New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do
Updated: June 8, 2026
Planning your weekend in the Garden State?
Whether you’re searching for family-friendly festivals, trending food events, or the best indoor performances, from the Jersey Shore to the Skylands, our selection prioritizes top-rated public gatherings and seasonal highlights to help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- New Jersey has a strong lineup of weekend events for June 12, 13, and 14, 2026, including festivals, food events, family activities, and indoor performances.
- Outdoor picks include Asbury Fest, EarthVibes Music & Wellness Festival, the Annual Lebanese Festival, and the Perth Amboy Puerto Rican Festival.
- Indoor options include West Side Story at Paper Mill Playhouse and the Lighthouse International Film Festival.
- Family-friendly choices include American Folktales and the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour.
- Food-focused events include Jersey City Summer Restaurant Fest, Hopsauce Festival, Wine & BBQ Fest, and Wildwoods Restaurant Week.
Outdoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Soak Up the Season: New Jersey’s Must-See Seasonal Outdoor Events
Asbury Fest
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Bradley Park (across from Convention Hall),
101-199 Fifth Avenue ,
Asbury Park, NJ
This three day fest features with live music, food, games, beer, wine and spirits. The Fest will feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost: $5 (Free for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders. Children 6 and under)
EarthVibes Music & Wellness Festival
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
127 Yellowbrook Rd, Farmingdale, NJ
A community-focused outdoor vibe with 30+ artists, including local bands, jam, acoustic, world music. Will also include food trucks, yoga, workshops, RV & Car Camping, and live music…workshops all weekend.
Cost:
$ 20 - $40 single day, $60 all weekend (no camping) | Camping options range from $125 - $299
Annual Lebanese Festival
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
526 Easton Ave.,
Somerset, NJ
The Annual Lebanese Festival brings three days of lively Middle Eastern culture where attendees can enjoy authentic Lebanese food fresh from the grill, traditional music and dabke dancing, family activities, and a warm community atmosphere that makes the event feel like a neighborhood celebration. It's a vibrant early summer gathering that highlights the flavors, rhythms, and hospitality of Lebanon right in Central Jersey.
Cost: Free to attend
The Perth Amboy Puerto Rican Festival
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Rudyk Park, Perth Amboy, NJ
The Festival brings three days of music, food, dance, and cultural pride transforming the waterfront area into a lively celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Expect live salsa and merengue performances, traditional and contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine, artisan vendors, and a family zone.
Cost:
Free to attend, with food, rides, and vendor purchases available at individual prices.
Ocean Grove Sand & Sea Arts Festival
June 13, 2026
Ocean Pathway,
Ocean Grove, NJ
This event located steps away from the beach, features handcrafted goods, from artisan jewelry and coastal home décor to fine art, specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind creations. A family-friendly event with live coastal-inspired music throughout the day, Kids' activities, and food trucks.
Cost: Free
50th Annual Polish Heritage Festival
Sunday, June 14, 2026: 10am - 6pm
Middlesex County Fairgrounds,
655 Cranbury Road,
East Brunswick, NJ,
New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 9
This festival features a celebration of Polish culture with
Live music, Traditional Polish food, Antique Car Show, Children's entertainment, Dance performances, a Polish vendor marketplace, and more!
Cost: Adults $10, children under 10 free
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Now until June 14, 2026
150 Kotte Place, Hackensack, NJ
This event features
good food, rides, and entertainment, hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) a non profit (501C3) organization, supported by dedicated police officers, committed to protecting our youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug related crimes, peer to peer/cyber bullying and violence.
Cost:
Admission is $5; additional price for ride tickets.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
June 13, 14, 2026
Burlington County Fairgrounds,
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd.,
Columbus, NJ
The grounds are transformed into a lively medieval village filled with costumed performers, artisan vendors, and interactive entertainment. Expect jousting tournaments, comedy shows, live music, themed food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with knights, rogues, and royalty.
Cost: $33.36 (Adult Flex), $28.19 (Adult Fixed ), $12.66
(Child FLEX Day Age 5-12)
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.
West Side Story
Now until June 28, 2026
Paper Mill Playhouse,
22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
West Side Story reimagines Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York, where young lovers Tony and Maria dare to dream of a future together as rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks clash for control of the streets.
Cost: $100-$190
Lighthouse International Film Festival
June 10 -14, 2026
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences,
120 Long Beach Blvd,
LBI, NJ
This acclaimed New Jersey film festival brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences for five unforgettable days of screenings, panel discussions, and community events. Set against the stunning backdrop of Long Beach Island, the festival showcases independent films, documentaries, shorts, and international features, offering a diverse lineup that inspires creativity and conversation. Festival Highlights include award-winning films, Q&A sessions with directors, producers, and actors , family-friendly screenings and community gatherings, networking opportunities for film professionals and enthusiasts.
Cost:
Screenings $116.68, All access pass $169.26
Family Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Make fresh memories with these easygoing, family-friendly events. Extend the fun by visiting regional coastal destinations, where families can catch community festivities alongside theater shows.
American Folktales
Saturday, June 13, 2026: 11:00AM
The Shakespeare Theatre,
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ
A spirited, kid-friendly adventure that celebrates the heart of American storytelling! American Folktales is a lively show that brings classic stories to the stage, featuring tall tales, clever heroes, and unforgettable characters including Paul Bunyan, Calamity Jane, and others. Appropriate for all ages.
Cost:
$20 - $25
Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour
Now until June 21, 2026
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
This event brings the charm of the beloved game to life, inviting visitors to explore colorful aquatic displays inspired by fan favorite characters and creatures. This experience transforms American Dream World into a whimsical underwater world, blending real marine life with playful themed décor for a family friendly outing that feels both nostalgic and new.
Food and Drink Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Jersey City Summer Restaurant Fest
Monday, June 8- Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Diners can expect seasonal menus, chef specials, and prix fixe offerings designed to make summer tasting tours easy on the wallet.
Cost:
Lunch menus range from $15–$25, while dinner specials fall between $30–$45
Hopsauce Festival
Saturday, June 13, 2026: 11am
Taylor Ave Waterfront,
325 Taylor Avenue,
Beach Haven, NJ
HopSauce festival is a celebration of hot sauces from sweet to hot, and for lovers of craft beer. Attendeees can sample 50+ brews ranging from IPA's to Stouts to Ciders. You can pair your craft beer and hot sauce with a delicious selection of food and snacks from local restaurants and shops --- and with over five hours of music by new, notable and original music artists on the Main Stage. A portion of the proceeds are earmarked for community initiatives via the Jetty Rock Foundation.
Cost: GA $25, Craft beer samplings $70,
VIP tickets sold in blocks of 50 with each block increasing in price ($150, $160, and $175
Wine & BBQ Fest
June 13, 14, 2026
Washington Lake Park, Sewell, NJ
This event features a wine sampling, live music, food trucks, & vendors
Cost:
$25 Advance, $30 at the Gate (cash only), includes wrist band, souvenir wine glass, samplings
Montvale "Mile Long" Street Fair & Food Truck Fest
Sunday, June 14, 2026: 10am-5pm
101 Paragon Drive, Montvale NJ
This event will feature
over 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, a kid's area, a community section, 2 food courts, and continuous live entertainment all day.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Restaurant Week
Sunday, June 14 thru – Wednesday, June 18, 2026
This event offers visitors a chance to enjoy special prix fixe breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at participating restaurants across the island. Diners can expect a wide range of cuisine—from fresh seafood to creative international dishes—all at an excellent value, with prix fixe pricing designed to make exploring the local dining scene both fun and affordable.
Cost: Varies by participating restaurants
Top Fun, Educational & Adventurous Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend
Ready for NJ events this weekend?
New Jersey is packed with fresh options for couples, families, kids, solo plans, and anyone chasing a little adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About
the Best Weekend Events, Festivals, and Things to Do in New Jersey
When is the best time to find weekend events in New Jersey?
Spring through fall usually brings the widest mix of outdoor festivals, food events, shore activities, street fairs, and family outings. Summer is the busiest, especially near the coast, while fall often feels easier to manage because the weather stays pleasant and crowds can thin out a bit. Winter still has things to do, but more plans shift indoors, especially for families and food-focused weekends.
What kinds of weekend activities are popular in New Jersey?
New Jersey weekends often center on food, outdoor fun, live entertainment, family attractions, and seasonal festivals. You can usually find a mix of downtown events, park-based activities, waterfront outings, farm visits, and kid-friendly attractions, depending on the region. Because the state is compact, it's also easy to pair two plans in one day, such as a morning hike and an evening food or arts event.
Which part of New Jersey is best for a weekend trip?
That depends on the kind of weekend you want. The shore works well for beach time, boardwalk energy, and warm-weather events, while North Jersey often suits visitors who want quick access from New York City, mountain views, and busy town centers. Central and South Jersey can be great for farm markets, open space, family attractions, and a slower pace, so the best choice comes down to whether you want action, scenery, or room to spread out.
How can visitors plan a smooth weekend around New Jersey events and festivals?
Start by checking the weather, drive times, and parking details before you leave, because weekend traffic can shift fast, especially near beach towns and popular downtowns. If you're hoping to do more than one activity, keep your plans close together by region so you spend less time in the car. It also helps to book tickets early when an event uses timed entry, and pack for changing conditions, since a cool morning can turn into a hot afternoon.
Are New Jersey weekend events good for families with kids?
Many of them are, especially during spring, summer, and fall when towns and parks host family-focused programming. Parents usually have the easiest time with events that offer open space, simple parking, food options, and nearby restrooms, so it's worth checking those basics before heading out. For younger kids, earlier time slots tend to be the least stressful, while older kids often enjoy weekends that mix outdoor activity with food, rides, or hands-on experiences.
What's the best way to avoid crowds at popular New Jersey weekend spots?
Go early, arrive before peak lunch hours, and choose one main destination instead of bouncing between several busy areas. Saturdays usually feel more packed than Sundays in many event-heavy spots, especially in warm weather. If you're flexible, smaller downtowns and inland areas often give you a more relaxed day while still offering plenty to do.
Is New Jersey a good choice for a last-minute weekend trip?
It often is, because the state packs beaches, small towns, parks, food destinations, and family attractions into a short distance. That means you can build a full weekend without long travel days, especially if you're coming from nearby cities or neighboring states. Still, last-minute trips go better when you check parking, reservations, and traffic first, because the most popular areas fill up fast.
