It’s the last weekend of August (how’d that happen?), and we’re holding onto summer with lots of things to do this weekend with the fam. Ride on the cow train, pick u-cut flowers, or take in the craft vendors at Ort Farms Summerfest in Long Valley, listen to the jazz tunes at the 2023 Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival in Long Branch, or enjoy delicious food at the Food Truck Festival in Sea Isle City. And for more ways to fill your bucket list this season, check out our guide to summer must-dos. (Featured Photo Credit: Ort Farms)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
August 23-27
This family-friendly event celebrates Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. You and your crew can check out the 4-H county fair farm activities, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious food.
Cost: Free, parking $15
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Brigantine Elks Bayfest Swim and Paddle Festival
August 25 at 5 PM
Choose between a mile swim, 16 & under 1/4 mile, mile paddle, or 16 & under 1/4 paddle at this annual event. Don’t want to participate? Bring the fam and watch the action.
Cost: Prices vary to enter
Brigantine Elks Lodge 2428, 400 West Shore Drive, Brigantine, NJ 08203
Marine Science Program
August 25 at 11 AM
Take a break from the sand—Miss Ocean is hosting the Borough of Wildwood Crest’s free marine science program. This is a great educational experience for the entire family.
Wildwood Crest, Rambler Road, and the beach
Sea Isle City Food Truck Weekend
August 25-26 at 12 PM
This two-day event will feature all different food trucks from around the region serving delicious food. There will also be live music, games, and activities for the entire family.
Cost: Free
63rd and Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Five Star Swim School Cherry Hill Open House
August 26 at 2 PM
This free and fun event is for both kids and families. You will have the chance to explore the facility, meet the staff, participate in free trial swim lessons, free open swim, and enjoy free snacks.
Cost: Free
5 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Book Nook’s Storytime Spectacular
August 26 at 10:30 AM
Enjoy time outside with your little ones and enjoy a morning of stories, bubbles, music, and more.
Cost: Free
Main Stage Van Neste Square Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
August 26 at 9 AM
Grab the entire fam and head to this street fair and craft show, where you can browse local vendors, listen to live music, enjoy delicious food, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westfield, NJ 221 South Ave West, Westfield, NJ 07090
E.A.R.T.H. Center: Garden, Arts, and Music Festival
August 26 at 11 AM
Looking for something to do with the fam? This day will be filled with live art displays, local musical acts, and activities everyone can enjoy. There will also be advice on horticulture and stewardship for anyone interested.
Cost: Free
Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, Riva Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Richland Vintage Toy Fest
August 26 at 8 AM
This annual event brings all kinds of vintage and retro items, including toys, records, comics, and antiques. There will also be baked goods, original creations, and a small car show to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Shoreline Vintage and Antiques, 1343 Route 40, Richland, NJ 08350
Family Fun-Day Fundraiser
August 26 at 3 PM
Live music, food trucks, corn hole, and inflatables will be at this family event, which is also a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish NJ.
Cost: Free
Albert Avenue Park, Off Albert Avenue, Milltown, NJ 08850
Manasquan Summerfest Celebration
August 26 at 10 AM
Round up the whole family and head to Manasquan to see unique crafters and artists, sample gourmet food, and enjoy a day out with the fam.
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 26 at 1 PM
The annual event has moved locations and changed names over the years, but it’s still the same live jazz and blues music. Crafters, vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and fireworks will round out the day of great music and fun.
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Food Truck and Fireworks Festival
August 26 at 4 PM
Pack your blankets and lawn chairs and head to the Food Truck and Fireworks Festival. This event features 20+ food trucks, music, inflatables for the kids, ponies, axe throwing, vendor booths, and more. There is sure to be something for everyone. An NJ Monster Truck will be onsite for rides.
Cost: $5 for ages 18+. Ages 17 and under free
Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Rd, Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Ort Farms Summerfest
August 26-27 at 10 AM
Visit the farm to celebrate the end of the summer with this annual event. This is the perfect way to spend the weekend, including things for the whole family to do, like u-cut flowers, a cow train for kids, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft vendors, and more.
Cost: $8 per ticket
Ort Farms, 25 Bartley Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Wine Down Summer
August 26-27 at 12 PM
Spend the last weekend in August by bidding summer goodbye at this annual event. You will have the chance to sip summer wines, listen to live music, enjoy delicious food, and soak in these last bits of summer.
Cost: $20 per ticket
RiverWinds Community Center Great Lawn, 1000 Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford, NJ 08086
NJ Thoroughbred Festival
August 27 at 11 AM
Come out to Monmouth Park and spend the day celebrating New Jersey Thoroughbred racing. There will be family activities, live music, a giveaway, and more.
Cost: $6
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Family Friendly Day
August 27 at 12 PM
With so many things to do, you won’t want to miss this event. From food trucks and raffles to local small shops and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone.
Cost: Free
American Legion Post 109, 424 Carmita Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Meet & Greet with Bluey
August 27 at 11 AM
If your little ones are Bluey fans, then head to Inkwood Books, where they can meet the beloved character and spend time with him. No registration is required, just stop in and enjoy the fun.
Cost: Free
Inkwood Books, 106 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
7th Annual Rotary Family Fun Fest & Car Show
August 27 at 11 AM
Looking for something different to do this weekend? This annual event will feature live music, delicious food, 50/50 raffles, a vintage and unique car show, and more.
Cost: Free
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Back to School Party
August 27 at 2 PM
Head to the Wicoff House Museum for a party to celebrate the start of the school year. This is a fun way to kick off the back-to-school season with crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, and prizes.
Cost: Free
Wicoff House Museum, 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Five Star Swim School Open House – Galloway
August 27 at 3 PM
Come out to Five Star Swim School and enjoy free open swim, free snacks, a tour of the location and special offers. Bring your whole family and have fun.
Cost: Free
Five Star Swim School, 323 S Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
Five Star Swim School Open House – East Hanover
August 27 at 4:30 PM
Bring the entire fam and enjoy free open swim, free snacks, a tour of the location, fun events for kids and families and more. This is such a fun event.
Cost: Free
Five Star Swim School, 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
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