Festivals, Parades, Beach Trips: Checkout The Best Labor Day Weekend Events in New Jersey
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Labor Day weekend in New Jersey signals summer's grand finale. It's the perfect time to soak up the last beach days, enjoy fireworks, and join family and friends for classic NJ Labor Day weekend celebrations. If you're searching for "NJ Labor Day celebrations near me," you'll find options from lively parades to tasty food festivals. Here's your guide to making the most of the long weekend.
Why Labor Day Weekend Feels Special in New Jersey
Labor Day weekend carries a mix of excitement and nostalgia here. For many, it's the last chance to hit the Jersey Shore, stroll busy boardwalks, or enjoy a backyard barbecue before school starts. People gather for beach trips, street fairs, concerts, and the always popular New Jersey Labor Day parades. Local towns add their own traditions, making each event unique.
Many coastal spots like Wildwood, Asbury Park, and Point Pleasant buzz with activity as families fit in their final summer trips. Seasonal businesses wind down, and you can taste the change in the air as flip-flops give way to thoughts of fall.
Favorite Ways to Celebrate Labor Day in NJ
New Jersey Labor Day events fill the weekend with fun. Some top picks include:
- Sandy days and cool swims at Jersey Shore beaches from Cape May to Long Beach Island.
- Strolling and snacking on the boardwalk, with arcade games and rides before attractions close for the season.
- Local cookouts, community picnics, and backyard grilling.
- Water sports on lakes and rivers—think kayaking, boating, or even jet-skiing.
- Hiking and camping in scenic places like Delaware Water Gap or High Point State Park.
Labor Day Weekend Dates for 2025
The 2025 Labor Day weekend runs from Friday, August 29, to Monday, September 1. The holiday brings a three-day break for many, making it the ideal time for mini getaways, booking those last campsites, or grabbing tickets to special events before they’re gone.
Bookmark this post. We'll keep updating as new New Jersey Labor Day events are announced!
2025 Northern NJ Labor Day Weekend Events
Mendham Labor Day Carnival, Parade, Concert, & Fireworks
August 29 – September 1, 2025
Borough Park, Mendham, NJ
Celebrate four days of classic NJ Labor Day weekend events in Mendham. Enjoy carnival rides, games, food vendors, and a big 50/50 raffle each evening from 6pm-10pm. On Labor Day, the parade steps off at 10am from 72 E Main St and ends at the Borough Park Gazebo. The night wraps up with a live concert at 6pm, followed by a fireworks show at dusk.
St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival
August 29 – September 1, 2025
St. Bartholomew Church, 2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ
This Italian feast is a family favorite with nightly live music, rides, games, and plenty of food. Dishes like pizza, pasta, and zeppoles keep crowds happy. Each night brings 50/50 raffles, with a grand drawing on Monday.
Feast of Saint Joseph of Lodi
August 29 – September 1, 2025
Saint Joseph Church, 40 Spring Street, Lodi, NJ
Bring the family for traditional festival food, big rides, music, and lively games. On Labor Day at 2pm, the event features a special mass and a procession in honor of Saint Joseph.
Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Parade and Carnival
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Boonton, NJ
The parade is part of a weekend of activities that includes the annual carnival at Boonton High School, from Thursday to Sunday. On Saturday, the parade will assemble in the West Boonton area and proceed down Main Street (starting at 1:30 pm) to Grant Street to Old Boonton Road, ending at Boonton High School.
Fall Flower Festival and Craft Market
August 30 & 31, 2025
Well-Sweep Herb Farm, Port Murray, NJ
This event celebrates the beauty of late summer and fall blooms among spectacular gardens and cultivated displays. Guests can explore over 1,800 varieties of plants, with knowledgeable staff leading free lectures and presentations throughout the event. Expect two days of family-friendly activities, free lectures, guided garden tours, and a vibrant craft market featuring over 25 curated vendors.
American Labor Museum Parade
Sunday, August 31, 2025
83 Norwood St, Haledon, NJ
Step off at 11am after a 10:30am ceremony, rain or shine. This annual parade pays tribute to workers and is a highlight among New Jersey Labor Day parades.
Lake Hopatcong Labor Day Cruises
Monday, September 1, 2025
37 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Choose a relaxing brunch cruise at 10am or join the happy hour cruise at 1:30pm. The brunch option offers buffet dining, while the happy hour features a full-service bar.
Riverdale Labor Day Street Fair
Monday, September 1, 2025, 10am-5pm
Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ
Enjoy live music, festival treats, food trucks, arts and crafts, rides, and plenty of activities for all ages. Local shops and restaurants join in for a real neighborhood feel.
2025 Central NJ Labor Day Weekend Events
Monmouth Park Labor Day BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
August 30 – September 1, 2025; 11am – 5pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport, NJ
Taste barbecue favorites and sample over 40 local beers in the Craft Beer Garden. There’s live music each day from noon to 4pm. Families will find free activities on Saturday and Sunday, including pony rides and face painting.
NJ Clearwater Festival
August 30, 2025
Sunset Park, Asbury Park, NJ
This free, open-air event is New Jersey's longest-running festival devoted to both music and environmental advocacy. Expect live performances on two stages featuring some of the finest local and national folk and rock music artists, such as The Wag band and others. Festival-goers will enjoy an immersive experience with crafts and green vendors, food trucks, and special children's activities focused on ecological education and fun.
Frenchtown Riverfest
Sunday, August 31, 2025; 11am–7pm
Sunbeam Lenape Park & Downtown Frenchtown, NJ
This eco-focused festival brings art, live music, food vendors, and family fun to downtown Frenchtown. Don’t miss the crowd-pleasing paper boat races.
Viking Village Art & Craft Show
Sunday, August 31, 2025; 10am–4:30pm (rain or shine)
Historic Viking Village, Barnegat Light, NJ
Browse over 70 vendors offering handmade goods, fine art, crafts, jewelry, and more.
South Plainfield Labor Day Parade & Fireworks
Monday, September 1, 2025
Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield, NJ
One of the biggest New Jersey Labor Day parades, the march begins at noon from PAL Recreation Center on Maple Ave. Afterward, head to Veterans' Memorial Park for games and food. Fireworks light up the sky at dusk.
2025 Southern NJ Labor Day Weekend Events
Airfest
Thursday, August 28 through Sunday, August 31, 2025
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May, NJ
This four-day aviation festival features historic aircraft, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, delivering an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts and visitors of all ages
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
August 29–31, 2025
Salem County Fairgrounds, Pilesgrove Township, NJ
Enjoy bluegrass, old-time, and roots music all weekend. Kids can stop by the children’s stage. Tents and RV camping are welcome, and weekend tickets include camping.
Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival
Friday, August 29, 2025, 5–9pm
Rowan Boulevard, Glassboro, NJ
See classic and custom cars from every decade. Over 20 food trucks serve up tasty bites and drinks, while local musicians and a DJ keep the party going.
Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks
Friday, August 29, 2025, 10pm (Rain date Sunday)
Rio Grande Avenue Beach, Wildwood, NJ
Spectacular fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere on the boardwalk, complete with music simulcast on 98.7 The Coast.
Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show
August 29–30, 2025
On the Boardwalk at Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ
Shop from local artisans, crafters, boutique vendors, and more. Open Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 9am–3pm.
D-Day Exhibit at Naval Air Station Museum
August 30 – September 1, 2025; 10am–4pm
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May, NJ
See an immersive D-Day exhibit marking 80 years since the Battle of Normandy. Features creative 3D displays and learning experiences.
Hands on History
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 2025
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May, NJ
A family-friendly event offering an interactive and educational experience where families can enjoy activities, games, and crafts related to the various trades and tasks historically found in the village. Attendees can engage in hands-on family activities, and connect personally with the history of rural New Jersey life during the 1790-1840 period
South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival
August 30,2025
Washington Park, Sewell, NJ
This festival celebrates fresh seafood, live music, and family fun to kick off Labor Day weekend. Aside from seafood, guests can enjoy live music acts throughout the day. The event includes exciting family activities such as a 35-foot high, 250-foot long zip line, bungee trampoline, rock wall climbing, inflatables, miniature golf, and kids' play zones. Enjoy craft vendors, a beer, margarita, and sangria garden, plus additional surprises for festival-goers
Tropicana Free Fireworks Series
August 30, 2025, 10pm
Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, NJ
Free
Enjoy stunning fireworks over the beach and boardwalk, perfect for capping your night in the city.
West Cape May Tomato Festival
Saturday, August 30, 2025; 9am–4pm (rain date Sunday)
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
Free Entry
Celebrate New Jersey’s famous tomatoes with food vendors, craft booths, live music, and more.
More Ways to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in NJ
- Hike the Delaware Water Gap: Take in views from Mount Tammany or explore easy walking trails on a day trip.
- Go Apple Picking: Labor Day is often the start of apple season. Farms like Terhune Orchards or Alstede Farms offer pick-your-own fun.
- Float Down the Delaware River: Tubing, rafting, or kayaking are easy to book in places like Frenchtown or Lambertville.
- Explore Historic Towns: Wander through Cape May, Morristown, or Princeton for a taste of history, shopping, and local treats.
- Treat Yourself to a Spa Day: Relax at Crystal Springs Resort or find a spa in Atlantic City before the busy season starts.
From parades and fireworks to food festivals and family-friendly fun, the state is full of NJ Labor Day weekend celebrations. These New Jersey Labor Day events bring everyone together to send summer out in style. For even more activities and updates on New Jersey Labor Day events, keep checking back as Labor Day approaches!
