The Best Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

These popular Central Jersey family festivals and events occur at venues in all corners of Central NJ and have wide appeal with families with kids.

They 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!

Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.

Multi-Date, Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Asbury Park Bonfires
Various Locations
Asbury Park, NJ
Updates on bonfire schedule changes: Weather permitting.
Bring a blanket or chair and geat seated up close.
Schedule
May, 2019 Fridays at 7pm
May 3 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, May 10 – Langosta Lounge, 3rd Avenue, May 17 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, May 24 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset, May 31 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset
June, Fridays at 7pm
June 7 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, June 14 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset, June 21 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, June 28 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset
July, Wednesdays at 8pm
July 3 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset, July 10 – MOGO, 1st Avenue, July 17 – Langosta Lounge, 3rd Avenue, July 24 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, July 31 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset.
August, Wednesdays at 8pm
August 7 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, August 14 – Langosta Lounge, 3rd Avenue, August 21 – MOGO, 1st Avenue, August 28 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue.
September, Fridays at 7pm
September 6 – Beach Bar, 5th Avenue, September 13 – The Anchor’s Bend, Sunset

Seaside Heights Bonfires on the Beach
Website
Sunday nights from dusk to 10pm, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, 2019
Bring your beach chairs and blankets to North Beach on Monday nights for our family-friendly Bonfire on the Beach. While the fire burns, sit back and enjoy the acoustic sounds of local singers and songwriters

Bugs, Birds and Beyond
Jul 17, 2019 until Aug 17, 2019; daily from 12pm to 4pm
Monmouth County Master Gardeners
4000 Kozloski Rd.
Freehold, NJ 07728
Website
732-303-7614
A Free Event
For families and Kids of All Ages. Rain or Shine, All children must be accompanied by an adult
The event features Penguins on Parade (New this year) , Rappin with Raptors, Live Butterflies, Reptiles, Snakes, turtles, rabbits, bees and more. There will also be educational displays, activities, crafts and games, Guided tours of 2 gardens, Gardening Q & A by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County Food, Honey, Ice Cream, Jams and Fresh produce available for purchase,
Rain or Shine, All children must be accompanied by an adult.

August 2019 Central New Jersey Family Festivals And Events

Middlesex County Fair
August 5, 2019 through August 11, 2019
655 Cranbury Rd.
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Website
This annual family event features a taste Middlesex county's rich agricultural heritage. Llearn a new craft, try a new food, go on a ride, an old fashioned cowboy sing along, kid's agricultural magic show, and much more.

Annual Keyport Fireman’s Fair
Monday – Saturday, August 5th – 10th, 2019: 7pm-11pm
Fireman’s Park
Keyport, NJ
Website
Celebrate six days full of summer carnival and boardwalk fun. Enjoy the warm weather, food, games, rides, face painting, characters, 50/50’s, live music and more. The fair ends on Saturday Night with Fireworks Grand Finale

Big Sea Day
August 10, 2019
Main Beach
Manasquan, NJ
Website
This family event features a day of games, activities, fishing contest, sand castle contest, a concert from 7:30-9 p.m, followed by a fireworks display.

Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
Saturday, August 10, 2019; 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, August 11th)
Stangl Road
Flemington, NJ
Website
Cost: Free to Attend
Held in Flemington's Artisan District, this foodie and beer-lovers event will feature an expansive micro-brewery beer garden, live music, great food, and family entertainment --- and of course, New Jersey's finest corn and tomatoes! This is a family friendly event for all ages with an expanded kids zone and free entertainment.

Manahopkin - Craft Beer and Music Festival
Saturday, August 10th, 2019; 12pm to 9pm
Manahawkin Lake Park
193 East Bay Avenue
Manahawkin, NJ
Website
Cost: $25 for each session
This family friendly Craft Beer and Music Festival features over 50 different beers from 25 breweries, local food, and live music.. Those who will not be drinking will be admitted at no cost. Drinkers will be required to buy a glass and tickets for beer samples, allowing you to sample as many beers as you wish.
Tasting Session 1 : 12pm – 4pm
Tasting Session 2 : 5pm – 9pm

Kite Festival
August 12, - August 13, 2019
Jenkinson's Boardwalk Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-0600
Website
Cost: Beach fees apply.
This 2 day event features kite flying, music, games, prizes, and more!

Olde Freehold Day
August 17, 2019; 12:00pm — 5:00pm
Lake Topanemus
251 Pond Rd.
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-866-5375
Website
Fraa admission
This family festival features live music, food trucks, vendors, art walk, kids zone, fishing, boating, picnic tables and more! The live performers include: Lee & Sherri, Eddie Testa, & Step Aside.

Hub City Sounds: CariFest
August 24, 2019: 12:00pm — 5:00pm
Boyd Park
Rt. 18 N.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
908-917-2862
Website
Free admission
This family event is about a Performing, Visual and Culinary Arts festival series with events for all tastes! Festivalgoers are welcome to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating at the park and streetscape events, and Delectable Delights will be available for purchase. Come enjoy the Kid Zones featuring: Moon Castles, Face Painters, Petting Zoos, canvas painting and more. The events' performance types, styles and cuisine will vary reflecting the diverse population of New Brunswick's community and of the region.There will also be a special theatrical tribute to Paul Robeson.

Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
Saturday, August 24th, 2019; from 1 PM - 9 PM (Rain or Shine)
The Great Lawn on the Long Branch Promenade
Long Branch, NJ
Website
This music festival features a mix of strong national and local musicians performing live Jazz and blues on stage, kids activities, and food vendors with exotic and regional NJ food and crafts and Fireworks.
Scheduled events:
1:00 PM National Anthem - Reanne Runge
1:15-2:15 PM Damian & The DCQ
2:30-3:30 PM Slidewinder Blues Band
3:45-4:45 PM Jane Stuart
5:00-6:00 PM The Shadetree Mechanics
6:15-7:15 PM The Mikey Junior Band
7:30 –9 PM Jeff Levine & Friends Featuring JT Bowen
Dusk Fireworks

Manasquan Labor Day Concert
Saturday, August 31, 2019; @ 5:30pm (rain date September 1st)
Main Beach
Main St & 1st Ave
Manasquan, NJ
Website
This family event features a concert with Retro Kings.

Bradley Beach Lobster fest
August 31 & September 1, 2019: ( Saturday 11 am - 8 pm, Sunday 11 am - 6 pm)
500 Ocean Avenue
Bradley Beach, NJ
Website
Free event!
Bradley Beach comes alive this weekend with it's popular oceanfront family event featuring live music, great lobster, beer & wine, crafts, and plenty of kids activities.
Highlighted by 6 bands and a DJ emcee, over 180 craft and specialty vendors, a beer & wine garden and children's activities including water slide, rides, face painters and sand art.

The INDO American Fair
August 31 & September 1, 2019; 11am -7pm
Mercer County Park
1050 Hughes Dr
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Website
Admission Parking: $5 Entry Ticket: $3
This family event will feature cultural programs, heritage, traditional dances, live entertainment and more.

September 2019 Central New Jersey Family Festivals And Events

Asbury Park Oysterfest
September 6, 7, 8, 2019
Bradley Park
101 5th Ave
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-775-7676
Website
This annual family event features music, food and fun ----- and of course oysters. and more.

Colts Neck Apple Fest
September 7, 8, 2019; 11am – 4pm
Delicious Orchards
320 Rt. 34,
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
732-462-1989
Website
Hosted by Delicious Orchards, this family event features all things apple along with an l antique car display (over 40 cars ranging back to the early 1900's), fun games, live music and of course lots of apple based food and drinks.

Sailfest 2019
September7, 2019; 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
River Avenue
Island Heights, NJ
Website
Admission Free, Free street parking and Free shuttle from Island Heights Firehouse
This event features Sailboat races, crafters, food vendors, including food trucks, Inflatable Kiddie Rides All day live entertainment, a cash 50/50 Sailfest t-shirts for sale, & adult Beverages for purchase an the NJ Outboards Boat Show
The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Toms River to benefit many local charities and scholarship program

Island Beach State Park Beach Plum Festival
September 8, 2019; 9am - 4 pm. Rain or Shine.
Island Beach State Park
Rte. 35 S.
Seaside Park, NJ
732-793-0506
Website
$8 suggested donation
This event features beach plum ice cream & jelly, food, music, crafters, children's games, paddle board raffle, environmental and non-profit exhibits.

Central Jersey Jazz Festival
September 13, 14, 15, 2019; 6:00pm — 10:00pm
at three venues
908-809-5464
Website
Free to the public
This event takes place at three venues.
On Friday in Flemington on Stangl Road, rain or shine, bring your own chairs. Performers include: Willerm Delisfort, Jeanne Gies and Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, with an additional performances by the NJPAC Jazz for Teens.
On Saturday in New Brunswick, rain or shine, bring your own chairs, on George St. (between Liberty St & Bayard St). Performers include: Dizzy Gillespie Afro Latin Experience, The DIVA Jazz Quintet and Jerome Jennings, with an aAdditional performances by the New Brunswick Jazz Brass
On Sunday in Somerville (rain or shine) bring their own blankets and chairs, at the Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green. Corner of E. Main & Grove Streets. Performers include: Nat Adderley, Jr, Brianna Thomas, Javon Jackson, with an additional performances by the NJPAC Jazz for Teens.

16th Annual Harvest Festival & Craft Fair
September 14, 2019: 8:30am — 4:30pm
Good News Home for Women
33 Bartles Corner Rd
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-806-4220
Website
Free admission
This family event features face painting, pony rides, music, games, prizes, vendor shopping and refreshments. Sparkee, the Somerset Patriots Baseball Team Mascot will be making a guest appearance. Officers from the Hunterdon County Sheriff's Office will also be present and making identification cards for children through their Child Ident-A-Kid Program.

Bound Brook RiverFest Art & Music Fair
September 14, 2019; 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
E Main St.
Bound Brook, NJ
Website
Admission: Free
This family event features fun day of arts, crafts, kid rides, food, live music, and dance, and an Arts Stage with a dozen acts representing music and dance styles from around the world.

15th Annual Latino Festival of Monmouth County
September 21, 2019; 12:30pm - 6pm (Rain date is 09/28/2019)
Freehold Hall of Records Parking Lot 1
E Main St
Freehold, NJ
Website
This family event celebrates the diversity and contributions of Latin American. The Latino Festival is that opportunity for people of Central Jersey and surrounding counties to come and learn about those varieties and celebrate them as one. The event features food, live music, contests, prizes, games for the children, and much more.

The Festival of the Sea & Craft Show
September 21, 2019;10am - 7pm (Rain Date 9/22/2019)
Both Arnold and Bay Avenues
between Rt 35 South and Rt. 35 North, down to the Point Pleasant Boro.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Website
Free admission
This event features local restaurants and vendors providing a variety of seafood delicacies such as crab cakes, shrimp skewers, paella, soups and bisque's, lobster, and other seafood items. Don't like seafood? No problem, there are plenty of other varieties of food to sample! They also have hundreds of craft vendors featuring hard to find and unique items. For entertainment, there is a stage set up to host to local musicians and other acts.

Basilone Day Food Truck Festa
September 22, 2019; 12PM – 6PM
E Somerset St,
Raritan, NJ
Website
Cost: $5, Kids $3
Come for the parade, stay for the food and beer!
This family event features a celebration of the valor and heroism of WWII USMC John Basilone and all of our military, who have or are currently serving.
Sgt Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross and Purple Heart. This is the only parade in America honoring a war hero.The parade is at 1:00 and the food trucks and beer garden will be in full swing from 12:00pm-6:00pm. There will also be games for children, a face painter and a dunk tank!

The 19th Annual Epicurean Palette
September 22, 2019; 1PM – 4PM
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way
Hamilton, NJ
Website
Cost: $125/member, $185/general
Held on their beautifully landscaped 42-acre Sculpture Park, The Epicurean Palette is a gala celebration of food and wine that helps support the exhibitions and educational initiatives at Grounds For Sculpture. Spend a glorious afternoon strolling through the park with friends while sampling extraordinary cuisine from the area's best chefs and refreshments from the best beverage purveyors.

Wizard World Harvest
September 28, 2019; 9am - 5pm
Readington River Farm
937 County Road 523
Flemington, NJ 08822
Web Site
Contact: Kristen Doyle, Phone: 908-806-0030, Email: mrsnjbison@icloud.com
Cost: $10.00 per person over age 3
This Family features Wizards Witches and Magic. There will be a live wizard chemistry show, spell lessons, potions, dark arts and crafts, a costume contest, the dark alley, unicorn rides, corn maze, face painting, tarot and spirit guide readings, vendors selling handmade crafts, food and the saloon.
The Saloon will feature local beers and 2 custom beers made just for this event. All proceeds from Saloon will benefit Whitehouse Fire Company.
Admission includes live wizard science show, hayride, activities in the Great Barn, and the Dark Alley.

Annual Paella Festival
Sunday, September 29, 2019; 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Perth Amboy HarborSide Marina
260 Front St, # B
Perth Amboy, NJ
Website
Free admission
This family event on the Perth Amboy harborside marina features a paella cook off competition with great food, flamenco dancing, live entertainment, food and drinks, and more. competition.

Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival
September 29, 2019; Noon - 6 PM (rain date October 6th)
White Street Parking Lot
Red Bank, NJ
Website
Cost: $5 for anyone over the age of 10
| This family event is a celebration of food, music & beer. It features Red Bank's excellent restaurants with continuous live music on two stages. Performers include: Brian Kirk & the Jirks, Tim McLoone & the Shirleys, Almost U2, Fish Eyed Blues Band, Atlantic Watch Pipes & Drums and Alan Chez & the Brothers of Funk! Activities for kids include games, kiddie rides, petting zoo and more!
This culinary feast is an awesome display of Guiness and fresh Oysters, plus 20 of Red Bank's favorite restaurants will be serving a variety of specialty seafood and Irish menu items. Wine and lighter beers will be available for purchase. The Guinness Oyster Festival is a fundraiser for T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, Monmouth Day Care & the Red Bank RiverCenter.

October 2019 Central New Jersey Family Festivals And Events

Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival
October 9, 10, 11, 2015 ( Festival hours: Friday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday, 10:00am to 10:00pm, & Sunday, 10:00am to 8:00pm)
Grant Avenue from Bay Blvd. to Boardwalk
Seaside Heights, N.J
Website
Celebrating the Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Festival. A fun filled weekend of food, friends, and Italian Culture.
This years' special attraction is "Scialapopolo di Capri" from Napoli, Campania
The Parade will be held on Sunday at 1 pm, on the Boulevard from J Street to Sampson Avenue.

Somerset County’s Annual Weekend Journey through the Past
October 12, 13, 2019; Saturday: 10am - 5pm & Sunday: Noon -4pm
20 Grove Street,
Somerville, New Jersey 08807
Web Site
Contact: Robert Meyer, Phone: 908-231-7021, Email: rmeyer@co.somerset.nj.us
Event Cost: Free
Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County’s 14th annual Weekend Journey through the Past! Visit a selection of Somerset County’s historic sites, all open to the public, free of charge. Explore Somerset County’s quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Participating sites are grouped into three convenient tours by location: Northern, Central, and Southern Somerset County. Learn about former Somerset County residents: celebrities, politicians, artists, military heroes, and ordinary people who made a difference. Witness what life was like 50... 100... or even 200 years ago.
Discover our many and varied individual Revolutionary War histories—major contributions to the County’s designation as a Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area.

Hometown Harvest Fair
Saturday, October 12, 2019; 10am - 4pm, rain or shine
North Main Street/Rt. 33
Hightstown, New Jersey
Website
Held annually on Columbus Day Weekend, this family festival is designed to bring awareness to the community, to bring commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide fun for the children. The celebration now encompasses all of our historic Business District with the addition of food trucks, live music, special attractions, and much, much more! With an eclectic mix of nostalgic flair and modern entertainment, the Hometown Harvest Fair has a little something for everyone in your family.