We may be heading into the last official month of summer, but that doesn’t mean the free family fun has to stop. Grab all the seafood at the 27th Annual Clam Fest in Highlands, visit the learning garden and animals at the Twilight Farm Festival in Clifton, or cheer on the tractor pulls and pig races at the Salem County Fair in Woodstown. And don’t miss National Night Out on August 2 in NJ—it’s a free event in several towns across the state. (feature photo taken at istock/Lisay)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Land of Luck Paramus
August 5-6
The Land of Luck, a limited-time experiential activation, is coming to the Westfield Garden State Plaza. Choose your own adventure with immersive games, photo opportunities, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Test your luck at the pop-a-shot or Kerplunk competition, customize a penny, or make slime as you venture between the mystical lands of Good Luck and Bad Luck.
Cost: Free
Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
27th Annual Clam Fest
August 5-7
What could be better than fresh seafood at the shore? Check out the live entertainment, contests, special vendors, crafters, children’s activities, and fresh seafood.
Cost: Free admission and parking
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave #325, Highlands, NJ 07732
Olde Freehold Day
August 6 at 12 PM
Come together to listen to music, try food and drinks, and be part of the pajama drive to support hospitalized children.
Cost: Free
Lake Topanemus, Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Symphony in C’s
August 6 at 7 PM
Enjoy a free outdoor concert at the Haddonfield Library conducted by Haddonfield’s own Paul Bryan. The program will feature a selection of summertime favorites, from blockbuster movie themes to patriotic melodies. The rain date will be August 7.
Cost: Free tickets are available on Eventbrite
60 North Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ, 08003
NJ Friends of Clearwater Music Festival
August 6-7 at 11 AM
Enjoy the 47th annual open-air music festival celebrating the spirit of people working & singing together for the environment. There will be rock, folk, Latin, soul, and other genres.
Cost: Free
Riverside Gardens Park, West Front Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
2022 Guided Historic Education Walking Tour
August 7 at 1 PM
Take a free tour by the Historic Preservation and Education Committee of the Washington Crossing Park Association. Visit the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum, Sullivan Drive and Continental Lane Marker, the Stone Barn, and The Overlook, all with historical significance to the Revolutionary War.
Cost: Free, but donations are accepted.
Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd., Titusville, NJ 08560
233rd National Lighthouse Day
August 7 at 2 PM
It’s National Lighthouse Day on August 7 which marks the 233rd 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
Crest Food Truck Nights
August 7 at 4 PM
This Sunday evening event includes food trucks, crafters, and entertainment for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park, Fern Road, and Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Second Saturday in Collingswood
August 13
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
(856) 854-0720
Salem County Fair
August 9-12
This old-fashioned country fair typically features livestock shows, events, and a large farm machinery display. Savor the delicious BBQ dinner offered nightly or try some of the other food vendors. Kids will love the tractor and truck pulls and the pig races too. Details are still coming together for the 2022 event, so check the link frequently for updates.
Cost: No admission fee, parking $10 per vehicle for all four days
Salem County Fairgrounds – 735 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 565-8366
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 10-12
With a rich history connected to the local community, the 4-H Fair has become an annual cornerstone of Somerset County. This year they will host a fair for the whole family.
Cost: Free
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Ocean Township Italian-American Festival
August 10-14
The annual Ocean Township Italian-American Festival celebrates all things Italian heritage and culture. Enjoy yummy authentic Italian food and check out the carnival rides, raffles, food-eating contests, and more. This is the 46th anniversary of this beloved festival.
Cost: Free
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
(732) 531-5768
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 12-13
It’s not a fair without a car show, baby parade, pet parade, and a pie-eating contest. There will also be rides and entertainment.
Cost: Free admission, $4 for parking
3210 Route 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
(609) 625-0056
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 12-13
It’s the third annual New Brunswick Heart Festival, which celebrates the vibrant arts and history that New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex offer. There will be live music and dance performances, a visual Arts Market, craft and food vendors, interactive activities and games, fun giveaways, a Health & Wellness tent with Garden of Healing, and readings of famous love letters by actors from Thinkery & Verse.
Cost: Free
Downtown New Brunswick in front of the theaters at Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Hillsborough Rotary Fair
August 16-20, fireworks on August 20
The Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair is back with 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
Beachfest II Arts & Crafts Festival
August 20 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
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 20 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.
Cost: Free
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Avenue, Wharton, NJ 07885
(973) 361-8444
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
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, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious food.
Cost: Free, parking $10
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(908) 782-6809
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 free kids’ activities. Make sure you see the learning garden and visit the animals.
Cost: Free
171 Grove Street Clifton, NJ 07013
(973) 869-4086
Manasquan Summerfest
August 27 at 10 AM
Bring the whole family to Manasquan to see unique crafters and artists, sample gourmet food, do kid-friendly activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 27 at 1 PM
The annual event has moved locations and changed names over the years, but it’s still the same live jazz music and blues music. Crafters, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks will also be at 9 PM.
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Hot Halloween at Jenkinson’s
August 30-31 at 3 PM
Dust off those costumes and celebrate Hot Halloween with us at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. There will be strolling entertainment, crafts & face painting, underwater carving at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and a Halloween show on the South Beach Stage. There is a charge for entering the aquarium.
300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Ongoing Events
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
August 3, 10, 17, 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
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
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.
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
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 through 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
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
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