Labor Day weekend is here, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to stop. You can still knock a few more activities off of your summer bucket list before the summer comes to an (unofficial) close. Spin yourself silly on the rides at the Fireman’s Carnival and Parade in Boonton, see fighting planes in action and listen to live music at the 25th Annual Airfest in Cape May, or eat zeppoles and hear an authentic accordion play at The Feast of St. Joseph in Lodi. Get ready to finish the summer on a high note.
Featured Photo Credit: @nas_wildwood
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Dino Safari: A Drive-Thru Adventure
Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM-9 PM
Grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a drive-thru dino adventure for the whole family! Get up-close-and-personal with fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa. At the same time, you learn how dinosaurs evolved, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. Beware: Along the journey, earthquakes might erupt, dinosaurs could battle, and your family might have to help save a baby dinosaur’s life. So, buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime in this completely COVID-safe experience!
Cost: $49.95 regular vehicle and $59.95 for large-capacity vehicles. Use code NJMALL10 for $10 off Dino Safari!
Freehold: Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Paramus: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(855) 372-3274
Boonton’s Fireman’s Carnival and Parade
September 2-5
Rides, live music on Thursday through Sunday with a Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Parade on Saturday. The rain date for the parade will be September 6.
Cost: $30 for a wristband, one price pays for all of the rides
Boonton High School – 306 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005
25th Annual Airfest 2021
September 3 from 10 AM-5 PM
Head to shore for the weekend to see a Blackhawk Lifesaving Demo, Coast Guard Helicopter, an F-22 and P-51 Heritage Flight, and so much more. There will also be live music, food, exhibitors, vendors, classic cars, and free face painting. The schedule is subject to change.
Cost: $16 adults, $12 children 2-12, and under 2 free
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum – 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 886-8787
Glassboro Car Show and Food Truck
September 3 from 5 PM-9 PM
Check out the cool vintage cars, roadsters, and sports rides at this annual event. There will be a display of over 300 vehicles with live music, food trucks, and vendors.
Cost: Free to the public, $20 to show a vehicle
1 High Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028
St. Bartholomew and Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO
September 3-6
Mangia—eat Italian specialties, hop on the rides, and celebrate all things Italian at this annual festival, now in its 47th year. Enjoy live music, rides, games, and of course food and drinks.
Cost: Free
2032 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
(908) 322-5192
The Feast of St. Joseph of Lodi
September 3-6
Experience a slice of Italy at this 106th annual feast. Kids can feast on lots of zeppoles, pizza, and other Italian specialties and have fun on the rides and games. Don’t miss the accordion player making the rounds and nightly live music.
Cost: Free
40 Spring Street, Lodi, NJ 07644
saintjosephsocietylodinj@yahoo.com
Salute to Summer Festival
September 4 from 9 AM-4 PM
West Cape May is hosting a Salute to Summer Festival (formerly known as the Tomato Festival) to celebrate the end of the summer season with a patriotic-themed festival. Proceeds benefit the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission in their plan to protect and improve the tree canopy of West Cape May.
Cost: Free
Borough’s Backyard Park, 732 Broadway in West Cape May (behind the Fire House)
(609) 884-1005
Free Canoes and Kayaks at Scotland Run Park
September 4 and 5 from 9 AM-3 PM
Spend the day on the water—-the whole family can paddle a canoe or hop in a kayak this weekend for free. First come, first serve, and all children 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. They provide life jackets and paddles, but you must print out a waiver and fill it out before your visit.
Cost: Free
980 E. Academy St., Clayton, NJ 08312
(856) 251-6710
Millville Wheels and Wings Air Show
September 4 and 5 from 9 AM-5 PM
See the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, DE Havilland Vampire, U.S. Army Golden Knights at the Millville Air Show. Plus, there will be military airpower, warbirds, static displays, food, and family fun. Bring your lawn chairs.
Cost: Parking is $5
1 Leddon Street, Millville, NJ 08332
(856) 327-2347
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
September 4 from 10 AM-4 PM and September 5 from 1 PM-3 PM
Come and tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
Cost: Free
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-0336
2021 Trenton Pork Roll Festival
September 4 from 10 AM-10 PM
It’s almost time to “meat” again for the annual Pork Roll Festival. Live music, outdoor games, and re-entry with a wristband all day. Beverages and creative pork roll dishes will be available to purchase, and don’t miss P-Roll, the festival mascot.
Cost: $5 General Admission
Trenton Social – 449 S. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
September 4 from 11 AM-3 PM
Discover how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s while you see what’s cooking on the woodstove at Longstreet Farm.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Hands-on History Cape May
September 4 and 5 from 11 AM-4 PM
Two days of family-friendly fun at Historic Cold Spring Village’s “Hand-on History.” Children will be given a passport to get stamped at the different buildings after completing an activity or take-home craft. Passports can be redeemed for a free treat.
Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for children, and free for under 3
Historic Cold Spring Village – 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 898-2300
Annual Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival
September 5
It’s the 15th Anniversary Celebration in Wildwood. Enjoy a family festival of crafts, games, rides, food, and free live entertainment at Fox Park (Ocean Avenue between Burk & Montgomery Avenues) in Wildwood from 1 PM to 10 PM.
Cost: Free
Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-2444
Big Joe Jersey Talent Show 2021 at Jenkinson’s
September 5 at 7 PM-8 PM
Every Sunday night through August 29, you can live out your America’s Got Talent dreams, show off your skills on stage, or observe others showcasing their talents. The Talent Show champion will be crowned on September 5, 2021. You can enter the Talent Show here.
Cost: Free
On the beach, by Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
September 6 from 10 AM-5 PM
Bring the whole crew out to see exhibitors, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, foods, and food trucks, and more. There will also be a “Kidz Traveling Shindig” in the school parking lot area dedicated to children with kiddie bounce rides, slides, and interactive blow-ups, face painters, sand art & kids games.
Cost: Free
120 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457
(201) 998-6311
Annual South Plainfield Labor Day
September 6
It’s the 62nd annual South Plainfield Labor Day parade, and the theme is “South Plainfield’s Heros,” celebrating those that give back to the community. Parade participants can win awards for Best Band, Best Entry, Best Antique Vehicle, Best Youth Entry, and more. There is no rain date for this event.
Cost: Free
Maple Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
sppubliccelebrations@gmail.com
Every Thursday at dark
Enjoy the sparkle, pop, and boom of the fireworks at Jenks. You can view them all along the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Makers + Shakers Pop Up Market
Every Thursday-Sunday from 11 AM – 6 PM through September 5
Kick-off the summer at this lively market where you can check out various local makers, artists, and designers selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry & accessories, beauty products, art, photography, home goods, and so much more. The kids can also enjoy rides on the Carousel, and don’t forget to visit the beach, restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
52 Centennial Drive, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
Dates and times vary depending on the program
Kids of all ages will love cooking up healthy treats in these virtual hands-on cooking classes (adult supervision required during class): Try Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen for kids 8-12, where they’ll learn to use a recipe, cook with nutritious ingredients, and utilize kitchen basics or try Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen, a Mommy and Me style class for 2-4-year-olds.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas, Virtual
(973) 926-7371
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