We found more than 70 events and activities to keep everyone in your crew happy and entertained this weekend. Then, in the coming week, meet your local police officers during National Night Outon August 6, and climb all the way to the top on August 7 during National Lighthouse Day.
WEEKEND
Party Like A Sponge
Nickelodeon Universe, American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Friday
The party celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary. Stop at the giant Pineapple Under the Sea display for the perfect photo op, get a temporary tattoo, go jelly-fishing, look for special guest appearances and surprise dance parties, trivia contests, prizes, a silent disco and more. Catch a performance by the voice of SpongeBob, Tom Kenny, and his band, The Hi-Seas on Friday.
Pyrotoxic Fire Show
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Thursday – Friday
This free fire effects show takes place on the Pier Stage.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
1350 Strykers Rd., Phillipsburg
Thursday – Saturday
After watching the hot air balloons launch you can head to the Demolition Derby and Rafter Z Rodeo. Traditions include an arts expo, kids’ corral, 4-H shows, free concerts by local bands, the garden tractor pull and a beer garden.
Clamfest
Huddy Park, Highlands
Thursday – Saturday
Aside from the food trucks, festival favorites include the Lions Club Funnel Cakes; the Beer, Wine and Sangria Garden; games of chance; children’s activities sponsored by the Highlands Recreation Department; and specialty vendors. Musical acts include Soul Seduction on Thursday; Johnny 5 is Alive Band on Friday; and The Wallnutz, The Jonzes and the Sensational Soul Cruisers on Saturday, followed by fireworks.
Dino Fest
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Thursday – Sunday
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. This is the final weekend of the festival.
Fencing Across America
American Dream, East Rutherford
The Boardwalk at Ocean Resort, Atlantic City
Thursday – Sunday
USA Fencing, the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States, will host an interactive fan interaction during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Watch fencing demos, and possibly get the opportunity to fence against Olympic and Paralympic legends.
Sesame Street Philadelphia Birthday Celebration
Sesame Street Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Thursday – Sunday
During the park’s 44th birthday week, highlights of the party include a Birthday Bash Dine, character meet-and-greets, a birthday dance party and a balloon scavenger hunt.
Wizard of Oz
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Thursday – Sunday
The stage play is appropriate for kids ages 3-10.
Monster Jam
Prudential Center, Newark
Friday – Saturday
A series of 12,000-pound monster trucks will roll in this weekend, with their world-champion drivers ready to show off tricks of speed and skill.
Just Peachy Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Take a pony ride around the pasture. Games include barnyard tractors, Little Tikes Farm Store, Junior Mechanics Shop, rubber duck races, and a scavenger hunt. Eyes of the Wild traveling zoo and NJ Bubble Parties will have shows each day. Get some snacks from Pam Mount’s Everything Peachy Food Tent or Barn Door Cafe for when you sit down for live music. There’s Just Peachy wine and a peachy slush on the menu.
Battle at the Beach Mixed Martial Arts Tournament
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
The Battle at the Beach Grappling & BJJ Championship includes both no-gi and gi (BJJ) divisions. Saturday will feature children ages 13 years old and under, competing to win the all-new kids championship belts in each division: novice, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Sunday will feature teens ages 14 to 17 and adults competing in various divisions for the championship titles.
The Little Mermaid Jr.
Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River
Friday – Sunday
Choose from different showtimes to watch the Disney classic performed live on stage. Saturday night’s show will include an ASL interpreter.
Peach Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Saturday – Sunday
The annual festival is known for its peach-themed treats, live entertainment, activities, summer sidewalk sales, kids’ activities, food and giant sand sculptures.
FRIDAY
Anime Night
Yestercades, Metuchen
Yestercades partnered with Anime NYC convention to host the official meet-ups. Dress up in your Instagram-worthy cosplays. There will be music and arcade games.
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, indulge in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
Summer Bash
Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
he luau-themed swim party includes music, games, crafts and snacks.
SATURDAY
EB Indie Film Festival
Community Arts Center, East Brunswick
Watch 14 different short films made by new filmmakers. You can choose to watch narrative films, documentaries, animations and more.
Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.
Peach Festival
Community Presbyterian Church, Chester
There will be handmade peach ice cream, peach pies, fresh local peaches for sale, a rummage sale, and a 50/50 drawing.
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.
Morey’s Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament
Beach by Morey’s PigDog Beach Bar, Wildwood
Beach Wrestling combines several wrestling disciplines, including Sumo, into a 16-foot diameter ring placed directly on the sand. Anyone 7 and up can participate in tournament on the sand.
Honey Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Look inside the honey bee boxes and meet the worker. Help uncap and extract this year’s crop of clover honey from the combs, then have a taste and bottle some to take home. Kids will work on a beeswax medallion craft.
World Series of Arm Wrestling
The Yard at Bally’s, Atlantic City
Competitors from across the country will come together to test their strength, speed and agility.
Fort Lee Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be vendors, outdoor games, live music and seasonal surprises.
Summer Bash
Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
he luau-themed swim party includes music, games, crafts and snacks.
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Open to the whole family, there will be live music, games, kids’ activities, international foods and beer.
SUNDAY
Life Rolls On
Baker Avenue, Wildwood
World champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer created a free event thatgets people living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities into the ocean and riding waves with the help of volunteers and special adaptive surfboards.
Sad Summer Festival
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park
The fifth anniversary of this concert, presented by Journeys and Converse, has a lineup of Mayday Parade, The Maine, The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, The Summer Set, Hot Milk, Diva Bleach, Daisy Grenade and Like Roses. If you can’t make it today, the tour will come to Philly on August 8.
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.
Back to School Warehouse Clothing Sale
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
August 1-10
We know it’s hard to think about school already, but if you’re shopping for a bargain and you’re down the Shore, you can save up to 80% on tees, hoodies, jeans, shorts, swimwear, footwear, pants, sweaters, dresses, skirts, outerwear, accessories and more.
Waterpark After Dark
Mountain Creek, Vernon Twp.
Fridays, August 2 and 9
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.
August 2-10
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta
Unique events at the fair include a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, monster truck show, bike stunt show, truck pull and tractor pull. Family entertainment include 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.
Raritan River in Hunterdon County
Saturdays, August 3 and 10
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.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
August 3-4, 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.
Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
Saturdays, August 3 and 31, September 7
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.
Master Gardener Butterfly House Grand Opening
EARTH Center, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Saturdays and Sundays, August 3-31
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.
Farm-to-Table Peach Breakfast
Alstede Farms, Chester
Sundays, August 4 and 11
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.
Middlesex County Fair
August 5-11
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
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.
Somerset County 4-H Fair
North Branch Park, Bridgewater
August 7-9
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.
Sunflower Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
Weekends, through August 11
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.
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.”
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.
Get the latest on thebest things to do with your family in and around New Jersey bysigning up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, FacebookandInstagram!
Read More:
It’s Festival Season! Here Are The Best Fests in New Jersey This Summer
Here’s How to Visit 6 Jersey Shore Towns Like a Local
