Discover New Jersey Weekend Happenings

New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do

Updated August 31, 2026

Planning your weekend in the Garden State?

Whether you’re chasing family friendly festivals, trending food events, standout indoor performances, or seasonal favorites from the Jersey Shore to the Skylands—this guide helps you make the most of your weekend.

  • This guide covers New Jersey events taking place September 4 through September 7, 2026, including Labor Day weekend activities.
  • Outdoor options include Italian festivals, fireworks, bluegrass concerts, cultural fairs, street fairs, and family-friendly community events.
  • Indoor picks include Cirque de Paris at MarketFair, The Bodyguard: The Musical in Pitman, and Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails at Liberty Science Center.
  • Food and drink events include the Atlantic City Seashore Seafood Festival, Monmouth Park's BBQ and Craft Beer Festival, and Riverdale's Labor Day Street Fair.
  • Event details include dates, locations, admission costs, and links to official event websites when available.

Outdoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend

From county fairs to farmers markets and drink and food festivals, here's where to soak up the sun and enjoy New Jersey's best outdoor happenings this weekend.

Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival

Friday to Monday, September 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026
St. Bartholomew Church, 2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ
Four days of a classic Italian-American celebration. The church grounds fill with the aromas of homemade specialties, lively music, games, and family friendly entertainment. it’s one of Union County’s most beloved late summer festivals.
Cost: Admission is free. Food, and other attractions are available for a fee.

Belmar Fireworks

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

Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

September 4, 5, 6, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend)
Woodstown, NJ
This is three days of world class bluegrass, old time, and traditional American roots music to South Jersey. 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.

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.

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

Indo American Fair

September 5, 6, 2026: 11am - 7pm
Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ
The Indo American Fair fills the festival grounds with vibrant cultural performances, artisan vendors, and a wide mix of Indian and American food. Families can enjoy live music, dance showcases, kids’ activities, and community groups celebrating the rich blend of traditions that define New Jersey’s Indo American community.
Cost: $5, parking Free

West Cape May Tomato Festival

Saturday, September 5, 2026; 9am - 4pm
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
This event is a celebration of the State of New Jersey’s well-known fruit, as well as the end of the summer season, with this tomato themed festival! The festivities will include Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Live Music, and more.
Cost: Free to attend

Frenchtown Riverfest

Sunday, September 6, 2026: 11am-7pm
Sunbeam Lenape Park & Downtown, Frenchtown, NJ
This event features a street fair celebration of life along the river! Stroll Bridge Street and Sunbeam Park for a fun filled day with two stages of live music, 60 + vendors, a beer tent, family friendly activities, paper boat races, and more.
Cost: Free to attend.

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

Indoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend

Step inside for some of the best things to do in NJ, including live music and thrilling indoor attractions at New Jersey’s top venues.

NAS Wildwood Airfest

Thursday, September 3, through Sunday, September 6, 2026
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May, NJ
Held at historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport, 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.

Cirque De Paris at MarketFair

September 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Features a iineup of acts under the big tent from the Supka Family's precision juggling to Anastasiia Maksymchuk's aerial hammock work. Between the athletic feats, clowns Chico Rico and Pedro 'Rampin' Jr. provide multicultural comedy that connects with audiences of all backgrounds.
Event Cost: At the Door $28.23 to $47.42

The Bodyguard The Musical

September 4, 5, 6, 7, running until September 27, 2026
The Broadway Theatre, 43 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ
When a former Secret Service agent is hired to protect a superstar from a dangerous stalker, sparks fly in this thrilling and romantic musical. Packed with unforgettable hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," this West End sensation delivers heart-pounding suspense, sizzling chemistry, and powerhouse vocals that will keep you on the edge of your seat—and leave you swooning.
Cost: $40

Family Events in New Jersey This Weekend

Discover unforgettable family fun this weekend with NJ's top kid-friendly shows & events just a short drive away!

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails

September 4, 5, 6, 7, through January 3, 2027
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Kids can learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his engine friends while immersing themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Young learners can practice counting objects, comparing sizes, and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running
Cost: Adults $37, Child $32

Food and Drink Events in New Jersey This Weekend

Discover standout food and drink events across New Jersey this weekend, featuring tastings, festivals, and seasonal culinary experiences.

Atlantic City Seashore Seafood Festival

Running daily: including September 4, 5, 6, 7, and ending September 14, 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

Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival

September 5, 6, 7, 2026: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ
This Labor Day weekend features three days of delicious BBQ and a great selection of brews in their NJ Craft Beer Garden. The Craft Beer Garden will feature over 40 NJ craft beers to choose from. Enjoy live music all three days! Free Family Fun Day activities take place from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday featuring pony rides, clowns, face painters and a bounce house.
Cost: $24, includes 10 2-oz craft beer samples, a $2 betting voucher, commemorative sampling pilsner glass & General Admission. Parking is Free!

Riverdale's Annual Labor Day Street Fair & Food Truck Fest

Monday, September 7, 2026: 10 AM-5 PM
83 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale NJ
This Labor Day event features exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides & games, great festival foods & food trucks, and so much more.
Cost: Free

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Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Weekend Events

What are the best outdoor events in New Jersey this weekend?

Outdoor options include the Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival in Scotch Plains, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival in Woodstown, the NJ Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park, and Dream Asia Festival in Augusta. Other choices include Belmar Fireworks, the West Cape May Tomato Festival, Frenchtown Riverfest, and the Wildwood End of Summer Block Party.

What family events are happening in New Jersey from September 4 through September 7, 2026?

Families can attend Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. The exhibition includes hands-on activities focused on counting, sizes, colors, engineering, science, and technology. Several outdoor festivals in the guide also include children's activities and family entertainment.

Which New Jersey weekend events are free?

Free options include Belmar Fireworks, the Annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival, the West Cape May Tomato Festival, Frenchtown Riverfest, the Wildwood End of Summer Block Party, and Riverdale's Annual Labor Day Street Fair and Food Truck Fest. Some free events charge separately for food, drinks, rides, or other activities.

What food and drink festivals are happening in New Jersey over Labor Day weekend?

The Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival runs September 5 through September 7 in Oceanport and includes more than 40 New Jersey craft beers, BBQ, live music, and family activities. The Atlantic City Seashore Seafood Festival also runs during the weekend and continues through September 14, 2026.

What indoor shows and attractions are available in New Jersey this weekend?

Indoor options include Cirque de Paris at MarketFair in Princeton, The Bodyguard: The Musical at The Broadway Theatre in Pitman, and Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Their listed dates cover at least part of September 4 through September 7, 2026.