School is winding down and summer is starting up, with lots of family-friendly things to do this first weekend of June. Look up in the sky and enjoy a mass balloon launch, tethered balloon rides, food trucks, crafts, and a chalk art contest at the Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival in Washington, gather your crew and head to the lush Deep Cut Gardens in Middleton for an open house, or spend enjoying delicious food, family fun, and enjoy a delicious festival that includes local artisan vendors, live music, food, and, of course—strawberries at the West Cape May Strawberry Festival. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
NJ Special Olympics Summer Games
June 6-8
From June 6-8, athletes will compete in bocce, gymnastics, tennis, softball, swimming, powerlifting, and track and field. Come and cheer these athletes on during this 3-day competition event held at The College of New Jersey.
Cost: Free, click here to donate
The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
June 6-8
Bring the whole family to a carnival to kick off the season. Enjoy a day full of food, rides, and entertainment at Garden State Plaza at this carnival, which benefits the LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program.
Cost: $5 and up
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 41st Annual Greek Festival
June 6-8
Celebrate everything Greek by watching Greek dance performances and fireworks on Thursday and Sunday nights. There will even be amusement rides (for a fee), Greek food, and free parking.
Cost: Free
7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
2025 Bayshore Greekfest
June 6-8
Round up your crew for this lively festival that will feature games, rides, Greek music and dancing, specialty booths, and Greek food and pastries.
Cost: Free
Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Flemington Opa! Greek Festival
June 6-8
Try authentic Greek food and pastries, carnival games and prizes, Greek music and folk dancing, vendors, and more at this fun festival. Parking is free, and dining can be indoors or outside under the big tent.
Cost: Free
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Vorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Deep Cut Gardens Open House
June 7 at 10 AM
Gather your crew and head to Deep Cut Gardens for an open house. There, you can enjoy tours, demonstrations, drop-in activities for children, and more.
Cost: Free
Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
Old Time Baseball Game
June 7 at 10 AM
Watch Howell Farm’s two teams play by 19th-century Town Ball rules and invite visitors of all ages to step up to the plate as “Striker” and face off against the “Thrower.” There will also be a baseball scavenger hunt for the kids at 11 AM.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ 08530
West Orange Street Fair 2025
June 7 at 11 AM
Join one of the biggest events of the year in West Orange. The Street Fair features local crafters, food from local vendors, street performers, a classic car show, a beer and wine garden, a rock-climbing wall, free all-day admission to the Thomas Edison Museum, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown West Orange, NJ 07052
Kids Fishing Derby
June 7 at 9 AM
The early bird gets the worm at this fishing derby, which includes a free lunch and a casting contest for kids. There will also be awards and goodie bags. The event is open to ages 2-15.
Cost: Free
500 Pemberton Brown Mills Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068
West Cape May Strawberry Festival
June 7 at 9 AM
Get ready for a delicious festival that’s about all things strawberry. There will be local artisan vendors, live music, food, and, of course—strawberries.
Cost: Free
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Robbinsville Community Festival
June 7 at 2 PM
Spend the day listening to live music and checking out the kids’ play zone, games, contests, a trackless train, pony rides, and a chocolate-eating contest. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9 PM. The rain date is June 8.
Cost: Free admission
Community Park.- West Manor Way and Gordon Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Westfield Street Fair
June 7 at 11 AM
Head to downtown Westfield for a day of live music, a DJ, dancing, children’s rides, games, and something for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westfield, NJ 07090
Haddonfield Skirmish
June 7 at 9 AM
The British will invade Haddonfield just like they did 247 years ago and face opposition from the Continental troops in this reenactment. There will be a Yelling contest, colonial dancing, and character reenactors. Festivities start at 9 AM, and the skirmish begins at 2 PM.
Cost: Free
233 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
50th Annual Hungarian Festival
June 7 at 11 AM
Where else can you see a folk dance performance, participate in cultural programs, and sample Hungarian foods? The Hungarian Festival has vendors, exhibits, live music, and folk art for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Somerset Street in New Brunswick from Bethany to Division Streets, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Summerfest in the Park
June 7 at 11 AM
It’s the 35th Annual Summerfest in the Park—the festival will feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and inflatables for the kids. The rain date is June 8.
Cost: Free
Point Pleasant Community Park, 2255 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
20th Annual Valerie Fund Walk & 5K Run
June 7 at 8 AM
Grab your walking shoes and head to this event where the whole family can get moving and help support a great cause. There will be a 5K walk or kid sprint. In its 20th year, this event helps support The Valerie Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides individualized care to children with cancer and blood disorders at medical centers near their homes.
Cost: Registration fee
Verona Park, Porcello Lane, Verona, NJ 07044
Miles for Matheny
June 7 at 9 AM
Join the Matheny School & Hospital for the annual Miles for Matheny event, which includes a trail run or walk, a kids’ fun run and obstacle course, or the wheelchair walk where you can join Matheny residents, families, friends, and staff as they “wheel” through campus. There will also be live music, a barbecue, food trucks, games, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and more.
Cost: $15 for the kids’ fun run, or $45 for the trail run/walk, or wheelchair walk
65 Highland Avenue, Peapack, NJ 07977
Bordentown City History in Bloom Garden Tour
June 7 at 11 AM
Take in the beauty of nature and the gorgeous gardens at the Bordentown Historical Society to help support this nonprofit that works to preserve, teach and inspire curiosity about Bordentown’s history.
Cost: $10 per child age 8-16, $23 per adult, and $20 per member
302 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Renaissance Faire NJ
June 7-8
Take a step back into the 16th century at the Renaissance Faire, with lively shows, unique merchants, and delicious food. Kids can explore Nipper’s Nook with fun activities, including piñatas, water balloon games, building magic wands, and the new gaming cart of wonder.
Cost: $25 and up. $10 for Child Flex Day Pass (Ages 5 to 12).
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ 08022
Strawberry Festival
June 7-8
Love strawberries? Head to this festival, which boasts two locations, a hayride, strawberry picking, farm animals, face painting, and more. There will also be strawberry-themed goodies for sale.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Von Thun’s Country Farm Market – 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 and 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
June 7-8, times vary
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
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
June 7-8, times vary
Watch the 19th-century historic Gristmill in action. Each free demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival
June 7-8
There are so many fun events planned for this festival, including a mass balloon launch, tethered balloon rides, food trucks, crafts, and a chalk art contest. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and lawn games for more family fun while you are there.
Cost: $12 for adults, $5 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under
Warren County Community College, 475 NJ-57, Washington, NJ 07882
Livingston Summerfest: Food Truck & Music Festival
June 8 at 8 AM
Join this fantastic fundraiser for the Livingston Police Department’s PBA, featuring delicious food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, an adult beer and wine garden, craft vendors, and a variety of other vendors.
30 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 12 are free
Bands by the Beach
June 8 at 7 PM
Spend the day by the beach listening to live music and enjoying the gorgeous early June weather.
Cost: Free
West End Park, Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown, is back! Join every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love the padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
