By Jennifer Amato Published: August 3, 2022 August 5, 2022
This upcoming weekend is jam-packed with events that will keep you entertained, well fed and active! Choose from a dinosaur adventure, a Hawaiian luau, lots of street fairs and lighthouse tours. There’s still plenty of time to make summertime memories so get out there!
“The Land of Luck” Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus Friday – Saturday “The Land of Luck” is a free, choose-your-own-adventure experience that offers immersive games, photo opportunities and hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy in celebration of the new film “Luck.” Test your luck at the pop-a-shot or kerplunk competition, customize a lucky penny or make your own slime as you venture between the mystical lands of Good Luck and Bad Luck.
Meet-and-Greet Artist Josef Kote Ocean Galleries, Stone Harbor Friday – Saturday Josef Kote: The Collected Works is a magnificent collection of artworks by new master Josef Kote. Two special in-person Meet-the-Artist appearances are scheduled. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Kote and experience his art, which is described as “symphonies of light and color.”
Monster Truckz Chaos Tour NJ Motorsports, Millville Friday – Sunday The 90-minute show is action-packed with extreme car crushing, plus the free Pit Party to learn all the inner workings of the giant Monster Truckz, photos with the drivers, a Kids Fun Zone, a bounce house, face painting and food.
Boardwalk Art Show Ocean City Friday – Sunday Stroll the boardwalk as you browse artwork created by local artists.
Anything Goes Holmdel Theatre Company, Holmdel Friday – Sunday The Youth Edition of “Anything Goes” sets sail by the Pivot Theatre Company and the Holmdel Theatre Company. Pivot Theatre Company is Monmouth County’s training ground for a comprehensive musical theater experience for aspiring actors ages 8-18.
Plays-in-the-Park: A Chorus Line Roosevelt Park, Edison Friday – Sunday Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park will conclude its 60th season with “A Chorus Line.” “A Chorus Line” is scheduled for Aug. 3-13. Exploring the inner lives and ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition.
Jurassic Quest Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City Friday – Sunday Jurassic Quest is known for its life-like dinosaurs and for having some of the largest rideable dinos in North America. The event also includes live dinosaur shows and interactive science and art activities such as a fossil dig. Kids can see real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and even a life-size dino skull.
Paranormal Cirque Menlo Park Mall, Edison Friday – Sunday Under this Clown Castle are Acrobats of the Air, illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a “normal” circus – but is nothing like a typical experience under The Big Top. This new show is a combination of fun and fear that will transport you to a dark world that is a fusion of circus, theater and cabaret in which there are dreams, nightmares and fantasies. Must be 13 to attend.
Grand Carnivale Dorney Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania Friday – Sunday Enjoy high-energy live music, delicious food, lively games and unique crafts during this international festival. You can decorate your own lei, crown or noise maker, help Mardi with an international scavenger hunt or play grand carnival games. Take a culinary trip around the world with samples of 24 delicious creations from six different countries. Stay for the nighttime Spectacle of Color Parade, a glittering sensory spectacular of lavish floats, interactive street performers and pulsing rhythms.
Luau/Food Truck Festival Laurita Winery, New Egypt Saturday – Sunday Experience Hawaii on the East Coast through a Hawaiian DJ set, a fire dance and performances by the South Pacific Island Dancers. The entire family is welcome to join in on a 30-minute hula lesson.
Just Peachy Festival Terhune Orchards, Princeton Saturday – Sunday Celebrate Jersey Fresh and one of the state’s favorite fruits with plenty of activities for kids and adults. Highlights include live music, the Eyes of the Wild traveling zoo, Pam Mount’s Everything Peachy Food Tent, Barn Door Café freshly made local peach ice cream, Just Peachy wine or a refreshing Peachy wine slush and plenty of baked goods from the market.
Greenberg’s Train and Toy Show New Jersey Convention Center, Edison Saturday – Sunday Great American Train Shows is the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show company. The train shows are designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All scales are welcome as are books, videos and railroadiana.
Clearwater Festival Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank Enjoy two days of musical entertainment during a festival designed to promote a love for the environment.
Dancing Under the Stars Hinds Plaza, Princeton Members of Central Jersey Dance will demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds.
Wine and Song Laurita Winery, New Egypt Listen to rising star Max Valentino perform classic songs like “Love Me Tonight,” “A Man Without Love,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “My Way.” A special performance by Bobby Fischetti is also on the bill. Come early for dinner.
Yoga + Art Tula Yoga, Aberdeen Take a one-hour flow yoga class and then stay to create a still life drawing.
Bollywood Lounge Night Persis Indian Grill, Monroe Twp. Enjoy beautiful Bollywood music by Animit Bhattacharya while dining on delicious Indian food.
National Lighthouse Day Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse, Paulsboro Tinicum will mark National Lighthouse Day with a celebration on Saturday, Aug. 6. From 10 am – 3 pm, your whole family will enjoy seeing Coast Guard boats, Coast Guard helicopters, food, antique cars, fire trucks, lighthouse merchandise – and climbing the lighthouse!
Chester Music Festival Municipal Field, Chester Spend the day listening to Motown, rock, folk and country music. Fun activities for kids include The Kiddie Rock ‘n’ Roll Show, face painting, balloon art and games all day. Also enjoy terrific food and a chance to shop, dine and explore all that Historic Chester has to offer!
Bridging the Gap Block Party Trenton Come out for a day of fun and games. Take part in live music, a vibe set by DJ Valona Denise, relay races, an obstacle course, fun and games, prizes, vendor shopping and free refreshments.
ModelCon Battleship New Jersey, Camden Experience plastic models of military ships, planes, vehicles and more throughout the Battleship New Jersey. They’ll also have the model makers onboard who will be building models and sharing tips on producing these miniature replicas. Win model kits and more! Free to experience with the purchase of a tour of the Battleship.
Made in Monmouth Cream Ridge Winery, Cream Ridge Sip some wine while perusing crafts made by two dozen local Monmouth County vendors.
Olde Freehold Day Topanemus Park, Freehold There will be a kids zone, food, vendors, a beer garden, car smash, bouncy rides and a petting zoo. The Freehold Borough PBA and We Are the Future will sponsor a cornhole tournament.
Freehold Township Police Clambake Priedaine Latvian American Community Center, Howell Freehold Township PBA Local 209 will hold its 35th annual clambake, including shrimp, steak, beer, wine, soda, all-you-can-eat steamers, burgers, clams, hot dogs, corn on the cob and salad. Food will be prepared by Texas Roadhouse. The Phil Engel Band will provide the background music.
All-American Summer Afternoon Festival The perfect summer afternoon would not be complete without a BBQ, music, prizes, vendors and a fire pit. Support the Freehold Elks Lodge 1454 and Veterans Committee. Proceeds aid military servicemen and women, including those who are homeless or who suffer from PTSD.
Butterfly Festival The Watershed Institute, Pennington Children will love the Insect Zoo, Butterfly and Bug Parade and tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, live music, kids’ games and crafts and many vendors.
Flower Fields Pop’s Farm Market, Monroe Twp. Stop by for the grand opening of the flower fields. Plus, enjoy Balic wine, food truck vendors and overall family fun.
Manahopkin Manahawkin Lake Park, Manahawkin Enjoy dozens of breweries, food trucks and musical performances. There are two sessions scheduled. Kids are welcome, but only adults 21+ can purchase and sample beer.
Food Tour Downtown Hammonton On this local food tour, spend time on Bellevue Avenue sampling food. Must be 21 to attend. Advance reservations are required.
Carnival, Farmers Market & Vendor Fair Farmingdale Come down for a free bubble show, photo contest, games and prizes.
Summer Sidewalk Festival Ritz Theatre, Haddon Twp. Enjoy an afternoon filled with games, food and entertainment for the whole family.
Indo-American Festival Recreation Park, New Brunswick Learn about the Asian Indian culture, featuring theater, music and dance performances and a delicious culinary demonstration for the entire family to enjoy.
Rutgers Football Fan Fest SHI Stadium, Piscataway Meet the team and Coach Greg Schiano while eating free food, having your face drawn by a caricaturist, getting your face painted and meeting Sir Henry.
The Weeklings Bell Work, Holmdel Listen to this premiere Beatles tribute band play the best music of The Fab Four.
National Lighthouse Day Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City Bring your kids 12 and under for a free climb of the Absecon Lighthouse from 10 am – 5 pm, as long as they are accompanied by an adult, in celebration of National Lighthouse Day. As a family, stroll the 21-bed community garden and 2 acres of grounds. Join author Mary Dixon Lebeau for a book signing of “Secret Jersey Shore, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful & Obscure.” For the adults, there will be a Porch Party Wine Tasting.
Find out where other National Lighthouse Day events are taking place!
Open Play at Play Big Zone Morganville Summer hours extend through August Your kids will love 10,000 square feet of space for nonstop fun. Activities include Amazing Race, Spin Zone, Foosball Arena, Laser Maze, Robots, Bumper Cars and Little Play Zone.
WheatonArts Millville Thursdays – Sundays (through Aug. 31) The Wheaton Wide Open initiative offers all visitors free admission for the entire month. WheatonArts is a charming 45-acre wooded campus that includes the Museum of American Glass; the Down Jersey Folklife Center; glass, pottery and flamework studios; museum stores; scenic picnic areas; and the mile-looping Nature Trail with a scavenger hunt for native species and structures.
Half Mile of Horses Artwork Downtown Freehold Borough Every day (through Sept. 30) There are 12 painted horse sculptures decorating Main Street. The display honors the equine heritage of Freehold Borough, home of the oldest half-mile horse racing track in the country. Vote for your favorite one!
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown Saturdays From pollinators to plant dyes, each Saturday discover something new in nature! Rain or shine. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
History Kids Summer The Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Twp. Fridays (Aug. 5 – 26) Kids ages 5-12 can learn what it was like to live in the 19th century and experience history firsthand by different trades, tasks and lifestyles of an 1830s Howell Iron Works village. This will be paired with an activity. The schedule is cyanotyping on Aug. 5, butter making on Aug. 12, printing on Aug. 19 and a field survey on Aug. 26.
Flemington Car Shows Main Street, Flemington Select Saturdays (through Aug. 20) Historic Flemington’s Main Street will be bustling with hot cars, live music, kids’ activities, delicious food and summer fun on select Saturday nights when Flemington Car Shows come to town all summer long.
Artisan Market Veterans Park, Beach Haven Fridays (through Aug. 26) Browse the crafts and artisan items made by local vendors.
Outdoor Walking Tours Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton Saturdays and Sundays (throughout August) Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Bounce the Mall The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth Weekends (Aug. 6 – 28) Bounce, slide and dance with the kids through a surreal, candy-colored wonderland. This special event features the largest ball pit on the planet, a 600-foot obstacle course, inflatable sports area, silent disco dome, giant slides and more!
Summer Stage @GSPlaza Garden State Plaza, Paramus Fridays (through Aug. 20) Join Z100 radio hosts Maxwell and Crystal as they hang out at Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Summer Stage with popular TikTok stars! Stop by to experience a live podcast as they interview the popular stars. You’ll get to know more about their lives, and you may even get a chance to meet them!
Beyond Van Gogh Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City Through Aug. 28 This is an immersive experience in which both still and moving art provide a show your family will never forget. More than 300 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces come alive, appearing and disappearing and flowing across multiple surfaces. This one-hour walk through will have your whole family captivated by the sights, sounds and colors.
Pop In The City Greeley Square, New York Through Aug. 28 Walk, “swim” and slide through a new immersive experience in Midtown Manhattan. When you enter this inflatable wonderland, you take a giant slide down to oversize ball pits, live deejays, cutting-edge effects and 200 glittering disco balls.
Beach Baby Goat Yoga Beach Haven Fridays (through Sept. 2) Join fellow yogis and animal lovers on the beach for a beginner-friendly goat centric yoga experience and snuggles with baby and miniature breed goats. Reap the benefits of animal and laughter therapies as the baby goats jump on your back, snuggle in your lap or take a nap on your mat as you move through the instructor’s guidance.
Field Station: Dinosaurs Leonia Summer Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Tuesdays – Sundays, through Labor Day At Field Station: Dinosaurs, more than 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are sure to impress all the paleontologists in your group. Enjoy dozens of shows, Jurassic Jump, and then Dinosaurs: After Dark come October.
Cruise Nights Downtown Somerville Fridays (through Sept. 4) Friday Night Cruise Nights return to Downtown Somerville. Through Labor Day weekend, the coolest classic cars around line up along Main Street every Friday.
Summer Carillon Concerts Graduate School, Princeton University, Princeton Sundays (now through Sept. 4) The carillon is a musical instrument of 23 or more bells that produce music when sounded. All concerts start at 1 pm every Sunday, July 3 through Sept. 4 (Labor Day), and are held rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.
Shark Tooth Summer Adventure Aquarium, Camden Every day through Sept. 5 This month-long celebration highlights the aquarium’s jaw-some collection of sharks. The highlight, the new Scuba Tooth Fairy, will use their special skills to find and scoop up fallen shark teeth hidden in the sand of the Ocean Realm exhibit. Walk through the Shark Tunnel or Shark Bridge or visit the Touch-a-Shark Tank.
Sunset Sips & Sounds Terhune Orchards, Princeton Fridays (through Sept. 9) Meet in this historic apple orchard for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings every Friday night at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery. It’s a great way to unwind after the week, meet friends, bring your family and enjoy the sunset on the farm.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum New York, New York Fridays (through September) Enjoy the history and magic of the Intrepid for free on select Fridays through September.
Stargazing Boat Cruises Belmar Fridays and Saturdays (through September) Take a sail out to the ocean while gazing up at the moon, stars and constellations.
Sunrise Wellness Sails Wilbert’s Marina, Lacey Twp. Saturdays (through September) Anyone who is interested in yoga, meditation and mindfulness is welcome to take part in a 3-hour Sunrise Sail along the Barnegat Bay. Sail into rejuvenation with Jaime Zazzara and Captain Dave from Jersey Coastal Adventures for the wellness retreat. There are options to enjoy a swim or float in a tube when the boat anchors out at sea.
Half Mile of Horses Art Walk Freehold Borough Every day (through September) Vote for your favorite painted horse sculpture, 12 of which are placed throughout Downtown Freehold Borough.
Tours of Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum 215 South Middlebush Road, Somerset Second Sunday of every month (through October) Docents will lead tours of the house, which dates back to 1730.
Sunday Farmers Market Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17 Sundays (through Nov. 20) Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am-2pm.
August is filled with fairs and festivals across the state, so make sure you get your funnel cake and stuffed animal prizes before the summer is over!
Plus, there are plenty more free activities happening this month around the state!
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