A Guide to New Jersey Summer Festivals for August 2023
Get ready to soak up the summer vibes in New Jersey as August rolls around! From lively music festivals to food events and everything in between, the Garden State is bursting with exciting summer festivals. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a foodie, or simply someone who loves to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, this guide to New Jersey’s summer festivals in August 2023 has got you covered. Grab your sunscreen and get ready to experience the best that New Jersey has to offer during this sizzling summer season.
For more events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
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A Guide to New Jersey Summer Festivals for August 2023:
Featured Events!!
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
July 29 – August 5
The 2023 highlights for the annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair include the Main Arena events, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Traditional Arts Expo, Kids’ Corral, 4-H shows and competitions, more free concerts highlighting local bands, for your enjoyment. The Garden Tractor Pulls return in the main arena. The Rafter Z Rodeo returns on a NEW DAY, Saturday, August 5. Get your demolition derby and rafter z rodeo advance tickets via mail order. A beer garden this year will feature Czig Meister, Invertase and Buttzville Breweries. Save $1 by purchasing tickets in advance
1350 Strykers Rd, Phillipsburg/Harmony, NJ
Cost: Adults: $10, Ages 6-12: $5, Children 5 and Under Free (includes both the Farmers’ Fair and the Balloon Festival)
A Day Out With Thomas
August 11 – 13
A Day Out With Thomas is heading to the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Bring the whole family & imagine how far you will go! Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine. The train pulled by Thomas leaves every hour on the hour, from 10 am to 5 pm. You may also ride the River Train along the scenic Delaware River to Carpentersville, New Jersey (an hour and fifteen minutes round trip).
100 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $22
Angelsea Night Market
August 3, 11 am – 5 pm
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
Cost: Free to Attend
Highlands Annual Clam Festival
August 4 & 5
This three-day festival will feature seafood and other dishes from local restaurants, live entertainment, children’s activities, and specialty vendors. Food and Music lovers will fill the streets at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues. The famous Clam Fest is a two-day spectacular event, a wide variety of food trucks, along with other festival favorites including the Lions Club Funnel Cakes, and the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. Admission and parking are free, and the event takes place rain or shine.
Huddy Park, Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free
The New Jersey State Fair
August 4– 12
This event features carnival rides, live entertainment, family attractions, featured events, a horse show, monster truck rides, and more!
Sussex County Fairgrounds 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ
Cost: Tickets
Argos Farm Sunflower Festival
August 4 – 20, 3 pm – 8 pm
This annual Sunflower Festival features live music, delicious blueberry treats, Summer photo ops, and of more! Admission Ticket Includes: LIVE MUSIC entry into activity area with unlimited access- Double Hay Slide, Bee Zip Line, Jumbo Jumper Air Pillow, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Cow Train Rides, Peddle Carts, Ball Zone, Wall Ball, Checkers, Corn Hole, Tractor Slide, Big Chair, and Photo Ops.
Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate
Butterfly Festival
August 5, 10 am – 5 pm
Many treasured activities and events are in the offing at The Watershed Institute! The visitors will have the chance to explore the Insect Zoo, enjoy the Butterfly and Bug Parade, and participate in guided tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House. A variety of offerings await them, including food trucks, live entertainment, enchanting music, kids’ games & crafts, and an array of vendors. The Nature Shop will be thoughtfully stocked with all the necessities for little butterflies or bugs. The event’s proceeds will play a crucial role in sustaining The Watershed Institute’s efforts in environmental conservation, advocacy, science, and education
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ 08534
Price: $10 per person or $25 per carload (up to six people)
Manahopkin Craft Beer & Music Festival
August 5, 2 Sessions
This event features beers from local breweries, food trucks, live music, craft vendors and activities for children. Two tasting sessions: 12:00pm-4:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Manahawkin Lake Park, Route 9 and North Lakeshore Road, Manahawkin section of Stafford, NJ
Cost: Tickets cost $30 for attendees who will be sampling beer; admission is free for those who will not be drinking. Food prices will vary by vendor.
Just Peachy Festival
August 5 & 6, 10 am – 5 pm
The weekend will be filled with activities for kids, pony rides, games, and barnyard fun. Kids can enjoy rubber duck races, interactive, hands-on fun in the Little Tots Farm Store, junior mechanic Shop, Discovery Barn, a scavenger hunt, and old-fashioned games. Enjoy live music each day from noon-4 pm. Everything Peachy Food Tent will offer a tasty summer fare. Barn Door Cafe will be scooping up Peach Ice Cream & peachy treats. Adults can enjoy the taste of summer in a glass with our award-winning Just Peachy wine, peach wine slush, or a flight of our white, red, and fruit wines.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd. Princeton, NJ
Cost: $15+
Luau Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery
August 5 & 6, 11 am – 9pm and 11 am to 7 pm
This family fun-filled day of relaxing takes place on the grounds of Laurita Winery — a great place to enjoy outstanding wines with friends and family. Pair their delicious wines with the many delicious food offerings available from onsite food trucks. Wine and dine while listening to top live musical artists.Each visitor will be given a unique souvenir Laurita wine glass. Other treats include a Hawaiian DJ segments between each live show, with fantastic fireworks (Saturday evening) and access to many unique and popular food trucks.
Laurita Winery, 19/85 Archertown Road, New Egypt NJ
Cost: Tickets online in advance $13. Tickets at gate $15. Everyone UNDER 21 is FREE!
Latin Festival: Tacos & Tequila
August 6, 11 am – 5 pm
The Latin Festival: Tacos & Tequila, presented by the Asbury Park Press, invites everyone to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the middle of summer! Join on Sunday, August 6 for a delightful event filled with authentic food, margaritas, live music, and more. Don’t miss the family fun day activities from 12 pm to 4 pm in the picnic area. Enjoy live music by Xol Azul from 12 pm to 4 pm. Get your general admission at seatgeek.com/monmouth and use promo code Tacos23 to save 15%.
Monmouth Race Track, Oceanport, NJ
Cost: Cost of admission, additional cost for food and beverages
Middlesex County Fair
August 7 – 13
A tradition that continues to bring together thousands of residents from the tristate area together for a week of summer fun! This year they are celebrating 85 years of the Middlesex County Fair. Over the years, countless volunteers and local businesses have worked together to bring you closer to our agricultural heritage, all while offering rides, food, craft vendors, entertainers, bands, and home arts competitions.
655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $10, Kids and Seniors $4
Salem County Fair
August 8 – 11
This “old Fashioned” country fair features livestock shows and events and a large farm machinery display. A BBQ dinner is offered nightly along with many other food vendors. There are tractor and truck pulls, a ranch sorting, and Thursday evening fireworks
Salem County Fairgrounds, 35 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ
Cost: Free. Parking Fee – $10.00 per vehicle for all 4 days
Keyport Fireman’s Fair
August 8 – 12
Keyport’s hometown favorite will take place once again at Fireman’s Park, August 8th through 12th starting nightly at 6pm. Enjoy rides, games, food, fun & support of our Volunteer Fireman! Event ends with a great bayfront fireworks display on Saturday night.
Firemen’s Park, Keyport, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
The Italian American Association of Ocean Township Annual Italian Festival
August 9 – 13
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, to rides, games, music, and more!
Joe Palaia Park, Ocean Township, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend
La Festa Itialiana
August 9 – 13
La Festa Italiana celebrates Italian heritage, spirituality and is an evening of music, dance and authentic Italian foods. It’s fun filled with games, an hourly 50/50, and terminates with the Super 50/50 raffle drawing. The festival will honor the Veneration of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Rocco. Each night Live Bands perform on the Mainstage. Perfect for grabbing a Sausage & Pepper Sandwich and a Beer and watching this great performance
344 Sixth Street, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Passaic County Fair
August 10 – 13
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
Cost: Free to Attend, $5 to park
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 11 & 12
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
Cost: Free to Attend, parking $4
Tidalwave Music Festival
August 11 – 13
This event offers three days of music, two stages, and over 30 artists, including headliners Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Jo Dee Messina, Nate Smith, Chase McDaniel, and many more.
One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: $125+
Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash
August 11 – 13
The event showcases a lineup of special guest artists, vendors, entertainment, seminars, and the exciting Miss Salt Water Sweetie pin-up contest, among other attractions. Attendees are encouraged to dress in retro attire for added fun and nostalgia.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $20 Day / $40 3-Day Pass
Chester Food Truck and Music Festival
August 12, 11 am – 7 pm
Over 20 gourmet food trucks, DJ, vendors, beer, margarita & sangria garden, kid activities including pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, knocker ball, axe throwing, games, & so much more!
134 Main St, Chester, NJ
Cost: $5 admission, kids under 5 free
Vets Summer Fest
August 12, 11 am – 8 pm
Vets Summer Fest is an annual event that supports Operation Chillout, an all-volunteer outreach dedicated to ending the homelessness crisis for veterans across the states of NJ/PA/RI. It features live music, craft vendors, a kids zone, a bike run, and food. This is a Free Will Donation event, held at VASA Park in Hackettstown, NJ. Live ceremony events will begin at 12 PM to honor our veterans, followed by live music from 1 PM to 7PM. There will be food for sale and a cash bar available. The Kid Zone will have crafts and games offered all day. There will also be a motorcycle run which begins at the Hackettstown Elks Lodge 2331 (Registration from 8-10AM) and features a scenic ride through Warren County, ending at VASA Park for Vets Summer Fest.
VASA Park, 1 Vasa Dr. Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend
Flemington’s Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 12, 12 pm – 8 pm
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
Cost: Free to Attend
Saltwater Day
August 12, 2 pm – 10 pm
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
Cost: Free to Attend
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 12, 3 pm – 6 pm
The 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, celebrates all of the vibrant arts and history that New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex has to offer. The festival features live music and dance performances, dance classes for kids, an Arts Market, craft vendors, free balloon animals and face painting, a health & wellness tent hosted by Garden of Healing, a history corner featuring historical interpreters, arts & crafts activities, games, free Henna and caricatures, free button making, roaming musicians, giveaways, and more. The live featured performances include award-winning, multicultural family music band Hot Peas ‘n Butter, celebrated tap-dancer Omar Edwards, InSpira Dance, LMNOP Band, Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia, spoken word artists Rashad Wright and Queena, New Brunswick Brass Band, and more!
Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave in New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend
Seafood & Seltzer Festival
August 12 & 13
Join the fun at the Shore’s best seafood event where nearly 20 top seafood establishments serve up mouthwatering dishes, including lobster rolls and crab cakes. This year, they’ve added a seltzer sampling! From 11 am to 5 pm, you can enjoy various fizzy beverages with a sampling ticket for just $15. The ticket includes 10 2-oz samples and a complimentary commemorative glass. You can get your general admission and sampling tickets in advance or on the day of the event. Purchase both tickets beforehand at seatgeek.com/monmouth to save 15%. The seltzer sampling will be available from 11:30 am to 5 pm, with ticket sales and check-in between 11:30 am and 4 pm (day-of tickets are cash only). While you enjoy the delightful seafood and seltzers, you can also groove to live music by Next Wave Band on Saturday and All That Roxx on Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm. On Sunday, there will also be FREE Family Fun Day activities from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Monmouth Race Track, Oceanport, NJ
Cost: Cost of admission, additional cost for food and beverages
Paramus Food Truck Festival
August 13, 11AM – 7PM
Over 20 gourmet food trucks, DJ, vendors, beer, margarita & sangria garden, kid activities including pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, knocker ball, axe throwing, games, & so much more!
700 Paramus Park, NJ
Cost: $5 admission, kids under 5 free
Atlantic City Airshow
August 15 (Practice Day) & 16 (Show Day)
Powered once again by premier sponsor Visit Atlantic City (formerly Meet AC), this year’s show is celebrating 20 years in Atlantic City with the announcement of a new viewing experience and aerial performances by top military acts – U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard.
Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: Free or you can purchase tickets to the Fly Zone for $10 – $25
New Jersey African Restaurant Week Festival
August 17 – 27
A Celebration of the Best of African/Black Diaspora Food and Culture – Support Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs. Join foodies, culture enthusiasts, world travelers, and chefs, restaurants with food and wine tastings – discover food from various parts of Africa and the Diaspora. Come support your local businesses and entrepreneurs – featuring vendors across food, fashion, beauty, wellness, design, arts, crafts, and more. #africanrestaurantweek
Bisrate Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, 1046 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ
Cost: $0 – $30
Hi-Tide Summer Holiday
August 18 – 20
Attendees get to enjoy a weekend of Surf Music, Tiki Cocktails, Pool Parties, Record Hops,Seminars & more. This year’s line-up features: The Ventures, The 5.6.7.8s, Messer Chups, The Surfrajettes, Los Tiki Phantoms, Televisionaries & Les Greene
Asbury Lanes & The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ
Our Lady Star of the East 11th Annual Lebanese Festival
August 18 – 20
The festival is a wonderful celebration of Lebanon’s vibrant cultural heritage, offering a delightful experience through food, music, raffles, and games. Immerse yourself in the richness of Lebanese culture as you savor delectable culinary delights, sway to traditional music’s rhythmic beats, and be captivated by mesmerizing performances. The event promises a warm and hospitable atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of Lebanon’s lively community, where every moment is filled with joy and celebration. Come and join in this memorable gathering of Music, Dance, and Culinary Treasures.
25 W Black Horse Pike, Pike Pleasantville, NJ
Cost: Free admission
Fiesta In America
August 19, 10 am – 7:30 pm
The largest Philippine indoor event on the east coast. This event features free daylong events of Latino concerts, entertainment, multi-cultural dancers, philippine food and products. The 8 hour program will also include arnis demonstrations (Filipino Martial Arts), colorful ethnic dances, and glimpses of Phillippine village life.
Court A of American Dream Mall, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: Free admission. Open to the public
Edison’s Food Wine & Beer Festival
August 19, 4 pm – 10 pm
This annual family event features Wine & Craft Brewers including Edison’s Cypress Brewery, face painting and activities for the kids, live entertainment, local vendors, artists, and more.
926 Amboy Avenue, Edison, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids under 10 are Free
Black Artisan & Farmers’ Market
August 19, 9 am – 1 pm
BrickNKulture Black Artisan & Farmers’ Market 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
Cost: Free
Canal Day Festival
August 19, 10 am – 5 pm
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, and 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 at dusk.
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Ave, Wharton, NJ
Cost: Free
Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival
August 19 & 20
This event features 150+ juried craft and fine artists. Expect to see handcrafted pottery, blown and stained glass, fine and fashion jewelry, leather, wooden utensils and furniture, unique clothing, garden embellishments, handsome home decor, paintings, photographs, pet specialties, gourmet delights, candles, soaps, scents, the Emerging Artist Alley with live musicians playing throughout the Festival, Family Fun Art Activities, and much more.
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
Cost: Free
Bridgeton Peach Festival
August 19 & 20, 10 am – 5 pm
It’s peach time! Come out for everything peach, including vendors, food trucks, entertainment, train rides, and activities for the kids.
97 Trench Road, Bridgeton, NJ
Cost: Free, Parking $2 per car
Seafarer’s Weekend
August 19 & 20, 11 am – 4 pm
Enjoy a day filled with pirates, music, and family fun while exploring the open Village buildings with historically clothed interpreters showcasing Early America’s trades, crafts, and lifestyles. Kids can join the exciting “Pillage the Village” activity, searching for hidden gold coins and winning free prizes. The Pirates of Fortunes Folly will provide swashbuckling shenanigans, Clan of the Raven offers insights into the Viking Age and Norse Culture, and humorous performances by Kaptain Kristian and Red will amuse everyone. Jolly Shore Leave will entertain and educate all with their musical talents.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 US 9, Cape May, NJ
Cost: $14 adults, $12 kids
Burlington County Restaurant Week
August 20 – 26
More than 35 restaurants will be participating all over the region, from Bordentown to Medford.
Burlington County, NJ
Cost: Varies per restaurant
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair
August 23 – 27
This family-friendly event celebrates Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. You and your crew can check out the 4-H county fair farm activities like cow milking demos and tractor pulls, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, and the always popular fireworks extravaganza Friday night.
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ
Cost: Free, parking $15
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
August 26, 11 am – 5 pm
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 26, 1 pm – 9 pm (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
Cost: Free
Wine Down Summer at the Riverwinds
August 26 & 27, 12 pm – 5 pm
Wine Down Summer at RiverWinds is featuring 12 of New Jersey’s best wineries, gourmet food trucks, artisanal crafters, kids activities and live music!
Riverwinds Community Center, West Deptford, NJ
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 20 and under free
South Jersey Nerd Fest
August 27, 10AM – 4PM
Back by popular demand! NERD FEST will return to the Holiday Inn in Swedesboro, New Jersey. Come on out and join as Nerds, Geeks, Comic, and Anime fans unite for a day of everything Nerdy. There will be Special Guests, Artists, Writers, Creators, Cosplayers, and Vendors. Comics, Art, Manga, Pokemon, Anime, Graphic Novels, Toys, Funko Pops, Non-Sport Cards, Comic-Themed Crafts, Collectibles, and MORE. There will be something for everyone, guaranteed.
Holiday Inn Philadelphia South-Swedesboro, 1 Pureland Drive Swedesboro, NJ
Cost: Admission is $10; kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult, cash only
Food Trucks On The Ave
August 27, 11 am – 7 pm
Come feast on food from over 25 food trucks, lets the kids play at Kid’s Korner, and enjoy 8 hours of live entertainment.
W Landis Ave & SW Blvd, Vineland, NJ
Cost: Free
