There is still an entire month of summer left, so let’s make it count. Free kid-friendly events in New Jersey are in full swing, from the local culture of Historic Blairstown Day and Universal African Festival to live music and cheat-worthy festival eats at Bergen County Music Festival and Tuckerton Borough Free Concert Series. Oh, and we’re not forgetting about those county fairs {shout-out to Salem and Middlesex Counties!} With free family entertainment like this, we’re ready to close out the summer in style.
Here are 30 FREE August Events for the Whole Family:
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
1. Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Jazz Festival
Tuesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2017 | 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Downtown Westfield will be the place to be for the month of August for all families trying to get their groove on for the annual Sweet Sounds Jazz Festival. This huge event will take place in an area filled with kid-friendly restaurants, shops, and activities that entertain families of all ages. You can take a nice walk, grab an excellent bite to eat, or even stop at various outdoor locations for live music performed by the area’s top jazz musicians. Click here for the 2017 performance schedule.
Downtown Westfield
E Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
2. Free Magic Show at Cape May’s Convention Hall
Tuesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2017 | 7:00PM
Convention Hall in Cape May is bringing your family all the magic you can handle for the month of August. This popular family event is guaranteed to present such wonders, that it is scheduled every Tuesday in August for all of your little magic-lovers vacationing in Cape May this August.
Cape May Convention Hall
714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
3. Tenafly Free Concert Series
Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 1, 3, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31, 2017 | 7:00PM
The crowd-favorite Tenafly Summer Concert Series continues every Tuesday in August. Families that attend are encouraged to come with blankets or chairs in hand as everyone enjoys wonderful entertainment together. Click here to view the full line-up.
Tuesdays at Huyler Park (Rain Venue: Clinton Inn Rain)
Intersection of Hillside Ave. & Piermont Rd., Tenafly, NJ 07670
Thursdays at Davis Johnson Park (Rain Venue: Clinton Inn Rain)
Corner of Engle St. & Westervelt Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670
4. Family Fun Craft Shows at the Lighthouse
Wednesdays, August 2, 9, 16 & Tuesday, August 7, 2017 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM
The world-famous Cape May Lighthouse, which originated as far back as 1859, is now known as the beacon of summertime fun. Located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township, the base of the lighthouse will be the central point for family activities, performers, entertainment, crafts, and many vendors.
Cape May Light House
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
5. Picnic on the Lawn, Princeton University Art Museum
Thursday, August 3, 2017 | 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Princeton University Art Museum invites your family to pack up a blanket and grab a spot on the green for barbecue fare, live music, museum tours, family-friendly activities, and outdoor screening of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at dusk. There will also be an exciting bake-off competition and entertaining dance demonstrations.
Princeton University Art Museum
McCormick Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544
6. Terrific Thursdays Summer Concerts
Thursday, August 3, 2017 | 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Bergen County’s Terrific Thursday Summer Concerts will have its last event Thursday, August 3rd, with Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot. Sing and dance the night away with the whole family in scenic Overpeck County Park.
Overpeck County Park
Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
7. Highlands Annual Clam Festival
Thursday, August 3 – Sunday, August 6, 2017 | Thursday 6:00PM – 10:00PM, Friday 6:00PM – 11:00PM, Saturday 12:00PM – 11:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM – 8:00PM
Seafood-lovers unite for the 23rd Annual Highlands Clam Festival. There is no better phrase than, “All clams, All weekend.” This fantastic event features live entertainment, thrill rides, festival activities, an all-you-can-eat contest, Lusty’s Clam-Shucking Contest, and plenty more. Come out of your shell and make your way down to Huddy Park for all the fun.
Huddy Park
325-329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
8. Tuckerton Borough Free Concert Series
Fridays, August 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2017 | 6:30PM – 8:00PM
The Borough of Tuckerton will be hosting its very own Summer Concert Series on Tuckerton Seaport’s outdoor stage featuring Jersey-native performers, The Kootz. All families with the passion for classic rock, pop, soul and blues will not want to be anywhere else other than Tuckerton Seaport. Families are also advised to bring their own beach chairs or blankets for a chance to experience the concert in complete relaxation.
Tuckerton Seaport
120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
9. New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 13, 2017 | 10:00AM – 10:00PM Daily, until Sunday, August 13 10:00AM – 5:00PM
If you have plans to take your family to at least one festival this summer, make sure it will be the New Jersey State Fair. This gigantic event at the Sussex Fairgrounds will be host to plenty of amusements, farm animals, food, crafts, and free entertainment for kids and adults alike.
The Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ07822
10. Universal African Festival
Saturday, August 5, 2017 | 10:00AM – 6:30PM
Your family is invited to celebrate and commemorate the rich and diverse cultures of Africans and African Americans. Experience live music, dance, arts and crafts, face painting, food, honoring ceremony, and plenty of more outdoor cultural fun with the whole family.
Springwood Park
Springwood and Atkins Aves, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
11. Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival
Saturday, August 5, 2017 | 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Emlen Physick Estate’s anticipated 6th Annual Craft Beer & Crab Festival is back and better than ever. This day-long festival features local and regional craft beers to accompany those delightful summer foods such as: steamed crabs, pulled pork, crab cakes, shrimp and hot dogs, as well as food from regional vendors. All-day music on outdoor stage will be in full effect as well as: an old-fashioned Victorian circus with jugglers and acrobats from the The Give & Take Jugglers Little Circus, crafts and collectibles show, and craft beers and other spirits available for purchase.
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
12. Historic Blairstown Day
Saturday, August 5, 2017 | 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Blairstown Museum is inviting your family to party like it’s 1899. This unique and historic family event wants to take your family back in time with nostalgic entertainment, antiques, craft and food vendors, a classic car show, a birthday celebration for town founder (John Insley Blair), and many more fun and educational activities and demonstrations.
Blairstown Museum
26 Main Street, Blairstown, NJ 07825
13. 11th Annual Family Day at the Beach
Saturday, August 5, 2017 | 12:00PM – 5:00PM
The 11th Annual Family Day at the Beach in Asbury Park features everything a family could ask for at the shore: surf lessons, food, music, games, and of course, a ton of family fun. Soak up the sun with your littles at this special beachfront festival.
Eighth Avenue Beach
Ocean and Eighth Aves, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
14. Garfield Street Fair
Sunday, August 6, 2017 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Midland Avenue will be transformed into a giant street fair and block party extravaganza. The event will showcase: kiddie rides, a climbing wall, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, and temporary tattoos. The variety of hot dogs, ice cream, chicken fingers, empanadas, zeppoles, kettle korn, shish ka-bobs, freshly squeezed lemonade, Italian Ices, french fries, hamburgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and cheese steaks are all on the menu for this eventful day, so make sure your family comes hungry and ready to play.
458 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026
15. Corn & Tomato Festival
Sunday, August 6, 2017 | All Day
Celebrating New Jersey’s favorite summertime crops, this family festival will be displaying decorated gift items including handcrafted furniture, fabulous florals, jewelry, wearable art, handmade soaps, candles, traditional and fine art, gourmet delights, and plenty more.
Flemington Borough Park
Court Street, Flemington, NJ 08822
16. Carnival on the Lawn in Cape May
Sundays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2017 | 5:30PM – 9:00PM
Monday nights at Congress Hall in Cape May means the lawn transforms into a carnival and festival. This classic summer shore-town festival will include: vendor booths, carnival hosts, games for all ages, face painting, balloon twisting, food, treats, pig races, and more. Train rides on the Congress Hall Express will be available for little ones to ride around the lawn. Don’t forget to play a game of skee-ball before leaving this festive event.
Congress Hall
200 Congress Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204
17. Middlesex County Fair
Monday, August 7 – Sunday, August 13, 2017 | Monday – Friday 5:00PM – 11:00PM, Saturday 11:00AM – 11:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM – 10:00PM
The Middlesex County Fair will be host to county fair favorites your families loves, carnival rides, exciting games, live music, and of course – food. There will also be family entertainment such as: The Marvelous Mutts, Barnyard Express, Pork Chop Review, David Darwin One Man Side Show, The Tallest Man in Middlesex, UWA Elite Pro Wrestling, and more.
655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
18. Salem County Fair
Tuesday, August 8 – Friday, August 11, 2017 | Tuesday 8:30AM – 11:00PM, Wednesday 9:00AM – 11:00PM, Thursday 8:30AM – 11:00PM, Friday 8:30AM – Midnight, Saturday
The Salem County Fair is finally back just in time for the month of August. Families from all over New Jersey are invited to come on down south for all of the show-stopping, jaw-dropping, and mouth-watering attractions your family could ask for. The perfect combination of: pony rides, pig races, archery demonstrations, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Skillet Throwing Contest, children’s activities, blacksmith demonstrations, Little Miss Salem County Fair Pageant, animal shows, and more attractions available during all four days.
Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Harding Hwy, Woodstown, NJ 08098
19. 41st Annual Township of Ocean Italian Festival
Wednesday, August 9 – Sunday, August 13, 2017 | 5:00PM – 11:00PM Daily
Back for its 41st year, the ultimate Italian Heritage and Cultural celebration is back and better than ever. Entertaining performers will get the crowd moving: Wednesday – Taylor Tote, Thursday – Time Piece, Friday – Lights Out, Saturday – Dominic Riccio. Great live music will be accompanied by fireworks and delicious eats at the festival’s food tent.
Joe Palaia Park
200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
20. Jersey City Outdoor Movie Nights
Tuesdays, August 9 & 16, 2017 | 8:30PM – 11:00PM
Catch two premiere movies screened outdoors for free with your fam. On August 9th, catch La La Land, the musical Oscar-nominated story of an aspiring actress and dedicated jazz musician who reflect as they struggle to make ends meet in the City of Angels. August 16th features The Secret Life of Pets, the lovable animated tale of two mismatched mutts who get lost in New York City. Throughout these movie nights, Loradella’s Ice Cart will be on-site selling their delicious Italian ice. Located near the venue is Bwè Kafe’s Newport location for coffee, tea, or a snack before showtime.
Newport Green Playground
14th St, Newport, Jersey City, NJ 07310
21. Vets Summer Fest
Saturday, August 12, 2017 | 11:00AM – 8:00PM
There is no better Summer Festival around that celebrates family fun, and shows support to all our beloved veterans without a home. Vets Summer Fest will have the livest music, food, Kid Zone, craft show, car show, motorcycle run, and more kid-friendly activities.
Vasa Park
1 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07828
22. Montclair Jazz Festival
Saturday, August 12, 2017 | 12:00PM – 9:00PM
The annual Montclair Jazz Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in the Montclair area. Friends, families, and neighbors of all communities are invited to experience the incredible and historic American Jazz Tradition that has been cultivated for so many years. Internationally-celebrated jazz icons and over 150 emerging musicians will bless the stage with music that you can not turn away. The massive lineup includes: A Christian McBride Situation, DeeDee Bridgewater Memphis Blues Band, The Cyrus Chestnut Trio, The Ted Chubb Band, and the Jazz House Collective. Bring along a blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy this full day of live music and fun.
Nishuane Park
48 High Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
23. Salt Water Day 2017
Saturday, August 12, 2017 | 3:00PM – 10:00PM
The 15th Annual Salt Water Day is coming to the Laurence Harbor Waterfront once again. This event includes: food trucks, rides, live music, a corn hole tournament, and over 70 vendors to shop til’ you drop. For a day of refreshing waterfront fun, bring the whole family along for plenty of activities that will keep everyone entertained the whole day.
Laurence Harbor Waterfront Park
NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879
24. Bergen County Music Festival
Monday, August 14, 2017 | 2:00PM – 8:00PM
This no-charge event is inviting families out for a good time, great music, and even better food. The entertainment is for families with all musical tastes, get ready to put on your dancing shoes at New Overpeck County Park in Teaneck.
The New Overpeck County Park
Teaneck, NJ 07666
25. Summer Movie on the Green: Moana
Friday, August 18, 2017 | 8:30PM – 11:30PM
There is no better way to enjoy a night under the stars, than with your favorite outdoor movie. Your family is invited to sit on the green and gaze at the big screen to view the wildly popular animated flick, Moana. Join this adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety of her island home to embark on a dangerous journey to save her people. Before or after the movie, make your night complete by visiting surrounding shopping areas, a scoop of ice cream, and the exquisite food or drinks from around the Square. Don’t forget to bring your own blanket or lawn chair.
Palmer Square – Princeton NJ
40 Nassau St, North Princeton, NJ 08542
26. Cranford Street Fair & Craft Show
Sunday, August 21, 2017 | 11:00AM – 5:00PM (Rain or Shine)
Cranford is hosting an array of exhibitors showcasing and selling handcrafted items, fine arts, crafts, non-handcrafted items, home-based business goods, food, and much more. Bring the entire family to enjoy a day filled with fun, shopping, great food, live music, and rides for the kiddies.
Downtown Cranford, NJ 07016
27. Atlantic City Airshow Thunder Over the Boardwalk
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | 11:00AM – 4:00PM
The Atlantic City Airshow is a spectacle that has become a legendary New Jersey event. Thunder Over the Boardwalk makes it triumphant returns to the skies above the beautiful free beaches and boardwalk in Atlantic City this summer. Bring your family to the shore to witness the best aviation skills around.
Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk”
2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
28. Q104.3 Rock & Roll Car Show
Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 11:00AM – 5:00PM
The Rock & Roll Car Show hosted by Q104.3 Rock invites families to enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun the right way, with food trucks, a beer garden, inflatables, novelty cars, and more for families of all ages.
Overpeck County Park Amphitheater
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
29. Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival
Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 12:00PM – 10:00PM
Long Branch invites all families to celebrate legendary contemporary jazz and blues music at the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival 2017 Summer Series. This premiere event is one of the most unique events happening during the summertime, so whether you are a music lover or just want to have a great time out with the family, make sure to stop sunny Long Branch.
The Great Lawn at the Boardwalk
Long Branch, NJ 07740
30. Music at the Barn Concert Series
August 27, 2017 | 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Rain or Shine)
Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III and the Board of Chosen Freeholders invite the families from all over New Jersey to a free outdoor music concert featuring premier acts such as: Rachel Wise & The Guys (Blues, Country & Rock). You might recognize Ms. Wise from her work on TV and radio, off-Broadway, cabaret, and performances at Carnegie Hall & Lincoln Center. Rachel will be accompanied by Charlie Jones- guitar; Chris Ball: bass guitar and Andrei Koribanics- drums. The Wortendyke Barn Museum is a County Historic Site dating from 1735, and is the best venue for an event like this. There will be limited seating is available; people are welcome to bring chairs/blankets; a food vendor will be present offering delectable eats all concert. The museum will open to visitors at noon before the concerts and during intermission.
Historic Wortendyke Barn
13 Pascack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
BONUS! Movie in the Park: Beauty and the Beast
Thursday, August 31, 2017 | 8:00PM – 11:00PM
The newly rebooted live-action film, Beauty and the Beast is coming to Middletown on the big screen for families to enjoy. One of our favorite princesses, Belle, takes you through her story of being taken prisoner by a beast in his castle and overcoming her fears. Make sure to bring your own chairs or blankets for maximum comfort.
Normandy Park
Middletown, NJ 07748
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- 2017 Summer Beach Badges For New Jersey Beaches
- 25 {Must Know} Kid-Friendly Landmarks in NJ
- 10 Kid-Friendly Resorts in NJ
- Top Summer Day Camps in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
