Newark’s Portuguese-American restaurants, bakeries, and shops are popular all year round, but the Ironbound neighborhood’s June weekend celebration of Portugal’s national holiday draws tens of thousands of revelers each year to celebrate Newark’s vibrant Portuguese culture, history, and cuisine. Read on to learn about Newark’s wildly popular Portugal Day festival taking place June 6th-8th, 2025 and about the rich history of Newark’s Little Portugal.
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
A Poet’s Party
June 10th is officially Portugal Day. In Newark, however, the party that celebrates the day lasts a weekend. This year, the festivities will begin on Friday, June 6th and go on through Sunday June 8th. The festival takes place in Peter Francisco Park in Newark’s Ironbound District and culminates with a massive parade along Ferry Street on June 8th.
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Portugal Day is held on June 10th to commemorate the death, in 1580, of the great Portuguese poet, Luís Vas de Camões. Holding a poet as its ultimate national hero is a point of pride for Portuguese cultural descendants the world over. Camões’ epic poem Os Lusiadas is a fantastic sea tale about the explorations of Vasco da Gama with appearances made by Jupiter, or Zeus, and ending on the Island of Love where Bacchus shares his fear that the Portuguese will one day become gods.
Music, Dance, + SO Much Food
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
Portuguese traditional culture is at the heart of the Portugal Day festival. The Rancho Camponeses do Minho perform traditional dances and songs, adorned in the colorful clothing of Portugal’s past. Kids and grown-ups who fall in love with what they see can join classes to learn the songs and dances and join in upcoming performances. The lineup of professional performers includes fado fan faves like the female duo Bombocas and Moda Nova.
Food is a defining feature of all cultures, and the Portuguese are no exception. Ask any of the Portugal Day partiers what they are there for, and, guaranteed, every one of them will mention “the food!” Sausages like linguiça and chouriço are fundamental to Portuguese cuisine. Meat is definitely the main dish. Kale and potato soup is a staple. The sea plays as big a role in Portuguese cooking as it does in their poetry — expect to see grilled sardines, salted cod, eel, and octopus. Pastel de nata custard tarts and bolo de Bolacha cakes, made from coffee-soaked biscuits, are happiness on a plate.
Part of the fun in participating in a cultural festival is learning about someone else’s traditions. Dancing through the festival crowd with a full belly, the patterns of colorful ceramic tiles called azulejos will become familiar. Expect to see a lot of Portugal’s national colors of green and red and, of course, soccer/futbol fans in their Ronaldo jerseys. Attendees should feel proud to be part of this party, too, as coverage of it airs each year on Portuguese television.
Celebrating Little Portugal’s Past
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
The original Newark Portugal Day Festival took place in 1979. The extensive Portuguese community in Newark, particularly in the Ironbound district, has a history that began before the United States even existed. The first Portuguese to land in New Jersey are identified as arriving in 1725. But the waves of immigrants who came through Ellis Island seeking Newark’s factory and industrial jobs or work in the Port of Newark began to arrive in the early 20th century. The influx of immigrants peaked in the period between the 1960s and the 1980s, with most Portuguese immigrants to Newark settling within the Ironbound neighborhood, named for the train rails that outline the area and known to locals as Little Portugal. They often faced challenges but ultimately acquired a stake in the larger community as their commercial hub of bakeries, shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants grew.
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Planning for the Future
While immigration between Portugal and the United States has shifted somewhat toward the other direction, the Portuguese-speaking population of Newark continues to grow. That population includes newcomers from Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa — the Portuguese-speaking world, also known as Lusophonia. That linguistic connection ties disparate people from all over the globe to Portugal, and the Newark Portugal Day. Festival organizers wish to welcome all of them to join in the celebration. Spokesman Ricky Durães sees nothing but growth in the future for the annual event. He’s already excited to be part of the planning for the 50th anniversary of Newark’s Portugal Day Festival in 2029.
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Summer 2025: Festivals, Carnivals, + State Fairs Happening in New Jersey
If we're talking weather, summer in New Jersey only lasts two months, and while it may feel like that isn't much time to pack in all the favorite seasonal festivities, this list of festivals suggests otherwise. In the Garden State, over 60 festivals, carnivals, and state fairs are happening from late May to early September, and The Montclair Girl has listed them all for those looking to get ahead on summer planning. Read on for a list of festivals, carnivals, and fairs happening in New Jersey for summer 2025.
Montclair + Essex County Events
Montclair Dance Festival at Montclair State University | 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair
May 31st | 2PM-5:30PM + 7:30PM
Montclair will host a day-long ticketed dance festival on May 31st at Montclair State University. Hosted by Freespace Dance, the event will celebrate local schools, artists, and professional dance companies throughout New Jersey. The first session, which is free for the public, will be from 2PM to 5:30PM in the MSU outdoor amphitheater. The second session will be at 7:30PM inside the MSU Kasser Theater, and tickets for this portion cost $25. The tickets, required for both sessions, can be found here.
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Montclair Jazz Festival | Montclair
June 1st - September 13th
The Montclair Jazz Festival, hosted by Jazz House Kids, features several jazz-themed events and live music performances from June to September. This festival, part of the Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series, includes a festival kick-off concert, a sound check series, a summer workshop showcase, and more. The festival always ends with its Downtown Jamboree, a grand finale celebration, and this year is no different. See here for more information.
Portugal Day by SolMar | Ferry + Niagara Streets, Newark
June 6th-June 8th
The Ironbound neighborhood of Newark will celebrate Portuguese-American culture with the 28th annual Portugal Day by SolMar. There will be music from Bombocas, Daniel Sousa, Banda 69 Graus, DJ Luis Oliveira, and more. Attendees can also expect traditional Portuguese folk dance, traditional Portuguese crafts, authentic food from SolMar Restaurant, and services from organizations like Reading Partners and New Jersey Office for New Americans (ONA). For more information, see here.
African-American Heritage Parade + Festival | Montclair
June 7th | 10:30AM
The Montclair African-American History + Culture Parade and Festival, an annual event honoring the town’s African-American heritage and historical contributions, will begin with a town-wide parade at 10:30AM on June 7th. The parade will start on Maple Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue, then continue with a festival at 1PM in Nishuane Park, located at 48 High Street. Attendees can expect live performances, art exhibitions, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a Battle of the Bands featuring high school marching bands across New Jersey. See more information here.
Montclair Art Museum Food Truck Festival + Cocktail Crawl | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
June 8th | 12PM-6PM
Montclair Art Museum will turn its parking lot into a community gathering for its first-ever Food Truck Festival + Cocktail Crawl. Participants can expect food + dessert trucks like Chava's Empanadas, Urban Burgers, House of Cupcakes, Rainbao, and more, as well as three local bars serving handcrafted cocktails. Visitors will also receive complimentary museum admission. See more here.
Montclair Pride Festival | Downtown Montclair
June 14th | 12PM-6PM
Hosted by Out Montclair, the annual Montclair Pride festival will occur on Saturday, June 14th. This event will include three stages of live entertainment, a beer garden stocked with beer, wine, bubbly, and cocktails, food + drink vendors, food trucks, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, artisans, crafters, and community organizations, and a family zone featuring games, activities, and performances. After the festival, there will be a street dance party from 6PM-8PM with DJ Vito Fun, followed by an after-party starting at 9PM.
North 2 Shore Festival | Various Locations
June 14th - June 29th
North 2 Shore is a multi-city festival taking place between June 14th and June 29th in Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City. The artist and entertainer lineup highlights include Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, + Pete Davidson, The String Cheese Incident, Jack’s Mannequin, Streetlight Manifesto, Motion City Soundtrack, and more, performing across a variety of venues throughout the festival. The venues include Asbury Lanes, Chambers Plaza, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Lincoln Park, Newark Symphony Hall, NJPAC, Prudential Center, The Stone Pony and the Stone Pony Summer Stage, House of Independents, and The Wonder Bar. See the full lineup on the North 2 Shore website.
Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival at Memorial Park | 580 Valley Street, Maplewood
July 12th + July 13th | 12PM-10PM + 12PM-9:30PM
On July 12th and 13th, the annual Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival returns to Memorial Park. The 2025 vendor list has yet to be announced, but the festival had over 100 food and craft vendors last year. Headlining the festival are Ozomatli, Couch, and The Big Takeover. Other artists include Paper Money, Gina Royale, Mother Hubbard, and many more. See here for future announcements.
Greater New Jersey Events
HDSID Handmade Market at Grove Street PATH Plaza | 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Ends September 17th | Wednesdays, 3PM-8PM + Saturdays, 12PM-6PM
HDSID’s Handmade Market in Jersey City is an open-air bazaar bringing together over 200 independent makers selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to home decór. Located at the Grove Street PATH Plaza, the market runs throughout the summer on Wednesdays from 3PM to 8PM and Saturdays from 12PM to 6PM, with live music every Wednesday, courtesy of Groove on Grove. The market ends on September 17th. Visit the HDSID’s website for more.
Jersey City Jazz Festival at Exchange Place Plaza | Jersey City
May 30th–May 31st
Jersey City Jazz Fest is one of the largest jazz festivals in the Tri-State area, with over 15,000 people typically in attendance. This treasured celebration is continuing its yearly tradition from May 30th to May 31st. In addition to local vendors to shop from, more than 200 musicians will be performing for the residents of Chilltown at three different stages at Exchange Place Plaza. Information regarding tickets has yet to be announced, but in previous years, a large majority of the programming was free to the public. See this link to stay in the loop.
NJ Greekfest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield
May 30th– June 1st
Locals can taste the culinary works of Greece in Westfield from May 30th to June 1st. Located at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, guests can enjoy kids’ activities, Greek dancing and music, fresh loukomades and baked goods, and a large selection of Greek food. There is even a whole menu for attendees to choose from, which includes spanakopita, tyropitas, meze platters, homemade baked pasitiso, and slow-roasted lamb shank, among many others. See the full menu here.
Strawberry Festival at Von Thun Farms | 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction + 438 Route 57 West, Washington
May 31st - June 1st + June 7th - June 8th | 10AM-5PM
The annual Strawberry Festival will take place at both of Von Thun Farms' locales during two weekends this summer. South Brunswick and Washington residents can look forward to strawberry picking, hayrides, over 20 activities and games, farm animals, face painting, and food vendors. See more information at this link.
A Taste of Greece Greece at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian | 353 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly
May 31st–June 2nd | 12PM–11PM + 12PM–12AM + 12PM–6PM
The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian invites all to its three-day annual festival, set for May 31st through June 2nd. As a celebration of Greek culture, this event will highlight traditional Greek food, pastries, music, specialty boutiques, dancing, and more. This festival is free to attend. See the church’s website for more information.
AsburyFest Near the Convention Hall | 1300 Ocean Avenue North Unit C-4, Asbury Park
June 6th-June 8th | 11AM-10PM + 11AM-6PM
This dog-friendly festival will take place in the park across the convention hall and feature food and drink options, local vendors, and live music. There will be food from Baked Bear, Chop Jerky, Chucho’s Food Truck, Cousins Maine Lobster, Crazy Corns 05, Dellina Concessions, Nessie Tea, and more. Beer vendors will include the Asbury Park Brewery, Miller Lite, Samuel Adams Summer Ale, Blue Moon, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, and Sun Cruiser. Some of the local businesses tabling this event are Amy’s Alohas, Brain Wave SuperFood Mushrooms, Cerberus Collective, Forever Golden Permanent Jewelry, Jersey Plate Art, Cutco, Happy Tears Hot Sauce, Siesta Seaglass, and My Dog + Me Barkery. The music lineup has yet to be announced. See here for more.
Pokemon GO Fest at Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
June 6th-June 8th
The annual Pokémon GO Fest will take place in three locations this summer 2025: Osaka, Japan, Paris, France, and Jersey City, New Jersey. Attendees can collect Pokémon through on-site gameplay, meet trainers, explore Pokémon habitats, engage in photo opportunities, relax in the team lounge, and play Pokémon GO trivia. See here for more.
Steampunk Alchemy Fest at Vasa Park | 93 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake
June 6th-June 8th | 11AM-6PM
Steampunk Alchemy Fest, formerly the Freaky Mutant Weirdo Festival, will take place at Vasa Park in the Budd Lake neighborhood of Mount Olive. This year's theme is "Steampunk Summer Camp." Entertainment includes musicians and performances like A Halo Called Fred, This Way to the EGRESS, Dust Bowl Faeries, Lesser Séamus, and more. There will also be cosplay, food vendors, an adults-only evening cabaret, a tea room, and an artisan vendor market featuring goods from businesses like Blue Flame Leather and Accessories, Finklepott's Original Fairy Hair, Zotia Gems, and more. Tickets are $30 per person. See more here.
Annual Hungarian Festival at Hungarian American Club | 233 Somerset Street, New Brunswick
June 7th | 11AM-7PM
New Brunswick's annual Hungarian Festival will take place on June 7th and feature a full lineup of events from 11AM to 7PM. Among the highlights, locals can look forward to Hungarian folk music, arts + crafts for children, ballet performances, a mustache contest, a folk fashion show, and Hungarian trivia. See the full schedule here.
Caribbean Food Fest at Mennen Arena | 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown
June 7th | 12PM-7PM
Morristown's Caribbean Food Fest, a celebration of Caribbean culture, will take place at Mennen Arena on June 7th. The festival will bring live performances from the local Reggae band, No Discipline, beer and hard seltzers from Montclair Brewery, New Jersey-based food and craft vendors, and a kids' zone featuring a bounce house, kids' ATV course, and henna tattoos. This event is also pet-friendly. For more about this festival, including ticket information, see here.
Jersey City Night Market: The Cookout | 179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
June 7th | 3PM-9PM
Jersey City Night Market, Chilltown's first open-air market, first launched on April 5th. The festival plans to return three more times this summer and fall, each boasting a different theme. On June 7th, the market will return with the theme "The Cookout." Participants can enjoy food trucks and tents serving BBQ, soul food, and Caribbean cuisine, black-owned businesses and creators, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. 902 Brewery Co. will also be on site serving drinks for attendees 21+. Visit the festival's Instagram for more.
Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest at Victory Park | 1 Lafayette Street, Rumson
June 7th | 9AM-12:30PM
The 7th annual Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest is a community celebration of the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. Led by over 20 local eco-friendly groups and organizations, the festival presents games, face painting, river seining, a worm adoption event, and more. Visit the festival's website for more.
Tri-County Fair at Christ Church | 140 Green Pond Road, Rockaway
June 12th - June 15th | 6PM-11PM, 5PM-11PM, 2PM-11PM, + 1PM-7PM
At the three-day Tri-County Fair, residents of the Morris County area can enjoy carnival attractions, including a Ferris wheel and pony rides, and indulge in fair foods like Cold Stone ice cream, handmade zeppoles, fried Oreos, tacos, empanadas, sausage + peppers, and more. Guests can also enjoy highlights like the Batmobile, family-friendly music, a fireworks show, monster truck rides, and Anthony Salazar, the Illusionist. See more here.
Flag Day Parade + Festival at Hopatcong Firehouse #3 | 43 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong
June 14th | 3PM-9PM
Lake Hopatcong Elks and the Borough of Hopatcong will host the second annual Flag Day Parade + Festival on June 14th. The parade will begin at 3PM at Hopatcong High School, located at 2A Windsor Avenue, continue down Durban Avenue, and end at the center of town. The festival, taking place at Hopatcong Firehouse #3, includes food trucks and treat vendors like Michele’s Bistro, Smokin Schmidtys BBQ, and The Empanada Truck, as well as a vendor market, kid zone, car show, and live music. Half of the proceeds from this event will benefit St. Jude. For more details, see here.
Piscataway Street Fair at YMCA at Piscataway Community Center | 520 Hoes Lane, Piscataway
June 14th | 10AM-4PM
Taking place behind the YMCA at Piscataway Community Center, this street fair will boast food vendors, local artisans and craftspeople, kids' activities, and more. Northern New Jersey locals can attend this event on June 14th. See Eventbrite for more information.
Barefoot Country Music Fest at Wildwoods Boardwalk | 3601 Boardwalk, Wildwood
June 19th - June 22nd
The Wildwoods Boardwalk welcomes the Barefoot Country Music Fest from June 19th to June 22nd. The musical lineup showcases over 40 artists and bands, including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, Sam Barber, Lakeview, and more. There will also be plenty of food and drink options for attendees. For more about this festival, see here.
Avalon Summer Solstice Festival at Surfside Park | 2901 Avalon Avenue, Avalon
June 21st | 5PM - 9PM
Celebrating the summer solstice, this festival takes place at Surfside Park on June 21st. There will be food vendors, beer and wine vendors, balloon artists, face painters, a fairy tinsel hair booth, and live music by Jimmy and the Parrots. See the festival's website for more.
Battleship Beer Fest at Battleship New Jersey | 100 Clinton Street, Camden
June 21st | 12PM-5PM
Hosted by the Battleship New Jersey and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, the Battleship Beer Festival returns on June 21st, taking place aboard a historic vessel this year. Over 30 New Jersey breweries will serve 60+ crafted beers to attendees, and there will be food vendors and live music. See here for more.
Wild Fest Food Truck + Music Festival at Clinton Elks Lodge 2434 | 211 Sidney Road, Franklin
June 22nd | 12PM-6PM
Wild Fest, the annual food truck + music festival benefiting the Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, an organization rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife in New Jersey, will take place on June 22nd at the Clinton Elks Lodge. From 12PM to 6PM, guests can look forward to live music, food trucks like Cas' Pierogi + Kielbasa, Ice Cream Creations, Joanie’s Diner, and Ms Fu's Yummy Food Truck, and a kids' den boasting face painting, roaming animal mascots, and more. For more, see here.
Rock, Ribs, + Ridges Festival at Sussex County Fairgrounds | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
June 27th - June 29th | 6PM-10PM
The 15th annual Rock, Ribs, + Ridges Festival presents a weekend of southern + classic rock bands and barbecue classics. This festival takes place from June 27th to June 29th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, and attendees can expect performances by George Thorogood + the Destroyers, Matt Coffy Band, Black Stone Cherry, The Weight Band, and more. See more details here.
Record Riots at Grove Street PATH Plaza | Jersey City
June 28th + July 26th
The music festival, Record Riots, featuring over 40 vendors selling new + vintage vinyl, will be set up in the Grove Street PATH Plaza in Jersey City on June 28th and July 26th. This festival happens a few times each year and is free to attend. Visit Record Riot's website for more.
State Fair Meadowlands | 102 NJ State Highway 120, East Rutherford
TBD
Northern New Jersey's most iconic fair, the State Fair Meadowlands, will return for the 2025 season. Attendees can expect a petting zoo, carnival food, a circus, rides, shows, live animals, and more. The 2025 dates have yet to be announced, but the fair typically starts in late June and ends in mid-July. Visit its website for future announcements.
July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure | 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson
July 1st - July 4th
From July 1st to July 4th, Six Flags will hold its annual July 4th Fest. There will be a fireworks show each night, and typical rides and food options will be available to attendees — more details to come. See the park's website for future announcements.
Jersey City’s Fourth of July Festival at Exchange Place Path Plaza | Jersey City
July 4th | TBD
An all-day affair at the Exchange Place Path Plaza, Jersey City’s 4th of July Festival + Fireworks returns for 2025. This community event includes food vendors, shopping, a fireworks show, and entertainment. For 2024, a free concert was headlined by NJ Hall of Famer (and early ’00s chart topper) Wyclef Jean. The 2025 details have yet to be announced. Visit this link for future updates.
Jersey City Night Market: Festival + Fireworks | 179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
July 4th
Jersey City Night Market's next festival theme is "Festival + Fireworks," happening on July 4th. While specific details have yet to be released, locals can expect Fourth of July-themed businesses and creators, food + drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. Visit the festival's Instagram for future announcements.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Annual Feast | 149 Copeland Avenue, Lyndhurst
July 9th - July 12th
Our Lady of Mount Carmel will hold its annual feast, a town-wide celebration featuring live music, food vendors, artisan makers, rides, and more, throughout four days in July. The music lineup includes bands like Lights Out, American Soul, Super 70's Rock Show, Rubix Kube, The Magic of Heart, and Stevie Mac. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. See more here.
Randolph Freedom Festival at County College of Morris | 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
July 10th - July 12th | 6PM-11PM
County College of Morris will welcome Randolph's three-day Freedom Festival, which will showcase live music, amusements, carnival games, fair food, and fireworks. This year, attendees can look forward to an expanded beer garden with beer, wine, and hard seltzer. The beloved Fireworks Display will take place on Saturday, July 12th, with a rain date of Sunday, July 13th. For more details, see here.
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival | Heather Road, Wildwood Crest
July 11th | 9AM-2PM
Hosted by professional sand sculptor Matt Long, a former cast member of the Travel Channel’s SandMasters, Wildwood Crest welcomes its annual Sand Sculpting Festival, returning for its 13th year. Locals, whether amateur or semi-pro, can create works of art, made out of nothing but sand and water, right on the beach. See more information here.
Highlands Annual Pride Fest in the Park at Huddy Park | 329 Bay Avenue #325, Highlands
July 12th | 2PM-8PM
Highlands will celebrate its local LGBTQ+ community with its third annual Pride Fest in the Park, returning for 2025 on July 12th. Featured attractions at this free event include live music and entertainment, food vendors, specialty vendors, and a wine and beer garden. For more, see here.
Haddonfield Crafts + Fine Art Festival | Downtown Haddonfield
July 12th + July 13th | 11AM-7PM + 10AM-5PM
The 31st annual Haddonfield Crafts + Fine Art Festival will be held, rain or shine, on the weekend of July 12th. Over 200 shops, galleries, and restaurants will be in attendance. This takes place on Kings Highway, on Tanner Street, and in Kings Court. See more details here.
Blueberry Festival at Von Thun Farms | 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction
July 13th + July 14th | 10AM-5PM
Von Thun Farms will host a Blueberry Festival on July 13th and 14th. Participants can enjoy all things blueberries, including blueberry picking, homemade blueberry + apple cider donuts, hayrides, an activity area, farm animals, a farm market, and food trucks selling hot dogs, chicken nuggets, French fries, funnel cakes, lobster dogs, shrimp tacos, and more. See here for more.
Visit Atlantic City Soar + Shore Festival at Atlantic City Beach | 2298 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
July 15th + July 16th
The Atlantic City Soar + Shore Festival, taking place over two days in July at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, will feature aerial performances and "high-energy stunts," per its website. Event details, including the lineup of performers and activities, have yet to be announced. Stay tuned at this link.
Loud Garden Music Festival at Lincoln Park | 175 Lincoln Park, Jersey City
July 19th | 2PM-8PM
The Loud Garden Music Festival will take over the Gazebo at Lincoln Park and be a day filled with music from all sorts of genres. There will also be artist booths, local vendors, and food trucks selling jerk chicken, empanadas, garlic knot sliders, lemonade, and more. See here for more details.
St. Ann’s Feast at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church | 704 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
St. Ann’s Italian Festival will return for its 114th year in Hoboken. This six-day feast will take place at 704 Jefferson Street. Patrons can expect authentic Italian cuisine like Zeppoles, wood-fired pizza, fried calamari, and seafood salad. There will also be a beer garden, various games, live entertainment, and its grand 50/50 raffle and nightly 50/50. Learn more here.
Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms | 438 Route 57 West, Washington
July 27th - July 28th, August 3rd - August 4th, + August 10th - August 11th
Von Thun Farms will host its annual Sunflower Festival throughout multiple weekends in July and August. There will be a sunflower trail, a flower field, hayrides, an activity area, live music, a u-pick flower field, peach + berry picking, food trucks, beer from local breweries, artisan crafters, and face painting. Visit its website for more.
Clamfest at Huddy Park | 329 Bay Avenue #325, Highlands
August 1st-August 3rd | 6PM-11PM, 12PM-11PM, + 12PM-8PM
The 30th Annual Clam Fest is a free three-day event at Huddy Park in Highlands. Festival goers can enjoy food trucks, beer, wine, + sangria garden, and summer festivities. Starting at 10PM, there will also be a fireworks display on Snug Harbor Beach. See more here.
Jersey City Night Market: Vintage + Vinyl | 179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
August 2nd
Jersey City Night Market's last festival theme is "Vintage + Vinyl." Taking place on August 2nd, residents can expect vintage-themed businesses and creators, food + drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. Specific details about this date have not been announced yet. Visit the festival's Instagram for future announcements.
Watershed Institute Butterfly Festival | 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
August 2nd
The 25th Annual Butterfly Festival will be a family-friendly event celebrating all things nature on August 2nd. Families can look forward to butterfly house tours, a butterfly + insect parade, live music, animal exhibits, science exhibits, hayride tours, and crafts. See here for more.
Summer Blockfest | 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken
August 3rd | 12PM-7PM
Presented by What Hoboken Sounds Like + What Jersey City Sounds Like, Summer Blockfest is a hip-hop and R&B music festival happening in Hoboken on August 3rd, with a Rain Date of August 9th. There will be live music, food trucks, and vendors selling streetwear, custom sneakers, art, vinyl, and beauty essentials. A book bag give-away will also take place, in partnership with artists Pamela Bates and KreatedByKultureLLC. See here for more.
Middlesex County Fair at Middlesex County Fairgrounds | 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
August 4th - August 10th
The 86th annual Middlesex County Fair is in East Brunswick from August 4th to August 10th. Fair attendees can look forward to carnival eats, rides, entertainment, local vendors, art exhibits, and what it's best known for: the Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular. Visit the fair's website for more.
IAATO Italian Festival at Joe Palaia Park | 200 Whalepond Road, Oakhurst
August 6th - August 10th | 4PM-11PM + 4PM-10PM
The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean, an organization "dedicated to children, families and the fostering of the Italian-American heritage and culture," as per its website, is bringing back its biggest event of the year. The IAATO Italian Festival, which also acts as a fundraiser to benefit its community-based programs, will return to Joe Palaia Park from August 6th to August 10th. The details for the 2025 season have yet to be announced, but attendees can expect food options, rides, games, and more.
New Brunswick Heart Festival at State Theatre New Jersey | 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
August 9th | 2PM-6PM
Taking place outside the State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick's annual Heart Festival will feature live music and dance performances by Socabón Peru Cultural Association, Inspira Performing Arts + Cultural Center, George Street Playhouse, Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia, and more. There will also be dance classes for kids, an arts market, craft vendors, free balloon animals, free face painting, a health + wellness tent, a history corner, swag giveaways, and more. For more information, see here.
La Festa Italiana | 344 6th Street, Jersey City
August 13th- August 17th | Wednesday-Friday: 5PM-11PM + Saturday-Sunday: 2PM-11PM
La Festa Italiana is Jersey City’s Italian Festival, honoring Italian heritage, food, and faith. It will take place from Wednesday, August 13th, to Sunday, August 17th, 2025. For its 122nd year, the street fair will be filled with local eats, vendors, and live entertainment like The Toga Party Band, The Counterfeiters, Promised Land: Jersey Shore Tribute Band, The Cameos, and Total Soul. The vendor list has not been released yet. See more here.
Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts + Culture Festival | Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City
August 16th + August 17th
The Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage + Culture Festival, a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage in Jersey City, returns for its 65th year on the weekend of August 16th. The festival will occur on Christopher Columbus Drive, between Marin Boulevard and Warren Street, featuring food and entertainment from Johnny Rivera and Ray Sepúlveda. See this Instagram post for more.
Surf + Turf Seafood Festival at Monmouth Park | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
August 16th - August 17th | 12PM-4PM
Jersey Shore locals and visitors on vacation can enjoy lobster rolls, crab cakes, shrimp, and more seafood classics at this festival, taking place the weekend of August 16th. Along with the bands Saltwater Country and Sunday by Pez Head, participating food trucks like Angry Archie’s, Cousins Maine Lobster, Del Toro Tapas, Enzo’s, L’Acquario Seafood Italiano, Mystic Lobster, and more will be in attendance. See more here.
Metuchen Street Fair + Craft Show | Main Street + New Street, Metuchen
August 17th | 11AM-5PM
On August 17th, Metuchen will host a community street fair + crafts show on Main Street + New Street. Locals can shop from New Jersey-based artists, listen to live music, and enjoy treats from various food vendors. Visit Eventbrite for more details.
Indie Street Film Festival | Various Locations
August 18th - August 24th
The 10th annual Indie Street Film Festival will take place from August 18th to August 24th at various venues in the Red Bank area. The festival showcases handpicked films from Northeastern artists. Since its establishment, the festival's films have been featured numerous times at Sundance, Slamdance, SXSW, Spirit Awards, and the Oscars. Specifics surrounding the 2025 event have yet to be announced. Visit the website for future information.
Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival | Newark Avenue, between Grove Street + Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
August 23rd | 1PM - 9PM
Jersey City's 25th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival will celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ visibility. Taking place on Newark Avenue, between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue + at the Grove Street PATH Plaza, this year's theme is "Speak Up, Stand Firm, + Stay Strong." Entertainment includes Nor Kin4Life, Antonio Amor, Boxa Crayonz, and Vanity LaVain. The vendor list has yet to be announced. See more here.
Long Branch Jazz + Blues Festival at The Great Lawn | Boardwalk at 10 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch
August 23rd | 1PM – 9:30PM
Guests can enjoy the jazz and blues music of bands like Sweet Music Academy Youth Band, New Watchdog Blues Band, Red 123, The Blues Beatles, and more. While the official vendor list has yet to be announced, the festival will include food and artisan vendors and non-profit booths. Stay updated at this link.
Summer of Love Music Festival | Haddon Avenue, Haddon
August 23rd | 2PM – 10PM
Music lovers can enjoy the songs of the '60s, '70s, and '80s at Haddon Township's Summer of Love Music Festival, happening on August 23rd along Haddon Avenue, between Strawbridge Avenue and Cooper Street. Along with live Music from bands like AM Radio, Dancin’ Machine, and The Priceless Band, there will be a beer garden, local artisans and makers, food trucks, a kids' zone, a hula hoop contest, a trivia contest, and a glow party at 9PM. The rain date for this event is Saturday, August 24th. For more, see here.
Car Show + Food Truck Festival at Glassboro Town Square | 1 High Street West, Glassboro
August 29th | 5PM-9PM
Glassboro's 30th Annual Car Show + Food Truck Festival will have 300 antique, classic, and muscle cars, as well as over 20 diverse food trucks, for attendees to enjoy. The event will also include two beer gardens, live music from the local bands Tequila Rose Band and Ready Set Go, and a vendor zone with all kinds of handcrafted products and artisan desserts. See more details on this festival here.
Hoboken Italian Festival | Hoboken
TBD
Also known as the Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri, the Hoboken Italian Festival is typically a four-day feast complete with music, food, games, and a fireworks show over Sinatra Park. The 2025 dates and details have yet to be announced, but this usually takes place during early September. Visit the festival's website for more information.
See More: 50 Activities for Your Summer Bucket List 2025 in Hoboken + Jersey City
HDSID’s All About Downtown Street Fair at Grove PATH Plaza + Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall | Between Grove + Coles Streets, Jersey City
September 20th
The 14th annual All About Downtown Street Fair will be back for 2025 on September 20th. This will include live music, a variety of interactive booths from local businesses, Biergartens, amazing eats, and so much more. Last year's lineup of features included a brand-new kids’ fall area complete with apple bobbing, pumpkin painting, live animals, and other things. See the organization's website for future announcements.
