August is just getting started, and we’re here for it, with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend to keep the fun going. Enjoy yummy authentic Italian food and check out the carnival rides, raffles, food-eating, and contests at the 49th Annual Ocean Italian Festival in Oakhurst, watch trucks backflip and race at Monster Jam in Newark, or take in the beauty of sunflower season at the Sunflower Festival at VonThun Farms. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/JoeChristensen)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit
August 9
Get ready—Gotham FC takes on the Washington Spirit in a special Rivalry Weekend match on Saturday, August 9, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. The highly anticipated game falls on the one-year anniversary of the launch of Keep Her in the Game, a research-backed initiative created by Gotham FC to address the disproportionate rate at which adolescent girls opt out of sports. To mark the occasion, podcaster Kylie Kelce will take part in a pregame ceremony and coin toss. Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara will light the ceremonial pregame torch, joined by youth wrestler Honor Smoke as torch bearer. Families and fans can arrive early for a Fan Fest presented by CarMax, beginning at 10:30 AM, which will offer fun, hands-on activities for all ages, like bouquet-making, giveaways, photo opportunities, and the debut of Dove’s Confidence Wall. Tickets are available at this link, with a special 20% ticket discount for readers of NJMom for the August 9 match.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Sports Illustrated Stadium, 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 8 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
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 6-8
The 4-H Fair is back for three days of family fun, including hands-on activities, food, live music, and exhibits for the whole family. Kids will have a ball watching a magic show, meeting animals up close, and participating in craft activities.
Cost: Free parking and admission
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Salem County Fair
August 8
This old-fashioned country fair will feature livestock shows, events, and a large farm machinery display. Savor the delicious BBQ dinner offered nightly or try some of the other food vendors. Kids will love the tractor and truck pulls, too.
Cost: No admission fee, parking $20 per vehicle for all four days
Salem County Fairgrounds – 735 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 8-9
It’s not a fair without a car show, baby parade, pet parade, and pie-eating contest. Bring the whole family to see animals, listen to live music, and participate in hands-on crafts and activities.
Cost: Free admission, $4 for parking
3210 Route 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
Middlesex County Fair
August 8-10
The Middlesex County Fair is a popular stop for summer family fun, where you can explore the county’s rich agricultural heritage, learn a new craft, sample some fair food, and have fun on the rides.
Cost: $10 for adults, $4 for seniors and children between the ages of 3 -10, and free for children under 2.
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
49th Annual Ocean Italian Festival
August 8-10
The annual Ocean Township Italian-American Festival celebrates Italian heritage and culture. Enjoy yummy authentic Italian food and check out the carnival rides, raffles, food-eating contests, and more. This beloved festival is celebrating its 49th anniversary.
Cost: Free
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Monster Jam
August 8-10
Where else can you see 12,000-pound monster trucks backflip and race at the hands of trained world-class athletes? If thrills and awe-inspiring trucks get your kid revved up, then the family-friendly Monster Jam® will be the event you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 9 at 2 PM
This annual outdoor festival will include live music, dance instruction, an Arts Market, craft vendors, face painting, and free arts and crafts activities.
Cost: Free
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Second Saturday in Collingswood
August 9 at 4 PM
The Second Saturday event began when a collection of store owners came together to promote the arts in Collingswood. Once a month, visitors can plan a night on the town to experience arts, music, shopping, and dining in Collingswood. Don’t miss the local artists and musicians on each block.
Cost: Free
Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
Summer Splash Day
August 9 at 12 PM
Beat the heat and get ready to spend the day in the water. There will be water slides, bounce houses, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and more.
Cost: $5 for kids & up, kids under 3 are free
Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Saltwater Day
August 9 at 2 PM
Gather your crew and head to this event where you’ll find bands, vendors, rides, a fireworks show, and a beer garden for the adults. Rain date is August 10.
Cost: Free
Laurence Harbor Beach Front, 1729 NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879
Movies in the Park
August 9 at 8:30 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars with the family. This event will feature Moana 2.
Cost: Free
Carteret Park, Carter Avenue & Cypress Street, Carteret, NJ 07008
Assumption Festival
August 9 at 6 PM
Round up the family and spend the night enjoying games, rides, delicious food, and beverages. And don’t miss the gorgeous fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Arbolino Park, 41-93 Koclas Drive, Landing, NJ 07850
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
August 9-10 at various times
Head to Historic Walnford and see the 19th-century gristmill in action. Each demonstration will last about 15 minutes, and while you’re there, take a walk around the historic site.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms
August 9-10 at 10 AM
Sunflower season is here, and the Von Thun Farms Sunflower Festival is a seasonal highlight. The festival will feature food trucks, beer and wine for adults, live music, the Sunflower Trail, hayrides, farm animals, and an Activity Area for the kids.
Cost: $19.99 online or $21.99 in person
Von Thun Farms, 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
42nd Annual Jazz Fest
August 10 at 12 PM
Have someone in the fam who loves jazz? Head to the 42nd annual event, where you can spend the day listening to beautiful music. Bring your lawn chairs and don’t miss the fireworks at the end of the night.
Cost: Free
Millcreek Park, 300 Beverly Rancocas Road & Pagent Lane, Willingboro, NJ 08046
Cars & Concerts
August 10 at 4 PM
There’s so much to do at this fun event that everyone in your crew will enjoy. You will find live music, delicious food, and more while you walk around and check out all the vintage and historic cars.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas Field of Dreams, 1505 N. Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
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