Check out a county fair, head to a Polynesian luau, play Ultimate Frisbee, watch Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” on stage and more this weekend! Here’s our roundup of the best weekend fun in NJ:
WEEKEND
The Play Nintendo Tour
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Saturday
The Play Nintendo Tour 2024is a free experience to get hands-on playtime with some of the games for the Nintendo Switch system. This year’s tour is an extension of the Play Nintendo website, a destination for families that’s packed full of fun activities, friendly Nintendo characters, puzzles, quizzes, videos, and more.
Monmouth County Fair
Monmouth County Park System, Freehold
Thursday – Sunday
This year’s free entertainment includes Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Tommy Turvey’s stunt horses and dogs, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, Bluey and Bingo, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Blake Wallenda’s High Wire Act and Crunchy the T-Rex. Check out the 4-H shows and exhibits, rides and games, live music on the Main Stage, living history displays, home and garden demos and lots of food.
L.E.A.D. Summerfest Carnival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Thursday – Sunday
L. E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence, presents amusem*nt rides, food and entertainment.
Million Dollar Quartet
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
Thursday – Sunday
The smash hit musical recreates the true story of a one-night impromptu jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Disney’s “Frozen Jr.”
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Thursday – Sunday
The beloved story comes to life on stage in a format fit for kids.
Gloucester County 4-H Fair
4-H County Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
Thursday – Sunday
Four days of family fun include 4-H project displays, Day at the Farm, a draft horse pull, a baby parade, crafters and vendors, nightly BBQ, musical guests, contests, meet-and-greets and animal shows.
Ready. Aim. Fire.
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Thursday – Saturday
Sara Twister is a foot archer who combines acrobatic archery, upbeat routines, and comedic audience participation. While balancing on her arms, she can fire a bow and arrow with her feet. Saturday’s shows are during the Christmas in July festivities near the Pier Stage.
Love at First Bite: New Brunswick Restaurant Week
Downtown New Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
Go back to your favorite restaurant or try someplace new, and you could win a series of prizes for dining out. You get rewards by eating out and tweeting a photo from your seat.
Atlantic City Celebrity Convention
AXC1 Studios, Atlantic City
Thursday – Sunday
The meet-and-greet convention will include Q&A sessions, autograph signings, professional photo ops, expert panel sessions, special screenings and memorabilia vendors. The celebrity appearances include Danny Bonaduce, Taryn Manning, UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Dana Ashbrook, Agnes Bruckner, and many others.
Summer Concert Series
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Friday – Saturday
During the final weekend of the music series, L.O.E. Juu performs on Friday, and School of Rock puts on a show on Saturday.
Butterfly Tent Safari
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland
Friday – Sunday
Live butterflies and butterfly-themed programming will take place daily. Special Saturday programs include doing monarch butterfly crafts, listening to stories, watching presentations about bugs and butterflies, and learning about gardening.
Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm
High View Farms, Mt. Olive
Friday – Sunday
There will be lots to see and do at the fair. There will be 4-H animals including goats, chickens, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. Kids will have fun at the animal shows, presentations, quiz bowls, on the hayride, at the arts and craft exhibits, on the monster truck rides and eating at the food trucks.
Mercer County 4-H Fair
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Saturday – Sunday
The fair includes animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hay rides, pony rides, music, magic shows and farm tours. Check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association and many more. Bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.
Beach Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Wildwood Beach, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
This is the largest co-ed beach Frisbee tournament in the world, drawing over 500 teams from around the world.
FRIDAY
Baby Playdates at The Park
Deer Path Park, Flemington
Bring your kids from birth to 23 months old and join park staff as you explore sensory activities, read nature books and play games while sitting on the grass and experiencing nature.
Polynesian Luau Night
Icona Diamond Beach, Wildwood
There will be authentic Polynesian hula dancers, a full live band and Tahitian drummers, Samoan fire knife warriors, tropical co*cktails, a Hawaiian pig roast and other food faves, and views of the ocean.
New Jersey Diners
TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
The Somerset Patriots will pay tribute to Jersey diners during three baseball games this season. Tonight they go up against the Portland Sea Dogs, the Minor League team for the Boston Red Sox. During the rebranding, there will be special diner-themed music, blue plate specials at the concession stands and diner-themed promos.
Sunset Paddle
Round Valley Reservoir, Lebanon
Meet at the boat launch with your flashlight and get ready to paddle around the reservoir at night.
Free Fridays
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
The museum will be open late until 9 pm, with free admission starting at 5 pm, so you can see all the astronomy-themed programs and exhibits the museum has to offer.
NJPAC, Newark
Comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert will talk with actor Paul Giamatti, fresh off his recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination for “The Holdovers.”
SATURDAY
National New Jersey Day
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park, Great Gorge, Vernon
Anyone whose initials are N.J. will get free admission to the aerial obstacle course, featuring 10 individual courses of varying difficulty, and the new Black Creek Flyer, a 60-minute adventure that offers over 1,200 feet of ziplining through the trees of the Great Gorge.
Die Walkure by Wagner
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
Think “The Lord of the Rings” with a 1920s twist. A series of four operas by Richard Wagner, The Ring Cycle is based loosely on Norse mythology. Dress in your ’20s attire; a 1920s-style Jazz Band will play with co*cktails and appetizers during two intermissions. Presented by New Jersey Opera Theater.
Practice Reading to a Pooch
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Therapy dogs from Staten Island Pride Center’s Luv on a Leash program are easy listeners and good companions for kids who may be scared to read, who want to improve their reading ability, or who need to build confidence. You can bring your own storybook.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian foods, a farmers market, apparel and themed activities.
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Family Saturday
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Through hands-on gardening, activities in the garden, and an art-making experience with a New Jersey artist, children and their caregivers can enjoy nature while learning about life in the past.
Moth Night
Whitesbog Historic Village, Browns Mills
This nighttime festival takes place in the blueberry and cranberry capital of NJ. See the beautiful creatures when they are most lively, at night.
Summer Music and More: Rini
Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor
Rini will perform her version of Indian Jazztronica. They will be joined by Dan Kassel, a cellist who performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from classical to electronica, jazz and rock. Join the creative crew for hands-on art activities with two different projects geared for all ages and abilities.
Summer Barbecue
JBJ Soul Kitchen, Red Bank
Come by for an all-you-can-eat buffet with all your BBQ favorites at Jon Bon Jovi’s famous restaurant, where you pay what you can or exchange community service for your meal.
Christmas in July
The Wildwoods
Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade will be the final holiday activity this season at the Shore.
Menlo Park Mall Dining Pavilion Food Festival
Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Aside from eating from Saladworks, Ramen Ya, Sarku Japan, New York Fries, Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Asian Chao and Auntie Anne’s, there will be a live DJ performance and family-friendly activities.
Moth Night
Community Park, East Brunswick
“Moth”ers of all ages should bring a flashlight and camera to record the moths they see when sheets and lights are set up on the trails of the park. Kids can come earlyto “paint” the trunks of trees with moth bait that helps attract the critters.
SUNDAY
Storytime in the Garden
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills
Children ages 4-7) will find themselves in a magical part of the garden, and listen to nature-themed storybooks.
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Shop from 50+ vendors offering a variety of items, from food to crafts and everything in between.
Hoboken Artisan Market
Adams Street, Hoboken
Aside from 70+ vendors lining the street and outdoor lawn games, you can join a dance party with members of Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Girls Day Out
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Last Saturday of the month
Live music by John King includes your boy band favorites. There will be drink specials at TASTE 1864. You can also purchase a Wine Tower with chocolate-covered strawberries or Renault Barrel Stave Shotski.
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
1350 Strykers Rd., Phillipsburg
July 27 to August 3
After watching the hot air balloons launch you can head to the Demolition Derby and Rafter Z Rodeo. Traditions include an arts expo, kids’ corral, 4-H shows, free concerts by local bands, the garden tractor pull and a beer garden.
Sunflower Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
Weekends, July 27 – August 11
Known for its Sunflower Trail, the weekend festivals add on hayrides, an activity area for kids, gourmet food trucks, a wine and beer garden, and craft vendors.
Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
Saturdays, July 27, August 3 and 31, September 7
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.
Fencing Across America
American Dream, East Rutherford
The Boardwalk at Ocean Resort, Atlantic City
July 28 to August 4
USA Fencing, the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States, will host an interactive fan interaction during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Watch fencing demos, and possibly get the opportunity to fence against Olympic and Paralympic legends.
Sesame Street Philadelphia Birthday Celebration
Sesame Street Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
The 44th anniversary of the theme park opening is Tuesday, July 30. During the park’s birthday week, highlights of the party include a Birthday Bash Dine, character meet-and-greets, a birthday dance party and a balloon scavenger hunt.
Wizard of Oz
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Wednesday to Sunday, July 31 to August 4
The stage play is appropriate for kids ages 3-10.
Party Like A Sponge
Nickelodeon Universe, American Dream, East Rutherford
Through August 2
The party celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary. Stop at the giant Pineapple Under the Sea display for the perfect photo op, get a temporary tattoo, go jelly-fishing, look for special guest appearances and surprise dance parties, trivia contests, prizes, a silent disco and more. Key highlights include two live performances by the voice of SpongeBob, Tom Kenny, and his band, The Hi-Seas on August 2; jellyfish dance lessons with TikTok star Edgar Vicenzio on July 19 and 20; and a special TiLT 3D experience where guests pose in a scene with SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy. You can get a 25% off discount on Yellow Day (July 31) by wearing the color yellow.
Dino Fest
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Thursdays – Sundays, through August 4
Look out for more than two dozen lifelike dinosaurs throughout the fields, a 4-acre dino-themed corn maze, a dinosaur dig site, stage shows, meet-and-greets with the dinosaurs, encounters with a baby T-rex and baby triceratops, and build your own Dino Bear.
Shark Summer
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through August 18
There are lots of jaw-some activities and shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily dives featuring the Scuba Tooth Fairy, who helps to collect the fallen teeth of the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.
My Fairytale Party’s Summer Series
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Wednesdays and Sundays, through August 21
There will be sing-alongs and interactive experiences with princesses and princes, fairies and pirates, Barbie and Weird Barbie, Mary Poppins, pop stars, kids karaoke, Minions, Inside Out and unicorn princesses. After the show, meet the characters and grab a quick photo.
$5 Friday Summer Concert Series
Festival Grounds, Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Fridays, through August 23
Two bands will play each Friday at sunset. Tribute bands include Earth Wind & Fire, the Eagles, Queen and the Beatles. Yacht Rock Gold, Swing Sabroso and American Soul Band are also in the lineup.
Friday Night Fireworks
The Wildwoods
Fridays, through August 30
Look high above the beach and boardwalk for a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks synched to music that will be played via a sound system and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. You can tap into the livestream to view from anywhere outside of Wildwood, too.
Summer in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
Five incredible sand sculptures designed by John Gowdy and Team Sandtastic depict favorite summer activities like watching baseball, camping, embarking on an overseas adventure, playing games and solving puzzles, and lounging at the beach. You can enjoy sandboxes designed for play, as well as a family-friendly scavenger hunt beginning on July 12 that will feature the colorful, quirky beach-themed character “Shelly Shovel.”
Sesame Place Summer Nights
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Fridays – Sundays, through September 1
During extended hours on special nights, extra activities include the DJ Dance Party at Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Stage and an encore of the Sesame Street Party Parade.
Luxury Glamping
Six Flags Great Adventure – Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, Jackson
Weekends through September 2, with select dates through December 1
Instead of braving the wild outdoors, you’ll experience luxury camping, where you and up to five other people can sleep in one of 20 glamping suites that overlook the safari grounds. You can also book a treatment at the spa.
Barbie You Can Be Anything: The Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 2
You’ll be able to see role models from every era of Barbie’s history. You’ll learn about the dolls as if they were real, including their backgrounds, struggles and accomplishments. Each area will highlight a particular role type – leader, problem solver, creator, nurturer or adventurer – and you can try each career option for yourself.
Apollo: When We Went to The Moon
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Through September 2
Climb aboard a lunar rover model, leave your footprints on the Moon and learn about the Space Race through this exhibit at the sea, air and space museum. Starting April 4, you can check out the Concorde Superjet that recently underwent renovations and returned to the museum.
Delsea Drive-In 2024 Season
Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre, Vineland
Fridays – Sundays, through September 3
Watch two movies back-to-back while sitting in your car, just like they did in the ’50s.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 6
Come to the historic apple orchard after work for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings.
Roller Skating
The Rink, American Dream
Through September 7
This summer, trade your ice skates for rollerblades. Every Friday and Saturday will be Retro Nights, where you can skate to your favorite tunes from the past. Ice skating returns on September 8.
Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
Select dates, through September 8
A series of free, all-ages, outdoor shows will take place, courtesy of Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids. Some of the newly announced shows include Spafford, Prince/Bowie, Wallace Roney Jr. and Vanessa Perea, as well as the annual return of Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
SpongeBob Experiences
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through September 15
Adventure Aquarium has partnered with Nickelodeon for photo ops, Spongebob-themed kids’ activities, activity sheets, episode screenings, and more in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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