Summer has finally arrived, and school’s out! Hit up an outdoor concert, pick your own berries, head to a food fest, check out the state’s largest fair and more!
WEEKEND
St. Gregory the Great Parish Family Carnival
St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Twp.
Through Saturday
Come down for rides, games, activities, food, music and entertainment.
Plays-in-the-Park: Rock of Ages
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through Saturday
Watch aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew battle the big developers who want to turn everyone’s favorite Sunset Strip venue into a strip mall in the late 1980s. This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield
The best women golfers in the world are heading to New Jersey to compete in the 9th edition of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship — one of five Major championships on the LPGA Tour and one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf.
North to Shore Festival
Newark
Through Sunday
This weekend caps off the three-city New Jersey-wide festival that celebrates the best arts, entertainment and culture our state has to offer. There will be movie screenings, comedy shows, music concerts, tech demos, arts and more.
Princeton Festival
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Through Sunday
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has a lineup of performances, including a comic opera by Gioachino Rossini to independent tributes honoring Aretha Franklin and Harvey Milk; plus orchestral concerts, chamber music and dance, a Juneteenth celebration, Family Day, and genre-defying performances by top ensembles and three 2023 Grammy Award winners.
Cirque Italia
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
Through Sunday
The Water Circus will perform different acrobatics, high-flying stunts and other attractions under the blue and white tent.
Beardfest
Paradise Lakes Campground, Hammonton
Thursday – Sunday
Aside from music, art and workshops, there will be swimming and camping for you nature lovers! Some of the top performers include Spafford, Pink Talking Fish, Dogs in a Pile, Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music and the West Philadelphia Orchestra.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
Thursday – Sunday
Food, music and entertainment will treat the whole family to fun, in support of law enforcement officers who combat substance abuse and violence.
Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Friday – Sunday
For three days you can eat and sing to your heart’s content. There will be pitmaster competitions alongside a packed lineup of live music.
Wine & Pizza Festival
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport
Saturday – Sunday
Wine samples are for adults 21 and older, but anyone can order pizza and enjoy a weekend of horseracing, plus Family Fun Day activities like food trucks, live music, face painters, clowns and pony rides.
Blues, BBQ & Wine Fest
Gloucester County Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
Saturday – Sunday
The name says it all: come by for blues music, BBQ food and wine sampling (if you’re 21+).
Garden State Comic Fest
Mennen Sports Arena, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Dress up the kids for the Cosplay Parade and Contest. Meet pro baseball player Dwight Gooden and Dan Fogler from “Fantastic Beasts.” Your favorite comic creators and dozens of vendors will be on the scene, too.
Garden State Comic Fest
Mennen Arena, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Come dressed in your best cosplay so you can meet and greet your favorite actors, comic book artists and heroes in style. There will be plenty of merchandise for sale, plus exhibits and tons of comic books.
Camden County Fair
County Fairgrounds, Gloucester Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
New for 2023 is the Sustainability Village, which includes vineyard tours, electric cars and demonstration gardens. There will be rides, games, live music, exhibits and vendors, food, free pony rides, a petting zoo, and projects by the 4-H youth.
Fantasy Faire
WheatonArts, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Welcome to the Kingdom of Wheaton, where you will interact with strolling costumed characters portraying historical and mythical figures; watch storytellers, dancers, drummers and sword demos; play pirate games, scavenger hunts and archery; and battle to save the kingdom.
Spanish American War Weekend
Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville
Saturday – Sunday
The first guns at Fort Mott were installed right as the Spanish American War broke out. This weekend, walk through encampments of American and Puerto Rican soldiers and discover the history of this conflict. It’s a free, outdoor event that will educate and entertain your little ones.
FRIDAY
Summer Solstice Music Festival
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township
This year’s event will feature food trucks, live entertainment, a beer garden and a kid zone – but the real focus is the performances by Ndichu, John Torres Band, HaZy Cosmic Jive, Brown Sugar and Random Acts of Soul.
The Kootz
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Bring a chair or blanket so you can listen to rock ‘n’ roll music while sitting on the lawn during this free outdoor concert.
Fabulous Fireflies Evening
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
During a special evening on the Watershed Reserve, you can celebrate “nature’s fireworks.” Begin by visiting stations with firefly crafts, games and natural history displays. Discover the fascinating intricacies of their life cycle from glowworm to adult. Then join everyone in the field to hear a story and watch several firefly species emerge.
Beers Around the World
Picatinny Golf Club, Dover
Sample 18 different beers from around the world and choose from five international food stations. Tickets include meals, green fees, a cart, golfing, a gift, prizes and tastings.
92.5 XTU Anniversary Show
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden
Luke Bryan: Country On Tour is the highlight of the show, along with performances by Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden and Alana Springsteen.
Italian Comedy Night
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman
Some of the funniest Italian-American comedians, including Tammy Pescatelli, will tell stories of growing up in uniquely Italian households.
Jersey City Wine Fest
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Adults can choose from a variety of wine samples, paired with live entertainment, food and interactive games.
Celebrate Local Graduates
McDonald’s, Garfield
Any NJ graduates who show up in their cap and gown and/or present their diploma can get one of the free Frozen Carbonated Beverages flavors, available in Fanta Wild Cherry, Fanta Blue Raspberry or Coca-Cola Frozen Coke.
Improv Comedy
Cinema505, Montclair
Montclair Improv Comedy is made up of improv veterans from the comedy stages of Chicago (iO, Annoyance Theatre, Second City), LA (The Groundlings, iO West), and NYC (Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), The Magnet & the PIT). Teens and adults can get tickets for a comedy show.
Adult Nature Night & Bonfire
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation
This will be an evening adventure for adults only. You’ll explore all of the things that go bump in the night such as nighttime creatures that live in the soil, in the woods and in the treetops. You will listen for the calls that range from insects to frogs to birds and mammals. End the night with a blazing bonfire and s’mores.
Garden Tour & Art Walk
Ocean Grove
Tour the beautiful gardens of Ocean Grove, then visit the area’s shops and eateries while you are in town.
Laser Elton John
Edelman Planetarium, Glassboro
Fridays, through June 24
Laser Elton John celebrates his larger-than-life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.
Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures
East Brunswick Library, East Brunswick
Reading doesn’t have to stop over the summer! To kick off a celebration of reading, Nature Nick will hold three shows with his animal friends for kids to meet and greet.
Sussex County Sunset Yoga
Sunset View Farm, Lafayette
A gentle yoga class open to all levels will be held around sunset. Snack on a local baked good after.
SATURDAY
Taco Palooza
Hilltop Field, Hopatcong
Grab a sombrero and some maracas and come down to a Mexican-themed fest that will center around tacos. Besides other great Mexican food, there will be beer, sangria and margaritas; plus live music and vendor shopping. There will be lots for the kids to do. And, before the chow down, sign up for the Run to the Truck 5K, which brings you through Hopatcong neighborhoods before you walk, run or salsa your way across the finish line. You can also sign up for a cornhole tournament.
Summer Ale Festival
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
This annual event features specialty brews, live entertainment, food trucks and more. Sample from more than 100 award-winning seasonal craft beers, seltzers and ciders; purchase fresh, local food from the region’s hippest food trucks; and enjoy live music and exhibits with the animals.
Wildflower Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Join Darlene Nowak in checking out the many delightful flowers and ferns in the shady, wooded Wildflower Garden.
Touch-a-Truck and Food Truck Festival
Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg
There will be large trucks for the kids to climb on such as fire and construction trucks. There will be 10 food trucks and a beer garden. This is a Branchburg Rotary-sponsored outdoor event benefiting suicide prevention among veterans.
Linwood Fields Festival
Across from Pop’s Farm Market, Monroe
For the first time, you will be able to pick your own veggies in addition to the U-cut flower field. During the kickoff to summer, there will be wine tasting, food trucks, craft vendors, a bounce house, a petting zoo, pet adoptions and more.
Sinatra: A Man And His Music
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
Michael Martocci, a Frank Sinatra tribute artist, will be joined on stage by the 22-piece Ol’ Blue Eyes Orchestra. The show features a multi-media presentation celebrating Sinatra’s career. The Duprees will also sing. Hosted by Bill Spadea of NJ 101.5 FM.
Alpaca Hug Celebration
Unexpected Farm NJ, Newfield
Aside from all the cute and cuddly alpacas, you can observe a drum circle, smell the herbs, shop the crafts and handmade items, eat some food, sit down with a spiritual reader and listen to live music.
New Jersey Jeep Invasion
Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Trenton
There will be a pre-game buffet for Jeep owners before the Minor League baseball game starts.
International Day of Yoga
Auten Road Intermediate School, Hillsborough
There will be free yoga classes, breathing exercises and meditation.
Uncorked
Showboat, Atlantic City
Sample over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe as well as some “outside-the-bottle options.” There will be a deejay, food vendors and more. Must be 21 to attend.
Faerie Festival
The Historic Village of Allentown, Allentown
There will be a butterfly release, costume contest, pixie parade, treasure hunt, unicorn rides, a wishing tree and a Kids Faerie Terrarium Workshop.
Wheat Harvest & Wheat Weaving
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
When last fall’s wheat crop is finally ready to harvest, farmers will need your help in the field to follow behind the horses and gather up sheaves of wheat bundled by the McCormick Reaper-Binder. Next, you’ll assemble the sheaves into shocks for drying outside. In the barnyard, there will also be a wheat weaving demonstration.
Bayshore Bazaar Summer Celebration
The Seafarer, Highlands
Get ready for a day full of activities and entertainment, including live music, food and libations, local vendors and more. You’ll have the chance to browse unique handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and other items from talented local artists and artisans. Local Smoke BBQ will serve snacks and meals. Keep the kiddos busy with face painting, arts & crafts, a custom kids’ patch bar, and sensory play.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Hillside School Grounds, Montclair
A townwide celebration of freedom will include guest speakers, a vendors village, food trucks, face painters, pony rides and a story corner for what’s sure to be a day of community fellowship.
Ducky Derby
Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Twp.
Race a rubber duck down the mill pond stream. Watch as your duck navigates the strem through different obstacles. You can win prizes. The day includes the duck races, free glitter tattoos, carousel music, duck games on the green, duck crafts, a visit with live ducks and other animals, historical demos and an old-time baseball time.
Live Art Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
A group of emerging artists will be exhibiting and selling their handcrafted works of art, including paintings, decorative ceramics, novel jewelry, and more. There will be crafting demonstrations, hands-on family art activities, performing arts, standup comedy and a beer station. There will also be a variety of gourmet food vendors and specialty food trucks as well.
Rutgers History Tour
Elmwood Cemetery, North Brunswick
A cemetery may seem like a weird place for a day out, but Elmwood has historical graves dating back to the Civil War. On this walking tour, you’ll learn about people tied to Rutgers.
Hillsborough Family Fun Day
Auten Road Intermediate School, Hillsborough
Start the afternoon with inflatable games, attractions and music, then stick around for the fireworks at night.
Gypsy: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert
Auten Road Intermediate School, Hillsborough
Listen to the songs of Fleetwood Mac and solo artist Stevie Nicks during this outdoor summer concert.
Giving Thanks Multicultural Festival
Drew University, Madison
Multicultural musicians, singers, dancers and poets will be led by emcee Dr. Liz Black, WBLS-FM radio personality. Listen to Gospel and soul music, Spanish singing, piano works and R&B contemporary. Watch a praise dance performance, Spektrums Afrikans and Indian classical dance. A poet will recite her works as well.
Sewing Machine Basics Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Kids ages 8-14 who own (or can borrow) a working sewing machine will learn how to use it: how to thread the machine; set the stitch length and width; and sew straight, curved and zigzag stitches. They will also learn how to use basic sewing notions, such as pins, needles and thread. After, they’ll have the opportunity to create their own projects.
Sensory-Friendly Film: Elemental
The Clairidge, Montclair
During this special screening, relaxed, soft lights will be kept on throughout the film. The volume will be moderated to be lower and more consistent. A limited number of trailers will be shown before the film. Open captioning will be on when available.
NJ Beer Festival Aboard the Battleship
NJ Battleship, Camden
Take a tour of the ship, then sample craft beer from New Jersey breweries on the fantail of the World’s Greatest Battleship. The annual event includes live music from Cabin Dogs, food and a take-home sampling mug.
ABT Kids
Metropolitan Opera House, New York City
American Ballet Theatre invites kids ages 4-12 to this intro to ballet, which will feature performances of dances based on “Romeo and Gilette,” “Swan Lake,” “Giselle” and others.
Freestyle FunHouse Concert
Ford Amphitheater, Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY
Relive the ’80s with performances by TKA, Judy Torres, George Lamond, Rob Base, Sweet Sensation, Noel, Shannon, The Cover Girls, Cynthia, Johnny O, Nayobe, C Bank, Lisette Melendez, Tonasia, Sammy Zone and Linda Linn. Sal Abbatiello hosts, with music by DJ Lucho and DJ Whiteboy KYS.
Taste of Highlands
Huddy Park, Highlands
Walk throughout town for five hours of samplings and cocktails at various Highlands restaurants and establishments.
Vintage Base Ball Game
Greenway Meadows Park, Princeton
Experience the history of America’s favorite past-time firsthand as you watch the Flemington Neshanock play the Liberty Base Ball Club of New Brunswick in an 18th-century style baseball game. They will wear replica uniforms from 1864 and share some history with the crowd after the game.
Walk Run for Peace 5K
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Lace up your sneakers, bring your friends, family and furry friends, and make a positive impact together. Kids will enjoy the Kids Fun Run, too. This event recognizes World Refugee Day on June 21 and the ability to raise awareness and funds to support lifesaving programs for children.
Mud Girl Run
New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville
Get down and dirty as you race through a field of obstacles covered in mud. Stay for live music and activities after you’re done.
Colonial Cheesemaking
Rockingham State Historic Site, Kingston/Franklin Twp.
During “From Cow to Cheese: the 18th Century Whey,” Susan Plaisted of Heart to Hearth Cookery will be displaying the equipment and demonstrating the process of Colonial-era cheesemaking in the Rockingham barn. The Museum Store will be open and there will be light refreshments available.
Toastique Grand Opening
Toastique, Chatham
If you are one of the first 100 people to visit this new gourmet toast and juice bar on Saturday, you’ll get rewards bucks you can use.
SUNDAY
Red, White & Blueberry Festival
Hammonton High School, Hammonton
You’ll have a “berry good” time in the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” Start the day at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. During the festival, there will be live music by Stealing Savanah, kiddie rides, the Cruisin’ Classics Car Show, deejay sets, a blueberry pie eating contest, arts and crafts, food vendors and “millions” of blueberries.
Vintage & Collectible Market
Ringwood Manor, Ringwood
Bring your items for a special appraisal. Or, shop from dealers selling everything from shabby chic to antiques, salvaged items, vintage and antique furniture for the home and garden, architectural salvage, vintage-inspired jewelry, repurposed and upcycled treasures, vintage clothing, and wither specialty items. There will be an array of gourmet food trucks, live music, and manor tours throughout the day.
Feria de Sevilla
Parker Press Park, Woodbridge
An afternoon of costumes, food, music and dance performances will be presented on stage by Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre’s professional musicians and dancers. Watch the traditional Sevillanas throughout the park, clicking castanets, stomping their feet and twirling their dresses. They’ll stop to teach you some moves, too. There will be plenty of Spanish food, vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, pony rides and more.
Earth Fair
Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton
Presenters and demonstrators will share the latest healthy and green practices. Visit Artisan Row, featuring upcycled and recycled goods and listen to live music in the Performance Tent and at the Beer Garden. Children’s activities include a rock-climbing wall, live animal presentations by Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge and Burlington County 4-H groups, a Pop-up Nature Center and a recycled art-making activity and parade with Spiral Q Puppet Theater.
Anthony Rodia: Totally Relatable Tour
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
Rodia is a first-generation Italian-American who gained a massive social media following during the pandemic. His videos star Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia, characters he portrays through the magic of video editing. He also hosts the weekly podcast, Little Bit of Laughs, on Podcast One, alongside his co-host and radio legend Goumba Johnny.
Firefly Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fireflies are an “electrifying” part of summer. This festival will celebrate nature with music by Lolly Hopwood, wing making, special barnyard fun, pony rides, wine sampling for adults, and more outdoor fun.
Ross Mathews
NJPAC, Newark
Ross Mathews is known for being a pop culture prince and comedian. He’ll host an evening of storytelling, standup, style tips and major laughs. He’s been a co-host of The Drew Barrymore Show, a judge and producer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a co-host of E!’s Live From the Red Carpet, an author, a podcaster and a spokesperson for Weight Watchers.
Artisan Market 2023
Main Street Pops, Hoboken
More than 75 vendors will be selling their goods while you listen to the music of Adam Levine. Pop into the library for storytime. Community Lifestyle will hold a Die Cast Car Coin Toss.
TrainYard Fundraiser Sale
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Explore the historic trains and rail cars as you browse through a variety of items for sale to raise money for the museum’s restoration projects. The sale will include railroad books and magazines, antique railroad lanterns, conductor belt change makers, old railroad signal parts, spikes, vintage metal milk cans, antique hand trucks, train toys, some model trains (HO and O scale) and other railroad artifacts. There will be no train rides on this date, but the museum building will be open.
Music at Midvale
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation
Whether you’d like to perform or sit back and listen, bring a chair or blanket to this outdoor concert where you can sit on the lawn after touring the circa-1800s farmhouse.
United For Impact Food Truck Festival
Downtown Freehold
There will be vendors, live music, food, beer, activities for kids and lots of local business support. This benefits the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, which bridges the financial and health gap for every person in the community.
Hackettstown Street Fair
Main Street, Hackettstown
There will be artisans, vendors, live entertainment, food and more! Shop at the local businesses, too.
Giralda Arts & Music Festival
Giralda Farms, Madison
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents its annual outdoor summer concert, featuring works from Jurassic Park and West Side Story, among other classic pieces.
Wild Fest
Clinton Elks Lodge, Pittstown
This food truck and music festival is a benefit for Woodlands Wildlife Refuge. It’ll be a day full of food, music and activities for the entire family.
ONGOING
State Fair Meadowlands
June 22 – July 9
The Meadowlands Fairgrounds, East Rutherford
For 18 days, the Meadowlands will be jam-packed with rides, games, entertainment, carnival food and tons of family fun. Look for the Batcopter and the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, keep your eyes peeled for the strolling magician, pet some animals, watch pigs race, watch the lumberjack competition and see a motorcycle stunt show. There will be every type of carnival food available. And on July 3 and 4, stay at night for the fireworks.
Philip Smallwood Juneteenth Art Exhibit
Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
Thursday – Sunday, June 22-July 15
Smallwood is an acclaimed watercolor artist who will honor Juneteenth, which is the end of slavery in America, through a select collection of works showcasing strength, resilience and community. Smallwood’s “Lifescapes” portray subjects in their natural environments and expose the souls of his subjects, as well as his own, to the viewer.
Blueberry Summer Fest
Saturdays, June 24 – July 22
Whitesbog Preserve, Browns Mills
Kick off the blueberry season at Whitesbog Preservation Trust. A country fair takes place in this historic village of the Pine Barrens with museum and historic home tours, tractor-pulled wagon rides, craft vendors and more.
Hopatcong Sunday Market & Craft Fair
Park & Ride, Hopatcong
Sundays, June 25 – November 26
Each week, bring the kids and shop from a variety of food, produce and craft vendors.
Saint Mary’s Great Fair
Saint Mary Parish, Middletown
June 26 to July 1
There will be 22 rides, boardwalk games, food trucks, food stands, beer tent, Super 50/50 and hourly 50/50.
St. Rose of Lima Church Carnival
St. Rose of Lima, Freehold Borough
June 27 – July 1
The parking lot will be turned into festival grounds, offering kids’ rides, activities and lots of carnival food.
The Little Mermaid
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
June 28, 29 and 30; July 1 and 2; August 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
The theater puts its own spin on the classic story. Geared toward kids ages 3-10.
Youth Sports Festival
DeVry University, North Brunswick
Select dates, through July 4
There will be tons of carnival rides, games, music, shows, petting zoo and farm animals, plus fireworks on certain nights. Funds raised support youth sports organizations in town.
Sand and Sea
The Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesday – Sunday, through July 9
From bathing suit fashions to souvenirs to art, check out objects in this exhibit that will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.
Dino Safari
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway Twp.
Through July 9
LuminoCity Festival brings 50 lifelike dinosaurs to Morris County. They blink, they breathe, they move their heads, they flap their wings. Kids can also go on dino-themed rides or play detective. After dark the prehistoric creatures become illuminated.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City
Select dates through August 19
Miami’s Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive is – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?
Movie House
Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
Thursday – Saturday, through August 26
Movie fans will love the 10 different rooms packed with games, virtual reality-inspired experiences, photo ops, “easter eggs” from movies and more. Snap photos in the Alice in Wonderland Illusion Room or the Under The Sea room; navigate through the Willy Wonka Infinity Tunnel, take a walk through munchkin land in the Wizard of Oz room, experience the magical Harry Potter-inspired room, or head over to the beach-themed room. There’s also a Movie in the Park Experience (with a real movie playing every night), and movie-themed games including interactive Movie House Trivia in a Blockbuster Room. You can take part in the Movie House Scavenger Hunt, too.
Morning Walk
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through August 26
New Jersey Audubon is hosting a weekly morning walk so you can enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. The walk is informal and informative: you’ll discover birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians along the way.
Nature Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Virtual option as well
Saturdays, through August 26
Yoga teacher Kristin Mylecraine will show how yoga is a great way to relax, find inner connection, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class hosted by New Jersey Audubon.
Disney 100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 27
Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.
Sand Sculptures in The Village
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Through August 31
Celebrate summer vibes with six larger-than-life sand sculptures that celebrate your and your kid’s favorite stories from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories and Alice in Wonderland.
Yoga By the Bay
Old Bridge Waterfront Park, Cliffwood Beach
Sundays and Tuesdays, through September
Bring a mat or towel because these one-hour yoga classes will be held on the grass overlooking the water.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through September 2
Each week there will be a different musical style represented, such as Flamenco, New Orleans brass, jump blues, vintage rock, pop rock, country, R&B, pop, funk, blues, jazz and cover bands.
Beach Yoga
Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 3
Put on sunscreen, wear a hat and bring lots of water, because these one-hour hatha vinyasa classes are on the beach along the Atlantic.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Rio Grande Avenue Boardwalk, Wildwood
Select weekends, through September 3
As you stroll down the boardwalk, check out the artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more. The dates are May 27 and 28, June 17 and 18, July 1, 2 and 3, July 15 and 16, August 12 and 13, August 19 and 20, and September 2 and 3.
Statue at Sunset Cruise
Pier 16, New York, NY
Every day, through September 3
Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.
Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog Collar
AKC Museum of the Dog, New York
Through September 4
This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids 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.
Wind Therapy Wellness Sails
Wilbur’s Marina, Forked River (Lacey Twp.)
Select dates, through September
There are many options aboard the Wind Therapy sailboat: sunrise sails, sunset sails, full-day sails, teen camps, teen wellness and a full moon retreat. You take a gentle sail along the Barnegat Bay and then dock for meditation, crystal bowl singing and a quick chair massage.
Ocean Xperience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 15 (LSC is closed Mondays)
You’ll become an “Xplorer” as you pilot the OceanXplorer, the most advanced research ship in the world. Deploy its research vehicle, conduct a guided mission, study orca groups and then watch OceanX footage of the ocean.
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
Through September 29
On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.
Cowtown Pro-Rodeo
Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove
Saturdays, through September 30
There will be tons of bull riding fun, including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and team roping.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Through October 15
This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, through October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Through October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length. On Wednesday, May 17, the bike park opens for the season at Mountain Creek, followed by the opening of the zipline tours on May 27.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park will be home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
Read More:
The Best Fairs and Festivals in June
Free Things to Do in June
The Best Concerts in NJ This Summer
Wine and Beer Fests in NJ
Tap Into Your Creative Side at These Craft Festivals in NJ
Food Truck Festivals in NJ
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ
Where to Celebrate Pride in NJ
60 Things to Do Outdoors in NJ
50 Things to Do Indoors in NJ
Protect and Celebrate Nature in New Jersey