New Jersey is known for a lot of things — including its beaches, bagels, and the festivals that are held throughout the year. With the weather getting warmer, people are eager to get out and take in a New Jersey spring and summer. To celebrate the longer days, festivals, state fairs, and street fairs will happen throughout New Jersey over the next few months. Read on for a list of spring and summer festivals, street fairs, and carnivals in New Jersey for the 2024 season.
Walnut Street Fair | Walnut Street, Montclair
May 5th | 11AM – 4PM
The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. will host a street fair on Walnut Street in Montclair. Local Walnut Street businesses will be featured and there will be live music and performances. Over 250 vendors and displays, food trucks, a beer garden, Touch-A-Truck, and a family fun zone are other highlights of the street fair. Learn more here.
Highland Park Street Fair + Craft Show | Downtown Highland Park
May 5th | 11:30AM – 4:30PM
This free event will be held in downtown Highland Park. The Annual Highland Park Street Fair and Craft Show will be a day of family-friendly fun with one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides, live music, DJ, performances, and other activities. Learn more here.
Read More: New Jersey 5K Events Happening in 2024
50th Annual Greek Festival | 51 Paramus Road, Paramus
May 16th – May 19th
Guests will have the chance to experience Greek culture in the Garden State. This family-friendly event will feature carnival games, cooked and grilled food, desserts, and pastries. Live Greek music and dancing are other highlights of the festival. More information can be found here.
2024 Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival | 101-199 5th Avenue, Asbury Park
May 18th – May 19th
This two-day-long celebration will have vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs. Vegan products will also be available to take home. Attendees can also shop plant-based fashion while listening to live music performances in the background. Some featured vendors include 7th Heaven Chocolate, 24 Karrot Spread, A New Day, A New Dawn NYC, Algorithm, Beagle Freedom Project, Betty’s Icebox, and more. Tickets are available here.
Kenilworth Street Fair + Classic Car Show | 525 Boulevard, Kenilworth
May 19th | 10AM-4PM
Hosted by the Borough of Kenilworth, the city will become a block party. This event will feature different kinds of exhibitors, a dedicated crafter’s section, food, kid-friendly rides, a kids’ area, live music and performances, local merchants, and other activities. Learn more here.
Jersey City Jazz Festival | Multiple Locations in Jersey City
May 29th – June 2nd
Previously, The Jersey City Jazz Festival started with a community concert in 2013 at the Riverview Farmers Market in Jersey City Heights. It has since transformed into a festival held at multiple Jersey City locations featuring over 200 musicians. Guests can anticipate performances of jazz and other similar music styles again in 2024. Learn more here.
Fair Lawn Street Fair + Craft Show | Fair Lawn Avenue Plaza Road, Fair Lawn
June 2nd + October 20th | 11AM to 5PM
In the heart of downtown Fair Lawn, the Fair Lawn Street Fair and Craft Show will take place first on June 2nd. In case one misses the first date, the town is bringing the fair on October 20th. There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kid-friendly rides, and most importantly, food. The event is free and more info can be found here.
North to Shore Festival | Statewide
June 10th – 16th, Asbury Park; June 17th – 23rd, Atlantic City; June 23rd – 30th, Newark
In 2023, the first-ever North to Shore Festival kicked off at multiple locations in New Jersey — now, it is back for 2024. The festival will be a three-week-long series of concerts and other performances designed to showcase New Jersey’s talented creatives. Featured performers include Gabriel Iglesias, Bleachers, Kevin Hart, and others. Read more and get tickets on the event website here.
Toms River Pride Festival | Toms River
June 15th | 11AM-5PM
Toms River will celebrate Pride Month with a homegrown celebration. Hosted by Toms River Pride Committee and Exit 82 Theatre Company, the 6th Annual LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Festival will feature food, vendors, live performances, and activities for all attendees. Learn more here.
Barefoot Country Music Fest | 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
June 20th – 23rd
Country music fans will want to get in on the fun of this festival. This four-day event will highlight the industry’s country stars with 40+ artists — including Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Bailey Zimmerman, The Beach Boys, and more. There will be five stages set up in Wildwood. The event is family-friendly and tickets can be purchased here.
State Fair Meadowlands | 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
June 20th – July 7th
The annual State Fair Meadowlands will take place between June 22nd and July 9th. There will be “17 days of fun” with over 100 rides, free shows, and 50+ food vendors. Fun passes, fast passes, and tickets will be opening up soon on the State Fair’s website here.
Dunellen Street Fair + Craft Show | Downtown Dunellen
June 22nd | 11AM – 5PM
On June 22nd, this fair will feature crafters, food, and activities for the kids. Other activities are yet to be announced. More information can be found here.
Clark’s “Rock the Block” Street Fair | 365 Westfield Avenue, Clark
June 23rd | 10AM-5PM
The city of Clark is taking it an extra step from the average street fair. There will be an added car show element hosted by DJ “Hot Rod” Mike and NJ Cruise News. As for the street fair portion, there will be shopping opportunities. People can shop for jewelry, fashion, kids’ items, candles, sports items, collectibles, and more. The event is free and more information can be found here.
Rock, Ribs, Ridges Festival | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
June 28th – June 30th
Patrons can expect a three-day-long celebration in homage to Southern Rock music and barbecue dishes at Sussex County Fairgrounds. Eleven bands are expected to perform from The Outlaws to Larkin Poe. Tickets can be purchased here.
St. Ann’s Feast | 704 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
St. Ann’s Italian Festival is returning for its 114th year in Hoboken. This six-day feast is taking place at 704 Jefferson Street. Patrons can expect authentic Italian cuisine — from Zeppoles, and wood-fired pizza to fried calamari and seafood salad. There will also be a beer garden and live entertainment to enjoy while munching on classic Italian food. Learn more here.
New Jersey State Fair | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
August 2nd -10th | 10AM-10PM
Garden State residents can head to the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the annual New Jersey State Fair — a state-wide summer celebration. The event will feature exciting activities like a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, monster truck show, and more, as well as family- and kid-friendly entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here.
Salem County Fair | 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown
August 5th – August 9th
From August 5th to August 9th, The Salem County Fair will be held and requires no admission fee. Parking is available for $20 on all five days of the fair. Farm animals, a tractor pull area, a skillet throw area, and food are some of the highlights of the Salem County Fair. Learn more here.
La Festa Italiana | 344 6th Street, Jersey City
August 7th – 11th | 5PM – 11PM
La Festa Italiana has been a loved tradition in Jersey City that dates back to 1902. For five days in mid-August, this old-world festival brings together local restaurants and food vendors, live entertainment, games, and rides for the kids. It is a festival to celebrate Italian-American Culture. Learn more here.
Brazilian Summer Festival | 226 Rome Street, Newark
August 17th | 3PM – 10PM
Patrons can participate and indulge in Brazilian culture at this festival. More info is yet to be released surrounding the event. Tickets can be purchased here.
Westfield Street Fair + Craft Show | 221 South Avenue West, Westfield
August 24th | 11AM – 5PM
Westfield will be opening up its roads for a street fair and craft show this August. Patrons can browse amongst vendors selling arts, crafts, and other goods. Admission is free and more information can be found here.
See More: Rooftops, Waterfronts, + Outdoor Sports in Hoboken + Jersey City: Ways to Get Outside
Wine on the Beach | Seaside Heights
September 9th – 10th | 12PM – 5PM
To mark the end of summer, Seaside Heights is hosting its annual Wine on the Beach festival featuring wine and gourmet food from dozens of local wineries and vendors. The event will take place on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. More information can be found here.
2024 Montclair Jazz Festival | Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
September 14th | 1PM – 9PM
The 2024 Montclair Jazz Festival will have eight hours of live music, a curated selection of food and merchandise, and fun for the whole family. The festival will take to the streets of downtown Montclair, closing off Bloomfield Avenue to traffic at Grove Street to Midland Avenue. Ticket information can be found here.
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Best of Montclair 2024 — Winners ANNOUNCED!
We know you've been hanging on the edge of your seats, but the wait is finally over. We now have the winners for the Best of Montclair 2024 Awards! After weeks of voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title, and of course the bragging rights, of being the “best” in town.
FYI - we do not pick winners or nominees, the winners are chosen by voting over the course of two weeks by our audience, and nominees are the same — nominated fully by our readers and audience. If you don't see a category you think should be on here, please click here to fill our our form to suggest future categories. We cannot guarantee inclusion, but we truly appreciate your suggestions and our team will take them into consideration for 2025.
Winners – please note: an email will be going out with your virtual decal + link to use plus instructions on how to obtain your physical decal in the new year. Please email [email protected] so we have your most up-to-date mailing address. Thank you and congratulations to all who were nominated!
Best Accessories Boutique: Giftbar
Best Acupuncture Practice: Clear Mountain Acupuncture
Best Art Gallery: Tiny Gallery Montclair
Best Avocado Toast: The Corner
Best Bagel: Hot Bagels Abroad
Best Bar: Egan & Sons
Best Barbershop: Keycuts Barbershop
Best Beer Selection: Montclair Brewery
Best Blow Out: Haus of Hilights
Best Botox / Fillers: Evolve Med Spa
Best Breakfast Sandwich: The Corner
Best Breakout Montclair Business 2024: Acorn General Store
Best Brunch: The Corner
Best Burger: Dan & Day's Burgers and Shakes
Best BYOB Spot: Laboratorio Kitchen
Best Chicken Parm: Luigino's Parmigiana
Best Chiropractor: Montclair Performance Health & Chiropractic, Inc
Best Clothing Boutique: Village Vogue Barbara Eclectic
Best Cocktails: Faubourg
Best Coffee Shop: Paper Plane Coffee Co.
Best Community Event: Montclair Film Festival
Best Cookie: Vesta Chocolate
Best Date Night Spot: Faubourg
Best Deli: Nicolo's Italian Bakery + Deli
Best Delivery Restaurant: Jalwa: Modern Indian Dining
Best Dentist: Papasikos Orthodontics
Best Dermatologist: Montclair Rejuvenation Center
Best Dessert Shop: Le French Dad Boulangerie
Best DIY Experience: Alchemy Scent Bar
Best Espresso Martini: Faubourg
Best Eyebrow Spot: Bellezza by Deanna
Best Facial: Evolve Med Spa
Best Fitness Studio: FITloft
Best Floral Design: Studio Nectar
Best Food Truck: Little Pizza Heaven
Best Fries: Egan & Sons
Best Gift Shop: DollyMoo
Best Gluten-Free Menu: Samba Montclair
Best Hair Salon: One Hundred Hair Studio
Best Healthy Food Spot: Mercado
Best Hidden Gem: DollyMoo
Best Home Decor: White Rabbit Black Heart
Best Kids' Activity: IMC Kids Gym
Best Kids' Boutique: Over the Moon
Best Lashes: Bellezza by Deanna
Best Liquor/Beer Store: Amanti Vino
Best Local Maker/Artisan: DollyMoo
Best Margarita: Halcyon
Best Massage: Aura Head Spa
Best Nail Spot/Studio: Hanna Nails
Best New Dinner Spot: The Hudson Rose
Best Outdoor Dining Set-Up: Egan & Sons
Best Pasta: da Pepo
Best Photographer: Briana Battaglia Photography
Best Physical Therapist: SportsMed Physical Therapy
Best Pilates Studio: THE DRIP
Best Pizza: Bivio Pizza Napoletana
Best Plant Shop: Moss & More
Best Restaurant: Dan & Dan's Burgers and Shakes
Best Restaurant with a Good View: The Highlawn
Best Seafood: Halcyon
Best Sports Bar: Egan & Sons
Best Spot for Visitors: The Clairidge
Best Spray Tan: Glow Me.Mobile Spray Tanning
Best Stroller-Friendly Restaurant: Pineapple Express Barbecue
Best Sushi: Nami Nori
Best Sustainable Business: Dry Goods Refillery
Best Taco: Playa Taqueria
Best Therapist: Mountains Therapy
Best Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Menu: Marcel Bakery and Kitchen
Best Wedding Business: Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Best WFH Spot: Eagle Rock Cafe
Best Wings: Egan & Sons
Best Woman-Owned Business: Houss Freya Apothecary
Best Yoga Studio: Yoga Mechanics
Noteworthy Non-Profit: MESH Montclair (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope)
Winners, feel free to save this decal to post on your social media (we’ll also be mailing them in the new year (1 decal per winner) — so reach out to [email protected] with a specific address if needed):
Congrats to all of the winners and to those who were nominated, and thank you to everyone who voted!
If your business is a winner or you love any of these businesses, make sure to share this article to spread the news. Our team will be in touch with the winners in the new year to send you your decal to display for all to see.
