New Jersey doesn’t just “do” summer festivals, it dominates the conversation. From the iconic, sun-drenched boardwalks of the Shore to the sprawling, grassy fairgrounds of Sussex County, NJ is an absolute powerhouse of live music, elite culinary competitions, and multi-day parties. And these are New Jersey’s Best Summer Festivals.
Our list of summer festivals has something for everyone. Whether you want to crack open some fresh blue crabs while listening to world-class blues, mosh on the beach in Asbury Park alongside iconic rock legends, or watch hundreds of dogs compete in a peanut butter eating contest, Jersey’s festival lineup for 2026 is staggering. Keep Scrolling to find The Best Summer Festivals in New Jersey.
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The Best Summer
Festivals in New Jersey
Goatchella
Where: Jersey City, Click Here to Learn More
When: June 26-27
Details: This two-day music festival benefits The Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery (where it also takes place). In addition to live performances by indie bands, the event does actually feature goats and sheep to pet. Visitors can also expect art and fashion vendors, as well as food options. Music performances include Young and Doomed, Best Dressed Ghost, Strange Neighbors, Sky Pocket, Lauren Rosato, Mas Trauma, and many more. A rain date of Sunday, June 28 is also scheduled in case of poor weather.
Asbury Park Summer Fest
Where: Asbury Park, Click Here to Learn More
When: June 27
Details: The Asbury Park Beer Wine & Spirits Fest — aka Asbury Park Summer Fest — takes place at Bradley Park. This one-day-only event provides an all access pass to beer, wine and spirits from around the world. Live entertainment, food vendors, and interactive games will also be available to enjoy. General admission is from 1pm – 4:30pm (Discounted designated driver tickets are on sale, too). 100% of net profits go to The Rotary Foundation charity “to achieve world understanding and peace through cultural exchange programs”.
Margate Beachstock
Where: Margate, Click Here to Learn More
When: June 27
Details: “The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party” is coming back to Margate Beach. (Because what’s better than a day-long party on the beach?) Admission is free and no beach badges are required at the event. For 2026, Margate Beachstock features new food vendors, kid’s activities, live music, beach volleyball, and more. This popular event typically attracts over 5,000 visitors, so plan accordingly. The fun takes place between Huntington and Granville Ave. A rain date of June 28 is planned in case of inclement weather.
Red, White and Blueberry Festival
Where: Hammonton, Click Here to Learn More
When: June 28
Details: 2026 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Red, White and Blueberry Festival. Believe it or not, this is actually one of the most popular South Jersey events of the summer. In fact, attendance typically exceeds 10,000 visitors each year. The event hosts live music, food and craft vendors, and other special events. (Previous festivals have included a car show, pie eating contests, and carnival rides.) Fun fact: Hammonton is the blueberry capital of the world, producing over 50 million pounds of blueberries annually.
Long Branch Oceanfest
Where: Long Branch, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 4
Details: Head to the Long Branch Great Lawn & Promenade for this year’s Oceanfest. The event typically serves as the town’s premier 4th of July celebration. Of course, the 2026 event also doubles as an America 250 celebration. Visitors can look forward to food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks. Confirmed performances for this year include Dub Proof, Smokin’ Jackets, After the Reign, and Jobonanno & The Godsons of Soul. This event is free to attend.
NJ State Barbecue Championship + Angelsea Blues Festival
Where: North Wildwood, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 10-12
Details: You get the best of two worlds at the NJ State Barbecue Championship + Angelsea Blues Festival. This exciting three-day festival takes place at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues and surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. Besides world-class BBQ and live blues music, attendees can enjoy live cooking demonstrations. Top regional and national blues acts will be playing all weekend long on the main stage (included with free admission). Of course, stick around and see who is crowned state BBQ champion.
Northern NJ Barbecue Festival
Where: Garfield, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 11
Details: It’s time to turn up the heat! The Northern NJ BBQ Festival is rolling into Garfield for one epic day of smoke, sauce, and sizzling flavor. Attendees can expect an extravaganza of BBQ and seafood favorites from around the world. Think American, Polish, Asian, Greek, Southern-style ribs, Texas brisket, Korean BBQ, Caribbean jerk, Argentinean asado, and more. Don’t miss the beer garden, live music, and the family-friends MegaBite Events Adventure Zone. (Pay one price, play all day with games and activities for all ages.)
Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival
Where: Haddonfield, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 11-12
Details: Co-promoted by the Haddonfield Borough and Renaissance Craftables, this 2-day fine art and craft show features over 200 artists, Emerging Artists, art centers, and programs. Expect a bevy of ceramics, charcuterie boards, batik art (Pysanky), wire mesh sculptures, glass art, and so much more. The Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival promises something for everyone, with activities and vendors for all ages. (They even have special products and treats for pets, including “ice cream” cones from Me & My Dog Pet Bakery.)
Maplewoodstock
Where: Maplewood, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 11-12
Details: This free music and art festival is put together by a volunteer group of just ten people. The end result is something special, featuring nearly two dozen bands across two days. Headlining this year are Anders Osborne and Lettuce, alongside Slap Dragon and Megan Jean’s Secret Family. Additional acts include Heroes for Ghosts, Royal Blush, Whiskey & Sugar, A Band Called Sundown, Troubleman and more. Besides live music, attendees can look forward to a beer garden, art and food vendors, and a kids zone.
South Jersey Caribbean Festival
Where: Camden, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 18
Details: The South Jersey Caribbean Festival is coming to Wiggins Park along the Camden waterfront (next to Adventure Aquarium). This one-day-only event is a celebration of the Cultures of the Caribbean, including Reggae, Soca, Calypso, & Steelpan. Guests can enjoy a full day of Caribbean-themed food, music, and entertainment. This event is free to attend thanks to funding in part from the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission. 2026 marks the 26th anniversary for the festival.
Hot 97’s Summer Jam
Where: Newark, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 24
Details: This legendary hip-hop festival is one of the biggest summer events at the Prudential Center. The multi-stage festival is packed with a mix of iconic legends, tri-state heavyweights, and fresh breakout artists. This year’s main stage features a powerhouse lineup including New Jersey’s own Fetty Wap, French Montana, Max B, Rick Ross, Ice Spice, DaBaby, and G Herbo. The 2026 Hot 97 Summer Jam is hosted by Nessa, Mornings with Mero, Team Drewski, and DJ Funk Flex.
New Jersey State Fair
Where: Augusta, Click Here to Learn More
When: July 31-August 8
Details: If you only go to one event this summer, The New Jersey State Fair is NJ’s preeminent summer festival. This week-long event at the Sussex County Fairgrounds has so much going on, it’s impossible to mention it all. The NJ State Fair features tons of free entertainment, plus carnival rides, a petting zoo, performing arts, and more. There are also plenty of vendors and exhibits to explore, alongside the Sussex County Horse Show and the Shotwell 4-H Building. The latter showcases art, photography, horticulture, crafts, and sewing projects.
Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree
Where: Montclair, Click Here to Learn More
When: August 15
Details: The Downtown Jamboree marks the Montclair Jazz Festival’s open-air grand finale of the summer. Attendees can expect a jam-packed day with over ten hours of free and inspiring music. This year’s featured artists include Bilal, Patrice Rushen, Dianne Reeves, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Gotham Kings, and more. Besides tons of live music, the festival hosts a curated selection of food and dry good vendors. The Downtown Jamboree takes place at Lackawanna Station, and ends with a two-hour block party from 8pm – 10pm.
Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Where: Morristown, Click Here to Learn More
When: August 15
Details: The Annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival returns to the Historic Morristown Green this year. This year’s featured musical acts include James Langton New York All-Star Big Band featuring Dan Levinson, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, Dylan Triplett, and more. But who will headline this year’s event? You’ll just have to visit the festival to find out. (Or visit the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival website, as the announcement will be made on June 29.) Besides many local bars and restaurants, a variety of food trucks will be on hand.
Surf & Turf Seafood Festival
Where: Oceanport, Click Here to Learn More
When: August 15-16
Details: This annual two-day event is fun for the whole family. Guests can expect live racing, seltzer sampling, live music, and family-friendly activities. Of course, the fresh seafood is the main attraction, with options like lobster rolls, crab cakes, and shrimp. Over a dozen of the shore’s best seafood establishments are on hand to offer their mouth-watering menus. Kids activities at the Surf & Turf Seafood Festival include a bounce house, pony rides, face painters and clowns. Enjoy live music from The Madison Ave Band and Craig Sailer Project.
Pupstock Festival
Where: Augusta, Click Here to Learn More
When: August 22
Details: New Jersey’s largest family-friendly dog festival is back for 2026. The 8th Annual Pupstock Festival returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds just weeks after the NJ State Fair. This (obviously) pet-friendly festival features all kinds of fun for four-legged friends. This includes a puppy foam party, dog costume contest, play zones, and a peanut butter eating contest. Of course, humans can look forward to food trucks, a beer garden, pet adoption opportunities, live music, and art vendors.
New Jersey Folk Festival
Where: South Brunswick, Click Here to Learn More
When: August 29
Details: The New Jersey Folk Festival isn’t just one of the nation’s longest continuously-running folk festivals; it is the largest in New Jersey. This annual celebration of folk music, arts, and traditions brings together performers, artists, communities, organizations, and vendors in one location. (Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, to be specific). The festival’s goal is to highlight the historical, modern, and diverse folklife and folk arts from around the state and beyond. Expect live music, storytelling, tractor rides, kids activities, and more.
South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival
Where: Sewell
When: August 29
Details: For 2026, the South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival is taking over Washington Lake Park. The event promises fresh seafood, live music, local vendors, kids activities, adult beverages, and more. Previous vendors have included Angry Archies, Shore Fresh Market, Station One Seafood, Cousins Maine Lobster, and House of Cupcakes. The South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival is presented by Just Jersey Fest. Note: There is an admission fee for this event, but kids under 5 are free.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Where: Woodstown, Click Here to Learn More
When: September 4-6
Details: Now in its 54th year, the annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival is back at the Salem County Fairgrounds. For 2026, the music lineup features over a dozen different acts. Performances include Appalachian Road Show, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Junior Sisk, The Price Sisters, and Critton Hollow String Band. The musically included can also attend Jam Class. Attendees who purchase a weekend ticket are also able to camp on the festival grounds. (Both tents and RVs are allowed for weekend ticket holders only, not single day tickets.)
Sea Hear Now
Where: Asbury Park, Click Here to Learn More
When: September 19-20
Details: Three Stages. Two Days. One Unforgettable Festival. The Sea.Hear.Now Festival features more than 25 bands, including a number of iconic names. Their 2026 lineup features the likes of Mumford & Sons, Chaka Khan, Shaggy, Men at Work, and The All -American Rejects, and that’s only the first day. Day two showcases the Goo Goo Dolls, Fontaines D.C., and Moby. The entire festival is set to the backdrop of the Asbury Park waterfront, with two stages right on the sand. (Plus another one in the park.)
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New Jersey’s Best
Summer Festivals FAQs
Sea.Hear.Now in Asbury Park is an unforgettable two-day beachfront festival featuring iconic rockers. For legendary hip-hop, Hot 97’s Summer Jam takes over the Prudential Center in Newark. If you prefer grassroots jams, the free Maplewoodstock festival brings nearly two dozen indie bands to Maplewood.
The NJ State Barbecue Championship + Angelsea Blues Festival in North Wildwood offers world-class BBQ. Meanwhile, the Northern NJ Barbecue Festival in Garfield serves everything from Texas brisket to Argentinean asado and Korean BBQ.
The Surf & Turf Seafood Festival at Monmouth Park combines fresh lobster rolls and crab cakes with live racing and seltzer sampling. Then again, the South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival in Sewell brings heavy hitters like Cousins Maine Lobster and Angry Archies to Washington Lake Park.
The New Jersey State Fair in Augusta is the state’s preeminent event, offering carnival rides, a petting zoo, and endless exhibits. For dog lovers, Pupstock is NJ’s largest family-friendly dog festival, featuring a puppy foam party and dog costume contest.
For fine arts and crafts, the Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival showcases unique mediums like batik art and wire sculptures. Otherwise, the New Jersey Folk Festival in South Brunswick remains the state’s largest celebration of folklife and traditions.
Top (Hero) Photo: © New Jersey State Fair / Website
