Okay, it’s the first weekend after Labor Day, but we are so not ready to give up on summer festivals in New Jersey just yet. Enjoy these last few weekends of summer fun with your little ones. Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are our top picks for family events in NJ this weekend:
1. Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival
September 9 – 11, 2016 | Friday & Saturday 12:00PM – 8:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM – 5:00PM
This invitational food truck festival features a dozen of the Tri-State Area’s hottest and most sought after food trucks, including Shore Shake, Philly Fry, Eat-A-Pita, and Marie’s Seafood Lobster House. Vendors, live entertainment, and family activities make this food truck festival the perfect way to end the “summer of the food trucks.”
63rd St at Landis Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Cost: Free
2. Asbury Park Oysterfest
September 9 – 11, 2016 | Friday 5:00PM – 10:00PM, Saturday 12:00PM – 10:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM – 6:00PM
“A seafood event with local flavor,” describes this weekend-long oyster festival in happenin’ Asbury Park. Enjoy the cool weather of early September with fresh seafood from over 25 vendors including Tony’s Clam Bar, Ike’s Famous Crabcakes, and Bistro at Red Bank. But there’s more! Blue Point Beer will have a tap takeover with all of their best brews, Wine from Tavernello of Italy, crafts, music, children’s activities, and games (new this year!) from Paladin Amusement will be featured all weekend long.
Asbury Park Carousel
700 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Cost: $3 for weekend pass, Friday is free, Children 12 and under are free
3. Wild Jazz Adventure
September 9, 2016 | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Observe the natural beauty of Jersey City’s Reservoir at this free family event while being entertained by renowned jazz musicians Peter Lin of The Lintets and friends.
Jersey City Reservoir No. 3
Summit Ave & Reservoir Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Cost: Free
4. 25th Annual Sailfest
September 10, 2016 | 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Nautical novices, enthusiasts, and sailors alike should gather the family and head to Sailfest for a number of maritime activities. From sailboat races in the morning and craft/food vendors to inflatable kiddie rides and a cash 50/50, there is something for everybody at this family event.
River Ave, Island Heights, NJ 08732
Cost: Free
5. Unbroken Warriers Touch-a-Truck
September 10, 2016 | 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Moms of truck-lovers, you know who you are! This car show-style event features military, emergency response, construction, and commercial vehicles, along with motorcycles and farm equipment for your little ones to explore by climbing into the drivers seat for a full truck experience. Meet the men and women who operate the vehicles, and take home giveaways and prizes.
Dearborn Market
2170 RT-35, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Cost: $5 per child, Infants are free
6. Delicious Orchards Apple Fest
September 10 – 11, 2016 | 11:00AM – 4:00PM
This event is bigger than ever: local vendors offering delicious product samplings, farm animals, a clown, live music, and countless apple options including more than a dozen varieties: Delicious Orchards’ famous apple cider, seasonal apple ice cream, apple flavored cotton candy, and apple fritters made on-site. Browse vintage vehicles at the full car display of over 40 cars dating back as early as 1900.
Delicious Orchards
320 State Route 34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Cost: Free
7. Colts Neck Pet Fair
September 10 – 11, 2016 | 11:00AM – 5:30PM
Grab your furry friend and head to this two day charity event featuring vendors, rescues, tons of entertainment, great food and so much more! All proceeds will be donated to The Furry Friends Foundation and Make a Wish of NJ. Your little pups will be able to try their paws at dock diving, lure coursing and agility courses. Spectacular entertainment events include Wild West Show, Exotic Bird Show, Reptile Show, Marco the Magician, Bunny agility, and more.
Bucks Mill Park
137 Bucks Mill Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Cost: Adult – $10.00 a day (2 day $14), Senior – $5.00 (2 day $8), Kids 6-12 – $5.00 (2 day $8), Under 6 Free
8. Capital City Food Truck Battle
September 10, 2016 | 11:00AM – 7:00PM
“15 of the area’s finest Flavor Aficionado’s will be serving up their best dishes and will be vying for YOUR VOTE! Categories will include both SWEET and SAVORY and the winner of each category will receive a custom-designed trophy by Bordentown artist Mark Fenton!” Also enjoy beer, mimosas, bloody mary’s, and drink specials at the Beer Garden, check out the live entertainment, and browse craft and artistan vendors.
Rho Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, New Jersey 08611
Cost: $5, Children 12 and under are free
9. Atlantic City Seafood Festival
September 10 – 11, 2016 | Saturday 11:00AM – 7:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM – 6:00PM
“The spectacle of The Atlantic City Seafood Festival will return to historic Bader Field on September 10 & 11 2016! Good Time Tricycle Productions’ 5th year at the helm of the ship for this massive weekend which features delicacies from the deep, live entertainment, activities for the entire family, and even a Great Brews of New Jersey tasting tent.”
Bader Field
501 N Albany Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Cost: $5 per person, Children under 12 are free
10. Annual “Summer City” Block Party
September 10, 2016 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM
“Shuster Group & Hamilton House are hosting a freeend-of-summer kid-centric block party with a petting zoo, music, food & lots of activities.Our goal is to bring awareness to a developing area of downtown Jersey City by highlighting local businesses and culture. Family and friends are invted to 255 Brunswick for one last summer time bash before Fall weather sets in.”
Hamilton House
255 Brunswick St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Cost: Free
11. 5th Annual Nicky’s Festival
September 10, 2016 | 3:00PM – 7:00PM
Celebrate this touching and important cause with live music, food, great silent auction items, tricky tray auction, soda, drink specials, and more! “We feel this is a positive way of celebrating Nicky’s life and the wonderful things he had accomplished during his 15 years. It is a way for our family giving back to others and helping other youth in their future endeavors. It is a means to spread awareness and prevention of Youth suicide. We hope to see you out again this year to help us raise money in our effort to remember Nicky through giving back to the community in various forms including: scholarships,community events, and school functions.”
Dadz Bar and Grill Inc.
744 Main St, Lumberton, NJ 08048
Cost: $30 advance, $35 at door
12. Tri-State Food Truck Mashup
September 10, 2016 | 5:00PM – 11:00PM
In addition to the amazing food truck selection, this North Jersey event features craft beer sponsors, live music, and fun activities for kids sponsored by Girl Scouts of America. “A full line-up of the food trucks in attendance are listed at northjerseyevents.com. We have more trucks than ever before planned for the line-up. Some food trucks are back by popular demand but we also have some new and exciting surprises in planned.”
Meadowlands Racetrack
1 Racetrack Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Cost: General Admission $5 Advance & $7 Door, Early Access $30 Advance & $40 Door
13. Beach Plum Festival
September 11, 2016 | 9:00AM – 4:00PM
“The nonprofit Friends of Island Beach State Park are hosting the 19th Annual Beach Plum Festival at Ocean Bathing Area #1. Beach plum muffins, jelly and ice cream for sale, more than 65 craft vendors, children’s games, environmental exhibits, stand up paddle board raffle, nature programs and exhibits, and food trucks. Great family event!”
Pavilion @ OBA1
Central Ave., Seaside Park, 08752
Cost: Suggested Donation of $8 per car
14. 12th Annual Beach Bash
September 11, 2016 | 9:00AM – 4:00PM
“Beach Bash benefits individuals and their families living with autism spectrum disorders. Beach Bash includes organized activities, DJ, arts and crafts booth, informational vendors, lunch, beach games, and more. Families have an opportunity to network and partake in organized activities throughout the day. Also included in the day’s activities is a free surf camp featuring Surfer’s Healing.”
7th Ave Beach
7th & Ocean Aves, Belmar, NJ 07719
Cost: Free
15. Clifton Comic Book Expo
September 11, 2016 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM
“America’s longest running monthly comic book show returns from summer break!” Comb through 70 tables of comics, where you can find everything from 50 cent readers to investment grade CGC books.
Clifton Community Recreation Center
1232 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011
Cost: Free
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- FREE Events in New Jersey through September 30th
- Pick your own fruits and veggies – Calendar
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Head to your local NJ Farmer’s Market for the day
- 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)
- 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
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
- 20+ Best Splash Water Parks
- Plan your trip to the beach
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
