Best Family-Friendly New Jersey
Festivals in 2026

A great family festival has a simple job, keep the kids smiling and give you a reason to stay longer than an hour. Still, with so many events popping up across the state, picking the right one can feel like throwing a dart at a county map.

These New Jersey Family festivals and events and are the kind of outings that mix fun, food, and small adventures in one place.

This guide lists the best family-friendly festivals in New Jersey in 2026, organized by region and month.

Updated: April 16, 2026

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Northern New Jersey

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in April 2026

Canal Day Celebration
Saturday, April 18, 2026: 12 to 4 pm
Along the canal next to Macculloch Drive, Montville Township
The event will transform the area along the historic canal into a pedestrian-friendly celebration featuring historical presentations, live period music, guided bus tours of canal sites throughout the township, interactive exhibits, a mobile museum, food trucks, and remarks from local, county, and state officials.
Cost: Free

ToyConNJ
April 18, 19, 2026
Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ
A family friendly event jam-packed with thousands of current and vintage hard-to-find Toys, Comics, Movie Memorabilia, Transformers, Model Kits, Superheroes, Playsets, Character Toys, Small Antiques, Anime, DVDs, andd much more!
Cost: Early Bird: $20.00. GA: $10.00, VIP Weekend: $30, Active and Retired Military, and Children 10 years of age and under are FREE

Hoboken Mutzfest
April 26, 2026
Hoboken, NJ
This event features an afternoon packed with fresh mozzarella tastings, local vendors, live music, and family friendly activities under the 14th Street Viaduct.
Best for: Food lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates Hoboken's rich Italian American deli culture.
Cost: General Admission 1pm-5pm $55.20

Paramus Food Truck Festival
Sunday, April 26, 2026: 11am until 7pm
Paramus Park Mall-North, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids under 5 FREE
The event Kicks Off The Food Truck Season with Flavors, Fun, and a Feast for the senses! Expect food, beer, Music, and kids events. Its a fun filled family day with 20+ Gourmet Food Trucks, music by DJ Ray Colon, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, mini golf, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors and a beer, sangria & margarita bar.

Stirling Spring Street Fair & Food Truck Fest
April 26, 2026
Long Hill, NJ
This event features a lively outdoor celebration perfect for families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys browsing artisan vendors and enjoying live entertainment. Visitors can expect a full day of shopping, kids’ rides and games, music, and a wide variety of festival foods and gourmet food trucks
Best for: Parents with young children and community minded adults looking for a fun day out.
Cost: Free, making it an easy and budget friendly outing for all ages

Wild Earth Fest
April 26, 2026
Elizabeth, NJ
It's a lively outdoor celebration with live animal demonstrations, hands on kids' activities, nature education, food, music, and more.
Best for: Families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about wildlife and eco friendly living.
Cost: $5 per person, and children 6 and under attend for free, making it an accessible and engaging spring outing for the whole community.

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in May 2026

Chester Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, May 2, 2026; 11am - 7pm
Muncipal Field, Chester, NJ
The Food Trucks are rolling into Chester Borough! It's a fun filled family day! 18 Gourmet Food Trucks, Live Music from 3 bands, beer, sangria & margarita garden, kids activities, face painting, inflatables, vendors & more! Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pups and blankets. Event is a Benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad & The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry
Cost: Free. They are also asking all attendees to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry. Please help those less fortunate.

Bayonne Food Truck Festival
Saturday, May 9th, 2026; 12pm - 7pm
19th-22nd St. Avenue E, Bayonne, NJ
A family friendly event featuring a fun day with drinks, a beer & wine garden, live bands, face painting, and of course 30+ food trucks.
Cost: Free

Country Jamboree Festival
Saturday May 16, 2026 ; 11am-8pm
Firemans Field, 144 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ
This fun filled event features a day filled with live music, delicious food, and good ol' country fun. Join in for a family for a day of line dancing, BBQ, and great music from local country bands. This is a can't-miss event for all country music lovers. There will be live music by Tennessee Honey.
Cost: $5, children under 5 free.

Hoboken Arts & Music Festival
Sunday, May 17, 2026: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Washington St. bet. Observer Highway & 7th St., Hoboken, NJ
This family event features 2 stages of live music, displays and sales by artists, crafters, food vendors and local businesses. Activities for children with rides, games, craft activities and more. This year’s festival will feature an exciting lineup of legendary freestyle and dance-pop artists headlining the Observer Highway Stage, including George Lamond, Cynthia, Betty Dee of Sweet Sensation, and The Cover Girls.
Cost: Free

Annual Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show
Sunday, May 17, 2026: 10am-4pm
567 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ
This event will feature quality exhibitors, a special crafter's section, lots of great food, kiddie rides, a kids' area, live music and performances, and a large classic car show. The car show starts on the west end of the event at 14th Street.
Cost: Free to attend

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in June 2026

Spring Shedfest Raritan Headwaters Music Festival
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Far Hills, NJ
This family friendly music festival located on a beautiful wildlife preserve, features live music, kid's activities, food trucks, and local craft beer & cider.
Proceeds from this event benefit Raritan Headwaters, a nonprofit conservation organization protecting land and water.
Cost: Online $35 | At the Door $50 | Kids 12 and under FREE

12th Annual Tri-County Fair
June 18th until June 21st, 2026
Christ Church Rockaway, 140 Green Pond Rd, Rockaway, NJ
This annual family event features carnival rides, family entertainment, family friendly music, a spectacular drone light show, monster truck rides, Arestov's Acrobatic Extravaganz, and a fireworks display on Friday evening.
Cost: Free, $5 parking

NJ Air Show
Father's Day Weekend
June 19, 20, 21, 2026
Greenwood Lake Airport, 126 Airport Rd, West Milford, NJ
This popular Father's Day weekend event features a day into night airshow with some of the world's top aerial acrobats. Aerial acrobatic performers will be showcasing their daredevil skills during night airshow. Each night Show will conclude with a pyro musical with booming fireworks and laser show. Food options will be available. Bring a folding chair or blanket
Cost: $9.00, Adult (Ages13-64). Senior (65+)/ Military Veteran $44.00. Child (Ages 4-12) $39.00

Scotch Plains Celebrate Nation's 250th Anniversary
June 26, 27, 2026
Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ
The celebration begins Friday – the anniversary day of the 1777 Battle of Short Hills which took place in what is now Scotch Plains and Edison – with an afternoon and evening of historical tributes and family-friendly festivities.
The celebration continues Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m. at Shady Rest and will feature live music performances by the JB Barns Jazz Band and Glen Alexander and Shadowland starting around 6:30 p.m., followed by an amazing fireworks display at dusk
Cost: Free

Wyckoff Street Festival
June 27, 2026
Main Street, Wyckoff, NJ
A full day with live music, games, rides, food vendors, and fireworks just after sunset.
Cost: Free. Suggest donations to Wyckoff Fire Dept/EMS via contributions payable through Paypal or Venmo @wyckofffireworks

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in July 2026

Randolph Township 50th Annual Freedom Festival
July 9, 10, 11, 2026; 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ
This three-day festival features a celebration of 50 years of community spirit with fireworks, food, and fun! This extra-special edition includes live entertainment, games, and patriotic flair. Fireworks will be at 9:45 PM on July 11, 2026 The Saturday evening finale fireworks show with synchronized music by DJ, at 9:45 pm.
Cost: Free, Parking $5

North Plainfield - Community Day Concert & Fireworks
Saturday, July 11, 2026
North Plainfield, NJ
Celebration features live music, family activities, food vendors, and fireworks display at dusk.

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in August 2026

Passaic County Fair
August 13, 14, 15, 16, 2026: 6pm-11pm
Garret Mountain Reservation, 385 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ
The fair features four days of acvities for all to enjoy from games and rides to art activities and environmental excursions. The stage will offer a variety of local musicians, complimented with a beer garden and food from around Passaic County. The four-day celebration will also feature fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday.
Cost: Free. Parking is $5 per car.

Mount Olive Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
August 22, 2026: 4pm-10pm
Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake, NJ
Enjoy 18+ food trucks, local vendors, live music, beer, and inflatables for the kids—all capped off with a spectacular fireworks show. From savory to sweet and family fun to evening vibes, there is truly something for everyone. Don't forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs for relaxing and fireworks viewing.
Cost: $10 Ages 18+, $5 – Ages 13–17, Ages 12 and under – FREE

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in September 2026

Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri - The Hoboken Italian Festival
September 10th-13th, 2026
Sinatra Drive between 1st Street to 3rd Street, Hoboken, NJ
The Hoboken Italian Festival is a four day festival from Thursday until Sunday, of music food and fun. No day is greater however than Saturday, their “Feast” day, when the 800 lb statue of Madonna Dei Martiri or Madonna of the Martyrs is carried through the streets of Hoboken from St. Francis Church, 308 Jefferson St. This includes a reenactment of the Blessing of the Fleet in the Hudson River, culminating with a fireworks show over Sinatra Park on Sunday evening.
Cost: Free

Hardyston Fall Family Festival
Friday, September 25th, 2026: 6pm -Dusk
Wheatsworth Sports & Recreation Complex, Wheatsworth Rd, Hardyston, NJ
This family event features ice cream for purchase, live music by The Kootz band, ice cream for purchaswe, & fireworks at dusk. Please be sure to bring lawn chairs/blankets
Cost: Free

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Central New Jersey

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in April 2026

Dino Fest 2026
Thursdays through Sundays, from Thursday, April 9 until Sunday, May 3, 2026
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan, NJ
A family experience packed with wonder, laughter, and memories you'll be talking about long after the last roar. Spanning over 150 acres of breathtaking tulip fields and features 30 jaw-dropping, life-like live-action dinosaurs. There will be play zones with giant games and bubble carts; A dinosaur dig site filled with discoverable fossils. Food trucks, a classic lemonade stand and Instagram-worthy photo ops.
Cost: $26.26

Sustainable Princeton Earth Day Celebration
April 19, 2026
Princeton, NJ
This is a lively, family friendly event perfect for anyone who enjoys eco focused activities, community gatherings, and hands on learning about sustainable living. Held at the Morven Museum & Garden, the celebration features Earth friendly fun for all ages.
Cost: Free

Rutgers Day
April 25th, 2026
New Brunswick, NJ
This annual event is a lively, family friendly celebration packed with hands on activities, exhibits, live entertainment, and Rutgers University campuswide programs that showcase the spirit of the university.
Cost: Free.

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in May 2026

5th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo
May 2, 2026: Noon until 5pm
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ
This family event features festivals with a Margarita Contest where local restaurants will be competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands! Participants will sample delicious 6oz. Margaritas and vote for their favorite!
The admission fee includes free samplings and discounted food and drink specials at local eateries and pubs, as well as specials at many retail establishments. Live Mariachi music will be playing at the participating restaurants to add an authentic Mexican flair to the event!
Cost: $45.00

New Jersey's Empanada Food Festival & Car Show
May 2, 2026
Rustic Mall, Main Street, Manville, NJ
Get Ready for the Ultimate Latin Food Fest! Explore a variety of cuisines!- there will be Mexican, American and a few other food choices as well. Expect Empanada food trucks, car show, live music, Beer & Wine: Sip and enjoy, craft vendors, Adventure Zone for Kids of all ages- Face Painting, Henna Tattoos, Fun for all ages!
Cost: $3.85 Advanced FASTPASS, $5 at the door. Kids 5 and under free

New Jersey Seafood Festival
May 15, 16, 17, 2026
Silver Lake Park 5th and Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ
This popular family-friendly Jersey Shore event features seafood feast with gumbo, lobster rolls, and jambalaya, coconut shrimp, crab legs, conch fritters, and more.
Live music will also entertain the attendees by a lineup of popular area musicians.
Cost: Free

Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
Saturday, Sunday, May 16, 17, 2026: Noon - 6PM (rain or shine)
Bradley Park, 101-199 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
This two-day celebration features a two-day celebration bringing together the state's finest vegan and plant-based food from local chefs, restaurants, food trucks, and product developers, as well as vegan lifestyle gear, cruelty-free fashion, live music, and an outdoor bar stocked with vegan cocktails and mocktails! This festival serves up everything from jackfruit tacos to desserts that could convert the most committed cheese-lover.
Cost: $19+. Kids 13 and under free.

Ocean Fun Days
May 16, 17, 2026; 11am - 3pm
NJ Sea Grant Consortium
Sandy Hook, NJ
This free family friendly event features eco tours, children's activities, games and more. In addition, there will be interactive workshops with marine scientists and researchers to learn about our amazing coastline and ways you can help protect the environment.
Cost: Free

FBAC PorchFest
Sunday, May 17, 2026: 12:00?PM 6:00?PM
Downtown, Freehold, NJ
This event features a fun filled day of music on the porches of downtown Freehold homes. Attendees wiill get to enjoy, music, performers, artists, & vendors.
Cost: Free

Walnford Day
Sunday, May 17, 2026: from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ
This family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to explore this historic site and see its 19th century gristmill in action. Tour the elegant Waln family home, and go on a horse-drawn wagon ride. Demonstrations for the day include blacksmithing, loom weaving, basket weaving, 18th century music, and more.
Cost: Free

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 23, 24, 2026; from 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
The festival includes crafters, food, live music, and Family Fun, with entertanment both Days. Parade on Saturday, at 10am and runs along Ocean Ave.
Cost: Free

BBQ Beer & Boots
Sunday, May 31 2026: 12 pm to 4 pm
710 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
This family friendly outdoor cookout features live Country Music, local BBQ, Cold Brews, cornhole, prizes, and more.
Cost: $10 per person, Kids under 5 enter free.

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in July 2026

Ocean County Fair
July 15 until 19th, 2026
Robert J. Miller Airpark, Berkeley Township, NJ
This event features a five day celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and local pride. You can expect something for everyone: 4-H showcases, live music, thrilling rides, food vendors, livestock displays, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Cost: Free

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in August 2026

Highlands 31st Annual Clam Fest
July 31, August 1, 2, 2026
Bay & Waterwitch Avenues, Highlands, NJ
This event features food trucks, a Beer, Wine, Sangria Garden, live entertainment daily along with other festival favorites. On Saturday, August 1st , @ 10pm there will be a Fireworks Display on Snug Harbor Beach
Cost: Free

Middlesex County Fair
August 3 thru 9, 2026
Middlesex County Fairgrounds , 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
This annual family event features a Sensory Tent, a Stunt Dog show, The Agricadabra Magic Show, The Mobile Dairy Classroom, Dangerous Feats of Comedy, Entertainment, Rides, Food vendors, and Fireworks on Monday and Sunday evenings.
Cost: Online: 7-day adult pass $50.00. 7-day children's pass r $20.00. 7-day senior pass $20.00 | Normal admission: $10 for adults, $4 for seniors over the age of 6, $4 for children between the ages of 3 and 10, Free for children under 2. Free Parking & Entertainment

Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair
August 19-23, 2026
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ
This annual family-friendly event features Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. Attendees will get to enjoy farm activities, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, and the fireworks extravaganza on Friday evening.
Cost: Free, parking $20

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Southern New Jersey

Best Ongoing Family Friendly South Jersey Events in 2026

America 250: Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show
Monday evenings, from July 6 through August 17, 2026
Over the beach and boardwalk; south of Sixth Street, Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation this summer with a weekly patriotic drone show over the beach and boardwalk; south of Sixth Street. The show will feature hundreds of drones lighting up the sky and creating animations that salute America. The 15-minute shows will be held after dusk.
Cost: Free

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in April 2026

ACUA Earth Day Festival
April 26. 2026
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
This event features a lively, family friendly celebration packed with environmental exhibits, hands on activities, live entertainment, and more than 150 vendors and crafters.
Cost: Free

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in May 2026

Ocean City Spring Block Party
Saturday, May 2, 2026; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
From 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ
This annual family event event features over 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and more.
Cost: Free

Create in the Crest Arts Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026: 10am to 1pm
Crest Arts Pavilion, 6301 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ
This event features a diverse array of talented artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and creators who will be demonstrating their craft, displaying stunning works, and offering unique pieces for sale. Visitors can also take part in interactive sessions to learn artistic techniques firsthand. Enjoy live music as you explore the inspiring exhibits.
Cost: Free

Rhythm and Brews
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 3pm - 9pm
Station and Atlantic Ave., Downtown Haddon Heights
This event features craft beers, live music, Food Trucks, and more. A stage will be set for Music and additional music will be placed along the avenue. Look for libations - Live performances- and a day where you can eat sip walk and enjoy up and down town.
Cost: Free

Smithville Mayfest
May 16, 17, 2026
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Galloway, NJ
This event features 150 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, children's activities, and live entertainment.
Cost: Free

Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 2026
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival, soaring on the beach, brings four days of color, wind, and pure coastal spectacle. Giant inflatable kites, precision sport kite teams, and family flying sessions fill the shoreline, while workshops, night glows, and competitions keep the energy high from morning through dusk. It's one of the East Coast's signature kite events—free, festive, and perfect for anyone who loves big skies and beachside fun.
Cost: Free

Annual May Fair
Saturday, May 23, 2026;10am to 5pm.
Business district along Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
This event features multiple stages of live music featuring blues, rock, folk and more with more than 200 artists and crafters, a children's "KidZone" with carnival games, and rides.
Cost: Free

New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 23-24, 30-31, 2026
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd., Columbus, NJ
The grounds are transformed into a lively medieval village filled with costumed performers, artisan vendors, and interactive entertainment. Expect jousting tournaments, comedy shows, live music, themed food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with knights, rogues, and royalty.
Event Cost: $33.36 (Adult Flex), $28.19 (Adult Fixed ), $12.66 (Child FLEX Day Age 5-12)

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in June 2026

New Jersey Renaissance Faire
June 6-7, 13-14, 2026
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd., Columbus, NJ
The grounds are transformed into a lively medieval village filled with costumed performers, artisan vendors, and interactive entertainment. Expect jousting tournaments, comedy shows, live music, themed food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with knights, rogues, and royalty.
Event Cost: $33.36 (Adult Flex), $28.19 (Adult Fixed ), $12.66 (Child FLEX Day Age 5-12)

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in July 2026

Night in Venice
July 25, 2026: 6:30 pm - 9:30pm
Ocean City, NJ
The celebration begins with a boat parade beginning @ 6:30 pm near the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and travels along the bayside to Tennessee Avenue, looping in and out of lagoons along the way. Night in Venice will conclude with a fireworks display launched after the parade from a barge in the bay north of the Ninth Street Bridge, roughly off Third Street. The fireworks display should be best viewed from street ends or the bayfront between the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and 16th Street
Cost: Free

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in September 2026

Pine Barren Makers Fall Fest
September 19th & 20th, 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3610 Nesco Rd. Hammonton, NJ
This family oriented fun for all ages Fest features food trucks, handcrafted vendors, kids activities, photo ops, and a scavenger hunt map on your way in to win a prize!
Cost: $5, Free for kids under the age of 12. Parking is Free

Frequently Asked Questions About
NJ Family Festivals and Events

When is the best time to find family festivals in New Jersey?

Spring through fall is usually the busiest stretch, because towns, farms, parks, and downtown districts host more outdoor events when the weather is mild. Summer brings the biggest volume, but fall is often the sweet spot for families since you can find kid-friendly activities, food, and live entertainment without the worst heat. Winter still has options, especially around holiday weekends and indoor community spaces.

How can families find the best New Jersey festivals without missing good local events?

Start with town websites, county parks departments, local tourism calendars, and community Facebook pages, because many family events get posted there first. It also helps to check library bulletin boards, school newsletters, and local chambers of commerce. If you want the best shot at popular events, look one to three weeks ahead, then confirm times and parking details the day before.

What makes a festival truly good for kids?

The strongest family festivals usually have more than just food vendors or live music. Look for signs of hands-on activities, open space for strollers, easy bathroom access, shade, and a schedule that includes daytime programming. If an event mentions crafts, animal encounters, rides, touch-a-truck areas, or kid stages, that's often a good clue it was planned with families in mind.

What should parents bring to a New Jersey family festival?

Pack for comfort first, because even short events can feel long with kids. Water, snacks, sunscreen, wipes, a small blanket, and a backup outfit can make the day much easier. It's also smart to bring cash, since some smaller vendors, parking areas, or activity booths may not take cards.

How can families save money and make the most of festival day?

Free admission festivals can still add up, so check ahead for parking fees, ride tickets, food prices, and activity wristbands. Going early often helps, because parking is easier, lines are shorter, and little kids usually do better before the crowds build. If the event allows re-entry, take a mid-day break so everyone stays in a good mood.