September signals the start of a new school year, but the fun doesn’t stop, especially with a bunch of FREE things to do all month in NJ. Cap off the summer with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and fireworks at the Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration, see DJs, bands, performances, a fashion show, art activities, and interactive games at the Halsey Festival in Newark, or celebrate all things water where the whole fam can enjoy coastal activities, including kayaking, fishing, kite flying, crabbing, sandcastle building, and more at the Wind and Sea Festival in Port Monmouth. For more fall fun, check out fall festivals all season long. (Featured photo credit: Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)

Free things to do in New Jersey this month

Wildwoods Food and Music Festival
September 12 at 2 PM
Formerly known as the Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents a Food and Music Street Fair with food, music, shopping, a pie-eating contest, and kids’ activities.
Cost: Free
Downtown Wildwood starts at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues

Brielle Day
September 12 at 9 AM
Enjoy great entertainment, fire truck rides, music, a craft fair, a beer garden, and delicious food. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Brielle Park, 658 Union Lane, Brielle, NJ 08730

Smithville Artwalk
September 12 at 10 AM
It’s a biannual curated gathering of 75 artists celebrating lowbrow and pop art. Come for the art, but stay for the live music, entertainment, contests, and special guests.
Cost: Free
615 E Moss Mill Road, Absecon, NJ 08205

Halsey Festival
September 17 at 3 PM
See DJs, bands, performances, a fashion show, art activities, interactive games, and so much more at this event.
Cost: Free
Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Medford Oktoberfest and Music Festival
September 18-19
Put on your lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest with authentic German food, a stein-holding competition, multiple music stages, and Saturday kids’ activities.
Cost: Free admission
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055

Boots at the Beach
September 18-19
It’s a music fest at the beach along Olde New Jersey Avenue, featuring live country music, merchandise vendors, dancing, crafts, and food.
Cost: Free
Old New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

Saint Nicholas Greek Fest
September 18-20
Go Greek at this festival, where your family can celebrate Greek culture with music, homemade dishes, vendors, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
467 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

Roseland Greek Fest
September 18-20
Travel to Greece at this vibrant festival, which features live music, dancing, Greek specialty boutiques, and delicious food in one spot.
Cost: Free
80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
September 18-20
This festival features 4-H and Master Gardener displays and exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, local farm vendors, live music, a petting zoo, chick hatching, educational and hands-on activities for children, games, local community organizations, a MIDWAY, and much more fun for all ages. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Office of Food Security.
Cost: Free
199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07605

Manasquan Bank Presents 13th Annual Community Day 2026
September 19 at 11 AM
This family-friendly festival will have carnival games, arts and crafts, amusements, and food and refreshments. The Manasquan Bank management team will be on the grills and serve hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza in downtown Manasquan, NJ 08736

St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church 5th Annual Community Fair
September 19 at 1 PM
Come one, come all, to this second annual community fair. There will be free food, games for the whole family, and a big giveaway. Please bring nonperishable food items to donate. The rain date is September 26.
Cost: Free
143 North Bergen Mills Road, Monroe, NJ 08831

Wind and Sea Festival
September 19 at 11 AM
Come to celebrate all things water where the whole fam can enjoy coastal activities, including kayaking, fishing, kite flying, crabbing, sandcastle building, seining, shelling, children’s crafts, naturalist activities, and food vendors.
Cost: Free
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

48th Annual Festival of the Sea
September 19 at 10 AM
Over 250 craft vendors and local restaurants will be at the 48th Annual Festival of the Sea. This festival is the place to be if you are a seafood lover.
Cost: Free
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, 601 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Hopewell Harvest Festival
September 19 at 10 AM
It’s the 37th annual fair with contests, entertainment, games, and a Kids Korner. The rain date is October 3.
Cost: Free
35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, NJ 08525

Arts Fest
September 19 at 2 PM
Engage in an artist marketplace, see emerging artists, and watch urban and eclectic performances and interactive exhibits. There will also be wearable art and gifts, culinary arts, art classes, and face painters.
Cost: Free
Irving Street from Central Ave. to Elizabeth Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065

Smithville Italian Festival
September 19 at 10 AM
It’s the 12th annual Italian Festival with food, live entertainment, refreshments, wine tasting, vendors, bocce, and a children’s area.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, NJ 08205

Atlantic City Latino Festival
September 19 at 12 PM
You can watch mariachi, Salsa, Cumbia, and Folkloric dance groups while visiting authentic food, vendors, and a children’s entertainment area.
Cost: Free
543 N Albany Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Sussex County Day
September 20 at 11 AM
Celebrate Sussex County with live music, fun activities for kids, vendors, exhibitors, the Chopped Sussex Cooking Challenge, and the crowd-pleasing chicken wing eating contest.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822

Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade and Boricua Music Festival
September 20 at 12 PM
Don’t miss the 65th Puerto Rican Day parade with performances, entertainment, and much more.
Cost: Free
Lower Broadway (Avenida Puerto Rico) via Bloomfield Avenue and run up to 1st Avenue, Newark, NJ 07105

The Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival
September 25-27
Erin Go Bragh—everyone’s Irish at this fest with dancing, music, food, and craft vendors daily. Other festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1-mile walk, a pipe exhibition, a food court, and a parade.
Cost: Free
Old New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

Shamrocks by the Sea Celtic Festival
September 26 at 11 AM
We’re halfway to St. Paddy’s Day, so it’s time to celebrate. Enjoy live Irish music, traditional Irish craft vendors, Irish fare and beverages, and your chance to win swag/prizes.
Cost: Free
101 J Street, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 26 at 9 AM
This huge Bayfront street festival will kick off the new season with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and more. At dusk, fireworks will go off.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park & Sunset Lake, New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260

Oktoberfest in Cape May
September 26 at 9 AM
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition as Cape May transforms into a German promenade with authentic music and food. There will also be a Beer Garden, Food Court, and artisans’ tables selling crafts, antiques, and collectibles. The rain date is September 27.
Cost: Free
Carpenter Lane between Ocean and Perry and Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Festival in the Borough of Washington
September 26 at 10 AM
It’s a full day of fun at the Festival in the Borough. Music, entertainment, vendors, food, and a family fun area will keep the whole family happy all day.
Cost: Free
44 E. Washington Avenue (Route 57), Washington, NJ 07882

Wildwood Crest Seafarers’ Celebration
September 26 at 9 AM
This huge bayfront street festival will cap off the summer with live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities, and more. Fireworks go off at dusk.
Cost: Free
Centennial Park & Sunset Lake, New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260

Margate Fall Funfest By the Bay
September 26-27
Visit over 125 booths and activities loaded with music, games, back-bay nature tours, live music, and educational exhibits. Check out crafts from over 65 juried artisans, a Cornhole Tournament, a dog show, parades, and more.
Cost: Free
Amherst Avenue from Washington Avenue to Coolidge Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402

Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 26-27
Kick off fall with a town-wide Oktoberfest event featuring kids’ activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, and food.
Cost: Free
Main St., Valentine Street, and Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Harvest Home Festival
September 27 at 11 AM
It’s an old-fashioned fair reminiscent of the 1890s at the Historic Longstreet Farm. Visitors can enjoy games and live entertainment.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Fannywood Day
September 27 at 10 AM
With plenty of kid activities, you can find fun for the day. Events include a bandstand, a kids’ stage featuring local bands, Rogue the Magician, a bubble gum contest, kiddie rides, and a scavenger hunt.
Cost: Free
Downtown Fanwood, NJ 07023

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