It’s back to school this week, and while that means summer is (un)officially over, there’s still plenty of family fun this weekend. Feast on Italian specialties, watch live entertainment, and hop on rides at the Hoboken Italian Festival in Hoboken, celebrate New Year’s all over again with the Mummer’s Parade at New Year’s in North Wildwood, or join in face painting, a petting zoo, and pony rides at the 46th Annual Cranbury Day in Cranbury. Want more fun and FREE activities? Check out our guide to everything FREE this month. (featured photo credit: Jamie McLaughlin/TheWildWoodsNJ),
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
2024 Giants Fan Fest
September 6 at 5 PM
Who’s ready for some football? If you have a NY Giants fan in the family, head to this event where you can enjoy players, on-stage legend panels, and a drone light and fireworks show.
Cost: Free, 4 ticket limit per person.
Metlife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
The Hoboken Italian Festival
September 6-8
Looking for a fun way to spend the weekend? Look no further than the Annual Hoboken Italian Festival. There will be delicious food, live entertainment, rides, and the Sunday “feast” day, where the statue of the Madonna Dei Martiri is carried through the town streets.
Cost: Free to enter
332 Adams Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
New Year’s in North Wildwood
September 6-7
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mummers from Philadephia’s 2024 New Year’s Day Parade for a memorable day. Over a dozen String Bands will be featured as the Mummers Parade steps off at 3 PM at Olde New Jersey Ave, beginning at 2nd Street and concluding at Spruce Ave. The string bands will be performing, and you will have the chance to get up close and personal views of the gorgeous costumes and vibrant colors.
Cost: Free
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
53rd Annual Wood Street Fair
September 7
This is an annual event that should be on your weekend calendar. There will be fun things to do, including 175 crafters, food, music, art, and more.
Cost: Free
Wood Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
Brielle Day
September 7
Enjoy great entertainment, fire truck rides, music, a craft fair, a beer garden, and delicious food.
Cost: Free
Brielle Park, 658 Union Ln, Brielle, NJ 08730
Insect Festival
September 7 at 11 AM
Have a little one who loves insects? Head to Mercer Educational Gardens to see insects up close, go on an insect hunt, enjoy storytime, and more.
Cost: Free
Mercer Educational Gardens, 431 Federal City Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
Somers Point Good Old Days Festival
September 7 at 11 AM
September has some of the best weather in our state, and what better way to spend it than in the park with the fam? This festival is fun for everyone, with inflatables, games, live music, and more.
Cost: Free
JFK Park, 24 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 08244
46th Annual Cranbury Day
September 7 at 9 AM
Come celebrate the town of Cranbury with this street fair featuring food trucks, vendors, and fun for the kids, including face painting, a petting zoo, and pony rides.
Cost: Free
North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512
Sailfest
September 7 at 10 AM
Are you or someone in your family interested in sailing? Then you’re in luck. New Jersey’s largest sailing festival is this weekend, with music, vendors, raffles, sailboat races, and more.
Cost: Free
River Avenue, Island Heights, NJ 08732
Union County Celtic Festival
September 7
This festival celebrates the spirit of the Celtic nations with entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, dancing, and more.
Cost: Free
Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road, Clark, NJ 07066
9th Annual NJ Taco Festival
September 7 at 10 AM
Who doesn’t love tacos? At this event, over 40 taco trucks will serve everything from traditional carne asada to fusion creations.
Cost: Ticket prices vary; kids under 10 are free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Back to School
September 7 at 10 AM
During this interactive program, school-age kids can attend a one-room school just like kids in history did. The lessons include doing before—and after-school farm chores, playing games during recess, and learning different subjects.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Ocean Grove Fall Flea Market
September 7 at 9 AM
What better way to spend the day outdoors than down the shore? This event features tons of vendors selling everything from vintage and antique to handmade and new.
Cost: Free
Ocean Pathway, 40 Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church 3rd Annual Community Fair
September 7 at 1 PM
Come one, come all, to this second annual community fair. There will be free food, games for the whole family, and a big giveaway. Please bring nonperishable food items to donate. The rain date is September 14.
Cost: Free
143 North Bergen Mills Road, Monroe, NJ 08831
Tractors, Trucks & Big Stuff
September 8 at 8 AM
Littles who love trucks will be in awe of the tractors, trucks, and fire trucks on display. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site, and the shops will be open.
Cost: Free
933 Monmouth County Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
2024 Beach Plum Festival
September 8 at 9 AM
This annual family festival is one you won’t want to miss. Featuring over 100 vendors, there will be games, exhibits, food, and Beach Plum Jelly.
Cost: Free
Ocean Beach Bathing Area 1, Island Beach State Park, 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
New Milford 2024 Fishing Derby
September 8 at 8 AM
Bring the entire family and let the kids go fishing. They will each have the chance to win prizes. There will also be games, music, food, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Handcastle Pond, New Milford, NJ 07646
Highland Park Arts in the Park
September 8 at 11:30 AM
Spend the day perusing art on display and stroll downtown while you take it all in. There will also be live music, entertainment, food, children’s activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Main Street Highland Park, 212 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Ongoing Event
Swim Clinic at First Star Swim School – Eatontown
Fridays starting September 13 at 5:30 PM
Starting September 13th, our program is designed to help swimmers focus on stroke technique, build endurance, and improve starts and turns. Learn about distance and stroke counting, and understand the rules and regulations for competitive swimming—all in a supportive team atmosphere. This is 8 weeks of swimming and pre-registration is required to secure a spot in this program.
Cost: $259 per student
1 Corbett Way #2, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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