It’s the first weekend in August (how’d that happen?) and we’re soaking up everything summer at a bunch of kid-friendly things this weekend. Enjoy a demolition derby, monster truck show, and kid activities at the Sussex County Fair in Augusta, watch fireworks light up the sky at Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood, or celebrate the wonders of butterflies at the Watershed Butterfly Festival in Pennington. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/Roberto Galan)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 1 at 10 PM
Is there a better way to end a fun-filled week of summer in Wildwood than with free fireworks? Every Friday night, watch a spectacular display explode to a musical score played along the Boardwalk. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Sunset Sips & Sounds
August 1
Unwind from a busy week at this fun event for the whole family. Adults can grab a glass of wine while the kids listen to live music and snack on the delicious food available for purchase.
Cost: Free admission
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 1-2
It’s the 87th annual Warren County Farmer’s Fair and the 25th annual Warren County Balloon Festival, with mass balloon launches, a Kids Corral, Vintage Antique Tractor Pulls, and musical entertainment.
Cost: General admission is $5-$10; children 5 years old and under are admitted free of charge.
Warren County Farmers’ Fairgrounds, 1350 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Winfield Park Carnival
August 1-2
Who’s ready for some games, rides, ribs, clams, and more? Make memories with the fam while supporting the volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Squad.
Cost: Free
Winfield Park, Corner of Seafoam and North Stiles Street, Winfield, NJ 07036
30th Annual Clamfest
August 1-3
Celebrate summer at this annual festival, featuring live music, a stunning fireworks display, funnel cakes, food trucks, and a fun beer, wine, and sangria garden for the adults.
Cost: Free
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Avenue #325, Highlands, NJ 07732
Sussex County Fair
August 1-3
This county fair features a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, and monster truck show. Bring the kids to the Family Area with Hot Dog Pig Races, a magic show, and a juggling show. There will also be food, an agricultural area, a horse show, carnival rides, and exhibits.
Cost: Parking is free, adults $15, veterans/active military $7, children (6-12) $5, seniors 60+ $10, online advance ticket sales are available
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Peach Festival
August 2 at 9 AM
Peaches are a staple during the summer, and this is a great place to celebrate the delicious fruit. This festival includes peach pies and homemade peach ice cream, books, children’s toys, a white elephant exchange, and lots more fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Community Presbyterian Church, 220 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 2
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances start at the beachfront and include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
34th Annual Sea Girt 5K
August 2 at 8:30 AM, Kids Races begin at 10 AM
Get moving with the entire family and join the Sea Girt 5 K Run. You can run or walk in the 5K, and kids’ races are also available. The race course will also have fun kids’ activities and live music. Register in advance or on-site.
Cost: $35 per adult and $15 per child
810 The Plaza, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
Olde Freehold Day
August 2 at 11 AM
Head out and enjoy the summer sun at this event, a great way to come together as a community with the entire family. Enjoy live music, delicious food, a fun dunk tank, children’s activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Lake Topanemus, 251 Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Watershed Butterfly Festival
August 2 at 9:30 AM
This is the 25th year of this fantastic festival that explores and celebrates the wonders of nature. The day includes educational hands-on exhibits, food and drinks, butterfly wings for sale, and animal exhibits.
Cost: $10 per person or $25 per carload (up to 6 people)
The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
August 2-3 at 5:30 PM
Bring the whole family and enjoy amazing music, yoga, food trucks, and more at the Red Mill. Make sure you stop by the kids’ activities while you are there.
Cost: $44.52 per person; kids 12 and under are free
Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Just Peachy Festival
August 2-3 at 10 AM
Enjoy live music, an interactive bubble show, a special craft activity, a traveling zoo, and more. There will be pony rides, games, barnyard tractors, rubber duck races, and even a scavenger hunt. Don’t miss the freshly baked, old-fashioned peach cobblers or pies.
Cost: $15 online and $18 at the gate; children under 3 are free
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Arts, Crafts & Vintage Fair
August 3 at 10 AM
This event is a fundraiser for the Clifton Recreation Department and will feature a vintage area showcasing antiques, collectibles, decor, and more, along with an arts and crafts area featuring makers. There will also be live music and food trucks, so make sure you bring your appetite.
Cost: Free
936 Allwood Rd. & Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
Movies on the Beach
August 3 at 8:30 PM
Enjoy free movies every Sunday near Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights. This week is all about Inside Out 2.
Cost: Free
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
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