Experience New Jersey: 2026 Labor Day Weekend Highlights
July 19, 2026
Labor Day weekend in New Jersey marks the ultimate summer send-off, packed with vibrant festivals, patriotic parades, and sun-soaked beach adventures.
- New Jersey's 2026 Labor Day weekend runs from Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7.
- Popular ways to celebrate include Jersey Shore beach days, boardwalk visits, local parades, fireworks, festivals, cookouts, and outdoor recreation.
- Northern New Jersey highlights include the Boonton Labor Day celebration, the American Labor Museum Parade, and the Mendham Labor Day Carnival.
- Central Jersey options include the NJ Clearwater Festival, Keyport's Stars & Stripes Food Truck & Music Festival, and Monmouth Park's Labor Day BBQ & Craft Beer Festival.
- Southern New Jersey events include the NAS Wildwood Airfest, Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Wildwood fireworks, and the West Cape May Tomato Festival.
From boardwalk fireworks to family-friendly events across the Garden State, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season’s final splash.
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.
Northern New Jersey's Best Labor Day Weekend Festivals & Events (2026)
Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Parade, Carnival, Fireworks
September 3, 4, 5, 6, 2026; 3pm until 11pm
Boonton High School Field, Boonton, NJ
The celebration features a carnival with rides, live music, a seafood & food tent, a parade on Saturday @ 1:30pm, and fireworks on Sunday evening @ dusk
Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival
Friday to Monday, September 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026
St. Bartholomew Church,
2032 Westfield Ave,
Scotch Plains, NJ
This event features four days of a classic Italian-American celebration. Warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community tradition, it’s one of Union County’s most beloved late summer festivals.
The Feast of Saint Joseph of Lodi
Friday, September 4, - Monday, September 7, 2026
Saint Joseph Church,
40 Spring Street,
Lodi, NJ
This family event features traditional Italian festival food, exciting nightly entertainment, thrill rides, and games of chance.
38th Scandinavian Fest
September 6, 2026
Vasa Park, 93 Wolfe Rd, Budd Lake, NJ
ScanFest is an event held once a year on the Sunday before Labor Day to celebrate, educate, and enjoy everything Scandinavian!
Visitors can explore artisan booths, watch lively folk performances, and enjoy cultural demonstrations that highlight the traditions of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
Set among the park's wooded grounds, the festival offers a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere where history, community, and Scandinavian pride come together in a vibrant late summer gathering.
Cost: Adult Presale Discounted Tickets Ages 13+ $14.00
American Labor Museum Parade
Sunday, September 6th, 2026: 10:30am
83 Norwood St, Haledon, NJ
The parade steps off at 10:30 am at the Museum, rain or shine. This annual parade pays tribute to workers and is a highlight among New Jersey Labor Day parades.
Mendham Labor Day Carnival, Parade, Concert, & Fireworks
Monday, September 7, 2026, 10:00am
Borough Park Gazebo, Mendham, NJ
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.
Riverdale Labor Day Street Fair
Monday, September 7, 2026: 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.
Central New Jersey's Best Labor Day Weekend Festivals & Events (2026)
NJ Clearwater Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026
Bradley Park, (across from Convention Hall), Asbury Park, NJ
This 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.
Cost:
Admission: $5. Children 10 and under, Free.
Keyport's Stars & Stripes Food Truck & Music Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2026: 11am - 8pm
Keyport Waterfront Park, Keyport, NJ
This celebration features live music, food trucks, a Beer/Sangria and Margarita garden for the adults, plus kids activities including bungee trampoline, toxic meltdown, face painting, sand art, inflatables, mini golf plus so much more!
Cost:
: $5 Per person, cash only, children under 5 are free.
Monmouth Park Labor Day BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
September 5, 6, 7, 2026; 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.
Cost:
Free Parking, General Admission $7. Children 12 and under are free.
$20 Extra cost for
Beer garden sampling tickets | $24 total ( for the beer sampling, racetrack general admission, glass and $2 betting voucher).
Frenchtown Riverfest
Sunday, September 6, 2026; 11am–7pm
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.
Southern New Jersey's Best Labor Day Weekend Festivals & Events (2026)
NAS Wildwood Airfest
Thursday, September 3, through Sunday, September 6, 2026
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
Cost:
General admission $16 for adults, and $12 for children ages 3–12.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026
Woodstown, NJ
This is three days of world class bluegrass, old time, and traditional American roots music to South Jersey. This festival is a celebration of traditional bluegrass, old time string music, and related Americana styles. The 2026 lineup features major bluegrass artists such as Kathy Mattea, the Travelin' McCourys, Dan Tyminski Band, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Blue Highway,
Cost:
Online- Day tickets - Adult $90, Senior $85, Student $85. Ages 17 and under FREE with adult purchase.
21st Annual Car Show & Food Truck Festival
Friday, September 4, 2026
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro, NJ
Features 300 cars, including antiques, classic cars, and muscle cars. In addition, guests can indulge in a wide array of culinary delights from over 20 food trucks with live music from Tequila Rose Band and Ready To Go. Trophies in 16 categories, will be presented. Additionally, attendees can enjoy local beer, wine, and spirits at two beer gardens sponsored by Landmark Americana.
Cost:
Free to attend
Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks
Friday, September 4, 2026, 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.
Cost: Free
West Cape May Tomato Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2026: 9am–4pm (rain date Sunday)
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
Celebrate New Jersey’s famous tomatoes with food vendors, craft booths, live music, and more
Cost: Free
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival
Sunday, September 6, 2026; 1 pm–10 pm
Fox Park, Wildwood, NJ
This event wraps up Wildwood’s summer with live music, family activities, crafts, food vendors, and free children’s entertainment.
Cost: Free
Viking Village Art & Craft Show
Sunday, September 6, 2026; 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Labor Day Weekend Events in New Jersey
When is Labor Day weekend in New Jersey in 2026?
Labor Day weekend in New Jersey runs from Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, 2026. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7.
What are the best Labor Day weekend events in North Jersey?
Northern New Jersey highlights include the Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Parade, Carnival, and Fireworks; the American Labor Museum Parade in Haledon; the Mendham Labor Day Carnival, Parade, Concert, and Fireworks; and the Scandinavian Fest in Budd Lake.
What are the best Labor Day weekend events in Central Jersey?
Central Jersey options include the NJ Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park, Keyport's Stars & Stripes Food Truck & Music Festival, Monmouth Park's Labor Day BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, and Frenchtown Riverfest.
What are the best Labor Day weekend events in South Jersey?
South Jersey events include the NAS Wildwood Airfest, Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival, Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks, West Cape May Tomato Festival, and Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival.
Are there free Labor Day weekend events in New Jersey?
Yes. Free options listed in the article include Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks, the West Cape May Tomato Festival, the Wildwood End of Summer Block Party & Music Festival, the Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival, and some activities at Monmouth Park.
