New Jersey is a great spot for fun in the summertime. There’s plenty of outdoor activities, festivals, beaches, and other fun stuff to do. Now that the kids have hit their summer vacation stride, family-friendly events are in full swing. From free firework shows, to free movies, food markets and beach festivals, there’s no shortage of free activities and festivals this August around the Garden State.
Here are 30 FREE August Events in NJ:
Pssst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
1. Movies at Applegate Farms
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 | 8:30PM
Applegate Farms offers a night of nonstop fun with ice cream, music, games, a magic show, and a movie under the stars. The movie begins at 8:30PM.
Applegate Farms
616 Grove St, Montclair, NJ
2. Family Fun Craft Shows at the Lighthouse
Wednesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 2018 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM
The world-famous Cape May Lighthouse, which originates as far back as 1859, is now known as the beacon of summertime fun. Located in Cape May Point State Park, the lighthouse will be the central point for family activities, performers, entertainment, crafts, and vendors. Cool spot to take the little ones. #NJMom
Cape May Light House
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ
3. Movies Under the Stars
Wednesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 2018 | 9:00PM
Check out a film as you gaze over the beautiful water alongside you. Be sure to arrive early for the best seating and bring a blanket or chair! Movies begin at 9PM.
August 1st – Isle of Dogs
August 8th – Ferdinand
August 15th – Coco
Pier A Park
1st St. & Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ
4. Picnic on the Lawn, Princeton University Art Museum
Thursday, August 2, 2018 | 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Princeton University Art Museum invites your family to pack up a blanket and grab a spot on the green for a picnic. Find your cute picnic outfit that you’ve been dying to wear and enjoy a barbecue, live music, museum tours, family-friendly activities, and an outdoor screening of “The Lion King” at dusk.
Princeton University Art Museum
McCormick Hall, Princeton, NJ
5. Angelsea Night Market
Thursday, August 2 and 16, 2018 | 4:00PM to 10:00PM
Anglesea Night Market returns to the street with delicious food trucks, amazing crafters, live music, family games and more. Play a game with the fam and enjoy some awesome grub and drink options down Olde New Jersey Ave. With so many great options, you really can’t go wrong!
Olde New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ
6. Green on the Screen
Thursday, August 2 and 9, 2018 | 7:30PM
On Thursday nights, community members gather on the Village Green for a whole new movie experience, which includes a 36′ x 24′ outdoor screen, cinema sound, and crystal-clear projection quality. Keep your eyes out – a few of the film’s characters will be present before the movie.
August 2nd – Monsters Inc.
August 9th – The Greatest Showman
Address: 356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ
7. Highlands Annual Clam Festival
August 2 – 5, 2018
Seafood-lovers unite for the 24th Annual Highlands Clam Festival. There’s no better time to say, “All clams, All weekend.” This fantastic event features live entertainment, thrill rides, an all-you-can-eat contest, Lusty’s Clam-Shucking Contest, and plenty of festival activities. Climb out of your shell and make your way down to Huddy Park for all the family fun.
Huddy Park
325-329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ
8. Movies on the Beach
Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2018 | 8:30PM
What’s better than a free movie? A free movie on the beach, of course! Coast over to the beach near the Cape May Convention Hall on Thursday nights for both old and new films. Show starts at 8:30PM.
August 2nd – Sound of Music
August 9th – Jaws
August 16th – Trolls
August 23rd – Greatest Showman
August 30th – The Peanuts Movie
Address: Convention Hall, Cape May NJ
9. Tenafly Free Concert Series
Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 & 30, 2018 | 7:00PM
This crowd favorite is not slowing down this August. There’s always time for free music. Enjoy great entertainment with your family. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair. 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
10. Rutgers Gardens Peach Festival
Friday, August 3, 2018 | 11:00AM to 3:00PM
Want to learn more about Rutgers varieties of edible plants? Now’s your chance! This summer, Rutgers Gardens will be highlighting their edible plants in a festival series. From 11AM to 3PM, the peach festival will highlight the Rutgers peach, through taste testing, cooking demonstrations, and so much more! Taste the recipe Chef Rachel Weston creates, paired with flavors from all of Rutgers Gardens’ vendors. Perfect time for the peach emoji. ?
Rutgers Gardens
124 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ
11. Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival
Saturday, August 4, 2018 | 10:00AM – 6:00PM
The 7th Annual Craft Beer & Crab Festival is back and better than ever. This festival features local and regional craft beers to accompany your favorite summer dished like steamed crabs, pulled pork, crab cakes, shrimp, hot dogs, and more. Jam out with music on an outdoor stage all day, watch an old-fashioned Victorian circus with jugglers and acrobats, join the crafts and collectibles show, and sip your favorite craft beers. Crabs, crafts, and beers? Count us in.
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ
12. Universal African Festival
Saturday, August 4, 2018 | 10:00AM – 6:00PM
If you’re looking for something a little different, cultural, and educational, check out the Universal African Festival. 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, an honoring ceremony, and plenty of more outdoor cultural fun with the whole family.
Springwood Park
Springwood and Atkins Aves, Asbury Park, NJ
13. Historic Blairstown Day
Saturday, August 4, 2018 | 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Blairstown Museum wants to party like it’s 1899. Historic Blairstown Day will take you back in time with nostalgic entertainment, antiques, craft and food vendors, a classic car show, a birthday celebration for the town founder, and many more fun and educational activities. #partylikeits1899
Blairstown Museum
26 Main Street, Blairstown, NJ
14. Corn & Tomato Festival
Saturday, August 4, 2018 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Celebrating New Jersey’s favorite summertime crops, this family festival is one for the books. Shop decorated gift items including handcrafted furniture, fabulous florals, jewelry, wearable art, handmade soaps, candles, traditional and fine art, and gourmet delights. It’s time to celebrate these badass crops that make NJ.
Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ
15. A Very Berry Festival
Sunday, August 5, 2018 | 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Dig into all things berry at this annual family festival, where you’ll want to stop counting calories with delicious homemade recipes. If you like strawberry shortcakes or berry pies, make this a stop on your summer bucket list.
Squan Plaza, Manasquan NJ
16. Garfield Street Fair
Sunday, August 5, 2018 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Midland Avenue will be transformed into a giant street fair and block party extravaganza. The event includes kiddie rides, a climbing wall, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, and temporary tattoos. Summer food favorites making an appearance include ice cream, chicken fingers, zeppoles, kettle corn, freshly squeezed lemonade, Italian Ice, french fries, hot dogs, and burgers. Make sure your family comes with empty stomachs and plenty of energy to play.
458 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ
17. Salem County Fair
August 7 – 10, 2018
The Salem County Fair is the perfect combination of jaw-dropping and show-stopping. From pony rides and pig races to archery demonstrations and the Little Miss Salem County Fair Pageant, there is something for everyone.
Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Harding Hwy, Woodstown, NJ
18. Sweet Sounds Downtown Westfield Jazz Festival
Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2018 | 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Downtown Westfield is the place to be for you and the family in August. Sweet Sounds takes 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. #grabthesax Click here for the 2018 performance schedule.
Downtown Westfield
E Broad Street, Westfield, NJ
19. Free Magic Show at Cape May’s Convention Hall
Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2018 | 7:00PM
Convention Hall is bringing your family all the magic you can handle for the month of August. This popular family event is guaranteed to wow your little ones, so come every Tuesday. Who knows, you might be “wowed” too.
Cape May Convention Hall
714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
20. 42nd Annual Township of Ocean Italian Festival
Wednesday, August 8 – Sunday, August 12, 2018 | 5:00PM – 11:00PM Daily
The 42nd Annual Italian Heritage and Cultural celebration is back and better than ever. Check out the entertaining performers scheduled to get you on your feet: Taylor Tote, Time Piece, Lights Out, and Dominic Riccio. Chow down on authentic Italian dishes and enjoy fireworks at the end of the night. #takethecannolis
200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ
21. Vets Summer Fest
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 11:00AM – 8:00PM
No summer festivals combine family fun and support to our beloved veterans without a home. All except the Vets Summer Fest in Hackettstown. Support veterans and experience live music, great food, a Kid Zone, craft show, car show, and a motorcycle run.
Vasa Park
1 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown, NJ
22. Salt Water Day 2018
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 2:00PM – 10:00PM
The 16th Annual Salt Water Day is coming to the Laurence Harbor Waterfront once again. Shop til’ you drop with over 70 vendors, food trucks, rides, live music, and a corn hole tournament. It’s the perfect day for waterfront fun, so bring the whole family to splash around.
Laurence Harbor Waterfront Park
NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ
23. Bergen County Music Festival
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 2:00PM – 8:00PM
Are you ready for a good time, great music, and even better food? Head over to New Overpeck County Park for live entertainment that’s sure to get you in the dancing mood. Celebrate this year’s motto, “Living Out Loud.” And dance like no one is watching!
The New Overpeck County Park
Teaneck, NJ
24. Movies Under the Stars
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 8:00PM
How about an old-fashioned movie night on the jumbo screen? Film will start at dusk. But wait! There’s more! Before you settle down, there’s music from a live DJ, face painting, tattoos, and refreshments available for you and the little ones.
August 18th – Peter Rabbit
Dykstra Park, Sparta, NJ
25 .Egg Harbor City’s 1st Food Truck & Beer Garden Festival
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 3:00PM – 9:00PM
Egg Harbor City’s 1st Food Truck & Beer Garden Festival is sure to keep your belly full and your feet dancing. From 3 to 9PM, listen to live music from Quasimodos Bride, Lick My Soul, Nick Noto, Cynthia Waters, and a special Elvis Tribute by “Gentleman Jim.”
100 & 200 Block of Philadelphia Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
26. Atlantic City Airshow Thunder Over the Boardwalk
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | 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’s triumphant return to the skies above the beautiful beaches and boardwalk. Bring your family to the shore to witness the best aviation skills around.
Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk”
2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
27. Swedesboro’s Food Truck Thursdays
Thursday, August 23, 2018 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Food Truck Thursdays is your chance to enjoy some tasty food and drink from a variety of area food trucks and vendors! Head over to Swedesboro Auction Park for this family/friendly/foodie event with games and music. Free parking is available. Free parking is available.
101 Leahy Ave, Swedesboro, NJ
28. Movies in the Park
Saturday, August 25, 2018 | 8:30PM
Spend one of your last few summer movie nights at Kennedy Park. Movies will start at 9PM.
August 25th – Coco
Kennedy Park, Sayreville, NJ
29. Peach and Butterfly Celebration at Sickles Market
Sunday, August 26, 2018 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sickles Market loves a party! Especially when it celebrates good food, gardening, and giving back to the community. Their Peach & Butterfly Festival features all things delicious & peachy plus their annual butterfly release. What a great way to spend time with your family, watching little butterflies fly away!
Sickles Market
1 Harrison Ave, Little Silver, NJ
30. Franklin Lakes Movies Under the Stars
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 | 7:30PM
Be our guest at Parsons Pond Park. Feel free to bring a cooler with snacks, as light refreshments and giveaways will be provided. The field opens at 7:30PM and the movie begins at 8:30PM.
August 29th – Beauty and the Beast
Parsons Pond Park, 500 Parsons Pond Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
