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NJIB’s Guide to 30+ New Jersey Events September 13 – 15, 2024

As the temperature starts to cool down, events are heating up! (September is the busiest month for events in our opinion!) Here’s your guide to New Jersey events this week from now until September 15th, 2024. Whether you’re into street fairs, food truck festivals, or free events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. PLUS you can find NJIB at the Matawan Farmers Market on Friday the 13th.

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

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Featured Event:

New Jersey Events September - Dino Days Train Ride - Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Dino Days Train Ride
September 14 & 15

Travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs with the Dino Days Train Ride, a family-friendly adventure packed with prehistoric fun! On September 14th and 15th, join the Delaware River Railroad Excursions for an exciting ride to the Susquehanna Mining Company, where you’ll be transported to a world of dinosaurs, fossils, and thrilling activities. This unique event features the Dino Days Train Ride, offering multiple departures at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Upon arrival at the Susquehanna Mining Company, guests can enjoy a variety of dinosaur-themed attractions, including the Dinosaur Show, presented by paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka. This entertaining and educational show includes real fossils, music, and magic that will captivate children and adults.
38 Market St, Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $22 for adults and $18 for children


Riverdale Carnival
September 11 – 15

Enjoy family-friendly fun with thrilling rides, games, and delicious carnival food at the Riverdale Armory. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for purchase, and the event uses the Magic Money app for ticketing.
Riverdale Armory, Riverdale, NJ
Cost: $40 pre-sale wristbands, $45 on-site

2024 Season Opening at Hill Creek Farms
September 13, 8 am to 5 pm
Hill Creek Farms kicks off the 2024 U-Pick season on September 13th with a lively, festival-style weekend featuring U-Pick fruits, vegetables, herbs, and sunflowers. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine from Haddon Culinary, relax in the wine garden by Auburn Road Winery, and take part in live music and kids’ activities. U-Pick farming is open every Friday through Sunday throughout the season, with a $20 per vehicle admission fee on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes a hayride and a picking bag. On Fridays, there is no admission fee, and visitors simply pay for what they pick. Admission fees only apply to U-Pick activities on weekends; access to the Market, Bakery, Wine Garden, and Loft is always free.
1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill, NJ
Cost: $0 – $20

Smithville Car Cruise
September 13, 5 pm – 7 pm

Stop by The Village Greene at Historic Smithville from 5-7 pm to see some spectacular vehicles on display, or show off one of your own! The Car Cruises is a perfect hang-out for all car enthusiasts to see, show, and talk cars. Historic Smithville also offers 50 Shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, on site lodging at the Colonial Inn.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ

Boots at the Beach
September 13 & 14
Southern New Jersey’s largest country festival features Country bands, DJs, line dancing, food, and Country themed vendors. All in a great outdoor setting by the seaside in beautiful North Wildwood. A good Olde Time for the entire family. The event includes an open-air concert and vendors for people to choose from. The event is held on Olde New Jersey Avenue in the Entertainment District that allows many options for guests in the areas of beverages, food, and many other entertainment options.
Olde New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Central Jersey Jazz Festival
September 13 – 15

This three-day jazz festival features performances at outdoor venues in Somerville and Flemington, NJ. Enjoy live music from top jazz artists like James Popik, Akiko Tsuruga, and Alvester Garnett. The event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine.
Division Street, Downtown Somerville & Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ
Cost: Free

Oktoberfest at MudHen Brewing
September 13 – 15
This family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features German-inspired food and live music, as well as activities for the kids.
MudHen Brewing Company, 127 W. Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend

Oktoberfest ”Bier on the Pier”
September 13 – 15
Features special German-themed menus, an outdoor “biergarten,” live entertainment, a kids “Rootbier Garten” activity area and much more.
Mariner’s Pier, Schellenger Avenue and the boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free to Attend, Discounts for rides, foods and drink available online

The First Annual Meadowlands Tattoo Arts Festival
September 13 – 15 (Friday Sept. 13th 2pm-11pm; Saturday Sept.14th 11am-11pm; Sunday Sept. 15th 11am-8pm)

For the first time ever at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, the First Annual Meadowlands Tattoo Arts Festival is here! This event is for everyone (and admission is free for children under 12.) Come to the original and best tattoo festival and browse hundreds of artists from across the U.S. and around the world, representing all different tattooing styles and specialties. Some artists might even be household names already, such as Anwon Boneface Johnson (Ink Master seasons 8, 9, & Grudge Match), Trocon Talhouk (VH1), and Charles Whitfield (VH1.) There is also entertainment going on all weekend, including Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm, burlesque sideshow acts, and even sword swallowing! Attendees can also shop the many vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to oddities and more.
Meadowlands Exposition Center 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ
Cost: $25 for a 1-day pass, $50 for a 3-day pass. Children under 12 are free.

Sea Isle City Fall Family Festival
September 14, 9 am – 4 pm

Sea Isle City’s Division of Tourism is hosting a day of fun and activities along the oceanfront Promenade. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can explore the Seaside Vendor Craft Market and enjoy delicious options at the Food Court. Free inflatable attractions will be available in Excursion Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other activities include face painting, a photo booth, and live music by the Brass Pocket Band, all from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can also participate in art activities like the Art Bar and sand art (with a fee), as well as enjoy balloon art during the same time frame.
JFK Blvd. & Promenade 31 John F Kennedy Blvd Sea Isle City, NJ

Cape May Harvest Brew Fest
September 14, 10 am – 5 pm

Enjoy craft beers and celebrate South Jersey during this all-day festival that celebrates all things local! Enjoy local food vendors, local artisans, local craft beers and local musical talent.
Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free to attend

Bark in the Park
September 14, 10 am – 5 pm

Dogs and their families are invited to the 4th Annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds, 3210 NJ-50, Mays Landing, N.J. This dog-friendly fundraiser is held by Absecon Veterinary Hospital to benefit its non-profit charity, Laddie’s Legacy, which provides financial assistance for families who cannot afford lifesaving care for their pets. Bark in the Park will feature local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden with craft beer from Dr. Brewlittles Beer Company, and a ton of dog friendly games and activities.
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 New Jersey 50, Mays Landing, NJ
Cost: $7, kids 12 and under are free.

Smithville Art Walk
September 14, 10 am – 5 pm

Stop by the Village to see over 40 local artists display their work across the Greene. Sponsored by Underground, one of the 60 Shoppes at Historic Smithville.Historic Smithville also has 50 Shoppes, 7 eateries, a carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, on site lodging at the Colonial Inn, and over 26 free weekend events! Rain date is the 19th.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free

Get Your Tractor On! Tapas, Taps & Tractors Event
September 14, 11 am – 4 pm

Friends Village invites everyone to their Tapas, Taps & Tractors event on Saturday, September 14, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event promises something for everyone, including, A Tractor Show, Complimentary Food, Beer & Wine Samplings featuring Farmers & Bankers Brewery and Wagonhouse Winery, Live Music, Pick Your Own Sunflowers in the Sunflower Field, and more. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is open to the greater Woodstown community and will be held rain or shine.
One Friends Drive, Woodstown, NJ
Cost: Free

Randolph Township 17th Annual Country Fair
September 14, 11 am – 5 pm
The Randolph Township 17th Annual Country Fair will take place on September 14 from 11 AM to 5 PM. This family-friendly event features a variety of vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, inflatables, a tricky tray, pumpkin painting, games, and a strolling magician to entertain guests of all ages. The day will be filled with live music, starting at 11:30 AM with Owls & Lions, followed by the Level Up Cover Band at 1:30 PM. The event will close with a performance by Taylor Made, a Taylor Swift tribute band, at 3:30 PM.
Veterans Community Park, 100 Calais Rd, Randolph, NJ

Elmwood Park’s Community Day with Fireworks
September 14, 11 am – 7 pm
This event is sponsored by the Elmwood Park Recreation Department and will be held along Market Street from 11AM-6PM rain or shine. The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately 7 PM. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event and will be transformed into a giant block party. If you like shopping outdoors then this is the place to be. Quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides & games, great festival foods & food trucks, and so much more. Local organizations are welcome to join this community event.
500 Mola Boulevard, Elmwood Park, NJ
Cost: Free Admission

Phillipsburg Railroad Festival
September 14, 11 am – 5 pm

CELEBRATING 172 YEARS OF RAIL; The Phillipsburg, N.J. Railroad Festival is excited to announce the return of the third annual Phillipsburg Railroad Festival on September 14th, 11-5. Railroads are the theme and this year it is going to be bigger than ever.
353 South Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ

Wind & Sea Festival
September 14, 11 am – 5 pm

Join this celebration of all things water at Port Monmouth’s Bayshore Waterfront Park. Visitors can enjoy tons of beach- and water-themed seaside activities.
Activities include Kayaking, Shelling, Fishing/Crabbing, Sand Casting, Sailing, Children’s Crafts, sand castle building, food and more.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, NJ
Cost: Free

Haddon Township Fall Festival and Jam Fest
September 14, 12 pm – 10 pm

A Fall Festival taking place in two locations in Haddon Twp that includes a street fair from 12 pm – 6 pm and a Jam Fest from 12 pm – 10pm! Live Music & dance, rides, Obstacle Courses, Kids Entertainment and games, Food Trucks, Health & Wellness activities, arts and crafts, Artisans & Crafters, school and municipal organizations….and Back by Popular Demand – a car show! There will be special appearances by Cinderella, Elmo, Spiderman, Captain America & Elsa. Back by popular demand— Apple Pie Baking Contest and Wing Eating Contest.
Street Fair: Crystal Lake Pool (W. Park Blvd. & Crystal Lake Ave) to West Park Blvd, Haddon Twp, NJ
Jame Fest: Crystal Lake Pool Complex, W. Park Blvd. & Crystal Lake Ave, NJ
Cost: Free to attend

Burlington Hops and Rocks Beer/Music Festival and 5K
September 14, 12 pm – 5 pm

The 5th annual Burlington Hops & Rocks Beer Festival & 5K will be held on Saturday September 14, 2024 on the Promenade overlooking the Delaware River and Burlington Island. Brought to you by Jaskol Agency, Third State Brewing and the Burlington Running Club, this event draws over 500 attendees for an afternoon of music, food, fresh air, fun and BEER. VIP gets an additional hour with a 12:00 entry to the festival. Tastings from 20+ great New Jersey breweries. Pre-festival 5K hosted by Burlington Running Club. If you are interested in running the 5K before the festival, please go to the Run Signup site for race information, registration and combination festival tickets. https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Burlington/BRCRunsThirdStateHops5K
Burlington Riverfront Promenade High St. at Pearl Blvd., Burlington, NJ
Cost: $50 – $75

Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival
September 14, 12 pm – 10 pm

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival returns to the Morristown Green on Saturday, September 14 with a fantastic lineup. The music starts at noon and runs until 10:00 PM and it is absolutely free. Thanks to Mayor Tim Dougherty and the Town of Morristown, music fans of all ages will enjoy great music on The Morristown Green. Parking is available in the many public lots and the train station is just a couple of blocks away.
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ
Cost: Free

Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival
September 14, 1 pm – 8 pm

Riverview Jazz has partnered with Exchange Place Alliance to present a one-day celebration at Exchange Place Plaza, where Montgomery Street meets the Hudson River. This one-day Festival will feature two stages, food trucks, Salsa dance lessons, children’s programming, and much more. Headlining the event will be legendary trombonist Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters. Other performers include one of NYC’s most in-demand bassists, John Benitez; a Latin music showcase from Jersey City’s award-winning record label Circle 9, Cuban singing sensation Chino Pons, Grammy-nominated Cuban vocalist and pianist Ariacne, a performance from WBGO’s Kid Concert Series, the United Children’s Music Project Latin Ensemble, and more.
Exchange Place Plaza, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival
September 14, 2 pm – 10 pm

A South Jersey Tradition. The St. Anthony’s Italian Festival offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Italian food specialties. At 1:45 pm, a procession will make its way from the St. Anthony’s Mutual Aid Society on North Poplar Street to Rowan Boulevard. It will feature the St. Anthony’s statue, decorated with flowers and carried by club members with the traditional Italian musical accompaniment band. The Glassboro High School Italian Club will join in the procession in traditional garb and perform live along with the Glassboro High School Band. This is a free family fun event featuring carnival games, live entertainment, a picnic area, amazing food trucks, beer garden and of course Italian food is all apart of the day! There will be plenty of free parking at the event with signage and parking attendants to direct attendees. This is a rain or shine event.
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free

Ocean City Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
September 14, 8pm – 10pm

Features highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax demonstrators exiting the aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s Beach & Boardwalk. Brilliant white or multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics are then ignited and flown in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground. 8 p.m. jump with a landing on the 7th St Beach.
7th St Beach. Viewable along the entire Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ

Downbeach Seafood Festival
September 14, 11 am – 7 pm & 15, 11 am – 6 pm

South Jersey Gas Presents The Downbeach Seafood Festival two days of tasty fun for the entire family. The Downbeach Seafood festival will allow attendees to experience this seaside community as a culinary destination. It is also an excellent opportunity for foodies and food seekers to meet some of Atlantic County’s most unique chefs and restaurateurs, all while eating their tasty creations. From clams to calamari, oysters to ahi, and even alligator, too, you might even eat out of a pineapple.
Ski Beach, North Dorset Avenue & Burk Ave Ventnor City, NJ
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door

NJ Sheep and Fiber Festival
September 14 & 15, 9 am – 5 pm Sat. and 9 am – 4 pm Sun

The New Jersey Sheep and Fiber Festival, held annually at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds in Lambertville, NJ, celebrates fiber arts and sheep farming. The event features sheep shearing demonstrations, fiber workshops, and opportunities to meet farmers and see animals like sheep, alpacas, and goats. With vendors selling hand-dyed yarns and handmade fiber products, the family-friendly festival attracts fiber artists and craft enthusiasts, offering a chance to explore local agricultural traditions and support artisans.
Hunterdon County 4-H Fairgrounds (South County Park) in Ringoes, NJ
Cost: $10/Person or $15/Carload – $20/2 Day Car Pass

Rock2Adopt
September 14 & 15, 9:45 am – 9 pm September 14th and 9:45 am – 7 pm September 15th

Rock 2 Adopt is a fun filled weekend in September offering a family friendly event where people meet pets. The event donates all proceeds towards the care of the pets in the Associated Humane Society on site.
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way Forked River NJ
Cost: A wristband donation is $20 for Adults, $10 for kids 10 and younger. A family 4 pack (2 adults and 2 kids is $40) Kids 2 and under are free with a paying adult.

Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade and Boricua Music Festival
September 15

The Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. celebrates Puerto Rican heritage in Newark, NJ, with a parade on the third Sunday of September each year. The organization also engages in community outreach, supporting initiatives like food pantries and health fairs. This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the Puerto Rican Day Parade and the 10th anniversary of its revival.
Bloomfield Ave to 1st Ave, Newark, NJ

Fall Harvest Festival at the Riverview Farmers Market
September 15, 10 am – 2 pm

Join for the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Riverview Park! Free live music, fall-themed family activities, and 50+ vendors look forward to welcoming Fall to Jersey City.
498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Fannywood Day Street Fair
September 15, 10 am to  5 pm

Hosted by the Borough of Fanwood NJ & the Fanny Wood Day Committee, Fanny Wood Day is much more than just a street fair. Fun games & activities…from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Located at the south side train station parking lot on South Ave in the Kids Zone. Free activities, Corn hole games, Soccer goal kicks- Obstacle courses, scavenger hunt, pizza eating, ice cream eating, bubble blowing, water balloon toss, and more! Professional Wrestling…by Wrestling Pro. Matched staged at the Main Stage Area from 1 pm-2:30 pm. Delicious food, live music, shopping and more. Customer parking is available at the train station on the north side. Use this address to find that station: 234 North Ave., Fanwood, NJ.
200 South Ave, Fanwood NJ
Cost: Free Admission

Wellness Fest: Awakening
September 15, 10 am – 6 pm

Enjoy a day of community and collaboration while connecting with your senses through sound, movement, and creative expression. Learn something new or deepen your knowledge through our curated workshops featuring yoga, art, breath work, mindfulness, herbalism, wellness and more.
200 Creek Road, Unit C, Mount Laurel, NJ
Cost: $10-85 (tiered tickets)

Arts & Cars: Downtown Art Festival & Classic Car Show
September 15, 10 am – 4 pm

The Summit Downtown Art Festival is an outdoor, juried art show and showcases a diverse range of artistic talents, featuring local artists and artisans presenting their creations in various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and purchase unique and original items. The Art Festival, organized by the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will be located on Springfield Avenue between Beechwood Road and Summit Avenue.
Springfield Avenue between Beechwood Road and Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ
Cost: Free

Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair
September 15, 11 am – 5 pm

The fair promises an abundance of unique shopping and dining experiences for all. Two hundred exhibitors from three states will be highlighting arts, crafts, and photography along with a large food court set up in front of the park featuring delicious festival foods. To keep the kiddies happy an area with numerous inflatables and kids related activities will be available in the park and on Walnut Street. Music will be playing all day by the park entrance. Produce Pete will be appearing at the fair for a book signing of his newest book. The show is hosted by Ridgewood Parks & Recreation and organized by P.J.’s Promotions. There is free admission and will be held rain for shine.
Downtown East Ridgewood, Ave 211 East Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ
Cost: Free

Linden Latin Festival
September 15, 12 pm – 7 pm

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, Uptown Linden Inc. and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to host 2024 Latin Festival. The Linden Latin Festival on September 15, 2024, is a community celebration held in Linden, NJ, featuring Latin music, dance, food, and cultural activities. The event brings together the local community to enjoy live entertainment, traditional Latin American cuisine, and fun for the whole family. It celebrates Latin heritage and offers an opportunity to experience vibrant cultural performances and festivities.
North Wood Avenue, between East Elm Street and Elizabeth Avenue, Linden, NJ
Cost: Free

Red Bank Hispanic Heritage Celebration
September 15, 3 pm – 7 pm
The Red Bank Hispanic Heritage Celebration is set for Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank, NJ. Running from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, this lively event will feature live music, food, vendors, speakers, and more to honor Hispanic culture and heritage. In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved indoors to the Red Bank Middle School​
Riverside Gardens, Red Bank, NJ

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