Summer in the Garden State equals sandy beaches, backyard barbecues and fun in the sun. From fireworks celebrations for the Fourth of July to surf and turf at the racetrack, there are so many fabulous events the whole family can enjoy this month. Check out our list of the best festivals happening in New Jersey this July.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best July Festivals near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
The Best July Festivals in New Jersey
North Jersey
Sunflower Festival
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
When: July 13 & 14 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: $8.99 pick-your-own admission or $19.99 pick-your-own plus children’s activities
Details: Celebrate the beauty of the majestic sunflower at the all new Sunflower Festival. Journey through a sunflower maze, play in the corn kingdom and capture that perfect sunflower photo. Plus enjoy all the usual delights Alstede Farms has to offer, like farm animals, wine tastings from Tomasello Winery, wagon rides and more.
More info: Visit the website or call 908-879-7189.
White Meadow Lake Festival Days
Where: White Meadow Lake Country Club, 100 White Meadow Road, Rockaway
When: July 19-21 at various times
Price: Free admission, $30 for all-day ride wristbands
Details: For over 40 years people have been making magical summer memories at the White Meadow Lake Festival Days. A parade and float contest, carnival rides, 5K race, volleyball and sand castle contests, fireworks, vendors, delicious food…you name it, they have it! See website for full schedule of events.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-627-5300.
6th Annual Food Truck Seafood Festival
Where: Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford
When: July 27 at 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Taste the freshest local seafood while watching the eliminations for the Hambletonian Oaks. On hand will be All Surf No Turf, Star of the Sea Seafood, Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats and more. New this year is the Meadowlands Racetrack Chowder Cookoff for a $500 prize. See website for entry form and details.
More info: Visit the website or call 201-843-2446.
Central Jersey
The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Where: Solberg Airport, 39 Thor Solberg Road, Whitehouse Station
When: July 26-28 at various times
Price: $35 for adults, $15 for children, free for kids 3 & under
Details: This can’t-miss event is a New Jersey favorite! Witness spectacular hot air balloons on display and enjoy live music, magic shows, rides and family entertainment. Discount tickets are available if purchased online prior to the festival.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-882-5464.
Summer Fest
Where: Rutgers Gardens, 140 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick
When: July 27 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Want to learn more about gardening in the Garden State? Celebrate summer at Rutgers Gardens with an afternoon full of free tours, classes, activities and demonstrations. Children and adults are welcome.
More info: Visit the website or call 732-932-8451.
Black Potatoe Music Festival
Where: The Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton
When: July 11-14 at various times
Price: $25 per day pass or $80 for four-day pass
Details: You won’t want to miss the 23rd annual Black Potatoe Music Festival, because sadly, it will be the last. Four days of independent musical acts like The Matt Angus Thing, Nalani & Sarina, Gregg Cagno and more will knock your socks off.
More info: Visit the website or call 908-528-1810.
Jersey Shore
Oceanfest at Long Branch
Where: 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch
When: July 4 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: The biggest Independence Day celebration in New Jersey is back for its 29th year. Over 250,000 people will gather for music, food, crafts and other fun activities. Stroll the beach to see sand sculptures and enjoy the ocean breeze, and don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display at 9:00 pm!
More info: Visit the website or call 732-222-0400.
Independence Day Celebration
Where: Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 U.S. 9, Cape May
When: July 6-7 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Price: $14 for adults, $12 for kids 3-12, free for kids under 3
Details: Celebrate our nation’s independence with a variety of patriotic activities for the whole family. Historic flags will be on display as you learn “The Story of Old Glory” or check out live music and stroll the grounds. Restored historic buildings will be open for tours and demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-898-2300.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival
Where: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Mt. Carmel Lane, Hammonton
When: July 10-16 at various times
Price: Free admission
Details: Carnival rides, live music, a beer garden, food and fireworks are some of the highlights at the longest-running Italian festival in the country. Purchase $25 wristbands on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights for unlimited access to rides. Live entertainment is featured nightly on the main stage and in the beer garden.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-561-4818.
New Jersey State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
Where: 201 New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
When: July 12 from 4:00 to 11:00 pm, July 13 from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm and July 14 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Live cooking classes and demonstrations, plus a championship barbecue competition are on deck for this mouth-watering festival. Check out national and regional blues musicians performing at the Anglesea Blues Festival, held in conjunction with the Barbecue Championship. Live bands are featured on the main stage outdoors, as well as in neighborhood clubs and bars.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-523-6565.
Surf & Turf Seafood Fest
Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
When: July 13 & 14 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: $5 for adults, free for children 12 & under
Details: Bring the kids along for Family Fun Day at Monmouth Park, featuring pony rides, face painting and a bouncy house. The Seafood Festival showcases dozens of local food vendors offering delicious specialties, such as Carnivale Donut Bar, Sherri’s Crab Cakes and Station One Seafood.
More info: Visit the website or call 732-747-4449.
Peach Party
Where: 209 Vine Street, Hammonton
When: July 27 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Head to downtown Hammonton for the sixth annual Peach Party. You’ll find lots of yummy peach-inspired foods, just peachy activities, the Peach Fuzz Baby contest and fun activities for the whole family.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-567-9014.
South Jersey
Freedom Festival
Where: Wiggins Park Marina, Riverside Drive, Camden
When: July 4 from 5:00 to 10:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Music from various artists including Boz Scaggs make this a rockin’ good time with food, vendors and a Tonewood Brewing beer garden. The Wawa Welcome America fireworks show begins at 9:30 pm on the Camden Waterfront to cap off a great evening.
More info: Visit the website or call 856-541-7222.
Blueberry Festival
Where: Mood’s Farm Market, 901 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill
When: July 13 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: Free admission
Details: Like blueberries? Then you’ll want to head over to the annual Blueberry Festival at Mood’s Farm Market. Enter your best recipe in the Blueberry Dessert Competition or relax and enjoy live music from the Jazztones and The One Way Express. Kids will enjoy face-painting and picking blueberries. Food, including burgers, hot dogs, blueberry donuts, blueberry milkshakes and more, is available for purchase.
More info: Visit the website or call 856-478-2500.
Gloucester County 4-H Fair
Where: 4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill
When: July 25-28 at various times
Price: $10 donation per carload
Details: Check out 4-H exhibits and projects, as well as livestock demonstrations and competitions. Rides, games, music, parades, crafts, food and a nightly barbecue with local produce and delicious desserts are all on hand at the annual 4-H Fair.
More info: Visit the website or call 856-307-6450.
Looking for year-round listings of more great activities? Check out our roundup of New Jersey’s Best Fairs & Festivals.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Kalim / Adobe Stock
Additional Images:
Quik Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning / Website
Ike’s Famous Crab Cakes / Facebook
Camden Waterfront / Facebook
