Experience New Jersey: 2026 Labor Day Weekend Highlights

Updated September 5, 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 Thursday, September 3, through Monday, September 7.
Featured events include parades, fireworks, festivals, concerts, food events, air shows, car shows, and cultural celebrations.
Northern New Jersey highlights include the Boonton Labor Day celebration, Dream Asia Festival, Scandinavian Fest, and the American Labor Museum Parade.
Central New Jersey events include the NJ Clearwater Festival, Monmouth Park BBQ and Craft Beer Festival, Keyport's food truck festival, and South Plainfield's parade and fireworks.
Southern New Jersey features include NAS Wildwood Airfest, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Wildwood fireworks, the West Cape May Tomato Festival, and the Viking Village Art & Craft Show.

Discover the best Labor Day weekend happenings—from coastal carnivals to community celebrations—and make your end-of-summer getaway unforgettable.

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 Meadowlands Tattoo Arts Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 2026
Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ
This festival brings three days of live tattooing, body art showcases, and creative expression from top artists across the country. Expect a vibrant marketplace of tattoo styles, piercing specialists, seminars, and unique vendors, all set within a high-energy atmosphere that celebrates the craft and culture of modern tattooing.
Cost: $25 for a 1-day pass, $50 for a 3-day pass. Children under 12 are free

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.

Dream Asia Festival
September 5, 6, 7, 2026
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ
A three-day Labor Day Weekend celebration of Asian food, culture, and entertainment — now featuring a Rico Rico Fiesta food village and Latin cultural performances. Explore flavors from across Asia and Latin America, enjoy vibrant live performances, and dive into hands-on cultural experiences — all in one destination.
Cost: $12, $45

Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival
September 5, 6, 20, 2026
Camp Sacajawea, 844 White Lake Road, Sparta, NJ
Step into medieval times with costumes, stage shows, and games set against Sussex County’s scenic backdrop.
Cost: At the Gate: Adult $25, Child (6-12) $10, Child (under 6) - FREE

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)

Belmar Fireworks
Friday, September 4, 2026
7th Avenue Beach, Belmar, NJ
Fireworks will be set off from the beach at 7:45 pm

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. Festival-goers will enjoy an immersive experience with live performances on two stages, 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.

Annual South Plainfield Labor Day Parade & Fireworks
Monday, September 7, 2026
Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield, NJ
The parade starts at the Police Athletic League [PAL] Recreation Center on Maple Avenue at Noon.
Immediately following parade, enjoy the festivities at the Veterans' Memorial Park (327 Elm Street - behind the South Plainfield Senior Center). Fireworks at dusk at Spring Lake Park

Point Pleasant Beach Labor Day Fireworks
Monday, September 7, 2026
Jenkinson's Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
The show is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks starting promptly after dark, over the beach and boardwalk.

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. Infants free.

Atlantic City Seashore Seafood Festival
September 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026
On the Sand Lot, Showboat Resort, Atlantic City, NJ
This long season celebration turns the boardwalk into a breezy culinary playground, with fresh caught seafood, creative chef specials, beachside cocktails, and live entertainment woven into the rhythm of the shore. It's a relaxed, sun soaked gathering where families, food lovers, and festival goers can savor Atlantic City's oceanfront energy all summer long.
Cost: Adults: $57.51 | Ages 4-14: $30.38 | Children 3 & under Free

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 line-up 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 About
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 Thursday, September 3, through Monday, September 7, 2026. Many featured events take place on Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day Monday, September 7.

What are the best types of Labor Day events in New Jersey?

The article features parades, fireworks, beach activities, food festivals, live music, cultural celebrations, air shows, car shows, craft fairs, and family activities. Event choices vary by region, so visitors can find options in northern, central, and southern New Jersey.

Where can I see Labor Day weekend fireworks in New Jersey?

Featured fireworks events include the Belmar Fireworks on September 4, the Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks on September 4, the Boonton celebration on September 6, and the Mendham and South Plainfield fireworks on September 7. Check each event's official website before traveling because schedules and rain dates can change.

Which New Jersey Labor Day events are family-friendly?

Family-friendly options include NAS Wildwood Airfest, the Monmouth Park Labor Day BBQ and Craft Beer Festival, Dream Asia Festival, the Wildwood End of Summer Block Party, and local parades and fireworks. Several listings also include children's activities, rides, games, or free admission for children.

Are any New Jersey Labor Day weekend events free?

Yes. Free options listed in the article include the Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival, Wildwood Labor Day Fireworks, the West Cape May Tomato Festival, and the Wildwood End of Summer Block Party. Some events charge for admission while offering free parking or free admission for young children.