HomeFeaturesFamilyNew Jersey's 30 Best Summer Fairs & Festivals

New Jersey's 30 Best Summer Fairs & Festivals

School’s out, summer is here and festival season is about to kick off! No matter your interests, New Jersey offers plenty of summertime fun at these awesome fairs and festivals. Featuring food, music, rides and games, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State! We’ve rounded up our picks of the 30 best festivals taking place over the next few months–there’s plenty to keep you busy all summer long.


FestivalsState Fair Meadowlands

Where: 102 NJ State Highway 120, East Rutherford
When: June 23 to July 10, but closed to the public on June 26. Hours vary.
Price: Admission prices vary by date
Details: In addition to entertainment and carnival rides, there are tons of other special events. Make sure you check the website to get the complete schedule, including bargain nights and free shows!
More info: State Fair Meadowlands or call 973-355-5911


FestivalsJersey Shore Greek Festival

Where: Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean
When: June 24 to 26, hours vary
Price: $2 per person, free for children 6 & under
Details: Taste authentic Greek delights and try your luck at the Super 50/50 where you can win up to $10,0000!
More info: Jersey Shore Greek Festival or call 732-775-2777


FestivalsNorth Wildwood Italian-American Festival

Where: First & Olde New Jersey Avenues, North Wildwood
When: June 24 to 26, hours vary
Price: Free admission
Details: Food, music, games, grape stomping and the Little Miss Italy contest are all part of this annual celebration of Italian-American heritage.
More info: North Wildwood Italian-American Festival or call 609-408-5793


FestivalsBradley Beach LobsterFest

Where: 500 Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach
When: June 25 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and June 26 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Don’t miss this awesome event offering fresh lobster, a huge wine and beer garden, children’s activities and live bands. Plus you’re right by the beach…what more could you ask for in a summer festival?
More info: Bradley Beach LobsterFest or call 732-897-1111


FestivalsBaymen’s Seafood & Music Festival

Where: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: June 25 & 26 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, free for kids under 5
Details: This fun family event features Jersey fresh seafood from local vendors and live music from The Mott’s Creek Pickers (Saturday) and The Rhythm Wranglers (Sunday). There is also a microbrew court, crafters, demonstrations, boat builders and the opportunity to talk to commercial fishermen.
More info: Tuckerton Seaport or call 609-296-8868


FestivalsWine & Chocolate Festival

Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
When: June 25 & 26, gates open at 11:30 am
Price: $5 general admission plus $15 for unlimited wine and chocolate sampling, free for children 12 & under
Details: Sample the best wine and chocolate that New Jersey has to offer during this two-day event at the racetrack. Watch some races, have a wine picnic while listening to live music and then head over to the “Chocolate Lounge.” Gates open at 11:30 am and the first race is at 12:50 pm.
More info: Monmouth Park Racetrack or call 732-222-5100


Festivals

Red, White & Blueberry Festival

Where: Hammonton High School, Old Forks Road, Hammonton
When: June 26 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Head to the Blueberry Capital of the World to enjoy live music, rides, arts and crafts, a classic car show, and blueberry pie-eating contests at the 30th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival.
More info: Red, White & Blueberry Festival or call 609-561-9080


FestivalsFirefly Festival

Where: Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
When: June 26 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Price: Free admission, $5 fee for craft activities
Details: Celebrate fireflies at this exciting summer festival. Kids are invited to wear their wings and spend the evening hunting for fireflies, making crafts and enjoying barbecue fare.
More info: Firefly Festival or call 609-924-2310


FestivalsOceanfest

Where: 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch
When: July 4 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Bring the family for this all-day Fourth of July festival that just oozes summer fun! This event features live entertainment, food and vendors, plus the best fireworks on the Jersey Shore starting at 9:00 pm.
More info: Oceanfest or call 732-222-0400


FestivalsCumberland County Fair

Where: Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Fairstand Road, Millville
When: July 5 to 9, hours vary
Price: Admission is $5 per person, $3 for children ages 4-9 and free for kids under 4
Details: New Jersey’s oldest fair is home to pig racing, monster truck rides, great food, games, rides and the BONK Game Show with Eric Dasher. Kid’s Day is Wednesday with free admission for all children under four feet tall.
More info: Cumberland County Fair or call 856-825-3820


FestivalsBacon Fest

Where: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: July 9 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm & July 10 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: $8 per person, free for children under 5
Details: If you’re a bacon lover, you do not want to miss this event! You’ll find pig races, a mechanical pig, craft beer, live bands and a bacon-eating contest, plus food trucks and restaurants offering all the bacon-y delights your stomach can handle.
More info: Tuckerton Seaport or call 609-296-8868


FestivalsBlueberry Bash

Where: Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
When: July 9 & 10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: $5 per person, free for children under 3
Details: Celebrate all things blueberry at Terhune’s annual Blueberry Bash. Pick your own blueberries, listen to country music, watch a puppet show, go on a pony ride and more! Enter your favorite recipe in the Blueberry Bash Bake-off for the chance to win a prize.
More info: Terhune Orchards or call 609-924-2310


FestivalsNew Jersey Sandcastle Contest

Where: 18th Avenue Beach, Belmar
When: July 13 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Come try your hand at building the biggest, best sandcastle at the 30th annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest in Belmar. All ages are invited to participate. (Rain date is July 14.)
More info: New Jersey Sandcastle Contest


FestivalsBlack Potatoe Music Festival

Where: Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton
When: July 13 to 17, hours vary
Price: $20 for single day or $85 for five-day pass
Details: Live music, good food and great friends are the perfect backdrop for the 20th annual Black Potatoe Music Festival, held at the scenic Red Mill Museum. Check the website for the complete entertainment line-up.
More info: Black Potatoe Music Festival or call 908-230-7861


FestivalsSummer in the Street

Where: Washington Street, Toms River
When: July 16 from 12 noon to 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Head to downtown Toms River for the Summer in the Street festival, featuring live entertainment, great food and craft vendors. Special children’s activities include sand art, face painting and inflatable rides.
More info: Summer in the Street or call 732-341-8738


FestivalsSurf & Turf Seafood Festival

Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
When: July 16 & 17, gates open at 11:30 am
Price: $5 general admission, free for children 12 & under
Details: Lobster rolls, shrimp and chowder, oh my! Enjoy fresh seafood and live music, plus fun and games for all ages at the shore’s biggest seafood festival. All this, and horse races!
More info: Monmouth Park Racetrack or call 732-222-5100


FestivalsBurlington County Farm Fair

Where: 1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Springfield Township
When: July 19 to 24, hours vary
Price: $10 parking fee, includes fair admission
Details: The Farm Fair Queen Pageant, a tractor pull, pet shows, a children’s decorated wagon contest, amusement rides and more can be found at the annual Burlington County Farm Fair.
More info: Burlington County Farm Fair or call 609-784-8369


FestivalsAsbury Park Blues & Brews Festival

Where: 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
When: July 23 from 12 noon to 8:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Enjoy six bands, including headliner Matt O’Ree, at this all-day event just a block away from the ocean! A beer garden, crafters and kids activities make this fun for the whole family. No coolers permitted, but you may bring your own lawn chairs.
More info: Asbury Park Blues & Brews Festival or call 732-933-1984


FestivalsManasquan Fireman’s Fair

Where: South Potter Avenue, Manasquan
When: July 26 to 30 from 6:00 to 10:30 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Rides, games, food, music and fun are served up at the annual Manasquan Fireman’s Fair, which draws upwards of 30,000 guests over the course of the week. Every night is Family Night, with unlimited rides for just $25.
More info: Manasquan Fireman’s Fair or call 732-223-8239


FestivalsMonmouth County Fair

Where: East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold
When: July 27 to 31, hours vary
Price: $8 per person, free for children 12 & under
Details: Your kids won’t want to miss this one! Carnival rides, a magic show, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, live entertainment and more await you at the Monmouth County Fair.
More info: Monmouth County Fair


FestivalsQuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

Where: Solberg Airport, 39 Thor Solberg Road, Whitehouse Station
When: July 29 to 31, hours vary
Price: $35 for adults, $15 for children 4-12, free for children 3 & under (discounted tickets can be purchased before July 28)
Details: Check out the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in all of North America. Concerts like Third Eye Blind and K.C. and the Sunshine Band provide a nice backdrop for the balloons, crafters, vendors and fireworks. If you want to shell out $250, you can even take a hot air balloon ride!
More info: Festival of Ballooning or call 973-882-5464


FestivalsJust Peachy Festival

Where: Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
When: August 1 & 2 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: $5 per person, free for children under 3
Details: Pick your own peaches or just enjoy some tasty treats such as peach salsa or peach ice cream. Visit the winery and sip on Terhune’s award-winning Just Peachy wine or yummy peach sangria. Children’s activities include wagon rides, barnyard animals and play tractors.
More info: Just Peachy Festival or call 609-924-2310


FestivalsMiddlesex County Fair

Where: 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
When: August 1 to 7, hours vary
Price: $7 for adults, $1 for children 3-12, free for children 2 & under
Details: Be a part of the 78th annual Middlesex County Fair and help raise money for local schools and charities. Fireworks kick off the fair at dusk on August 1. Live performances, agricultural exhibits, rides and games are all part of the fun.
More info: Middlesex County Fair or call 732-257-8858


FestivalsNew Jersey State Fair

Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta
When: August 5 to 14, hours vary
Price: $13 for adults, $6 for children 6-12
Details: There’s something for everyone at the New Jersey State Fair, which is divided into six themed areas: Agriculture Area, Horse Show Area, Outdoor Entertainment Area, RoNetco Supermarkets Family Entertainment Area, Carnival and Educational Exhibits.
More info: New Jersey State Fair or call 973-948-5500


Festivals

Somerset County 4-H Fair

Where: North Branch Park, Milltown Road, Bridgewater
When: August 10 to 12 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Check out exhibits and entertainment by members of the Somerset County 4-H Association, including model airplanes, livestock shows and more. No midway or carnival rides.
More info: Somerset County 4-H Fair or call 908-526-6644


FestivalsPeach, Princess & Pirate Festival

Where: Camden Children’s Garden, 3 Riverside Drive, Camden
When: August 13 & 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Price: $8 per person, free for children under 3
Details: Children will enjoy crafts, a planting activity and a treasure hunt as they celebrate one of New Jersey’s best summer fruits. Don’t forget to dress like a pirate or a princess!
More info: Peach, Princess & Pirate Festival or call 856-365-8733


Festivals“Truck”erton Food Truck & Brew Fest

Where: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
When: August 13 & 14 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: $8 per person, free for children under 5
Details: The popular food truck event is back! More than a dozen gourmet food trucks will be on hand to supply delicious bites while you enjoy live music and beer. Save $1 on admission if you bring an item to donate to the Tuckerton Food Pantry.
More info: Tuckerton Seaport or call 609-296-8868


FestivalsAtlantic City Airshow

Where: Boardwalk, Atlantic City
When: August 17 from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm
Price: Free
Details: Watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take flight for a dazzling demonstration of aerial acrobatics. Also performing will be the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the GEICO Skytypers. The airshow is viewable from the beach and the boardwalk.
More info: Atlantic City Airshow


FestivalsHunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair

Where: South County Park, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville
When: August 24 to 28, hours vary
Price: TBD
Details: Don’t miss this great festival featuring animals, entertainment, food and plenty of family-friendly fun! Check their website in the coming weeks for updated information on fair hours, entrance fees and schedule of events.
More info: Hunterdon County 4-H Agricultural Fair or call 908-782-6809


FestivalsLong Branch Jazz & Blues Festival

Where: The Great Lawn, Cooper Avenue, Long Branch
When: August 27 from 12 noon to 9:45 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Six bands will hit the stage and vendors of both exotic and regional food will be on hand during this rain or shine event. Featured performers include Jan Findlay, Audrey Silver Quartet and Trudy Lynn Blues Review. No coolers are permitted, but you may bring your own lawn chairs.
More info: Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival or call 732-933-1984


Hero (Top) Feature Image courtesy: ellenmck/Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
State Fair Meadowlands
Jersey Shore Greek Festival
Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority
Facebook/Bradley Beach LobsterFest
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
Monmouth Park Racetrack
russiandoll64/Adobe Stock
Terhune Orchards
Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce
Corina Isabel Necesito/Adobe Stock
Facebook/NJ Bacon Fest
Terhune Orchards
Facebook/Belmar New Jersey
Black Potatoe Music Festival
Downtown Toms River
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Burlington County Farm Fair
Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation
Manasquan Fireman’s Fair
Monmouth County Park System
QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Terhune Orchards
Facebook/Middlesex County Fair
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Christin Lola/Adobe Stock
Camden Children’s Garden
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
Facebook/Atlantic City Airshow
Facebook/Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair
Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation

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