County Fairs, Music and Culture festivals: Check out New Jersey's August Events: 2025
Enjoy UNLIMITED rides all summer long with our Summer Season Pass, now through September 30! Buy now for just $54.99 and you’ll also get FREE iPlay America coupons.
August's One-of-a-Kind Events & Festivals in New Jersey: 2025
August in New Jersey is that rare moment when the state truly shines. Long summer days fill up with lively celebrations, food fests, outdoor concerts, and community fairs.
Local farms burst with Jersey produce, shore towns buzz with visitors, and everywhere you look, there’s a block party, fair, or cultural gathering.
For anyone searching “August festivals near me,” you’re in the right place—August is the heart of NJ’s festival season.
Whether you’re after classic county fairs, family outings, live music under the stars, or a unique taste of Jersey’s culture, there’s something happening every weekend.
Read on for the most popular NJ August events and NJ August festivals in North, Central, and South Jersey—plus handy tips for making the most of your summer adventures.
Northern New Jersey August 2025 Festivals
New Jersey State Fair
August 1–9, Augusta, NJ
This legendary fair brings big crowds for its classic carnival rides, live music, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, bull riding, and monster trucks. Don’t miss the horse show, exhibits, or the wide variety of foods.
La Festa Italiana
August 13–17, Jersey City
Five days of Italian heritage with nightly bands, authentic food, games, an hourly 50/50, and a huge final raffle. The event is dedicated to the Veneration of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Rocco.
Passaic County Fair
August 14–17, Woodland Park
Free admission, $5 parking. Enjoy games, rides, arts, science programs, live bands, and three nights of fireworks. Local foods and a beer garden round out this four-day celebration.
Fiesta In America
August 16–17, American Dream Mall, East Rutherford
A vibrant celebration of Filipino culture with music, dancers, martial arts, food markets, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free.
Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
August 16, Morristown
Bring a blanket and catch live jazz and blues on the Green. Family-friendly and free.
Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts + Culture Festival
August 16–17, Jersey City
A lively street festival with amazing Puerto Rican food and performances from top Latin musicians.
Mount Olive Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
August 23, Budd Lake
Sample bites from 20+ food trucks, play games, enjoy music, and stick around for the fireworks at dusk.
Newark African Food and Music Festival - Restaurant Week
August 23–24, Newark
Featured African-inspired dishes and live entertainment.
Wharton Canal Day Festival
August 23, Wharton
A blend of old-fashioned fun with modern touches—canoe rides, boat tours, history exhibits, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more.
Annual Mendham Labor Day Carnival, Parade, Concert, & Fireworks
August 29–September 1, Mendham
Four nights of rides, games, food, and a parade on Labor Day. Fireworks close out summer on Monday night.
St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival
August 29–September 1, Scotch Plains
A feast for all ages with rides, Italian specialties, music, raffles, and nightly prizes.
American Labor Museum Parade
August 31, Haledon
March in celebration of Labor Day and the American worker.
Central New Jersey August 2025 Festivals
Highlands 30th Annual Clam Fest
August 1–3, Highlands
Seafood lovers flock to this local favorite for fresh clams, live music, and fireworks on Saturday.
Olde Freehold Day
August 2, Freehold
Celebrate with live music, classic fair food, games, and a dunk tank along scenic Lake Topanemus.
Middlesex County Fair
August 4–10, East Brunswick
Expect stunt shows, a trapeze act, carnival rides, magic, a sensory tent, and fireworks.
Ocean Township Italian Festival
August 6–10, Oakhurst
A huge Italian festival with traditional food, games, rides, music, and fireworks.
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 9, New Brunswick
A free family day with dance, music, arts and crafts, face painting, and tasty eats.
Edison Food Wine & Beer Festival
August 16, Edison
Sample local beers and wines, enjoy live music, and keep the kids entertained with activities and games.
Indie Street Film Festival
August 18–24, Red Bank
Screenings of new indie films, special events, and opportunities to meet filmmakers.
Cirque De Paris at MarketFair
August 21–September 1, Princeton
Enjoy a thrilling circus show packed with acrobats, comedians, and surprises.
Annual Caribbean Festival
August 23, New Brunswick
Celebrate Caribbean heritage with food, music, dancing, and a jerk chicken cook-off.
Long Branch Jazz Festival
August 23, Long Branch
Hear top jazz and blues acts, sample food truck fare, and stay for fireworks by the beach.
Frenchtown Riverfest
August 31, Frenchtown
An eco-friendly street fair with live music, art, food, and family activities by the river.
Southern New Jersey August 2025 Festivals
Burlington County Restaurant Week
August 3–9, Locations throughout Burlington County
Savor special menus at over 50 restaurants in towns from Bordentown to Medford.
Salem County Fair
August 4–8, Woodstown
A true country fair with tractor pulls, livestock shows, farm equipment displays, and BBQ each night.
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 8–9, Mays Landing
Family attractions include rides, horse shows, car displays, food, and animal demos.
Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash
August 8–10, Wildwood
A tattoo expo with vendors, artists, contests, and live entertainment.
Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
August 9, Cape May Point
Climb the historic lighthouse at night for a rare full-moon view of the coastline.
Nerd Fest
August 10, Swedesboro
Cosplay, gaming, artists, authors, and a fun atmosphere for comic fans of all ages.
Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival
August 16–17, Collingswood
Shop handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and more, with live music and family art activities.
Seafarer's Skull Duggery Weekend
August 16–17, Cape May
Step back in time with pirate reenactments, live music, and interactive exhibits.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
August 29–31, Pilesgrove Township
A three-day festival of bluegrass music, camping, and fun for all ages.
West Cape May Tomato Festival
August 30, West Cape May
A tomato-themed festival featuring food, crafts, live music, and family activities.
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival
August 31, Wildwood
Celebrate the season’s close with a big party, free music, vendors, food, and activities for kids.
With so many NJ August events and August festivals near me, New Jersey is truly buzzing every weekend in August. Make the most of the season by arriving early for popular festivals, packing sunscreen and water, and staying up-to-date on event details. If you’re searching for family fun, culture, music, or just reasons to be outdoors, August is your month to experience what makes the Garden State so special.
