Those lazy, hazy days of August are coming to a close, but we’re still having plenty of family fun this week and weekend. Celebrate Hunterdon’s history and see a cow milking demo at the Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair in Lambertville, hang with pirates at the Seafarers’ Weekend in Cape May, or get into fall mode at Apples & Artisans in Chester. And if you are searching for those last bits of summer fun, there’s still time to fill your summer bucket list. (feature photo taken at istock/Chimperil59)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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Atlantic City Air Show
August 24 at 11 AM
Watch from the water or the land as Chris Thomas Air Shows, the Full Throttle Formation Team, the F-18 Super Hornet, Dougherty Airshows, the Jim Beasley P-51 Mustang, USAF Thunderbirds, and the US Army Golden Knights come together to put on a fantastic show in the sky. Can’t make it on the 24th? August 23 is practice day.
Cost: Free; there is a fee to sit in VIP areas; no rain date.
Along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair
August 24-28
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 like cow milking demos and tractor pulls, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, and the always popular fireworks extravaganza Friday night.
Cost: Free, parking $15
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Swedesboro Food Truck Fest and Dancing in the Park
August 25
Spend the night tasting delicious food, listening to live music, and playing family games at this lively festival. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs.
Cost: Free
101 Leahy Avenue, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Twilight Farm Festival
August 25 at 2 PM
The City Green Farm Eco-Center in Clifton will have a free, fun evening for families. There will be live music, lawn games, and kids’ activities. Make sure you see the learning garden and visit the animals.
Cost: Free
171 Grove Street Clifton, NJ 07013
(973) 869-4086
Red Bank Boardwalk Kids Takeover
August 26 at 4 PM
Families with children ages 2-8 can meet up with friends and bring their trikes, scooters, helmets, and chalk. Stay for dinner with many outdoor dining options in and around town.
Cost: Free
The Broadwalk Pedestrian Plaza Zone – Broad Street between Front St. and White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Manasquan Summerfest
August 27 at 10 AM
Head to the shore for this fun, end-of-summer fest, where you can view unique crafters and artists, gourmet food, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Westfield Street Fair and Show
August 27 at 11 AM
Westfield will have live music, a DJ, dancing, delicious foods, performances, games, and children’s rides. There will be family fun with arts and crafts and shopping too.
Cost: Free
Westfield Downtown, Westfield, NJ 07090
Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival
August 27 at 1 PM, fireworks at 9 PM
Spend the day enjoying jazz and blues by the shore and end the night with colorful fireworks to celebrate the end of summer.
Cost: Free
Promenade, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Mapso Funk Fest
August 27 at 1 PM
It’s a funk, house, and soul music event that fosters community, bringing people together while spotlighting and supporting local restaurants, wellness businesses, artisans, and other creative talents.
Cost: Free
1688 Springfield Ave. Maplewood, NJ 07040
Potato Harvest
August 27-28
Learn all about how potatoes were grown and harvested at the end of the 19th century. Then help the Longstreet Farm staff bring in the crop and dig some potatoes for your own family.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Seafarers’ Weekend
August 27-28 at 11 AM
Where else can you find an event with pirates, music, and family fun? For the Seafarers’ Weekend, the village buildings will be open with historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts, and lifestyles of Early America.
Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for ages 3-12, and 3 and under are free
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 US 9, Cape May, NJ 08204
Apples & Artisans
August 28 at 11 AM
Celebrate the beginning of the apple harvest and the talents of local artisans at the inaugural Apples & Artisans event. A curated selection of local artisans will be on hand selling everything from handmade pottery and local flowers to wooden serving boards made from Riamede’s apple wood. There will also be apple, sunflower, tomato picking, and food from Provence Catering. Don’t miss the hayride too.
Cost: Free, but please reserve your ticket
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Cranford Summer Street Fair
August 28 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family out to shop the vendors, taste delicious foods, and listen to live music, with more events for the entire family.
Cost: Free
Downtown Cranford, Cranford, NJ 07016
Big Joe Jersey Talent Show
August 28 at 7 PM
Be a part of a Jersey Shore tradition with the Big Joe Jersey Talent Show on the beach at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach. You or a family member can sign up to perform live on the beach or just be a part of the crowd to watch. The finals will be held on September 4
Cost: Free
Jenkinson Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Ongoing Events
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
August 24 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
(609) 224-6066
Somerset Patriots Post-Game Fireworks
August 24, 27, September 17
Enjoy a ball game with the fam and cap off the night with a colorful show in the sky. Cheer on the Somerset Patriots as the sun goes down, and watch the fireworks light up over the stadium.
Cost: Included in Patriot Tickets
TD Bank Ballpark, 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
BlueClaws Post-Game Fireworks
August 26 and September 9
Chow down on crab fries or a ballpark dog while you cheer on the BlueClaws. Then, at the end of these select games, sit back and relax with a big, bright fireworks show to finish the evening.
Cost: Included in BlueClaws Tickets
FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Jenkinson’s Movies on the Beach
Tuesdays, Now-August 30
Grab your beach towel and chairs and get ready for free movies on the beach at Jenkinson’s. Films include Paw Patrol: The Movie, Encanto, and Cars 3.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
Every Friday at 10 PM
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 exploding to a musical score played along the Boardwalk and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk. Rain dates are every Sunday at 10 PM.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Pier Village Family Fun Night
Every Sunday in the summer at 5 PM
Try everything from Miniature Golf, Rockwall Climbing, Trampoline Bungee Jumping, Rides, and Games. Come early and join the Pier Village Carousel Stage for the “Oceans of Possibilities” themed complementary story time by the sea at 1 PM.
Cost: $4 per ticket, sheets of 7 tickets for $25, wristbands are $35pp
Festival Plaza, Pier Village, 68 Ocean Ave. N., Long Branch, NJ 07740
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
Every Saturday at 10 PM until September
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances are displayed from the beachfront and include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Wednesday Night Fireworks at Seaside Heights
Every Wednesday at 9:30 PM Now-August 24
Head to the boards to hop on the rides, pop into the arcades, indulge in some 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
Marine Science Program
Every Tuesday and Thursday through August 25, 11 AM -1 PM
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.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Crest, Rambler Road, and the beach
Thursday Night Fireworks at Jenkinson’s
Every Thursday at dark until August 25
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
Super American Circus Atlantic City
Now-September 5, Thursday-Sunday
Catch this fantastic show with acts, thrills, and laughs that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Some of the highlights include America’s Got Talent superstars, Cirque Du Soleil performers, and talent from Ringling Bros.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Showboat Atlantic City, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 487-4600
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