We’re in the last stretch of summer, but there’s still tons to do with the family before the season ends. Oh, and did we mention it’s all FREE? Enjoy all things seafood and listen to live music at the 29th Annual Clam Fest in Highlands, play games and walk up to the lighthouse at the 235th National Lighthouse Day in North Wildwood, or pack a picnic and hang with farm animals at the Farm Festival in Clifton. And for more seasonal things to do, check out everything summer on our bucket list. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/Aneese)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Music in the Park at Rotary Park Bandstand
Select dates in August at 7 PM
Bring a beach chair or blanket to comfortably enjoy music in the park at Cape May Rotary Park. This year’s lineup has something for every musical taste and introduces a new, modern flair to the town.
Cost: Free
Cape May Rotary Park, 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204
29th Annual Clam Fest
August 1-3
What could be better than fresh seafood at the shore? Check out the live entertainment, contests, unique vendors, crafters, children’s activities, and fresh seafood.
Cost: Free for admission and parking
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave #325, Highlands, NJ 07732
Olde Freehold Day
August 3 at 12 PM
Come together to enjoy food, games, paddle boats, contests, Kidz Zone, music, and more at the pond in Freehold. There will be a dunk tank and ceremony honoring veterans.
Cost: Free
Lake Topanemus, Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
MarketFair Weekly Summer Kids Club
August 6 and 13 at 10 AM
Join in on free Summer activities for children of all ages. Your kids will enjoy interactive themes “Champions of the Environment” and “Spin Pop, Boom,” where they will craft, participate in science experiments, and have a blast.
Cost: Free
MarketFair, 3USU.S. 1 Princeton, NJ 08540
Tidal Tuesdays – Seining at Fisherman’s Cove
August 6 at 11 AM
Stop by Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan, and join a Park System Naturalist for this free seining program. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures that may be found along the cove.
Cost: Free
383 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Family Movie NigET E.T the Extra-Terrestrial
August 7 at 8:30 PM
Phone home—grab a lawn chair and a blanket and share this time-honored classic flick from the 80s with your kids.
Cost: Free
Hall of Records Freehold NJ, 1E Main Street Freehold, NJ 07728
235th National Lighthouse Day
August 7 at 10 AM
It’s National Lighthouse Day on August 7, which marks the 235th anniversary of the signing of the 1789 Lighthouse Act. There will be games and surprises for all children.
Cost: Admission is free, and donations are accepted
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, 111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
August 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 9 AM-2 PM
Head to Cape May for a crafts and collectibles show featuring vendors and crafters from the northeast in July and August.
Cost: Free
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 7-9
With a rich history connected to the local community, the 4-H Fair has become an annual cornerstone of Somerset County. See shows and local agriculture, as well as rides, food, and fun.
Cost: Free parking and free admission
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807
48th Annual Ocean Italian Festival
August 7-11 at 5 PM
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 48th anniversary.
Cost: Free
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Farm Festival
August 8 at 5:30 PM
The City Green Farm Eco-Center in Clifton will have a free, fun evening for families. Enjoy live music, shop the Farm Stand, and visit the goats and chickens in the Learning Farm.
Cost: Free
171 Grove Street Clifton, NJ 07013
2024 Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 10 at 12 PM
Bring the family to a farm-to-festival celebration of local Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, and craft beer. This sweet summer event brings together local farmers, boutique restaurants, craft breweries, live bands, artisans, and kids’ activities to celebrate the best of the Garden State.
Cost: Free
Stangl Road Flemington, NJ 08822
Second Saturday in Collingswood
August 10 at 5 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
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 10 at 2 PM
It’s the fourth annual New Brunswick Heart Festival, which celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex. There will be live music and dance performances, a magic show, a visual Arts Market, craft and food vendors, interactive activities and games, fun giveaways, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown New Brunswick in front of the theaters at Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
August 10-11 at various times
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
Multicultural Summer Celebration
August 17 at 10 AM
Join NAMI New Jersey’s Multicultural Summer Celebration this summer. This event takes place at Thompson Park and has food and fun throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Thompson Park, Lakeview Avenue, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Beachfest II Arts & Crafts Festival
August 17 at 9 AM
Artists, makers, and food will be at the seaside town of Beach Haven. Get ready to shop by the shore.
Cost: Free
Veteran’s Bicentennial Park, 100 Engelside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Hot Halloween at Jenkinson’s
August 20-21
Dust off those costumes and celebrate Hot Halloween at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. There will be strolling entertainment, crafts & face painting, and a Halloween show on the South Beach Stage.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
August 21-25
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
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 24 at 10 AM
Teach the fam some history at this summer festivalNJn NJ—take a guided walking tour of the Morris Canal, travel down the waterway on a free boat ride, or prove your prowess by paddling a kayak. Enjoy listening to some of New Jersey’s best musical performers and watch the gorgeous fireworks display over the water.
Cost: Free
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Avenue, Wharton, NJ 07885
Manasquan Summerfest Craft Show
August 24 at 10 AM
Spend the day in Squan with unique crafters and artists, gourmet food, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 24 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. There will be kids activities, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks ending the evening at 9 PM.
Cost: Free
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Wednesday Night Fireworks at Seaside Heights
Every Wednesday until August 28
Head to the boards to hop on the rides, pop into the arcades, indulge in ice cream, and win prizes with your kiddos. When the sun sets, find your favorite spot on the boardwalk to enjoy fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Thursday Night Fireworks at Jenkinson’s
Every Thursday at dark until late August
This dazzling display at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant is a local tradition—catch the fireworks show on the beach every Thursday night. Before the show, stop by the aquarium or hit up everything else this fave boardwalk has to offer, then take a seat on the sand for the colorful display starting at dark.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
Every Friday at 10 PM until August 30
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
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
Every Saturday, July 6-August 31
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances, which are displayed from the beachfront, include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
