August is slowly slipping away, but with plenty of things to do this weekend, we’re still having lots of summer fun. Pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars at a Family Campout in Clifton, wander around and take in the gorgeous cars at the Classic Car Show and Oldies Day at Monmouth Racetrack, or listen to live bands and paddle a canoe down the Morris Canal at Canal Day Music & Craft Show in Wharton. And for more ways to fill your bucket list this season, check out our guide to summer must-dos. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/jmsilva)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
SPONSORED
Menlo Park Mall Hosts Back-to-School Celebration
August 19 at 1 PM
It’s back-to-school season, and Menlo Park Mall is ready to help you celebrate. There will be select samples and giveaways from retailers such as Shake Shack, Bang Cookies, AMC Dine-In Theatres, Orange Theory Fitness, The Body Shop, and True Believers. You can also stop at LUSH to create your own bubble bar and Sephora for select samples and a skincare and make-up tutorial. The fun at the event includes a Fashion Show Extravaganza—witness the latest trends and styles brought to life as American Eagle and Franki by Francesca’s come together for a memorable show. Mini Makeovers from Celine’s Spa & Event—discover the art of self-care and pampering with mini makeovers courtesy of the skilled professionals from Celine’s Spa & Events. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in refreshing beauty treatments to get them ready to take on the new school year. And once the runway lights dim, we’ll turn up the music and get ready to dance! Enjoy some tunes and groove to the beat as we embrace the back-to-school spirit.
Cost: Free
Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ 08837
Hillsborough Rotary Fair
August 16-20, fireworks on August 20
The Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair has fun for the whole family. Visit vendors, play games, grab some grub, and wristband night every night.
Cost: Free
In the lot adjacent to Lowe’s, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
(908) 334-9304
Family Campout
August 18-19
Looking for something unique to do with the fam? The Clifton Recreation Department is hosting a Family Campout where you can set up your tent, make s’mores, play games, do crafts, and spend the night under the stars.
Cost: $6 per person
Albion Park, 201 Maplewood Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013
Downtown Denville After Dark
August 18 at 5:30 PM
Enjoy the last Denville After Dark event for the season. Filled with live music, family activities, an outdoor bar, store specials, and more, your family will have a blast.
Cost: Free
Downtown Denville, Denville, NJ 07834
Concert in the Park: Summer Jams with Secret Sound
August 18 at 7 PM
Take in the summer weather and enjoy Jersey Shore-based, upbeat, funky jam rock during this concert at Thompson Park, Lincroft. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, food, and soft drinks. The show is outdoors at the Theatre Barn.
Cost: Free
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Corvettes at the Red Mill Museum
August 19 at 10 AM
The 2nd annual Corvette show at the Red Mill Museum will be an event to remember. Walk around and check out the gorgeous Corvettes that will be on display. After, explore the scenic town of Clinton.
Cost: Free
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Blue Claw Craft Show & Crab Race
August 19 at 11 AM
This is a great chance to spend time outside, enjoy 60+ vendors, and see a crab race. There will also be food available to purchase.
Cost: Free
Sunset Park,1 W Salem Ave, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
2023 Bay Head Fire Company Clam Bake
August 19 at 12 PM
Bring the whole fam and your appetites to the annual Bay Head Fire Department fundraiser. There will be clams, clam chowder, burgers, hot dogs, craft beers, and so much more.
Cost: $55
Bay Head Fire Company No. 1, 81 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head, NJ 08742
Beachfest II Arts & Crafts Festival
August 19 at 9 AM
Artists, makers, and food will be at the seaside town of Beach Haven. Get ready to shop by the shore.
Veteran’s Bicentennial Park, 100 Engelside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 19 at 10 AM
Teach the fam some history at this summer festival in 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.
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Avenue, Wharton, NJ 07885
Fiesta in America in American Dream NJ, a Filipino American celebration
August 19 at 10 AM
Head to the largest annual indoor Filipino event on the US East Coast, showcasing the vibrant Filipino American culture, music, and products and providing networking opportunities.
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Family Fun Saturdays
August 19 at 11 AM
Come for an afternoon of games, activities, and bonding with your loved ones at Family Fun Saturdays. From exciting games to delicious food, there’s something for everyone.
Harriet Tubman Square, 501-551 Broad Street Newark, NJ 07102
Kids vs. Parents
August 19 at 2 PM
Want to battle your kids? Kids and parents go head-to-head in a series of games and events that will test your skills, teamwork, and the bond between families. There will also be prizes, a raffle, and more.
Cost: Adults $20 and kids $10
LevelUp 627, 627 Orange Street, Newark, NJ 07107
Classic Car Show & Oldies Day
August 19 at 11 AM
Come out and enjoy classic cars from 150 years ago and old-school entertainment for the whole family. There will also be FREE family activities from 12-4 PM. The first race begins at 12:40 PM.
Cost: $6
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Rubber Ducky Regatta
August 19 at 1 PM
The rubber ducks are ready, are you? This fun event includes food, draft beer, soda, an auction, and duck races that begin at 4:30 PM.
Cost: $20 per person
National Park River Boat Club, 57 Riverview Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
Seafood Food Truck Festival
August 19-20 at 11 AM
There is so much fun on the grounds at Laurita Winery. From food trucks and wine to live music all weekend long., this event has something for everyone in the fam.
Cost: $13 in advance, $15 at the door, 21 & under free
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival
August 19-20 at 11 AM
The 17th annual craft and fine art festival is set to be the best yet. Along with beautiful pieces of crafts and fine arts, there will also be live music, workshops, demos, and food trucks for you to enjoy.
Cost: Free
678 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Peach Festival
August 19-20
Have peach lovers in your family? Check out vendors and a Peach Fuzz contest open to little ones under 1-year-old, as well as peach treats and decor.
Cost: Free
Shoppes at Dragon Village, 97 Trench Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Five Star Swim School Eatontown Open House
August 20 at 2 PM
Come out and enjoy this event with your little ones. Featuring free trial swim lessons, free open swim, snacks, and the chance to explore the facility while meeting the staff, this is a great way to introduce your littles to swim class.
Cost: Free
1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Summer 2023 Main Street Pops Artisan Market
August 20 at 11 AM
This market attracts diverse artists and makers offering handmade creations such as art, photography, jewelry, fashion, home and lifestyle accessories, artisanal food, and more. This event features live music and a variety of vendors.
Under 14th Street Viaduct, 1401 Adam’s street Hoboken, NJ 07030
Summer Festival
August 20 at 4 PM
From food trucks and vendors to family activities and live music, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the day with friends and family and help support the rescue animals and community mental health initiatives.
Cost: $12 per ticket
Safe Haven at Keneva Farms, 1657 Commissioners Road, South Harrison, NJ 08062
Pakistan Day Parade & Celebrations
August 20 at 1 PM
Come out and celebrate Pakistani culture and heritage at this fun, family-friendly event. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Pakistan as they showcase a colorful parade featuring traditional music, dancers, and gorgeous floats.
Cost: Free
100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ 08817
Pick N’ Paint at VonThun Farms
August 20 at 10 AM
Bring the whole fam and create art together on the farm. Afterward, wander through the sunflower fields and pick your own sunflower, explore the farm, and visit the farmers market.
Cost: $45
VonThun Farms, Washington, 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
Swim Into StoryTime
August 20 at 1 PM
Come check out a touch table from the Adventure Aquarium’s Center for Aquatic Science, swim, and enjoy a story from author Andrea Harrison. There will be live sea creatures for you to meet.
Cost: $15 per ticket
Kids First Swim School, 1900 Greentree Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Vintage & Antique Fair
August 20 at 10 AM
Bring the entire family and enjoy an array of food trucks, live music, 50+ dealers selling antiques, vintage, and collectibles, and plenty of beautiful space for you to walk around.
Cost: Free
Ringwood State Park, 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
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