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!

Note: 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.





2022 Multi-Date Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Plays-in-the-Park
A unique government sponsored outdoor amphitheater, presenting 3 full-scaled musicals each summer.
Located one block south of the Menlo Park Mall off of Route 1
in Edison, N.J.
The turn off is called Grandview Avenue. At the top of the short hill make your first right on to Pine Drive and the Park Rangers will guide you to a parking spot.
Website
Admission is free --- There will be no advance reservations. Patrons are to bring their own chairs with a back no higher than 40 inches (ex: folding chairs, soccer chairs, etc.) Doors will open at 5:30 pm for chairs to be set up and the show will start at 8pm
Schedule:
June 22 - July 2, 2022; Something Rotten!
July 13 - July 23, 2022; The SpongeBob Musical
August 3 - August 13, 2022; A Chorus Line

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series
At the Hall of Records
Freehold, NJ
Thursdays from 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Website
The free Thursday night concerts feature popular groups and local talent that attract people of all ages
from the greater-Freehold area and beyond.
Schedule:
June 2, 2022: James Maddock. June 9, 2022: The Pat Roddy Band. June 16, 2022: Carnival Dogs. June 23, 2022: The Weeklings. June 30, 2022: Eddie Testa Band. July 7, 2022: Mission Dance. July 14, 2022: Joe Baracata Band. July 21, 2022: Matt O'Ree Band. July 28, 2022: Peanut Butter Bridges Band. August 4, 2022: Parrot Beach. August 11, 2022: Colossal Street Jam. August 18, 2022: Pat Guadagno & Friends. August 25, 2022: Turntyles.

Flemington Car Show on Main Street
Every Saturday beginning June 4th thru August 20th, 2022: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Main Street
Flemington NJ
Website
The shows are free to the public
 This family event features all year, make & model cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Liive Performances are given by local talented musicians each show at two areas on Main Street, complimented by a DJ spinning classic tunes. Trophys earned by the best cars & door prizes raffled to everyone. Several kids activities like face painting, games, and balloon sculptures.
for weather cancellations, call 908-806-6041.

Brick SummerFest
On Thursdays beginning June 30th and ending July 21st, 2022
Windward Beach Park
Brick, NJ
Website
The evenings entertainment features music, fireworks on each of the nights, plus food, a beer/wine garden, and more.
Schedule:
June 30: Super Trans Am ('70s Concert Experience) - July 7: Stiffler's Mom ('90s Hits) - July 14: The Benjamins (Current Hits, '90s) - July 21: Jessie's Girl ('80s Hits)
If there is a cancellation, bad night of weather, the rain date will be Thursday, July 28th.





May 2022 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Flemington Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Celebration Week
May 1 - 8, 2022 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Viva Mexico
14 Turntable Junction
Flemington, NJ
director@flemingtoncommunitypartnership.org
(908) 809 – 5464
Cost: Free
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all week in Flemington, NJ, with Mexican food, drink, and Cinco de Mayo-themed events throughout Flemington's restaurants and markets.
Don't miss the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta – returning to 14 Turntable Junction on Saturday, May 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.
The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will feature great Mexican food, live mariachi bands, craft beer and sangria, Latino artisans, and kids' activities. This event benefits the United Way of Hunterdon County. Free admission, bring cash for food and drinks!

Annual Azalea Festival
Saturday, May 7th, 2022: 10am-4pm (Rain Date: Sunday, May 8th, 2022: 10am-4pm)
Sayen Park Botanical Garden
155 Hughes Drive
Hamilton Square
Hamilton Township, NJ
(609) 890-3874
Website
Held only on Mother's Day weekend each year. This event takes place in the historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens, a sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Enjoy seeing over 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendron, In addition to touring the grounds' collection of beautifully landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery, attendees can enjoy crafters, food, music, entertainment, and more.

Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl
May 7, 2022: 12pm - 5pm (rain or shine)
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr
Highlands, NJ 07732
Website
732-291-4713
hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com
Event Cost: $25.00 and includes a Margarita Contest with eight restaurants competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands!
Participants will sample eight delicious 6oz. Margaritas and then vote for their favorite! The fee includes discounted food and drink specials at local eateries and pubs, specials at many of our fine retail establishments and even some surprise samplings!
Live Mariachi music will be playing at the participating restaurants to add an authentic Mexican flair to the event!
Check-in is at Huddy Park, located on Bay and Waterwitch Ave. (301 Shore Drive - GPS) between 11AM and 12:30PM. You will be given a wrist band and map of the participating business locations.
You may register the day of the event.

Maria Allaire's Wedding Reenactment
Saturday, May 7, 2022; 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Tickets
Join us in celebrating the 1836 marriage of Maria Allaire & Thomas Andrews
In the Spring of 1836 James P. Allaire's daughter, Miss Maria Allaire, wed Mr. Thomas Andrews at the Allaire Chapel. The honorable Bishop George Washington Doane traveled into town to officiate the union, and New York friends, including the Vanderbilt family, traveled to the Village for this beautiful occasion. Join the villagers in celebrating the wedding reenactment with cake, dancing, and music after the ceremony. Homes and shops will be open for demonstrations and tours.

Thompson Park's Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, May 7, 2022@ 10:00am - 4:00 pm
hompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ
732-842-4000
Website
Cost: Free
This family event feaures fine artists and artisans peddling mixed media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. Plus, enjoy live music by some of the best local musicians. Food vendors, artist demonstrations, and free activities happen throughout the day.

Mother's Day Brunch at Hopewell Valley Vineyards
May 8TH, 2021; Brunch starts at 11:00am
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Road
Pennington, NJ
609-737-4465
Website/Tickets
Cost:$38.95/adult + gratuity & tax ($46.74 + tax) $13.95/child 10 and under + gratuity & tax ($16.74 + tax) Children under 2 are complimentaryy
Come celebrate mom at their beautiful winery with a delicious brunch.
Menu features our ricotta pancakes, breakfast pizzas and much more. Wine, mimosas and bellinis available for purchase.
BRUNCH MENU: Artisan Cheeseboard Spinach Strawberry Salad Ricotta Pancakes with berry preserves Variety of breakfast pizzas baked in our wood-burning oven Breakfast potatoes Breakfast sausage Fruit Salad Variety of baked goodies Panna Cotta Coffee & Tea.

Annual Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Festival
May 12 - 15, 2022
1101 River Road
Piscataway, NJ
732-463-1642
stgeorge@gocnj.org
Website
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church celebrates our Greek culture by hosting a Greek Festival every year during the month of May (the weekend after Mother's Day). During the Festival, our community showcases our Greek spirit by providing the surrounding towns with an event filled with delicious food, live entertainment, and dancing.
In May 2022 we will be IN-PERSON and hosting again an ONLINE ORDERING Food Festival bringing you the very best of Greek cuisine!

Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 14, 15, 2022; 11AM - 5PM (This event is rain or shine)
Bradley Park
101-199 5th Ave (Across the street from Convention Hall)
Asbury Park, NJ
Tickets
Cost: $10 – $15 Kids 13 and under are free.
This two-day celebration features yummy vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, as well as vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and good times. All welcome!

Brew By the Bay
May 14th, 2022; 12pm - 5pm (May 15th Rain date)
Seafarer
1 Atlantic St.
Highlands, NJ 07732
Web Site/Tickets
Contact: 732-291-4713
hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com
Event Cost: $35.00 - tickets include seven 4oz. tastings and a pint of craft beer and a commemorative pilsner cup (for the first 300 registered. Additional tastings can be purchased at the event for $3
This event takes place on the picturesque waterfront. Each participating brewery will bring two styles of beer each. There will be live music, fire pits, and delicious Local Smoke cuisine.

BBQ Jamfest!
May 15, 2022 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach
710 Arnold Ave
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-899-2424
Website
Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate
An outdoor cookout with family and friends! The event features Live Music, Cornhole, Prizes.

Walnford Day
Sunday, May 15, 2022: from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Historic Walnford
Walnford Road
Upper Freehold, NJ
Website
609-259-6275
Free Event
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.

New Jersey Seafood Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 20-22, 2022; Friday 4:00PM - 8:00PM; Saturday 11:00AM to 8:00PM; and Sunday 11:00AM to 6:00PM.
Pyanoe Plaza and Pyanoe Plaza Parking lot.
Belmar, NJ
Website
Admission: Free
This popular family-friendly event offers an ultimate feast of crowd-pleasing fare — from gumbo, lobster rolls, and jambalaya, to coconut shrimp, crab legs, conch fritters, and more.
In addition to some great seafood, live music is also a big part of the Belmar Seafood Festival. The lineup of bands includes popular area musicians performing live during all three days of the festival.

Allaire Music Fest
Saturday, May 21, 2022: 11 AM – 4 PM (Rain Date May 22nd)
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Website/Line-up/Tickets
Cost: On-line advance:Child: $5, ages 4 to 12 - Adult $10
Day of Price Child: $7, ages 4 to 12 - Adult $15
This event features local NJ bands perform a variety of Bluegrass and Folk music throughout the Historic Village at Allaire.
Multiple stages and jam sessions throughout the day! Artists tables available for vending of music and signings.
For children, a special interactive instrument and music session to promote the importance of music - "An Intro to Music & Instruments." Check out some great NJ based crafters between sets! Tour the Historic Village at Allaire, including the early 18th & 19th century Homes, Craft Shops and Retail Shops. Historic demonstrations and activities offered throughout the duration of the event and are included in the price of your ticket!

Celebrate National Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 21st, 2022: 12 - 2pm
iPlay America
110 Schanck Rd
Freehold, NJ 07728
Website
Active & Retired Military * FREE Rides!
Join in as they celebrate National Armed Forces Day with exclusive offer for active and retired military members.
Fundraiser for Troops:
50% of ride band sales go back to the cause!. 30% of your food bill at Game Time Bar & Grill goes back to the cause.
Donations given to Marine Corps 5K to be Split between Chariites:
Marine Corps League Cpl Philip A Reynolds Detachment Marine Raider Foundation Semper Fi Fund.

A Salute to America Concert
May 27, 2022; 3pm - 11pm
on the boardwalk in front of Spicy Cantina
Seaside Heights, NJ
Website
This celebration features a Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff to Summer event in Seaside Heights which is the unofficial start of the summer season! We also want to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day which1s to remember those in military service who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
The event will begin with October Rose Performing. After the kickoff, the celebration continues with the music of the NICKY FABBZ Band hitting the stage at 7pm.

Bradely Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 28, 29, 2022; from 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
The festival includes crafters, food, live music, and Family Fun
Parade on Saturday, May 28th at 10am

21st Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 29, 2022: 10am - 5pm
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr.
Highlands, NJ
Website
732-291-4713
Admission is free
Come experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans.
Live entertainment from 11AM - 3PM.
Shop till you drop for unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show.





June 2022 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Robbinsville Community Festival
Saturday, June 11, 2022: @ 2pm - 9:30pm ( rain date on June 12)
Community Park
West Manor Way and Gordon Road
Robbinsville, NJ
Website
Free Admission
This family event features live music played from the main stage, a beer tent, food court, games, contests, bounce castles, rock-climbing wall, food trucks, a children's train, and pony rides. The "Best of the Eagles" tribute band will take to the state at 7:00p.m.
The grand finale wiill be the fireworks display at dusk.

Annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth Encampment and programs
Saturday & Sunday, June 18, 19, 2022
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
16 Highway 33-BR
Manalapan, NJ 07726.
Website
Cost: A suggested donation of $10.00 per car is requested to help cover the cost of the event
This event is in commemoration of the anniversary of the battle being fought on June 28, 1778. Hundreds of troops encamp at the park and recreate scenarios of the battle over the weekend. There are also numerous presentations and lectures, tours of the camps, and sutler area open to the public. A food vendor will be on site and handicapped parking is available.

Annual Atlantic Highlands Classic Car Show
 Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain Date is June 25, 2022)
First Avenue Business District
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
(347) 528-5372
Registration
Pre-Registration Pricing: $15 One Show/$30 Two Shows/Day of Price Per Show $20
A great Father's Day gift for Dad's who love classic cars, love entertainment, food, and family entertainment. This fun, family event features all car related items, live music, food, crafts and a "Kid Friendly" area with games and prizes. Two stages will be set up; one in Veteran's Park and one near Bay Avenue, both playing live music throughout the event. Ferry service from New York via SeaStreak is available.

11th Annual Taste of Highlands
June 25th, 2022; 12pm - 5pm (rain or shine)
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr.
Highlands, NJ
Website
732-291-4713
Cost: Tickets are $45.00 and include a map and free parking
This annual event features five hours of scrumptious samplings and cocktails at over twenty great Highlands restaurants and establishments.
Ticket holders must check in at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues and pick up their map/bracelet. You will be greeted at each establishment and present your map to be stamped. Visit ALL stops and be eligible to win a $200 BID BUCK good at any participating establishment.

Manchester Day
Saturday, June 25, 2022: Fireworks July 13th
Harry Wright Lake Park
Lake Avenue
Manchester, NJ
Website
Manchester Day begins with a festival beginning at 2 p.m., with kids' carnival rides, games, contests, food and live music. The fireworks begin at dusk.





July 2022 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

FilmOneFest
July 16, 2022; 7pm - 11pm
SeaStreak Parking Lot
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Website
(732) 291-1260
info@filmonefest.org
Cost: Free
FilmOneFest takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting with the majestic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. FilmOneFest (a production of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council) is the Jersey Shore's preeminent showcase for all forms of short films under two minutes in length. FilmOneFest also promotes local and international filmmaking through the use of new media and technology, educational activities and screenings, and supports its local food bank. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers who include professional artists, educators, business leaders and community organizers. Open for Submissions starting February 1, 2022 FilmOneFest (Films under 2 Minutes) proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway.

Monmouth County Fair
Wednesday-Sunday, July 27-31, 2022
East Freehold Showgrounds
1500 Kozloski Road
Freehold, NJ
Website
732-842-4000, ext. 4312
Admission: $8.00, Children 17 and under enter Free. Free Parking
This family event features Live Entertainment • 4-H Shows & Exhibits Rides • Live Music on the Main Stage Robinson's Racing Pigs • Bwana Jim Wildlife Show Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy • Ready GO Dog Show • Horse Shows Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Show • Living History Displays Home & Garden Demonstrations & Displays Monmouth County Park System Interactive Display Commercial Vendors • Delicious Food Vendors.

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
July 29 -31, 2022
Solberg Airport
39 Thor Solberg Road
Whitehouse Station, NJ
973-882-5464
Website (Events Schedule & Tickets)
One of the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. Features twice daily mass ascensions of up to 125 special shape and sport hot air balloons, headlining music concerts, continuous family entertainment, crafters and vendors, food, a balloon glow, and spectacular fireworks on Friday evening. The concerts feature top performers for each of the three nights.

Soulsational Music Festival
Saturday, July 30, 2022; 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (rain or shine)
Veterans Park
Bayville, NJ
Website
This family event features live music on two stages, crafters, vendors, free yoga, vegetarian and organic food, food trucks, a beer garden, and a kids' village.







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