HomeFeaturesEntertainmentThe Best New Jersey Events to Attend in 2018

The Best New Jersey Events to Attend in 2018

The Best New Jersey Events to Attend in 2018 is sponsored by Palmer Square.

Each year, the Garden State boasts some of the best events in the country. From family-friendly functions to unparalleled food festivals, New Jersey is once again hosting many delightful happenings; In particular, 2018 offers some brand new spectacles the tri-state area has yet to see. Have your calendars ready for these New Jersey events.

Given the overwhelming amount of worthwhile New Jersey events, we decided to focus on our favorite activities for each month.


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Kidabaloo

When: February 17 — Asbury Park Convention Hall
Details: This family-friendly event down the shore offers guests a wide variety of games, crafts, activities, and entertainment; plus much more all day long. The various games and activities are great for both young children and teenagers; while little ones fashion arts and crafts, older kids can climb the rock wall or bungee jump. The event also offers food and drinks, as well as an opportunity for parents to connect with local businesses and community organizations while their children are having fun.
More info: Visit http://www.apboardwalk.com/event/kidabaloo/


Bunny Chase

When: March 31 – April 1 — Terhune Orchards
Details: As the weather gets warmer and Easter approaches, kids can check out Terhune Orchards’ own Bunny Chase. This spring, the Princeton farm will be hosting two days’ worth of free events for families and friends. Activities include a treasure hunt, wagon and pony rides, plus tons of homemade goodies; such as doughnuts, pies, cookies, apple cider, hot dogs, chili and more. Terhune Orchards also boasts a distinguished Vineyard & Winery Tasting Room, which will be open both days of the event for all adults in attendance.
More info: Visit http://terhuneorchards.com/bunny-chase/ or call 609-924-2310.


Super Pet Expo

When: April 13 – 15 — New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
Details: The annual Super Pet Expo returns to Edison in spring for all animal lovers, pet owners and animals alike. The event provides the perfect opportunity for pet owners to learn more about proper animal care, buy prominent products for their furry friends, converse with other seasoned pet owners and participate in or watch some stunning exhibits. As always, pets are welcome (though they must be leashed). The exhibits and products accommodate a number of different species, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles, so all pet owners are encouraged to come take part in a fun and friendly environment.
More info: Visit https://www.superpetexpo.com/


Morristown Beer, BBQ & Bacon Showdown

When: May 19 — DOE Meadow Field
Details: The Morristown Beer, BBQ & Bacon Showdown is back in the heart of Morris County for another year filled with some of the most mouthwatering barbecue and hearty beer the Garden State has to offer. This is the first event to exclusively feature New Jersey-based brewers coupled with restaurants, gourmet food trucks and chefs from around the area. Thirty breweries and dozens of food trucks are on-hand offering their distinguished products, and patrons can even vote for their favorites. Awards are then presented to the best vendors in attendance later in the day. The event also features live musical entertainment, so you can sit back and relax during the late-spring afternoon.
More info: Visit http://njbeerbbqfest.com/


Beach Bop and Beach & Boards Bunk-Down

When: June 16 – 17 — Morey’s Piers
Details: Morey’s Piers’ Beach Bop is a one-day scouting event designed for younger scouts, primarily Cub Scouts, Brownies and Daisies. The purchase of tickets includes admission to the Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis water parks, admission to the pier’s amusements, dinner with your favorite super heroes and princesses and a commemorative patch. As a secondary event, the Beach & Boards Bunk-Down is a family camping adventure right on the beach, where you can pitch a tent and spend quality time with your friends and family.
More info: Visit https://www.moreyspiers.com/event/beach-bop/2018-06-16


QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

When: July 27 – 29 — Solberg Airport
Details: The annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is once again taking over Readington Township’s Solberg Airport for its 36th event. The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival on the continent. The event features three entire days of food, family activities, local and nationally recognized vendors, tons of games and, of course, hot air balloons. The event has multiple mass ascensions featuring some of the most innovative and ornate hot air balloons from around the world. If you’d like to take a trip in one over the summer, make sure you plan ahead, before spots are filled! (This event sells out quickly.)
More info: Visit http://www.balloonfestival.com/ or call 973-882-5464.


Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival

When: August 4 — Emlen Physick Estate
Details: The 7th annual Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival, hosted at the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street, is an all-day festival featuring tons of your favorite summertime food along with local and regional craft beers; guests can chow down on a long list of menu items, such as steamed crab, crab cakes, pulled pork, shrimp, hot dogs and more. The event also offers live music and engaging entertainment acts, like jugglers and acrobats.
More info: Visit https://www.capemaymac.org/cape-may-craft-beer-crab-festival


BrickFair LEGO Expo

When: September 29 – 30 — New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
Details: Everyone’s favorite building blocks are getting their own fan event at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center this fall. For two days during BrickFair, families can be immersed in a creative and educational environment where they’ll be able to let their imaginations run wild. (Parents and young adults are also encouraged to build their own LEGO creations.) The event boasts a ton of spectacular exhibits, games, activities, contests and more, all with a LEGO-related twist.
More info: Visit https://www.brickfair.com/


Rutgers Gardens Fall Festival

When: October 14 — The Rutgers Gardens
Details: The annual Fall Festival of Rutgers University is a family-friendly event at the Gardens. The festival celebrates one of the final warm days of the year as families and groups of friends traverse the grounds for a day packed with games, activities and food. The event includes an exciting scavenger hunt, lawn games, farm animals, pumpkin painting, plant discovery tables and arts and crafts. Anyone interested in bees can also meet Ed from the Neshanic Valley Beekeepers for a terrific “Bee Talk” to learn more about why the Earth needs bees and how they are vital to the existence of our gardens.
More info: http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/FallFestival.html


Mullica Hill Lights on Main

When: November 24 — Historic Main Street
Details: Christmas comes early in Mullica Hill as their Main Street illuminates with spectacular hues the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Mullica Hill Lights on Main is a family and pet-friendly event along the borough’s Historic Main Street. The trek is filled with countless food vendors, specialty shops, free amusements, carolers and much more. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also pay a visit to Mullica Hill to take photos in Old Town Hall with all the good little boys and girls in attendance. The main part of the event, the lighting of the Township Christmas Tree, takes place during the evening.
More info: Visit http://www.visitnj.org/nj-events/mullica-hill-lights-main-1


Skylands Christmas Light Show and Christmas Village

When: November 16 – December 30 — Skylands Stadium
Details: The Christmas Light Show, hosted by Skylands Stadium in Frankford Township, allows visitors to drive through the brand new, remarkable layout consisting of more than two million dazzling lights. The Christmas Village is an indoor winter wonderland, featuring carnival games, arts and crafts, hot food and beverages, shopping and photos with Santa. The stadium’s own restaurant, wheelHouse Kitchen + Bar, will also be open during the holiday festivities, which continue throughout the month of December.
More info: http://skylandsstadium.com/christmas-light-show/


Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ

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