The dog days of August are here, and what better way to make the last month of summer count than with a bunch of FREE things to do in NJ. See movies under the stars and dance at Ridgewood Guild’s Movies In The Park, take a guided walking tour of the Morris Canal and travel down the waterway on a free boat ride at the Canal Day Music & Craft Festival in Wharton, or celebrate National Lighthouse Day with games and kids’ activities at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. And for more summer fun, check out everything on our seasonal bucket list. (Featured photo credit: @ridgewoodguildnj)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Free things to do in New Jersey this month
Wednesday Night Fireworks at Seaside Heights
Every Wednesday until August 26
Head to the boards at sunset to 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 27
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
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
Every Friday at 10 PM until August 28
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 explode to a musical score played along the Boardwalk. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Music in the Park at Rotary Park Bandstand
Select dates in August at 7 PM
Bring a beach chair or blanket to comfortably enjoy music in the park at Cape May Rotary Park. This year’s lineup has something for every musical taste, including Dion Paci, The Honeyhawks, Brook Dicaro Duo, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May Rotary Park, 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Olde Freehold Day
August 1 at 11 AM
Come together to enjoy food, games, paddle boats, contests, Kidz Zone, music, and more at the pond in Freehold. There will be a dunk tank and ceremony honoring veterans.
Cost: Free
Lake Topanemus, Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
31st Annual Clam Fest
August 1-2
What could be better than fresh seafood at the shore? Check out the live entertainment, contests, unique vendors, crafters, children’s activities, and fresh seafood.
Cost: Free for admission and parking
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave #325, Highlands, NJ 07732
Tidal Tuesdays – Seining at Fisherman’s Cove
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11 AM
Stop by Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan, and join a Park System Naturalist for this free seining program. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures that may be found along the cove.
Cost: Free
383 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
August 5, 12, 19, and 26 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
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 5-7 at 10 AM
Bring your whole crew for three days of fun. Be sure to check out the award-winning animal exhibits, petting zoo, games, entertainment including magic shows, hands-on activities, and delicious fair food at this annual 4-H fair.
Cost: Free admission and parking
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
50th Annual Ocean Italian Festival
August 5-9
The annual Ocean Township Italian-American Festival celebrates Italian heritage and culture. Enjoy authentic Italian food and carnival rides, raffles, food-eating contests, and more. This beloved festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Cost: Free; rides have a fee
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
La Fiesta Italiana
August 5-9
Round up the family and head to this festival for five days of games, food, and culture. There will be live music happening every night, too. This 124-year-old tradition is one of the longest-running Italian festivals in the region and is a summertime staple.
Cost: Free
344 6th Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Ridgewood Guild’s Movies In The Park
August 5 and 19
See movies under the stars this month. Wear your favorite prom gear and join in the dance party to watch Footloose on August 5th. On August 19th, wear your favorite Halloween costumes to celebrate Halloween in August with a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Memorial Park, 5 Walnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
237th National Lighthouse Day
August 7 at 10 AM
It’s National Lighthouse Day on August 7, which marks the 237th 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
Movies In The Park: Wicked For Good
August 7 at 8:30 PM
Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer. All movies begin at sunset.
Cost: Free
Berry Lane Park, 1000 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Ocean City Boardwalk Art Show
August 7-9
Stroll the famous boardwalk while browsing artwork from talented artists throughout the region. You’ll find paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry, and handcrafted items, making it a fun stop for the entire family.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Boardwalk, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
2026 Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 8 at 12 PM
Bring the family to a farm-to-festival celebration of local Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, and craft beer. This sweet summer event brings together local farmers, boutique restaurants, craft breweries, live bands, artisans, and kids’ activities to celebrate the best of the Garden State.
Cost: Free
Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Second Saturday in Collingswood
August 8 at 5 PM
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
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 8 at 2 PM
It’s the fourth annual New Brunswick Heart Festival, which celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex. There will be live music and dance performances, a magic show, a visual Arts Market, craft and food vendors, interactive activities and games, fun giveaways, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown New Brunswick in front of the theaters at Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 8 and 22
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances, which are displayed from the beachfront, include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Movie Nights By The Bay
August 12 at 8 PM
Bring a chair and set up for a movie night in the park on the third Wednesday of every month in summer. This year’s lineup includes Wicked, Jaws, and Lilo and Stitch 2.
Cost: Free
Waterfront Park, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Summer Movie Series
August 13, 20, and 27
Enjoy live bands and movies under the stars in Fort Lee. The movies start at 8:30 PM, and this year’s lineup includes Hopper, Apollo 13, and Father of the Bride.
Cost: Free
Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center at 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Screen On The Green
August 14 and 28
On Thursday nights throughout July and August, gather on the Village Green for a movie night. The event features an outdoor LED screen, pre-movie dance parties, and food trucks. This summer’s lineup includes lots of Disney favorites like Moana 2, Snow White, and Mufasa.
Cost: Free
356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Beachfest II Arts & Crafts Festival
August 15 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
Manasquan Summerfest Craft Show
August 22 at 10 AM
Spend the day in Squan with unique crafters and artists, gourmet food, kid-friendly activities, and more. Rain date is August 23.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 22 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
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 29 at 1 PM
The annual event has moved locations and changed names over the years, but it’s still the same live jazz and blues music. There will be kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks ending the evening at 9 PM.
Cost: Free
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
August 30 at 11 AM
Spend the day exploring downtown Red Bank during this popular street fair featuring artists, crafters, food vendors, live music, shopping, children’s games, and family-friendly entertainment.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Street and Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
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