughest Mightiest Dump Truck, Bulldozer, Excavator, and more.
Sunflower Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
Known for its Sunflower Trail, the weekend festivals add on hayrides, an activity area for kids, gourmet food trucks, a wine and beer garden, and craft vendors.
FRIDAY
Baby Walk
South Branch Reservation, Annandale
Get outside with your baby and explore your local trails.
Waterpark After Dark
Mountain Creek, Vernon Twp.
After the kids have fun at the water park during the day, leave them with a babysitter so you can race down the legendary Surf Hill, experience the thrills of Alpine Rush, kick back in the Wave Pool or party and enjoy the vibes.
SATURDAY
New Brunswick Heart Festival
Monument Square, New Brunswick
The annual free, outdoor festival features dance classes for kids and adults, an Arts Market, craft vendors, free balloon animals and face painting, a health & wellness tent, a history corner featuring historical interpreters, arts & crafts activities, games, free Henna and caricatures. There will be live music and dance performances by The Suyat Band performing funk and Motown hits, InSpira Performing Arts, Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia, DJ IZM, and more to be announced.
Monroe Twp. Fire Department’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
Avenue K and Thompson Park, Monroe Twp.
The day starts with a fire truck parade through the neighborhood and continues at the park with a kiddie area, food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, a concert by The Nerds and fireworks.
History-Music Fest
West Windsor History Museum/Schenck Farmstead, West Windsor
Take a tour of the 18th-century Schenck Farmstead. Order from Grover’s Mill Coffee House or Jhopri Plainsboro Indian cuisine. Listen to rock, Indian fusion, Ukranian, opera, pop, Dai, classical and R&B music. Attitudes In Reverse, Friends of West Windsor Open Space, Send Hunger Packing West Windsor-Plainsboro, The Little Free Pantry, Girl Scout troops 72820 and 70697, West Windsor Arts Council, and other organizations will be set up with booths.
Potato Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Grab a bushel basket and follow behind the potato plow as workhorses Bill and Jesse unearth rows of potatoes for picking. Kids can help collect, clean and sort the crop, which will be delivered to local soup kitchens and food pantries. Then they can make their own potato chips.
Hammonton Food Tour
Downtown Hammonton
Taste the flavors of Mexico in the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” The town has a significant Hispanic heritage, with many dining options that showcase the authentic taste and spirit of Mexico.
Summer Bash
Five Star Swim School, Galloway and Edison
The luau-themed swim party includes music, games, crafts and snacks.
Hermitage Museum Outdoor Craft Show
Hermitage Museum, Ho-Ho-Kus
The show features 80 talented exhibitors set up on the tree-shaded front lawn. Some of the items showcased will be art, pottery, fiber, jewelry, charcuterie boards, folk art, florals, turned wood vases and bowls, bonsai, knitted items, resin art, apparel, area train station prints, chain saw animals, pet treats, pressed flower art, candles, soaps, children’s items, wood signs and home décor.
Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
Stangl Road, Flemington
This “farm to festival” celebration brings local farmers, boutique restaurants, craft breweries, live bands, artisans, kids’ activities, food trucks, and vendors together to celebrate everything that makes Hunterdon County special. New Jersey corn and tomato dishes are prepared by local restaurants, chefs, farmers, bakers, dessert-makers, and food trucks. The event features nine local New Jersey craft breweries and one cidery. Bring a chair or a blanket so you can enjoy stages with live music and DJs throughout the site.
NBT India Independence Day
North Brunswick Township Middle School, North Brunswick
Celebrate India’s independence from Britain. Activities include songs, dances, instrumental decorations, skits and more. There will also be art, public speaking and cake decorating competitions.
Heart of the City Festival
East Cherry Street, Rahway
The festival celebrates Black and Brown creatives in the NJ area. Eat at a local restaurant, browse the vendor tables, and watch performances by Chinstrumentals, SincerlyChico, MOZZ!, C.A.L., Brandon Winters, BlackDanielWhite, Chased0ut, HEZ, Matt Q, Madison Star, and Anny Warhol. The event will also include an interactive art installation, family-friendly activities for all ages, prizes and giveaways.
Washington Boro Park & Pool, Washington Twp.
The Neshanock Base Ball Club of Flemington faces off against the Warren Hills Varsity Baseball Team at a vintage game with 19th-century rules from the 1800s. The day will also feature a car show with vintage cars, artisan vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Back to School Give Back
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
During this Back to School event, bring the kids for music and live performances, character meet-and-greets, Bouncy House Magic, free ID fingerprinting, free haircuts and free backpacks and school supplies.
Seth’s Big Fat Broadway LIVE! Concert Series
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
SiriusXM Radio host Seth Rudetsky will host an up-close-and-personal concert series with a mix of the greatest hits from Mandy Gonzalez’s (Wicked, Hamilton, In the Heights) Broadway career, plus behind-the-scenes stories.
Raritan River in Hunterdon County
Led by an experienced guide, you will paddle down the river for two hours, stop for lunch, and then paddle your way back to Echo Hill. Depending on the date, you’ll paddle along the south branch of the Raritan River, or from Kingwood to Bull’s Island.
SUNDAY
New Jersey Diners
TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
The Somerset Patriots will pay tribute to Jersey diners during three baseball games this season. Tonight they go up against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Minor League team for the New York Mets. During the rebranding, there will be special diner-themed music, blue plate specials at the concession stands and diner-themed promos.
South Jersey Nerd Fest
Holiday Inn, Swedesboro
This collectibles festival celebrates comic books, trading cards and toys. Meet artists, writers and costume groups. There will be a costume contest for all ages.
Car Show
Marlboro Recreation Center, Marlboro
After checking out all the big wheels, stay for the summer concert.
Farm-to-Table Peach Breakfast
Alstede Farms, Chester
Take a hayride down to Harvest Hall, we you can feast on homemade pancakes with peach jam, eggs, bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes. After breakfast, head to the fields for pick-your-own peaches.
Benefit Concert for Sea Turtle Recovery
The Mount Olive Performing Arts Center, Flanders
Allie Colleen is a rising country artist. All sales are final and will go to support sea turtle recovery.
Summertime Social
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
All three Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses, including the state historic 1752 Steuben House, will be open for tours throughout the day. On display inside the Steuben House are new exhibits and Revolutionary War artifacts from an extensive collection. Stop by the Westervelt-Thomas Barn to see a broom-making demonstration. Inside the Jersey Dutch kitchen, historical interpreters will have a Dairy Day making butter, ice cream and farmer’s cheese. Kids can decorate and then fly their own kites.
Summer Bash
Five Star Swim School, Cherry Hill, East Hanover and Princeton
The luau-themed swim party includes music, games, crafts and snacks.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Girls Day Out
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Last Saturday of the month
Live music by John King includes your boy band favorites. There will be drink specials at TASTE 1864. You can also purchase a Wine Tower with chocolate-covered strawberries or Renault Barrel Stave Shotski.
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Wizard of Oz
The Levoy Theatre, Millville
Thursdays – Sundays from August 9-18
L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz through an adaptation of the 1939 classic film.
Cretaceous Campout
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Fridays – Saturdays, August 9-24
You and your family can sleep under the stars with the dinosaurs. Take a lantern-lit tour of the trails, sit down for snacks, play games and take part in activities.
MudBen Beach Baseball Tournament
Wildwoods’ Beaches, Wildwood
August 9-11, 16-18
The beach at Rio Grande Avenue, behind the infamous Wildwoods sign, will be sectioned into four fields so kids can “play ball.” The tournament is for youth baseball teams 9U-15U. You can watch from the beach or boardwalk for free.
Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, August 10-31
The focus of the festival is Terhune’s sangria, but the whole family can listen to live music.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
August 10-11, August 31 – September 1
Artisan-made items, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more will be set up for sale along the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.
Seth’s Big Fat Broadway LIVE! Concert Series
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
August 10, September 7, October 12, November 9, December 7
SiriusXM Radio host Seth Rudetsky will host an up-close-and-personal concert series that will be a mix of the greatest hits from a star’s Broadway career, plus behind-the-scenes stories. August 10 is Mandy Gonzalez (Wicked, Hamilton, In the Heights). The series continues on September 7 with Sierra Boggess, who created the role of Ariel inThe Little Mermaid on Broadway. Adam Pascal, a member of the original company of Rent, is Rudetsky’s guest on October 12. J. Harrison Ghee, who won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical forSome Like It Hot, will appear on November 9. Krysta Rodriguez from Broadway’sThe Addams Familyand TV’s Smash, will perform on December 7.
Little Mermaid
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Wednesday to Sunday, August 14-18
The stage show is geared for children 3-10.
Shark Summer
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through August 18
There are lots of jaw-some activities and shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily dives featuring the Scuba Tooth Fairy, who helps to collect the fallen teeth of the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.
My Fairytale Party’s Summer Series
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Wednesdays and Sundays, through August 21
There will be sing-alongs and interactive experiences with princesses and princes, fairies and pirates, Barbie and Weird Barbie, Mary Poppins, pop stars, kids karaoke, Minions, Inside Out and unicorn princesses. After the show, meet the characters and grab a quick photo.
$5 Friday Summer Concert Series
Festival Grounds, Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Fridays, through August 23
Two bands will play each Friday at sunset. Tribute bands include Earth Wind & Fire, the Eagles, Queen and the Beatles. Yacht Rock Gold, Swing Sabroso and American Soul Band are also in the lineup.
Friday Night Fireworks
The Wildwoods
Fridays, through August 30
Look high above the beach and boardwalk for a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks synched to music that will be played via a sound system and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. You can tap into the livestream to view from anywhere outside of Wildwood, too.
Rootstock Vineyard Summer Concert Series
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, Rio Grande
Fridays, through August 30
Listen to musicians while watching the sun set. Food and wine will be available for purchase.
Summer in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
Five incredible sand sculptures designed by John Gowdy and Team Sandtastic depict favorite summer activities like watching baseball, camping, embarking on an overseas adventure, playing games and solving puzzles, and lounging at the beach. You can enjoy sandboxes designed for play, as well as a family-friendly scavenger hunt beginning on July 12 that will feature the colorful, quirky beach-themed character “Shelly Shovel.”
Master Gardener Butterfly House Grand Opening
EARTH Center, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Saturdays and Sundays, through August 31
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is hosting a series of community events at their “hoop house,” where Master Gardeners have nurtured butterflies throughout the growing season. You can learn about butterfly host plants and participate in capturing butterflies for the house.
Sesame Place Summer Nights
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Fridays – Sundays, through September 1
During extended hours on special nights, extra activities include the DJ Dance Party at Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Stage and an encore of the Sesame Street Party Parade.
Luxury Glamping
Six Flags Great Adventure – Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, Jackson
Weekends through September 2, with select dates through December 1
Instead of braving the wild outdoors, you’ll experience luxury camping, where you and up to five other people can sleep in one of 20 glamping suites that overlook the safari grounds. You can also book a treatment at the spa.
Barbie You Can Be Anything: The Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 2
You’ll be able to see role models from every era of Barbie’s history. You’ll learn about the dolls as if they were real, including their backgrounds, struggles and accomplishments. Each area will highlight a particular role type – leader, problem solver, creator, nurturer or adventurer – and you can try each career option for yourself.
Apollo: When We Went to The Moon
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Through September 2
Climb aboard a lunar rover model, leave your footprints on the Moon and learn about the Space Race through this exhibit at the sea, air and space museum. Starting April 4, you can check out the Concorde Superjet that recently underwent renovations and returned to the museum.
Delsea Drive-In 2024 Season
Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre, Vineland
Fridays – Sundays, through September 3
Watch two movies back-to-back while sitting in your car, just like they did in the ’50s.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 6
Come to the historic apple orchard after work for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings.
Roller Skating
The Rink, American Dream
Through September 7
This summer, trade your ice skates for rollerblades. Every Friday and Saturday will be Retro Nights, where you can skate to your favorite tunes from the past. Ice skating returns on September 8.
Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
Select dates, through September 8
A series of free, all-ages, outdoor shows will take place, courtesy of Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids. Some of the newly announced shows include Spafford, Prince/Bowie, Wallace Roney Jr. and Vanessa Perea, as well as the annual return of Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
SpongeBob Experiences
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through September 15
Adventure Aquarium has partnered with Nickelodeon for photo ops, Spongebob-themed kids’ activities, activity sheets, episode screenings, and more in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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