Your Whimsical Guide to NJ Festivals for Families: What to Know
A Playful Guide to NJ Festivals: Family Fun in the Garden State
NJ Festivals are bursting with things to do for all ages, making family events in NJ a true adventure. Here, you get miles of sandy beaches, bustling boardwalks, quirky small towns, and endless snacks to try—sometimes all in the same afternoon. Kids run wild at the Jersey Shore with arcades and ice cream, while parents soak in those nostalgic boardwalk vibes (funnel cake, anyone?).
If the clouds crash your beach party, just duck into Liberty Science Center for hands-on exhibits or American Dream Mall, where you’ll find indoor skiing and wild attractions under one gigantic roof. Looking for “Family Events near me”? This is the state for you—short drives mean the fun never stops.
Weekend after weekend, New Jersey throws open its doors for celebrations. Food fairs, cultural parties, art and music fests—you name it, there’s a spot for everyone. Bounce houses, parades, fireworks, treasure hunts, and inclusive activities for kids NJ make sure no one feels left out. Family friendly attractions NJ pack surprises into every corner, from mountain trails to pumpkin patches. There’s always a new place to explore or a new flavor to sample, welcoming families from all over.
Northern NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing North Jersey Festivals
Jack O’ Lantern Experience
Sept 26–Nov 2, 2025 | Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Skylands Stadium transforms into a glowing wonderland with over 6,000 Jack-O-Lanterns and wild visuals. The 45-minute walk-thru is epic for kids, friends, and anyone who loves Halloween.
Mountain Creek Resort Fall Festival
Weekends, Sept 27–Nov 2, 2025 | Mountain Creek, Vernon
Think leaf-peeping on a mountain coaster, live music, bounce houses, hay mazes, and good old lawn games. All the classic fun with a fall twist.
August 2025 North Jersey Festivals
Passaic County Fair
Aug 14–17, 2025 | Garret Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park
Free entry, $5 parking
Games, rides, art projects, eco adventures, three fireworks nights, plus a beer garden for grown-ups and tasty eats for all.
Fiesta In America
Aug 16–17, 2025 | American Dream, East Rutherford
Free admission
The largest Philippine indoor celebration on the East Coast. Expect concerts, cultural dances, Filipino food, and martial arts demos.
Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts + Culture Festival
Aug 16–17, 2025 | Downtown Jersey City
A two-day party highlighting Puerto Rican music, delicious food, and performances by artists like Johnny Rivera.
Mount Olive Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
Aug 23, 2025 | Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake
Entry: $10 (18+), $5 (13-17), free for 12 and under
Pack up the family for 20+ food trucks, live music, inflatables, pony and monster truck rides, and big fireworks at sunset.
Wharton NJ – Canal Day
Aug 23, 2025 | Wharton
This old-fashioned celebration brings history alive. Blacksmith demos, Civil War re-enactments, boat rides, music, food trucks, and more keep everyone entertained.
American Labor Museum Parade
Aug 31, 2025 | Haledon
Celebrate the working spirit with a parade that starts at the museum and marches on, rain or shine.
September 2025 North Jersey Festivals
Hoboken Italian Festival - Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri
Sept 4–7, 2025 | Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
A beloved tradition with a parade, statue procession, food stalls, and a massive fireworks finale.
Hardyston Fall Family Festival
Sept 5, 2025 | Wheatsworth Rec Complex
Live tunes, great eats, and a fireworks show cap off this community day.
Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival
Sept 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 2025 | Camp Sacajawea, Sparta
Dress up, cheer on knights, and watch performances in a fantasy setting for all ages.
Annual NJ Taco Festival
Sept 6, 2025 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
With over 50 taco vendors, crafts, beer, and kids’ play zones, the festival is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Open Cockpit Weekend
Sept 13, 2025 | Teterboro
Hop inside real helicopters and aircraft, and explore interactive flight exhibits.
Halsley Festival
Sept 18, 2025 | Newark
Sample food, music, and arts activities in this heart-of-the-city family bash.
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest
Sept 20–21, 2025 | Vernon
Family fun and German traditions with music, food, beer gardens, and kids’ entertainment.
The House Music Festival for a Cause
Sept 20, 2025 | Plainfield
Live music, food, dancing, fireworks, and a health focus—all you need for a high-energy Saturday.
Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade & Boricua Festival
Sept 21, 2025 | Newark
Puerto Rican pride shines here with a colorful parade, lively music, and street food.
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
Sept 26–28, 2025 | Hackettstown
Free entry, endless street eats, craft vendors, contests, music, and classic kids' fun.
Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
Sept 27–28, 2025 | Chester
Admire classic cars, enjoy German treats, and catch live performances, all in support of local charities.
Morristown Fall Festival on the Green
Sept 28, 2025 | Morristown
The town green fills with amusements, carnival games, live music, beer tents, and activities for all ages.
Central NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing Central Jersey Festivals
Jenkinson's Boardwalk Thursday Night Fireworks
Every Thursday until Aug 28, 2025 | Point Pleasant Beach
Summer nights sparkle with fireworks above the boardwalk and beach.
Cirque De Paris at MarketFair
Aug 21–Sept 1, 2025 | Princeton
Jaw-dropping circus acts, roller skating, clowns, and more in a fun-packed show.
U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival
Sept 12–Oct 13, 2025 | Cream Ridge
Walk through rainbow fields of flowers, pick fresh stems, visit farm animals, and explore interactive barns.
August 2025 Central Jersey Festivals
Sourland Mountain Festival
Aug 16, 2025 | Ringoes
Live music, local food, crafts, and history lessons blend into this scenic outdoor gathering.
Hunterdon County 4H & Agricultural Fair
Aug 20–24, 2025 | Lambertville
From farm shows to carnival rides, this fair spotlights the area’s farming roots.
Long Branch Jazz Festival
Aug 23, 2025 | Long Branch
A mix of jazz, blues, food trucks, free kids’ activities, and fireworks to close the night.
Annual Caribbean Festival
Aug 23, 2025 | New Brunswick
Caribbean food, reggae, dance shows, and a jerk chicken cook-off make this a standout.
Frenchtown Riverfest
Aug 31, 2025 | Frenchtown
Riverfront fun with art, music, food, family activities, and boat races that cheer on the mighty Delaware.
September 2025 Central Jersey Festivals
Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Sept 20, 2025 | Freehold
Celebrate Latin American tunes, food, performances, and plenty of culture.
Linden Polish Festival
Sept 20, 2025 | Linden
Pierogi, Polish bands, kid zones, and tents with beer and wine.
Annual Festival of the Sea
Sept 20, 2025 | Point Pleasant Beach
A seafood and crafts tradition with 250 vendors, music, and beachy fun.
Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Sept 20, 2025 | Highlands
Polka bands, German eats, beer galore, and dance performers fill Veterans Park.
Asbury Park PorchFest
Sept 27, 2025 | Asbury Park
Over 600 live acts play on neighborhood porches—a moveable feast of local talent and good vibes.
Railroad Festival
Sept 27, 2025 | Phillipsburg
Celebrate railroad history with hands-on displays, music, and food along the historic rail yards.
Southern NJ Festivals and Family Events
Ongoing South Jersey Festivals
Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Sept 7, Oct 6, Nov 5, 2025 | Cape May Point
Climb to the top under a full moon for starlit views you’ll remember.
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
Aug 16, 30, 2025 | Atlantic City
Glittering displays light up the beaches and boardwalk for families and night owls alike.
Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks
Fridays June 27–Aug 29, 2025 | Wildwood
Watch fireworks burst to music from anywhere along the legendary boardwalk.
August 2025 South Jersey Festivals
Seafarer’s Skull Duggery Weekend
Aug 16–17, 2025 | Cape May
Pirates roam, musicians play, and history comes alive in immersive village life.
Annual Car Show & Food Truck Festival
Aug 29, 2025 | Glassboro
Classics, muscle, antiques—plus over 20 food trucks, live bands, craft vendors, and beer gardens.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Aug 29–31, 2025 | Pilesgrove Township
Bluegrass bands fill the air, with a special children’s stage and free camping for ticket-holders.
Hands On History
Aug 30–31, 2025 | Cape May
Kids craft, play, and get curious about historic trades alongside friendly reenactors.
West Cape May Tomato Festival
Aug 30, 2025 | West Cape May
Tomato-themed food, music, and crafts in a classic hometown celebration.
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival
Aug 31, 2025 | Wildwood
Say goodbye to summer with music, food, crafts, and loads of free activities for kids.
September 2025 South Jersey Festivals
Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
Sept 5–6, 2025 | Wildwood
High-power jets, military flyovers, and acrobatics wow crowds all along the beach.
Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Sept 6, 2025 | Wildwood
Nonstop live music, games, and tasty bites. Don’t miss the pie-eating contest!
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Sept 13–14, 2025 | Ventnor
Bay views, local seafood, cooking demos, craft beers, plus a giant sandbox for kids.
Ocean City Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
Sept 13, 2025 | 7th Street Beach, Ocean City
Skydivers land with pyrotechnics, lighting up the sky and beaches.
St. Anthony’s Italian Heritage Festival
Sept 13, 2025 | Glassboro
Live entertainment, food trucks, contests, and carnival-style fun for all ages.
Ocean City Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
Sept 14, 2025 | Ocean City
Flight displays, aircrafts to explore, and high-adrenaline fun with plenty to see and do.
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Sept 19–20, 2025 | Medford
Multiple stages, German food, craft ciders, food trucks, and hands-on fun for kids.
Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration
Sept 20, 2025 | Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest
A day of music, crafts, kids’ games, and a huge fireworks show over the water.
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Sept 27–28, 2025 | Margate
Booths, amusements, bands, and flavors line the bayfront for two days of classic fun.
Oktoberfest in Cape May
Sept 27, 2025 | Cape May
Raise a stein, dance to oompah bands, and let the kids explore crafts, collectibles, and snacks.
Water Lantern Festival
Sept 27, 2025 | Mays Landing
Design and launch lanterns, try foods from local trucks, and gather for a memory-filled night.
