Central Jersey Family Festivals: Discover The Best Themed Events

Your Guide to The Best Central Jersey Family Festivals: Features Family Oriented Music, Food, Entertainment and Fun Activities

The Central Jersey family festivals feature festivals and events with special themes and are known for having good music, food, entertainment, skilled artisans and performers, fun activities, crafts, and more!

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2020 Multi-Date, Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Asbury Park Music Mondays
Every Monday from July 13th through August 17th, 2020 with a final show on Tuesday, August 25th)
Springwood Park
Springwood Avenue
Between Atkins and Union Avenues
Asbury Park, NJ
Web Site/schedule
The series features diverse musical styles with a broad appeal to all of the Asbury Park community. All shows begin with a half hour opening performance beginning at 6pm. Headliners take the stage at 7pm. There is FREE parking surrounding the park but is also easily accessible by bike or walking. This is a park so bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating or your dancing shoes! This year they are sharing the park with a farmer's market courtesy of Community Greenmarket Organizers and Kula Cafe will have a special To Go Menu and outdoor cafe seating on Atkins Avenue next to the park.
Please practice social distancing, masks must be worn outside when social distancing is not possible.

Six Flags Great Adventure Safari adventure - Drive-Through Experience
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ 08527.
Website
This drive-through format enables guests to enjoy the Safari's 1,200 exotic animals from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles, while allowing for proper social distancing. To prevent overcrowding, the Safari experience will require advance registration using Six Flags' new online reservation system. Once the opening date is confirmed, the reservation system will be activated to allow Members, Season Pass Holders, and single-day ticket holders to make reservations at www.sixflags.com/reserve. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Sales will not be available at the gate, and guests without advance reservations will not be allowed to enter.
Per state, local, and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19, the theme park and waterpark will remain closed until further notice.

Monday Evening Boardwalk Concerts
Seaside Heights Boardwalk Entertainment
Franklin Avenue Stage
Seaside Heights, NJ
Website
Free Admission
July 13 Stiletto & Sax; July 20 Billy Wilkins; July 27 Kevin Brown; August 3 October Rose; August 10 Jukebox Legends; August 17 TBA & August 24 Billy Wilkins
Musical Performances start at 7pm. Please bring your own beach chairs if you care to sit

Saturday Evening Boardwalk Concerts
Seaside Heights Boardwalk Entertainment
Carteret Avenue Stage
Seaside Heights, NJ
Website
Free Admission
Schedule
Saturday, July 18 Billy Wilkins; Saturday, July 25 Kevin Brown; Saturday, August 1 October Rose; Saturday, August 8 TBA; Saturday, August 15 Shoreshot Saturday, August 22 Billy Wilkins
Musical Performances start at 7pm. Please bring your own beach chairs if you care to sit

The Weekly Acme Carpool Cinema
Every Saturday Night, from July 11th, 2020 on (Lot opens at 8pm)
Behind the Spokeworks Building
204 N Union St
Lambertville, NJ
Website/Tickets/schedule --- Tickets: $40 Per Car
You must enter with the car you registered. Lot opens at 8pm, and cars enter on a first come basis. Masks MUST be worn to leave your car. No exceptions. Only 30 cars per event One bathroom will be available onsite at this time. BUT there is another public restroom at Bridge and Union St behind Wells Fargo. Please stop there before entering the Carpool Cinema. Larger cars, vans and SUV's will be required to park in the 3rd row of cars. BYOF (bring your own food). Concessions will be available. Thia Tida will provide Thai Street Food of chicken, tofu or pork satay, plus Thia Iced Tea and sodas. CASH ONLY and please bring small bills to minimize exchange of money.

Hunterdon County 44th Music Under the Stars Free Concert Series and Drive-in Movies
Thursdays, July 30, August 6, and August 13, and Saturdays, September 26, and October 10, 2020: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
South County Park
1207 Route 179
East Amwell Township, NJ
Website
Concerts will be drive-in style with music being transmitted to your car radio. Performing on July 30 is Jake's Rockin Country Band; August 6, Asbury Fever (Bruce Springsteen tribute band); and August 13, Hunterdon Symphony.
In addition to the drive-in concerts,they will show two movies on crisp fall Saturdays, one on September 26 (Playing With Fire (2019), and one on October 10 (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). None of these events will feature food vendors. Parking for all events will be limited and first-come first-served. No pre-registration.

Brick's Summerfest Concert Series w/ Fireworks
Summerfest will be held on four Thursdays in August, 2020, each concert event will be folloed by fireworks. A food court and beer and wine garden for guests ages 21 and over will be available for each concert.
Windward Beach Prk
265 Princeton Ave.
Brick, NJ
Website
732-262-1044
Concerts with Fireworks schedule:
Thursday, August 6 – Super Trans Am
Thursday, August 13 – Tribute to the 80's & 90's
Thursday, August 20 – The Amish Outlaws
Thursday, August 27 – The Nerds

Kayak on Mercer Lake
Fridays, Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2020
Mercer Park Marina & Boathouse
334 S Post Rd
West Windsor Township, NJ
Website
(609) 448-4004
Cost: $25 for Mercer County residents, $30 out-of-county.
Tours are led by a park naturalist, participants will have the opportunity to paddle along the lake's edge for views of native wildflowers, sun-bathing turtles and local wildlife. Open to all levels of kayakers, 16 years and older. Pre-registration is required online. Participation will be limited to 10 people per tour.
To register by email: natureprograms@mercercounty.org or visit register.communitypass.net/mercer.

Rooftop Movie Series In Asbury Park
24 movie dates on selected nights from August 2 through September 5, 2020; Doors open at 7:00pm and movies start at sunset.
Asbury Hotel
210 5th Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
Website/Schedule/Tickets
Tickets are $10 for the screenings with the exception of All I Can Say, on August 12th, which is $15
Screenings take place on the Baronet, a 4,300 square foot rooftop space on the 6th floor of the hotel with magnificent views over Asbury Park and the Atlantic Ocean. During the evening the Baronet turns into an outdoor modern 'carless' Drive, socially-distanced, rooftop movie theater.
Chairs are first-come, first-serve, and can be limited on busy movie nights. They encourage guests to bring their own beach chairs and blankets. A concession stand with snacks and canned soda, wine, beer, and cocktails available for purchase. Credit Card only.
On the following nights, they are screening a special Ducumenty Music Series:
August 5 - Joan Jett: Bad Reputation.
August 12 - All I Can Say. Shannon Hoon, lead singer of the rock band Blind Melon
August 19 - End of the Century: The Story of The Ramones. Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee
August 26 - Amy. Archival footage and personal testimonials of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.

August 2020 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

25th Annual Highlands Clam Festival
Friday, July 31st to Sunday, August 2nd, 2020: Hours: Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm
Huddy Park
329 Bay Ave #325
Highlands, NJ
Website
This family event will feature live entertainment, games, children activities, amusement rides, specialty vendors, crafters, beers, wine and sangria garden, local seafood, and more.

Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market - Outdoors
August 1 - 2, 2020; 10 am-5 pm; Rain or Shine.
in the parking lot of the CURE Insurance Arena
81 Hamilton Avenue
Trenton NJ,
Just two blocks from the Roebling Wire Works!
Website
Cost: $5 at the Door (good for both days) Punx 10 & under are free!
Masks are required Free parking at in Cure Arena parking lot!
This family friendly event, previously held indoors, will feature a celebration of two days of inclusiveness, individuality, the arts, music, family, friendships, small businesses, DIY culture and most importantly… community. There will be some of the area's finest food trucks, vendors selling vinyl, vintage, handmade, original items; interesting curiosities; unique collectibles & more.
For safety concerns, there will be sanitizing stations, hand washing stations, and plenty of room to social distance.

The New Jersey Jerk Fest
Saturday, August 8, 2020; 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Arbor Rescue Squad Lot
1790 West 7th Street
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Website
Cost: $5 - $10
The New Jersey Jerk Fest is anticipating to be the largest Caribbean Festival in the New Jersey. It has a broad general market appeal as the popularity of 'Jerk' transcends easily across the New Jersey area's dynamic, multi-ethnic population.
This family event features local chefs and restaurants cooking up variations of Jerk food, Food trucks and food vendors, Local performers & Live stage acts, A Beer garden, Craft and other shopping vendors, Bouncy Houses and other Kids Activiies

Warren County Balloon/Aviation Festival
Friday through Sunday, August 21 to 23, 2020 ((Hurricane date is August 28-30th)
Fairgrounds Balloonport
1350 Strykers Road
Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Website
5:30 AM - $4 per person (processing fees may apply) 2:30 PM - $6 per person (processing fees may apply)
Balloon Launches will be in the mornings at 6:30 am, followed by Drone Demonstrations by Warren County Community College, and Tethered Rides, as weather allows.
Hot Air Balloon Rides are available for $210 per person. Major credit cards are accepted and full refunds are given should we cancel your ride due to inclement weather. To schedule your ride at the Balloon Festival with festival coordinators Balloonatics & Aeronuts LLC, call 908-283-0721 or email fly@njballoonrides.com. Tethered Rides will be offered after the morning and evening launches . Enjoy a short trip to tree-top level – the best view of the Fairgrounds is from the air!

Allaire Music Jamboree: Celebrating the Music of America
Saturday, August 22nd, 2020: 11 am to 6 pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $8 for adults & $4 per child (2-12 years old)
This family event features live bluegrass & folk music on the grounds of The Historic Village at Allaire! Enjoy local musicians performing on two different stages. Bring your instruments with you and have a "jam session" with other visitors! Have a picnic or dine from several of the food trucks that we will have here on-site. It is suggested you bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing day in the village!
All guests are required to bring a mask and wear it when interacting with anyone who is not in their party or when walking throughout the village. All guests must remain socially distant from everyone who is not in their party including fellow patrons, volunteers and Allaire staff. When setting up blankets and chairs in front of the stages, visitors must sit within a socially distant circle spray painted on the lawn.

A Day Out With Thomas
August 28 - 30, 2020
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
99 Elizabeth Street
Phillipsburg, NJ
Web Site
Contact: Chris Cotty, Phone: 732-433-4221, Email: ccotty@fastwww.com
Event Cost: $21
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine . Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading. The train pulled by Thomas leaves every hour on the hour, 10 am to 5 pm.
Due to the Coronavirus, unless the CDC advises otherwise, the hands on exhibits such as the imagination station, and inflatables  will not be available, this is for your families safety. We will provide temporary tattoos, coloring pages, and a free Thomas giveaway in a take home bag, so that you may continue your Day Out with Thomas birthday celebration in the safety of your own home!

East Brunswick Art & Music Festival
Saturday, August 29th, 2020; 11:00am - 5:00pm
Community Arts Center
721 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ
Website
This family event features an art show, a kids zone, live music, food trucks, and a crsft beer tent
Departed Soles will sell Craft Beer at the Beer Tent with proceeds to benefit East Brunswick VFW Memorial Post #133.

September 2020 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Trenton Pork Roll Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2020: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
Website
Cost: $5
Whether you call it Pork Roll or Taylor Ham ... this cult favorite meat, still made in Trenton, is one of Jersey's most beloved edible treasures. This event features Food trucks & guest chefs, a Beer garden and full bar, Live music stage, their superhero mascot, P-Roll (alias: Casey Taylor) VIP option for the ultimate experience Games and fun for kids and adults alike.

Jersey Shore Festival
September 11-12, 2020: (rain or shine)
Seaside Heights, NJ
Website (Information and line-up)
(732) 203-7787
FREE ADMISSION,
This family event event features performances by over 150 artists from around the world. Aside from the music, the Jersey Shore Festival also includes activities that are fun for the whole family including Motocross Shows, the JSF Vendor Village, and much more!

Asian-American Heritage Festival
September 20, 2020; 11am - 8pm
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave
Edison, NJ
Website
732 371 9625
This is a Lifestyle Family Festival that brings together the three things that appeal most to Asian-Amerucans:Entertainment, food, and shopping. There will be Dance Performances, Diverse Food Options, Ethnic Shopping, Bollywood Celebrities, Cricket Fun Game, Kids Games, and more.
Every one is invited to attend. People form all backgroungs, religions, and ethnicities are welcomed to join in to celebrate and enjoy the rich sights, sounds, and tastes of Asian-American culture.

Aberdeen Day
Saturday, September 26, 2020; 9:00am – 9:00pm
Veterans Memorial Park
Ocean Boulevard & Lakeshore Drive
Aberdeen Township, NJ
Website
Free Admission
This fun family day features live entertainment, star car exhibits, Food Trucks, Vendors, Games, Inflatables & Petting Zoo, and more with events thtoughout the town.
Fireworks at dusk, postponed from independence Day

Kites at the Pier
Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2020: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pier Village
50 Chelsea Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
Website
This two day family event features a dazzling display of giant inflatable kites visible for miles; an array of vertical wind feathers and ground displays; kids and adults Running of the Bols competition; super-sized giant bubbles, kite sales and a separate public flying field for all!.
Get in on the fun with music and kite flyers from all areas of the eastern seaboard flying their most incredible creations!

October 2020 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Barktoberfest - Fall Festival and Pet Expo
Rescheduled to October 3rd, 2020
Island Beach State Park
Swimming Area 1
Website
Cost: free with a suggested $8 donation
This annual family event features a pet expo, with food trucks, entertainment, crafters, a dog walk, K-9 Demos, and more.

4th Annual Jazz & Blues Street Fest
Sunday, October 11th, 2020; from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Main St.
Downtown, Freehold, NJ
Website - Line-up
This event takes place on West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street in Downtown Freehold. featuring talented and well-known musicians from the Tri-State Area and beyond. Many vendors are participating with a variety of items from hand rolled cigars being made in front of you to hand crafted jewelry made from sea glass, metal, gem stone, etc. We will also feature vendors with t-shirts, clothing, handmade dog biscuits, soaps, honey & more.

New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
October 16 - 18, 2020
Solberg Airport
39 Thor Solberg Rd
Whitehouse Station, NJ
Website/tickets
This very popular family festival features 3 days of hot air ballooning with approximatley 100 giant hot air balloons, live concerts with performances by Grammy award winners, children's amusement rides; a 5K race; exhibits, hundreds of vendors, and an awesome fireworks display on Friday evening

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