35 Free New Jersey Events for August 2022

Is your favorite four-letter word FREE? Of course, it is! Good thing there’s plenty of free, fun entertainment going on in NJ all month long is August. Be sure to put these free events (which include fireworks, free movies, festivals, and more) on your calendar.

Due to the ongoing restrictions and safety regulations with Covid-19, please verify these events before attending in case of any last-minute cancellations. And always check the weather!

For more events throughout the year, be sure to check out our Event Guide.

If you’d like to submit your event, click here.

For more New Jersey adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

Free New Jersey Events for August 2022:

Free Movies on the Beach Courtesy of Jenkinson’s
August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 8PM
Bring a blanket and join the fun on the beach on Tuesdays at dark and enjoy Movies on the Beach! (weather permitting)
On the beach, by Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Keyport Fireman’s Fair
August 2 – 6
The Keyport Fire Department’s 54th annual Fireman’s Fair will be held from Tuesday, August 2nd, through Saturday, August 6th, located on the waterfront at Firemen’s Park in Keyport. Come out for a night of family fun featuring thrilling carnival rides for all ages by Campy’s Blue Star Amusements, plenty of great food and tasty treats, carnival games & prizes, Fireman’s/First Aid Night on Wednesday, Super 50/50 raffle, and so much more! The fair is capped off with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night, August 6th
W Front St, Keyport, NJ

Bell Works Fresh – Farmers & Makers Market
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,  11AM – 4PM
The Block inside Bell Works hosts a weekly Farmers’ and Makers’ market with over 20 local vendors.
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ

Starlit Cinema in Downtown Somerville
August 4 & 11
Surrounded by your friends on the Division Street Plaza, watching your favorite movies on a giant outdoor screen with a state-of-the-art sound system? Not much could be better on a warm summer evening. Classics to comedies, films are chosen by you! Enjoy dinner before the show or bring a blanket, lawn chair and your own picnic baskets or take out.
8/4 – Jumanji
8/11 – Footloose
Downtown Somerville, Divison St, Somerville, NJ

Thrilling Thursdays in Margate
August 4, 11, 18, 25, 7PM
Get a head start on the weekend with this busy Thursday roster of activities in Margate. Start your day with a visit to the farmers market, shop at local sidewalk sales, play free cornhole and visit the beach free-of-charge. Top it off with a beachfront movie night.
8/4 Space Jam: A New Legacy
8/11 The Secret Life of Pets 2
8/19 The Meg
8/26 Clifford the Big Red Dog
South Decatur Ave, Margate, NJ

Kites and Castles
August 4, 11, 18, 25, 7PM
Bring your kites to the Philadelphia Avenue beach every Thursday night for sandcastle building and kite flying. A first place prize is awarded each week, and prizes are given to all participants.
Philadephia Avenue Beach, 1200 Oceanfront, Lavallette, NJ

The NDD Downtown Market
August 4, 11, 18, 25, 11AM – 3PM
In 2022, the NDD Downtown Market will take place at PSE&G Plaza on Thursdays. In addition, to live music, a farm stand hosted by the Urban Agriculture Cooperative, curated arts and crafts vendors, physical fitness activations, and information tables highlighting local businesses and community-based organizations, the market will feature a seating area dedicated to food delivery services bringing food from downtown restaurants. Vendor selection featured restaurants, and programming will all be centered on downtown businesses.
PSE&G Plaza, 80 Park Place, Newark, NJ

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks
August 5, 12, 19, 26
Every Friday night throughout the summer beginning at 10 p.m. enjoy a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks exploding to a musical score that is played all along the Boardwalk and is simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. Launched from Pine Avenue & the Beach the fireworks are visible from anywhere on the Boardwalk. So head up to the Boardwalk and have a Blast every Friday Night this summer!​​
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Pine Ave, Wildwood, NJ

Highlands Annual Clam Festival
August 5 – 7
This three-day festival will feature seafood and other dishes from local restaurants, live entertainment, children’s activities and specialty vendors
Huddy Park, Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ

Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 6, 13, 20, 27
Fireworks are launched from the beachfront and can be viewed all along the beaches or boardwalk of Atlantic City.
Tropicana Casino & Resort, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ

New Jersey Friends of Clearwater Music Festival
August 6 & 7, 11AM – 7PM
This annual music festival to promote environmental and social justice will fill 2-stages, for 2-days, with top-name national & local performers presenting the best of rock, folk, jazz, Latin, country, soul & other genres. Proceeds from this event will benefit New Jersey Friends of Clearwater, a registered 501(C)3 Charitable Organization.
Riverside Gardens Park, West Front Street, Red Bank, NJ

Free Canoes and Kayaks at Scotland Run Park
Saturdays and Sundays in August, 9AM-3 PM
Spend the day on the water—-the whole family can paddle a canoe or hop in a kayak this weekend for free. First come, first serve, and all children 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. They provide life jackets and paddles, but you must print out a waiver and fill it out before your visit.
980 E. Academy St., Clayton, NJ

Pier Village Family Fun Night
August 7, 14, 21, & 28, 12PM – 9PM
Pier Village is brimming with free activities every Sunday. Check out mini golf, a rock-climbing wall, trampoline bungee, games, rides, and more. The family fun night kicks off at noon and runs all afternoon and evening long.
Pier Village Festival Plaza, Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch, NJ

Movie Nights at the Waterfront
August 10 & 17, 8PM
The Borough of Keyport and the Keyport Recreation Committee present Free Summer Outdoor Movie Nights at Waterfront Park. Spiderman No Way Home will be shown on August 10 and Free Willy will screen on the 17th.
Waterfront Park, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ

The Italian American Association of Ocean Township Annual Italian Festival
August 10 – 14
This four day Italian Festival annually attracts over 80,000 people with a taste for our traditional foods and wholesome family fun while celebrating Italian heritage and culture. There’s something for everyone from sampling the great taste of Italy’s delicious food, rides, games, music, and more!
Joe Palaia Park, Ocean Township, NJ

Angelsea Night Market
August 11, 5PM – 10PM
Food truck fun is back this summer in North Wildwood. The event includes some of the best food trucks in the Northeast, crafters, and the great shops and restaurants down Olde New Jersey Ave. Visitors are invited to go also into the surrounding restaurants to see all that they have to offer including great food and beverage menus. Some of the establishments in the area will also have their own live music.
Olde New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ

Voorhees Twp Summer Concert Series
August 11, 6:30PM
Join the fun on August 11 for the 3rd show of the Summer Concert Series with The BeaT Tells – a Beatles Tribute Band. The concert is held on the “Great Lawn” at Connolly Park located at 605 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the concert starts at 7:30 PM. Bring your blanket/chair, relax, play on the playground, and have an entertaining evening with friends and family. Enjoy tasty food from the food trucks (TBA) and the Beer Garden when available.
605 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ

Somerdale Summer Concert Series
August 11 & 25
Bring a lawn chair Thursday nights to the Somerdale Park Amphitheater from 6:30 – 9:30PM. Craft Beer and Food Trucks onsite.
August 11 – Chicago 9, Chicago Tribute Band
August 25 – Purple Reign, Top 40 Dance Band
900 Kennedy Blvd Somerdale, NJ

Passaic County Fair
August 11 – 14
This year’s fair will feature four days of unique activities for all to enjoy from games and rides to art activities and environmental excursions. In addition, there will be pony rides, bounce houses for the kids, and more. The four-day celebration will also feature two fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday. The County Fair stage will feature an array of local musicians. Live music will be complimented with a beer garden and some of the best food from around Passaic County.
Garret Mountain Reservation, 8 Mountain Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ

Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 12 & 13
This fun family event features rides, animals, horse shows, exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, antique engines, car show, food, and much more!
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 Rt. 50, Mays Landing, NJ

Plant Swap+Shop
August 13, 10AM – 3PM
Woodland Gardens for Live Music, Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and a Plant Swap! This is a free community plant exchange and positive environment {What to bring: cuttings, seeds, planters, and anything else you wish to exchange!
118 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel, NJ

Asbury Refresh – Vintage, Oddities & One of a Kind Collectibles.
August 13, 10AM – 3PM
REFRESH is a monthly celebration of all things vintage, oddities & one of a kind collectibles. Held onselect Saturdays through the year where you can shop from a curated collection of over 50 vendors selling unique items & more.
Kennedy Park, 104 Grand Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

Celebrate the Meadowlands
August 13, 10AM – 4PM
This event features a celebration of the Meadowlands – its history, ecological significance, and natural beauty. Activities include free boat and paddling tours and a morning fishing clinic. Come learn about the Meadowlands, check out booths staffed by local environmental groups and vendors, and sample food from local food trucks. Remarks from RPA, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and stakeholders reflecting on the history and significance of the Meadowlands will be given around 12:00pm.
Laurel Hill Park, Laurel Hill Road, Secaucus, NJ

Flemington’s Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
August 13, 12PM – 8PM
Held in Flemington’s Artisan District, this foodie and beer-lovers event will feature an expansive micro-brewery beer garden, live music, great food, and family entertainment — and of course, New Jersey’s finest corn and tomatoes! This is a family friendly event for all ages with an expanded kids zone and free entertainment.
Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ

Saltwater Day
August 13, 2PM – 10PM
The Old Bridge Township Department of Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the revival of Saltwater Day! The event will have arts, crafts, vendors, new rides, carnival game trailers, entertainment, food and conclude with a fireworks show. Live music will be played throughout the day. For 21 and older guests, the Laurence Harbor Fire Department will be hosting a Beer Garden for $10/person which includes a mug and two drink tickets. Additional tickets are $2 each, and proof of age is required.
Laurence Harbor Beachfront, Laurence Harbor, NJ

New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 13, 3PM – 7PM
The 3rd annual New Brunswick Heart Festival, hosted by New Jersey Hall of Famer Bert Baron and Founder of TSO Productions, Sharon Gordon! The FREE outdoor family-friendly festival, which celebrates all of the vibrant arts and history that New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex has to offer, will feature live music and dance performances; a visual Arts Market; craft and food vendors; interactive activities and games; fun giveaways; a Health & Wellness  tent with Garden of Healing; readings of famous love letters by actors from Thinkery & Verse; and so much more! This festival will take place in downtown New Brunswick in front of the theaters at Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave. Live performances include: music and social justice artist, Fyütch, who performs a blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Pop and Reggae; Latin band Sonido Latino; tap dancer Omar Edwards Salsa dance lessons with Elvis Ruiz, a dance performance by Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia the New Brunswick Brass Band; a dance performance by InSpira Performing Arts & Cultural Center; and more!Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave in New Brunswick, NJ

Main Street Pops Artisan Market Spring/Summer 2022
August 14, 11AM – 4PM
Shop small and local at this outdoor market with artisanal foods, jewelry. home goods, fashion & accessories, beauty, fine art, photography, kids stuff, pet products and more! A variety of other attractions like live music, arts and crafts projects and special themed holiday activities makes Main Street Pops Artisan Market a monthly community destination
Under 14th Street Viaduct, 1401 Adam’s St, Hoboken, NJ

Brigantine Food Truck Festival
August 19 – 21
The Brigantine Beach Food Truck Festival will be taking place at the 38th street beaches in Brigantine Friday, August 19th through Sunday, August 21st, 2022.  The show begins at 11am each day and will feature delicious foods from almost 2 dozen of the best food trucks in the tri-state area.
38th Street Beach, Brigantine, NJ

Canal Day Festival
August 20, 10AM – 5PM
An old time country fair that celebrates the Morris Canal and its contributions to the development of the communities along its banks. Come to a day of free family fun featuring a craft show, great food, educational events and enjoy a day of listening to a wide variety of musical entertainers. Musical performances from New Jersey’s best artists will feature Rock, Blues, Country, Classical as well as traditional and contemporary Irish Folk Music. performing on two stages. Learn about local history by taking a guided Morris Canal walking tour provided by the Canal Society of NJ. Experience life on the Morris Canal first hand by traveling down the canal on a free boat ride or prove your prowess by paddling a kayak. Fireworks fat dusk.
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Ave, Wharton, NJ

Black Artisan & Farmers’ Market
August 20, 9AM – 1PM
BrickNKulture Black Artisan & Farmers’ Market’s Provides a community that supports & values the opportunity for individuals that are creators, makers, and for those that eat the food that they grow. This space supports Black local Growers, Makers and Entrepreneurs.
The Cultural Collective Cafe & BrickNKulture Event Space, 65 North Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ

Food Trucks On The Ave
August 21, 11AM – 7PM
Come feast on food from over 22 food trucks, lets the kids play at Kid’s Korner and enjoy 8 hours of live entertainment.
W Landis Ave & SW Blvd, Vineland, NJ

Atlantic City Airshow
August 24
This year the Air Force wil be sending their Full Throttle Formation Team, The Thunderbirds. In addition there will be the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and other airshow performers.
Atlantic City’s free beaches and Boardwalk have great views of the Airshow. Ocean-facing hotel rooms and outdoor venues will also have views of the show.
Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ

Swedesboro Food Truck Festival & Dancing in the Park
August 25, 7PM
Dancing in the Park will be held in conjunction with Food Truck Thursdays. Enjoy some tasty food and drink from a variety of area food trucks and vendors! This is a family friendly foodie event! There will be some games and background music to enjoy as you dig in and enjoy the music! Food Truck Festivals & Dancing in the Park.
Swedesboro Auction Park, 101 Leahy Ave, Swedesboro, NJ

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
August 27, 11AM – 5PM
Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Food, Rides, Live Music & more. Come on down for a day of family fun with original & interesting Arts & Crafts, shopping, kid’s rides and great FOOD!
Downtown Westfield, NJ

Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival
August 27, 1PM – 9PM (Rain or Shine)
This music festival features a mix of strong national and local musicians performing live Jazz and blues on stage. The grand finale will feature a fireworks display at dusk.
The Great Lawn on the Long Branch Promenade, Long Branch, NJ

MAPSO Funk Fest
August 28, 1PM – 7P<
MAPSO Funk Fest is a carefully curated funk, house & soul music event that fosters community, bringing people together while spotlighting and supporting local restaurants, wellness businesses, artisans, and other creative talent. This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation. After the past year, so many small brands have taken a huge hit. We want to take this opportunity to revive the flavor of our community, invigorate local hand-picked businesses, and remind people of the rich culture we’re surrounded by.
Springfield Ave. Gazebo, 1688 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ