NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Events August 21st – 23rd, 2026

August is winding down! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events: August 21st  – 23rd is your go-to source for the best events happening across this great state! From fun festivals and food-filled weekends to family-friendly expos, live entertainment, and unique seasonal celebrations – there’s plenty to do this weekend!

Always check the weather and the event links before you attend in case of cancellations and rescheduling.

For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide

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

Bonus! See NJIB at Bell Works Fresh on Wednesday, August 19th; Saturday at Matawan Fresh; and Asbury Fresh on Sunday, August 23rd

Additional Bonus! Looking for free events that support local farmers, bakers, and makers? Here is our Guide to 100+ NJ Summer Farmers’ Markets. 

NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events August 17th – 23rd, 2026: 

The New Jersey Sunflower Trail
All August Long, 10 am – 5 pm
The New Jersey Sunflower Trail is now open for visitors. On select weekends, expect food trucks, a beer and wine garden, live music, axe throwing, and crafters. Enjoy hayrides, an Activity Area, and additional food options, including beer from Buttzville Brewing Company. Weekday activities include exploring the sunflower trail, taking photos at over 20 spots, picking fresh raspberries and peaches, and visiting farm animals.
438 NJ-57, Washington, NJ

Indie Street Film Festival
Now – August 23
Indie Street Film Festival is a regional film and arts festival that combines its curated film selections with connective community events in order to celebrate human creativity and storytelling. ISFF hand-picks the most resourceful and innovative filmmakers from the US and across the globe to screen and connect with the engaged arts community of Red Bank and the Northeast. In the last 11 years, the festival has touted films that have also been official selections/nominees and award winners at Sundance, Slamdance, SXSW, Spirit Awards, and the Oscars.
Red Bank, NJ

Hunterdon County Fair
August 19 – 23
The Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair is back. The fair offers free admission and $15 parking, featuring livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, rides, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The event showcases local talent and provides an engaging community experience.
South County Park, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ
Cost: Free. $15 Parking

Butterfly Garden Dedication Event at MarketFair
August 20, 11 am – 1 pm
Celebrate the dedication of MarketFair’s new butterfly garden on August 20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at this special community event benefiting Good Grief, a nonprofit organization that helps children, families, and communities build resilience through loss and adversity.Guests are invited to honor the new garden, learn more about Good Grief’s mission, and help support a meaningful space designed to inspire hope, healing, and growth.
MarketFair 3535 US Highway 1 Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free

A Nun Walks Into a Bar
August 20, 6 pm – 8 pm
An evening with Sister Monica Clare, the most famous nun on TikTok and author of A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun. Sr. Monica Clare will talk about her book, her calling to be a nun (and a priest!), and answer questions. Appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available at a cash bar.
679 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ
Cost: Free

Cirque de Paris at MarketFair
August 20 – September 7`
Experience the magic of Cirque de Paris as the internationally acclaimed one-ring circus returns to MarketFair from August 20 through September 7. Gather the whole family for a one-of-a-kind experience under the big top, where an international cast of performers will wow audiences with breathtaking aerial acts, daring tightwire stunts, incredible juggling, and more!
MarketFair 3535 US Highway 1 Princeton, NJ
Cost: $25+

Dragon Flight Night Market
August 21, 7 pm – 11 pm
Looking for something to do on a Friday night? Come out to Shoppes at Dragon Village for our night market full of fire, fairy lights, vendors, merchants, and food trucks. The theme for this night market is fantasy. Come dressed in your best fantasy garb and enter our costume contest. The audience will become the judges so dress to impress! Contest starts at 9 pm and register in person by 8:30 pm.
97 Trench Rd, Bridgeton, NJ
Cost: $10; kids 10 and under are free

Kenya Now Walkathon
August 22, 9 am
Kenya Now and Ledgewood Baptist Church are partnering to host a 5K Walkathon to raise vital funds for our partner orphanage in Kenya. Every step you take helps provide shelter, education, nutrition, and a brighter future for children who need it most. Whether you’re walking solo, with family, or rallying a team, your presence matters.
1 Gov Chris Chrstie Drive Parsippany NJ
Cost: $35

Wharton Canal Day Festival
August 22, 10 am – 5 pm
A blend of old-fashioned fun with modern touches. Includes 3 live bands, canoe rides, boat tours, food trucks, beer garden,kids’ activities, and more.
West Central Ave, Wharton, NJ
Cost:Free

Viking Invasion at the Shoppes at Dragon Village
August 22, 10 am – 10 pm
The call has gone forth across the realm! The Tournament of Honor shall be held, where every warrior has the chance to prove their strength, skill, and courage to earn their rightful rank among the clan. Those bold enough may undertake The King’s Challenge—a trial worthy of the halls of the gods. Conquer each feat set before you, and you shall be awarded a Certificate of Completion, a mark that your deeds have brought honor to your name.
Among the trials awaiting are:
Tug-O-Thor – Grip the rope and call upon the might of Thor himself in our legendary tug-of-war.
Archery Trials – Loose your arrows with the precision of the finest Norse hunters.
Shield Wall Training & Demonstrations – Stand shoulder to shoulder with your shield siblings and learn the tactics that carried Viking warriors to glory.
Fight a Viking – Test your mettle against one of our seasoned warriors. Whether you stand victorious or fall with honor, your courage shall be remembered.
Sharpen your axe, string your bow, and steel your resolve. The gods favor the brave, and glory awaits those willing to seize it. Will your name be sung in the sagas?
97 Trench Rd, Bridgeton, NJ
Cost: $10, kids 10 and under are free

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
August 22, 11 am – 5 pm
Come on down to Westfield for the Annual Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show and enjoy a day of family fun with original and interesting Arts & Crafts, Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Food, Games, Family Fun, live music, DJ, performances and more!
South Ave and Boulevard, Westfield, NJ
Cost: Free

A Day to Create
August 22, 12 pm – 3 pm
Join Artfront Galleries for Day to Create, a free, community-wide art-making event all over Downtown Newark! On Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 12–3 PM, hit up four cool spots and make art with local artists. Whether you’re into painting, mosaics, designing tote bags, or crafting keychains, there’s a workshop for you!
Downtown Newark, NJ – Multiple Locations
Cost: Free

Pupstock
August 22, 12 pm – 5 pm
Pupstock is a dog event like no other! Designed with a focus on what dogs love — dog activity zones, dog adoptions, food trucks, live music, vendors & yappy hour all day in the Beer Garden. A fun-filled day to spend with your best fur-friends and family – while benefiting BARKS & O.S.C.A.R. Animal Rescue!
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $20 adults, $5 kids

FesTomato!
August 22, 12 pm – 6 pm
FesTomato! is an annual event hosted by NOFA NJ to highlight and promote NJ’s favorite summer vegetable (or fruit?) and the amazing farms and farmers that grow them. Free and open to the public, FesTomato! events are fun for the whole family, with tomato tastings, farm tours, culinary demonstrations, live music, local vendors, and more.
Walking Bird Farm, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ
Cost: Free

Knowlton Twp. Fire and Rescue Company Food Truck Festival
August 22, 12 pm – 7 pm
This will be a day full of fun and music, a super 50/50 raffle, beer and wine from Brookhollow Winery, kids activities, and FOOD TRUCKS! Free admission, so bring your family, your friends, and your pets.
Knowlton Twp. Fire and Rescue Company #1 – Station 41, 4 Roy Ace St, Columbia, NJ
Cost: Free

Food Tour and History Walk of Montclair
August 22, 1 pm – 4 pm
On August 22, Chow Town Food Tours co-hosts with friends from the Montclair History Center, whose expert insights will make this a tour to remember for both locals and visitors. This guided exploration of Bloomfield Avenue — a regional foodie destination — will lead guests on a leisurely walk from the base of the hill up to Church Street, stopping for Brazilian comfort food, humongous cookies, and more. Join the tour and meet the chefs and business owners that make this one of the most exciting restaurant scenes in the state.
Crane Park, 4 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $95

Women’s Equality Day Festival
August 22, 1 pm – 5 pm
The Alice Paul Center’s annual Women’s Equality Day Festival will be held at historic Paulsdale, childhood home of suffragist Alice Paul. This free public event welcomes over 500 visitors annually and features 50+ women-owned businesses and organizations from across NJ and PA. This year’s event will feature free tours of Paulsdale, kids’ activities (including a bounce house and craft-making), a beer garden, local food trucks, live music, and 50/50 raffle opportunities.
128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
Cost: Free

Jersey City Pride Festival
August 22, 1 pm – 9 pm
This year’s official theme is “Show Your True Colors—Now More Than Ever,” focusing on community visibility and unapologetic self-expression. The pedestrian-only zone ensures a safe, walkable environment with a dedicated family zone and activities suitable for all ages. The single-day event anchors Jersey City Pride Month with several key highlights. The day kicks off with a celebratory walk down the pedestrian plaza, bringing together local families, friends, and regional allies.The event features live musical acts, dancers, and drag performers across stages near the Grove Street PATH Plaza and Jersey Avenue.
Grove Street PATH Plaza and Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free

Mount Olive Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
August 22, 4 pm – 10 pm
Food Trucks & Fireworks is the ultimate end-of-summer celebration and a dream come true for food lovers. Enjoy 18+ food trucks, local vendors, live music, beer, and inflatables for the kids—all capped off with a spectacular fireworks show. From savory to sweet and family fun to evening vibes, there is truly something for everyone. Arrive hungry and plan to stay awhile. Don’t forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs for relaxing and fireworks viewing.
Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake, NJ
Cost: $10, $5 Ages 13–17, Ages 12 and under F

Lambertville Sunflower Festival
August 22 & 23
Join the vibrant Lambertville Sunflower Festival at Bellemont Farm a joyful late-summer celebration set among acres of blooming sunflowers, featuring food trucks, a beer garden, live music, craft activities, a dedicated children’s play area, and the opportunity to cut your own flower stems and book professional portraits. On weekends (and Labor Day), it runs from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and during weekdays the fields are open for self-guided visits from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. without the vendors. Tickets vary by day and age, with advance weekend pricing for adults and children, and lower weekday admission when only the sunflower fields and lawn activities are available.
22 Valley Road, Lambertville, NJ
Cost: $7 – $25

Montclair Flea
August 22 & 23, 11 am – 6 pm
With curated vendors, food trucks to keep you fueled, and everything from art to vintage finds, the Montclair Flea is a fun-filled day for the whole fam—rain or shine!
1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair NJ
Cost: Free

Fields of Bloom Festival at Tranquillity Farms
August 22 & 23, 10 am – 4 pm
Venture to Tranquillity Farm for a weekend filled with family-friendly fun! From the cow train to the bounce pillow, live music, and the chance to cut your own sunflowers, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy homemade ice cream, seasonal craft beer, and delicious bites from food trucks – it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss!
47 Decker Pond Rd, Andover, NJ
Cost: Free

New Jersey African Restaurant Week Festival
August 22 & 23
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
Newark, NJ

Luau Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery
August 22 & 23, 11 am – 9 pm 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 $15. Tickets at gate $20. Everyone UNDER 21 is FREE

Craft Show & Antique & Gift Corner in the Park
August 23, 10 am – 5 pm, Rain or Shine
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit 125 exhibitors featuring arts and crafts, including an antique and gift corner. The art and craft section will showcase booths presenting pottery, floral arrangements, fall home decor, hand-crafted jewelry, apparel, fiber goods, woodworking pieces, stained glass items, garden décor, train station prints, artwork, photography, whimsical chain saw animals, as well as specialized items for pets and children, crochet animals and mixed media creations. Also candles, soaps, dried herb mixes, olive oils, carpet bags, vintage inspired dresses, dried floral décor, 3 D-art, baked goods and so much more. At the antique corner treasures can be found at the booths filled with antique & costume jewelry, pottery, prints, linens, silver, coins, elegant glass, porcelain, ephemera, vintage toys, and more. For antique or collectible appraisals, consult appraiser Jon Felz, a respected expert in the field. The cost is $5.00 per item. The gift corner features handbags, Italian woman’s clothing, jewelry, home décor, children’s items, denim jackets and more. For the foodie’s, festival foods, Italian ice, homemade pretzels, pickles & desserts will be available. You do not want to miss this fun shopping event at this picturesque park.
Veterans Memorial Park, Broadway & 3rd Ave., Westwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Somerville Artisan Market
August 23, 12 pm – 6 pm
Division Street will be lined with 40+ handmade artisan tents, live music, and entertainment. This family- and dog-friendly event is free to attend. Shop Local, Dine Local, and support Local Artists and more brought to you by Marketspace Vendor Events and the Downtown Somerville Alliance.
19 Division St, Somerville, NJ
Cost: Free

Hub City Sounds –Janmashtami Festival
August 23, 1 pm – 6 pm
A theatrical and cultural journey through India. Enjoy traditional dances and delicious North and South Indian Cuisine.
Elmer B. Boyd Park, 18 North, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free