Planning activities throughout the last stretch of summer is no easy task. Have no fear mom and dad, we’ve hand-picked up a bunch of FREE things to do throughout the month of August!
via www.highlandsnj.com
1. Clam Festival
Saturday August 1 from 12:00pm-11:00pm & Sunday August 2 from 12:00pm-8:00pm
Celebrate clams all weekend at this year’s annual clam festival! Live music, rides, and an all you can eat clam contest will be part of the celebration. There will be tons of fun and food for the whole family, so you won’t want to miss it.
Bay Avenue Highlands, NJ 07732
2. Manasquan Fireman’s Fair
Saturday August 1 from 6:00pm-10:30pm
Celebrate the amazing firemen at this cool fair. There will be games, rides, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. There will also be a firefighter parade and much more fun. Come out for a fun time!
South Potter Ave Manasquan, NJ 08736
3. Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday August 1 & Sunday August 2 from 9:00am-5:00pm
Take in the beautiful beach view while shopping for unique, handmade crafts on the boardwalk. There are a ton of crafts to see and a great assortment, so you can find whatever you’re looking for! Plus, when you’re done you can head straight to the beach.
Wildwood Boardwalk, south of the Convention Center
3720 Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260
4. Peach Festival and Country Auction
Saturday August 1 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Come out and enjoy a fun festival for everyone. There will be homemade peach desserts and tons of items up for auction. Sporting goods, games, electronics, and much more will be auctioned. You won’t want to miss this fun day.
220 Main Street Chester, NJ 07930
via www.asburyfresh.com
5. Asbury Fresh Local Artisan Market
Sunday August 2 from 11:00am-4:00pm
Come to one of the largest local artisan and produce markets in NJ. With over 55 farmers and artisans there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Tents with handmade jewelry, delicious food, and so much more will be available.
Kennedy Park: Cookman Ave & Grand Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
6. One Man Circus
Monday August 3 at 6:30pm
Enjoy the fun and entertainment of a circus done by one man. He juggles, performs magic, and rides a unicycle. This crazy act will keep everyone entertained and it is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
William Morrow Beach Somers Point, NJ 08244
7. The Lego Movie
Monday August 3 at 8:30pm
Enjoy the new favorite film, The Lego Movie from the comfort of the beach. You can pick your spot, bring your own chair or blanket, and just relax. This is a perfect way to end a long Monday.
William Morrow Beach Somers Point, NJ 08244
8. Free Summer Movie
Tuesday August 4 at 10:30am and 7:00pm
Kick back, relax, and cool off for a fun movie. The feature presentation will be Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. This funny, action packed film is perfect for all ages, and will be something the whole family will enjoy.
State Theater 15 Livingston Ave New Brunswick, NJ 08901
via www.casinopier.com
9. Waffle & Ice Cream Eating Contest
Wednesday August 5 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
What better way to celebrate national ice cream sandwich week than by a crazy waffle & ice cream sandwich eating contest?! Come watch as contestants compete to see who can eat the most waffles and ice cream in ten minutes!
Casino Pier 800 Ocean Terrace Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
10. Italian Festival
Wednesday August 5 thru Sunday August 9 from 5:00pm-11:00pm
Celebrate the Italian culture at this fantastic festival. There will be Italian music, Italian food, and even eating contests. You can also enjoy rides, fireworks, raffles, games, and more. It will be a fun time for everyone.
240 Whalepond Road Ocean Township, NJ 07755
via www.thesandpaper.villagesoup.com
11. Festival of the Sea Carnival
Wednesday August 5 thru Sunday August 9 from 6:00pm-10:00pm
Enjoy a classic carnival night with the family. Go on all of the typical carnival rides including the ferris wheel, participate in fun games, and spend time with the family. There will also be food available. Admission is free, but there is a cost for rides.
St. Francis Parish 4700 Brant Beach Island, NJ 08008
12. Thursday Night Movie on the Beach
Thursday August 6 from 8:00pm-10:30pm
Enjoy Thursday night movies on the beach. Kick back and relax on the sand while watching this week’s feature film of The Simpson’s Movie. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and snacks for a night the whole family will love.
1000 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
13. Summer Movie in the Park
Thursday August 6 at 8:00pm
Instead of sitting on the couch, enjoy a fun family movie from outside in the park. This week’s feature film is Frozen. There will be free popcorn, so you just need to bring a chair or blanket and you will be all set to watch.
Veteran’s Park Westwood, NJ 07675
14. Hot Rods and Food Trucks
Saturday August 8 from 11:00am-6:00pm
If you love food and cars this event is great for you. Spend the day admiring classic cars and enjoying rides while also indulging in food from various food trucks. This is a unique event full of fun and food that you won’t want to miss.
275 Beachway Ave Keansburg, NJ 07734
via www.flickr.com
15. Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival
Saturday August 8 from 12:00pm-9:00pm
This is a perfect summer event for the whole family. Enjoy classic summer foods like hamburgers, pulled pork, and of course, crab broil. Live music, jugglers, and acrobats will also be part of the fun. Admission is free although you will need to pay for food.
1048 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204
16. Seussology
Monday August 10 at 6:30pm
Experience the world of Dr. Seuss like never before. Enjoy a live and interactive adventure with not only Thing 1 and Thing 2 but also Thing 3. This fun night is perfect for all kids and will keep them entertained the entire time.
William Morrow Beach Somers Point, NJ 08244
via www.flickr.com
17. Somerset County 4-H Fair
Wednesday August 12, Thursday August 13, Friday August 14 from 10:00am-10:00pm
Enjoy fun family time at this huge fair. There will definitely be something everyone can enjoy. Horse shows, go karts, and magic will be available. In addition, arts and crafts, science experiments, and dancing will also be part of the fun.
North Branch Park 355 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807
18. Wildflowers Dog Show
Thursday August 13 from 4:00pm-6:00pm
Show off your dog and try to win prizes! There will be a number of winners including best trick and best costume. Get creative and get ready to compete in this cool event. It will be fun for all families and pets.
410 Broadway Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
19. Summer Movie in the Park
Thursday August 13 at 8:00pm
Instead of sitting on the couch, enjoy a fun family movie from outside in the park. This week’s feature film is Grease. There will be free popcorn, so you just need to bring a chair or blanket and you will be all set to watch.
Veteran’s Park Westwood, NJ 07675
via www.elizabethnj.org
20. 10th Annual Car and Bike Show
Saturday August 15 from 11:00am-4:00pm
This event is much more than a car and bike show. This day will include a street fair, a food festival, and a bunch of contests. There will also be a DJ and Doo Wop Band playing. This will be a fun family day for all.
50 Winfield Scott Plaza Elizabeth, NJ 07201
21. 3rd Annual Sweet Corn Festival
Saturday August 15 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Celebrate a classic summer food all day long! Make corn themed crafts, go rock climbing, and enjoy live music. There will also be corn themed activities, food, and so much more. So come out and appreciate the beloved sweet summer corn.
62 Walnford Road Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
www.boardwalkcrafts.com
22. Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday August 15 & Sunday August 16 from 9:00am-5:00pm
Take in the beautiful beach view while shopping for unique, handmade crafts on the boardwalk. There are a ton of crafts to see and a great assortment, so you can find whatever you’re looking for! Plus, when you’re done you can head straight to the beach.
Wildwood Boardwalk, south of the Convention Center
3720 Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260
23. Movie in the Park
Wednesday August 19 at 8:30pm
Experience a movie in the great outdoors on a beautiful summer night. Bring your own chair and watch Harry Potter and the Sorcer’s Stone. You can also enjoy food, music, and more in addition to the movie. It will be a fun night for everyone.
Memorial Park Van Neste Square Ridgewood, NJ 07450
24. Thursday Night Movie on the Beach
Thursday August 20 from 8:00pm-10:30pm
Enjoy Thursday night movies on the beach. Kick back and relax on the sand while watching this week’s feature film of Jaws. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and snacks for a night the whole family will love.
1000 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
25. Summer Movie in the Park
Thursday August 20 at 8:00pm
Instead of sitting on the couch, enjoy a fun family movie from outside in the park. This week’s feature film is Paddington. There will be free popcorn, so you just need to bring a chair or blanket and you will be all set to watch.
Veteran’s Park Westwood, NJ 07675
26. Teddy Bear Day
Saturday August 22 from 9:00am-6:00pm
If you bring your teddy bear to the zoo on this day you get FREE admission. What’s better than a free day at the zoo with your favorite stuffed animal? Explore all of the wonderful animals and exhibits the zoo and museum have to offer. It will be a fun day for all.
218 Route 519 Wantage, NJ 07461
via www.canalday.org
27. Canal Day
Saturday August 22 from 10:00am-5:00pm
Enjoy an old time country fair with the whole family. There will be live music all day, kayak tours, a zoo, and an arts and crafts show. Fireworks, blacksmith demonstrations, and hay rides will also be included in the fun. You don’t want to miss it.
170 West Central Ave Wharton, NJ 07885
28. Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday August 22 & Sunday August 23 from 9:00am-5:00pm
Take in the beautiful beach view while shopping for unique, handmade crafts on the boardwalk. There are a ton of crafts to see and a great assortment, so you can find whatever you’re looking for! Plus, when you’re done you can head straight to the beach.
Wildwood Boardwalk, south of the Convention Center
3720 Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260
29. Summer Mummers
Wednesday August 26 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Spend an awesome summer night in Collingswood. Shop and dine on the town streets and then enjoy a free concert by the Fralinger String Band. It will be unique, entertaining, and fun for everyone. You won’t wont to miss this cool night out.
Powell Lane Collingswood, NJ 08108
30. Thursday Night Movie on the Beach
Thursday August 27 from 8:00pm-10:30pm
Enjoy Thursday night movies on the beach. Kick back and relax on the sand while watching this week’s feature film of The Muppet Movie. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and snacks for a night the whole family will love.
1000 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712
31. Summer Movie in the Park
Thursday August 27 at 8:00pm
Instead of sitting on the couch, enjoy a fun family movie from outside in the park. This week’s feature film is Field of Dreams. There will be free popcorn, so you just need to bring a chair or blanket and you will be all set to watch.
Veteran’s Park Westwood, NJ 07675
via www.online-instagram.com
32. Manahawkin Flea Market and Food Truck Festival
Saturday August 29 from 11:00am-4:00pm
Enjoy delicious food from a number of food trucks from NJ, NY, and PA. Come hungry because you will want to try everything you see. Live music and craft vendors will be there as well. You can spend the entire day here and never get bored.
657 East Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050
33. Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival
Saturday August 29 from 12:00pm-9:45pm
Come for a day of music, food, and fun. There will be kids activities, unique food, and plenty of vendors. And of course there will be a ton of great jazz and blues music that everyone will enjoy. Spend this fun day with the family.
The Great Lawn 28 McKinley Ave Long Branch, NJ 07740
Did we miss a FREE event in NJ that you know about? Share it in the comments below!
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- Head to your local NJ Farmer’s Market for the day
- Plan your trip to the beach
- Explore the top 50 books your child will want to read this summer
- 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)
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 20 NJ Summer Camps you need to know about
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
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