It’s mid-July (how’d that happen?), and summer is hitting its stride, with a weekend full of fun for the entire family. Spend the day enjoying musical acts, live entertainment, animal events, games, activities, rides, food, and vendors at the Ocean County Fair in Berkeley Townships, bring your crew to walk for a day focused on celebrating strength, raising funds for ovarian cancer research at the Sandy Spring Sea Isle City 5K Run/Walk 2026, or step back in time and visit Revolutionary-era New Jersey at History on the Green in Somerville. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: Ocean County Fair)
Food Truck Friday
July 17 at 5 PM
Bring your appetites and get ready for a delicious food truck festival. You will find a diverse selection of food to enjoy before stopping into the local stores for some shopping.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Sunset in the Pines
July 17 at 6:30 PM
Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the beautiful sunset while you learn all about the ecology of the Pine Barrens. This 2.5-mile hike will go down the Cranberry Dot trail at dusk.
Cost: Free
103 Shinns Road, Vincentown, NJ 08088
Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 17-18
Celebrate the summer season with lots of fun, including a horse show, livestock show, animals, rides, food, music, and so much more.
Cost: Free
4-H Fairgrounds, 335 Courthouse-South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Ocean County Fair
July 17-19
Gather up your crew to see musical acts, live entertainment, animal events, games, activities, rides, food, and vendors. Don’t miss Cowboy Larry on Sunday, too.
Cost: $10, and parking is free.
Robert J. Miller Air Park, Route 530, Berkeley Township, NJ 08721
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Annual Carnival
July 17-19
Join the fun with many rides, games, and food the whole family will love at this popular fair.
Cost: 15 tickets are $13, wristband nights are $35 per night
868 Ringwood Avenue, Haskell, NJ 07420
Lavender Festival
July 17-19
Spend the day wandering through the lavender garden and enjoy the aromatic scent. Kids will love feeding the goats and chickens, while you snap photos on the props among the fields for the ‘gram. On weekends, there is gemstone mining.
Cost: $15 per person; children 1 and under are free
Happy Day Farm, 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
History on the Green
July 18 at 10 AM
Step back in time and visit Revolutionary-era New Jersey at this living history event. Celebrate the 250th anniversary with activities, performances, and even sightings of General Washington.
Cost: Free
The Courthouse Green, between N. Bridge and Grove St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Summer in the Street Festival
July 18 at 2 PM
This annual street festival includes fun for the whole family. There will be food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, live performances, and a beer-and-wine garden for adults.
Cost: Free
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Sandy Spring Sea Isle City 5K Run and Family Walk 2026
July 18 at 8:30 AM
Bring your crew to walk for a day focused on celebrating strength, raising funds for ovarian cancer research, and spreading awareness. The event will feature a 5K Run, a Family Fun Walk, a Survivor Ceremony, and much more.
Cost: $40 per person
Excursion Park, 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
2026 Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
July 18 at 5:30 PM
Bring your family (and seating) and head to the beach for a night of live music, delicious food, and local crafters. Make sure you arrive early to secure a good spot. The band will be The Jersey Four, which is a Frankie Valli tribute band.
Cost: Free
Newport Avenue Beach, Ventnor, NJ 08406
Flower Festival at Terhune Orchards
July 18-19 at 10 AM
This brand-new festival is a great way to celebrate the beauty of summertime and pretty blooms—additional festival details will be announced.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Boardwalk Craft Show
July 18-19
Head to the southern end of the boardwalk to find a one-of-a-kind gift, homemade treats, or a unique artwork. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Harvey Cedars Arts Festival
July 19 at 11 AM
It’s the annual Harvey Cedars Arts Festival. Peruse the artists and makers displaying their mixed-media works, photography, and fine crafts.
Cost: Free
Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, 1 West Salem Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
Movie Night On The Beach
July 19 at 9 PM
Enjoy free movies every Sunday near Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights. This night, the featured film will be The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Cost: Free
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Hackettstown Street Fair and World Soccer Final Celebration
July 19 at 11 AM
Get ready for family-friendly fun, including live entertainment, food, vendors, and more. This year will be bigger and better than ever, with three watch party areas for the World Cup Final.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07848
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