It’s the last blast of summer, and before we get into the back-to-school groove, we’re celebrating with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy games, rides, food, and a Labor Day parade at the Annual Labor Day Carnival in Mendham, explore historic aircraft, food trucks, vendors, and a beer and wine garden at Airfest 2024 in Cape May, or check out antique cars and live music at the Car Show & Food Truck Festival in Glassboro. Heading to the Shore for a last hurrah? Get your beach badges and find the places to sink your toes in the sand with our Jersey Shore guide. (featured photo credit: iStock/Jodi Jacobson)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Back to School Event
Weekdays August 26-30 & September 9-13 or Saturdays September 7, 14, 21, and 28
Kick off the school year with confidence! Join us at Sylvan Learning of Park Ridge-Montvale for an exclusive FREE Back-to-School Assessment Event! As your local experts in tutoring and college test prep, we’re excited to offer a limited number of complimentary Reading or Math diagnostic assessments—valued at $49—for students in grades K-8. Our STAR assessment is trusted nationwide and widely used by New Jersey districts to gauge students’ skills and placement. If any areas of improvement are identified, we’ve got personalized programs ready to help your child succeed. With only 2 FREE spots available each day, don’t wait—call now to reserve your spot and set your child on the path to academic success!
Cost: Free
Sylvan Learning Center, 184 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Airfest 2024
August 30-September 1
This is a fun event that everyone in the family will love. Your little ones can explore the historic aircraft up close, and everyone can enjoy food trucks and vendors. There’s even a beer and wine garden for mom and dad.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
St. Bartholomew Italian Festival
August 30-September 2
Held annually since 1974, this is a great way to spend Labor Day weekend with the family. Enjoy live music, rides, games, delicious food, and a 50/50.
Cost: Free
St. Bartholomew Church, 2032 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Annual Labor Day Carnival and Parade
August 30-September 2 at 6 PM
This three-day carnival is an annual tradition and an event to remember. There will be games, rides, food, and a Labor Day Parade on Monday morning.
Cost: Free
Pastime Club Inc, 3 Hilltop Road #1, Medham Borough, NJ 07945
109th Saint Joseph Feast
August 30-September 2
Who’s ready for food, rides, games, and more at the Saint Joseph Feast? Gather up the family and celebrate the end of summer all weekend long.
Cost: Free
40 Spring Street, Lodi, NJ 07644
Boonton Fire Department Carnival
August 30-September 1
There’s still time to hop on carnival rides and relish all the summer fun before the school year begins. There will be exciting rides, delicious food, games, prizes, and more.
Cost: $35 per person online and $40 per person at the gate
Boonton High School, 306 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
August 30-September 1
This festival has been held on Labor Day weekend since 1972, and the tradition continues this year. Bring the whole crew and enjoy Bluegrass music, vendors, and other fun.
Cost: Ticket prices vary; children 17 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
Salem County Fair Association, 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 30 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 30
There’s no better way to unwind from a busy week than 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
Broadway Meets The Beach
August 30 at 6:30 PM
If you or someone in your family loves Broadway and musicals, then head to the beach, where there will be live performances on the Franklin Avenue Stage. Look out for free prizes and surprise guests.
Cost: Free
Franklin Avenue Stage, Seaside Heights, NJ08751
Aquarium Beach Bingo
August 30 at 7 PM
Bring the fam and enjoy a night of bingo on the beach. Instead of using numbers, this bingo uses beach items. Come sit under the palm trees and win prizes.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival
August 30 at 5 PM
This 18th annual event is for all the car enthusiasts in the fam. Come out to the festival and enjoy over 300 vehicles, live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, 1 West High Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair
August 30-31 at 6 PM
Enjoy Labor Day weekend at this fun and exciting fair, perfect for the whole family. From carnival rides and games to a seafood dining tent and fire truck rides, you’ll find plenty to do for your crew.
Cost: Free
Fair Haven Fire Department, River Road and Battin Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 31
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances are displayed from the beachfront and include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Fall Flower Festival & Craft Market
August 31-September 1
Enjoy two days of fun with the family, from free lectures and tours to plants and vendors. The event will also feature delicious coffee and food.
Cost: Free
Well-Sweep Herb Farm, 205 Mount Bethel Rd, Port Murray, NJ 07865
Clifton Food Truck, Art, and Music Festival
September 1 at 11 AM
Spend a day in the sun and time with the entire family, eating delicious food, listening to music, and crafting vendors.
Cost: Free
Clifton Municipal Complex, 900 Clifton Ave Clifton, NJ 07013
End of Summer Block Party
September 1 at 1 PM
Say so long to summer at this annual event featuring music, crafts, food, and much more. There’s also a great lineup of live music throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Fox Park, 4500 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
September 2 at 10 AM
Spend Labor Day enjoying a giant block party that spans the Newark Pompton Turnpike. With rides, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and more, this event is one for the books.
Cost: Free
83 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457
32nd Annual 5K Labor Day Race & 1.5 Mile Family Fitness Walk
September 2 at 11:30 AM
Looking for a way to get moving with the whole family? Everyone can compete no matter what level of running or walking they can do and run along the parade route before the Labor Day parade begins. Then, once you are done with the race, stay for the fun parade.
Cost: $20 for the 5K & $5 for the fitness walk
South Plainfield Middle School, 2201 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
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