With the shore only being a quick drive away, summers here in New Jersey are unmatched. But if you can’t make it to the beach, there are other exciting happenings occurring in the summer — perfect for celebrations, relaxation, and adventure with loved ones. A fun seasonal choice is visiting a carnival or a fair, and the Garden State has something for everyone. Here are some of the many New Jersey carnivals and festivals to attend this upcoming season. Read on to plan your summer festival adventure.
North to Shore Festival | State-wide
June 4th – 11th, Atlantic City; June 14th – 18th, Asbury Park; June 21st – 25th, Newark
Summer 2023 is the inaugural North to Shore Festival, a three-weekend-long series of concerts and other performances designed to showcase New Jersey’s best. Featured performers include Alanis Morrisette, Demi Lovato, Carlos Santana, and Steven Colbert. Read more and get tickets at the event website.
Toms River Pride Festival | Toms River
June 10th, 11AM-5PM
Celebrate Pride Month in Toms River on Saturday, June 10 on Washington Street. Hosted by Toms River Pride Committee and Exit 82 Theatre Company, the 5th Annual LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Festival will feature food, vendors, live performances, and activities for all attendees.
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Pet Palooza Food Fest | Morristown
June 10, 12PM-7PM
On Friday, June 10th, Morristown gears up for the 3rd Annual Pet Palooza Food Fest. Hosted by Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, the festival aims to find homes for local dogs and cats. Attendees can enjoy more than 12 food vendors, live music, games, a doggie agility course, a pet fashion show, and more while meeting the adorable pets up for adoption.
Juneteenth Jubilee | Montclair
June 17, 12PM-6PM
Montclair is celebrating freedom with its community event, Juneteenth Jubilee, on June 17th. Located at Hillside Elementary School Grounds, this free townwide festival will feature guest speakers, various vendors, food trucks, face painters, pony rides, and more.
State Fair Meadowlands | East Rutherford
June 22nd – July 9th
The annual State Fair Meadowlands will take place between June 22nd and July 9th this year, featuring “18 days of fun” with over 100 rides, free shows, and 50+ food vendors. You can buy a Fun Pass for admission, access to unlimited rides, free parking, and more, or upgrade to a Fast Pass to skip the lines on select rides.
Red, White & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest | Teaneck
July 1st, 11AM-7PM
The Red, White, & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest on the front lawn of the Teaneck Armory on Saturday, July 1st is a fun way to start off the holiday weekend. The festival will include gourmet food trucks, live music, alcoholic beverages, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a ton of different activities like axe throwing, knocker ball, and mini golf.
Pre Fireworks Food and Music Festival | Paramus
July 2nd, 12PM-9PM
Some people just can’t get enough of the July 4th festivities, and at the Garden State Plaza, an early celebration gets things going. On July 2nd, the Paramus 4th of July Committee and MegaBite Events will celebrate Independence Day. Visitors can browse over 18 food vendors, partake in activities like airsoft shooting, bungee trampoline jumping, and village sand art, enjoy live music, and end the night with Paramus’s fireworks display at 9:20PM.
Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair | Atlantic Highlands
July 4th – July 8th, 6PM-11PM
The Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor between July 4th and July 8th will have games, rides, and delicious food. The annual Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair will feature local vendors, live music, and — on Friday — fireworks to kick off the season.
Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival | Haddonfield
July 8th, 11AM – 7PM; July 9th, 10AM – 5PM
For those heading South this summer, check out the 29th annual Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival on July 8th and July 9th to browse the work of over 200 artists. The outdoor festival will take place in downtown Haddonfield along Kings Highway between Washington Avenue and Haddon Avenue, along Tanner Street to Euclid Avenue, and on Kings Court.
Clinton Township Food Truck & Music Fest | Clinton Twp.
July 8, 11AM-7PM
The Clinton Township Food Truck & Music Fest will take place on July 8th. The event will be at Bundt Park and feature gourmet food trucks; live music; a beer, margarita, and sangria garden; kids’ activities, and more. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned or boxed items to support the local food pantry.
St. Ann’s Feast | Hoboken
July 21st – 26th
St. Ann’s Italian Festival is back for its 113th year in Hoboken. This six-day feast, taking place at 704 Jefferson Street, will feature authentic Italian cuisine, from Zeppoles, and wood-fired pizza to fried calamari and seafood salad. Additionally, you can enjoy a beer garden and live music.
Monmouth County Fair | Freehold
July 26th – July 28th, 4PM – 11PM; July 29, 11AM -11PM; July 30, 11AM – 6PM
The Monmouth County Fair is back for another year with free entertainment, 4-H shows and exhibits, rides, live music, and more. Presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H Association, this annual event has something for attendees of all ages.
See More: 16 New Jersey Towns for a Fun Summer Day Trip
New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning | Readington
July 28th – 30th
As the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning is a must-attend summer event for Jersey residents and visitors alike. The event is held annually at Solberg Airport in Readington and offers a gorgeous display of colorful hot air balloons — the perfect backdrop for that Instagram photo.
New Jersey State Fair | Augusta
August 4th – 12th, 10AM-10PM
Visitors from all over the Garden State will 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.
La Festa Italiana | Jersey City
August 9th – 13th
La Festa Italiana is a popular annual Jersey City attraction that dates back to 1902. The old-world festival is a great way for loved ones and community members to relish good food, live music, and fun activities.
Clam Festival | Highlands
August 4th, 6PM- 11PM; August 5th, 12PM -11PM
The Highlands is hosting its 28th Annual Clam Festival this summer at Huddy Park on Bay and Waterwitch Avenues — a beautiful location on Toms River. The two-day event features food trucks with succulent seafood, live music and entertainment, and an array of activities for friends and family of all ages. The event will end with a fireworks show on Saturday night.
PierFest | Jersey City
Fridays through September
Join the 5th annual PierFest in Jersey City on Fridays through September for world-class Latin Jazz, dance instruction, and great food. The 2023 lineup has not yet been announced, so stay tuned!
Wine on the Beach | Seaside Heights
September 9th – 10th, 12PM-5PM
Join Seaside Heights for its annual Wine on the Beach festival featuring high-quality wine and gourmet food from dozens of local wineries and vendors. The event will take place on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and will make a beautiful end to the summer.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival | Asbury
September 16th – 17th
Visit Asbury Park for the Sea.Hear.Now Festival to see headliners like The Killers, Sheryl Crow, Foo Fighters, and Weezer. The two-day music festival features more than 25 bands on the beautiful Asbury Park Waterfront.
Tidal Wave Music Festival | Atlantic City
August 11th – 13th
The popular three-day TidalWave Music Festival takes place on Atlantic City Beach and along the boardwalk, featuring country headliners not to be missed. This year’s schedule includes performances by Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, and more of country music’s favorite stars.
Jazz & Blues Festival | Morristown
September 22nd – 23rd
Morristown’s annual Jazz & Blues Festival is back for another year on September 22nd and 23rd. Enjoy free music from five groups on Friday evening at Pioneer’s Plaza and Saturday afternoon and evening on The Morristown Green.
