NJIB’s Guide to 40+ New Jersey Free July Events 2024

Looking for free events to enjoy in New Jersey this July? From vibrant festivals to educational workshops, the Garden State has many exciting activities for all ages and interests. Explore local art exhibitions, join community clean-up initiatives, or attend outdoor concerts—all without spending a dime. Whether you’re a New Jersey resident or just visiting, July is the perfect time to experience the diverse and lively events that the state has to offer, without breaking the bank.

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

New Jersey Free Events July 2024:

Celebrate our Stars & Stripes – Concert & Fireworks
July 3, 5 pm – 10 pm (The rain date is July 5th)
This celebration features a 25-minute fireworks program over the Raritan Bay. The launch will have over 3,000 shells and effects, including glittering, strobe, and whistling, with various colors synchronized to a patriotic musical compilation produced by Garden State Fireworks. The best views to enjoy the Celebrate Stars & Stripes Fireworks Spectacular Show will be from Sadowski Parkway in Perth Amboy, the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy, The celebration will also feature food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and live music at 3 PM on Sadowski Parkway in Perth Amboy and at the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy.
Perth Amboy Waterfront, Sadowski Parkway & High Street, Perth Amboy, NJ
South Amboy fireworks viewed at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, Keenen Way, South Amboy,NJ

Reading of Declaration of Independence
July 4, 9 am
To celebrate America’s 248th birthday, citizens from Allentown and Upper Freehold Township will publicly read the Declaration of Independence once again this July 4th. All are welcome to witness the event at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Pete Sensi Park, Main Street in Allentown. The program is free; refreshments will be served.
Pete Sensi Park, Main Street in Allentown, NJ

The 4th of July Parade
July 4, 9 am
Come out and celebrate our Nations’ birth! Historic Smithville has the largest Fourth of July parade in all of New Jersey. The parade will start at 9 a.m. with an expected 10,000 people to line the parade route.
Historic Smithville, Galloway, NJ

Movern Garden’s July 4th Jubilee
July 4, 12 pm – 3 pm
Every year, Morven is the host of a free, family-friendly celebration of Independence Day! Stop by the beautiful gardens in the early-to-mid-afternoon for patriotic activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and so much more.
Morven Museum & Garden — 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ

Oceanfest
July 4, 1 pm – 10 pm
This all day fun family event, with crowds in the hundreds of thousand, have turned out for the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season.
At Oceanfest, visitors can stroll the famous beachfront, take in the wonderful views, enjoy performances by dancers, musicians, clowns and musical acts, sample from a smorgasbord of food vendors, and check out the wares of crafters from all over the northeast. You can even see a fabulous sand sculpture, meet a familiar costumed character, and catch some cool ocean breezes.– and caps it all off with the most spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
The Oceanfront Promenade, 228 Broadway Long Branch, NJ

July 4th Freedom Festival
July 4, 5 pm – 10 pm
This year’s Camden County Waterfront Freedom Festival will feature entertainment by the Tri-County Symphonic Band, Tara Hendricks, and The UB40. Enjoy food, beer, music, and concludes with a spectacular, world-class fireworks display over the Delaware River.
Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ

Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point
July 4, 12, 19 & 26, 7 pm – 10 pm
Voted #1 free outdoor concert series in America 2023 by USA Today! Free concerts on the Beach in Somers Point every Friday night from 7-10pm from June 14th-Sept. 6th. From classic rock n’ roll to Americana, to roots rock, country rock, blues, Reggae, jam, and soul!Bring your beach chairs and dance the night away under the stars on the beach. Special July 4th concert John Cafferty & Beaver Brown Band, the original soundtrack artists of “Eddie &The Cruisers”, a cult classic filmed in ‘83 in Somers Point at Tony Marts.
William Morrow Beach , Municipal Beach Park, Somers Point, NJ

Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles July Show
July 5 – 7
The Sports Cards, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show held July 5-7, 2024 will feature over 200 tables of the hottest collectibles on the planet! Featuring: sports cards, non-sports cards, old & new toys, comic books, Pokemon sets, supplies, unopened packs and boxes, Funko Pops, non-sports cards, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, jerseys, books, posters, coins, t-shirts, legos, antiques & so much more! If you’re looking for it, it’s probably HERE! Fri: 3-8 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE admission! There’s something for everyone! For more information call 732.690.2476 or visit RKSportsPromotions.com for a detailed schedule of events.
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ

Galloway Green Market
July 5, 11, 18 & 25, 4 pm – 7 pm
Stop by The Village Greene to get your veggies, produce, seafood, and all things locally grown! The Galloway Green Farmers market started in 2017 by Go Green Galloway and has been bringing locally grown goods to our community ever since.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ

Somerville Cruise Nights
July 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6 pm – 9 pm
Cruise Nights are Back in Downtown Somerville! Come out and enjoy the classic cars that line Main Street every Friday (weather permitting) from 6:00 – 9:00PM. Own a classic car? Come be a part of a downtown tradition thats over 30 years in the making!
W Main St, Somerville, NJ

Craft Day by the Bay
July 6, 10 am – 4 pm (Rain or Shine!)
This event features 70+ vendors with something for everyone.
Sunset Park, 3 W. Salem Ave, Harvey Cedars, NJ

Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest
July 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am – 3 pm. (Rain Dates: Sundays)
Kickoff the Blueberry Harvest Season in the Birthplace of the Blueberry for the 40th Annual Blueberry Festival. Support this wonderful volunteer led effort to raise awareness and funds for the restoration and preservation of this National Register Historic Village and to promote blueberry and cranberry farms in South Jersey. The Whitesbog Blueberry Festival is an old-fashioned country fair set in the Pine Barrens historic village with museums, historic homes, a General Store, tractor-pulled wagon rides to the blueberry field to pick heirloom berries, local handmade craft vendors, local folk music, with berries for sale from a local blueberry farm. This event helps support Whitesbog Historic Village and many local businesses, artists, farms, chefs and proceeds benefit community programs and preservation of the historic village, farm fields, trails and Elizabeth White Gardens, open to the public for free year-round. Estimated 200 – 400 each week.
Historic Whitesbog Village, 120 N. Whitesbog Rd, Browns Mills, NJ

Makers Alley Spring/Summer 2024 Exhibition
July 6 & 7, 11 am – 6 pm
Makers Alley Announces its Makers Alley Spring/Summer Artist & Artisan Exhibition 2024 at the Lambertville Hall in Lambertville, N.J. June 15-July 7. Presenting over 100 works of art by Delaware River Valley painters, sculptors, wood workers, photographers, ceramic and fiber artists
Lambertville Hall, 57 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ

Kites in the Heights
July 9, 5 pm – 9 pm
Free, kite flying with huge, entertaining kites for the kids. Bring the whole family. Bring your own kite to join in the flying.
Carteret Ave. beach (north of Casino Pier), Seaside Heights, NJ

Anglesea Night Market & Food Truck Night
July 11 & 18, 5 pm – 10 pm
Treat yourself to some of the best food from the region 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on select Thursdays this summer. The Anglesea Night Market and Food Truck Fest will feature award-winning food trucks, gourmet food vendors, and everything North Wildwood has to offer.
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ

Glassboro Summer Fest
July 11, 18 & 25, 5 pm – 9 pm
Join the annual Summer Fest, happening every Thursday in June and July from 5:00-9:00pm in the Glassboro Town Square. Enjoy live entertainment with a variety of bands and activities, as well as food trucks and local craft beer and wine!
Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro, NJ

Downtown Thursdays
July 11, 18 & 25, 5 pm – 8 pm
This summer, immerse yourself in the best of West Orange at Downtown Thursdays – it’s a block party every Thursday! Enjoy free-to-attend evenings filled with live music, fun, and outdoor dining every Thursday starting June 27 through August 15 (excluding July 4) from 5-8; with the August 15 events starting at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA).
66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ

12th Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
July 12, 9 am -2 pm
One of the East Coast’s premier amateur sand sculpting contests. FREE event for participatants and spectators. Event hosted by professional sand sculptor Matt Long, a former cast member of the the Travel Channel’s Sandmasters. Live music, beach games, family entertainment also included
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest, NJ

New Jersey State Barbecue Championship™ and the Angelsea Blues Festival
July 12 – 14
The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ is a three-day open-air festival featuring championship barbecue competitions; live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. The Anglesea Blues Festival℠ features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠. Throughout the weekend, free live entertainment is featured on our outdoor main stage, as well as additional acts in neighboring establishments.
201 New Jersey Ave, N Wildwood, NJ

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks
July 12, 19 & 26, 10 pm
The fireworks will be launched from the beach on Pine Avenue and visible from anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk!
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Pine Ave, Wildwood, NJ

South Jersey Caribbean Festival
July 13, 2 pm – 8 pm
Experience the crafts, sounds & flavors of the region’s Caribbean community. Enjoy a day of steel drum music, jerk chicken, and fun on the Camden Waterfront.
Camden Waterfront Stadium, 401 North Delaware Avenue, Camden, NJ

Summer Music and More: El Noordzo
July 13, 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the fun for Free Summer Music and More, an evening filled with free live music and art activities for all ages. Headlining performer El Noordzo, will perform their instrumental, psychedelic, Afro-Cuban surf-jazz interpretations of classic rock, punk and alternative songs. They will be joined by Dan Kassel, a versatile cellist who performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from classical to electronica, jazz and rock. Plus, join hands-on art activities with two different projects geared for all ages and abilities. Feel free to bring a chair and some refreshments and enjoy. Rain date July 14th.
510 Nassau Park Blvd, West Windsor, NJ

Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
July 13 & 14
This event features more than 200 artists showcasing the best of best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond. 200 artists showcasing the best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond. This two-day outdoor festival will be held along Kings Highway between Washington Avenue and Haddon Avenue and along Tanner Street to Euclid Avenue and on Kings Court. As always, a curated selection of artists and crafters will exhibit a wide range of work, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber, paper, drawings, paintings, photography, and wearable art. What is usually a busy main artery through the center of town is transformed into a festive corridor, alive with a panorama of artists’ tents, outdoor cafés, and more.
Downtown Haddonfield, NJ

Puerto Rican Parade and Festival
July 13 & 14, 2 pm – 9 pm
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of Puerto Rican pride and celebration on July 13th and 14th, from 2:00pm to 9:00pm! The 5th Annual Puerto Rican Parade & Two-Day Festival includes local organizations, floats, marching bands, horses, educators, honorees, marshals, dignitaries, and dance groups. In addition to the parade, we provide a free of charge festival with live music featuring well known Latino Headliners, local cover bands, rides, games, food trucks and youth activities attracting 10,000 plus attendees.
Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park, Front St & Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ

Fanwood Summer Fan Jam
July 14, 11 am – 7 pm
This family festival features Live Bands, Food Trucks with specialty foods for all tastes, a Kid Zone with rides and activities, and a Classic Car Show.Performers include: Back 2 Mac (Fleetwood Mac Tribute), Christina And The Gents (Rock, Pop & Metal Hits), The Funktion Band, and Higher Ground
LaGrande Park Pavillion, Fanwood, NJ

The Somer(Ville) Market
July 14, 12 pm – 6 pm
This street fair features more than 50 vendors set up on Main Street open from noon- 6 p.m. selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to clothing and gifts.
Main St, Somerville, NJ

Annual Sandcastle Contest
July 17, 8 am
The Annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest at Belmar’s 18th Avenue Beach from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.  The competition is free and open to participants of all ages.
Belmar, NJ

Cutler Street Summer Fair
July 20, 12 pm – 6 pm
Join the Cutler Street Street Fair, a non-profit event dedicated to fostering a stronger community. With four exciting sections, including a Job Fair, Family Zone, Wellness + Health Zone, and Block Party, there’s something for everyone. Network with companies at the Job Fair, while the Family Zone offers fun activities for kids. Learn about health and wellness in the Wellness + Health Zone. End the day with delicious food and drinks, and enjoy live music and performances. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a great time and contribute to building a better community!
Franklin Elementary School, 42 Park Avenue Newark Newark, NJ

Orange Food Truck and Jazz Festival
July 20, 12 pm – 9 pm
You are all invited to the City of Orange NJ Food Truck and Jazz Festival for some delicious food truck and a great live jazz music experience! Community tables all day long. This is the perfect event for families, friends, foodies and music lovers alike — a great opportunity to bring the whole family for a fun day out in the park.
Monte Irvin Orange Park, Center St and Harrison St, Orange, NJ

Bell Works Fresh Saturday Night Market
July 20,  1 pm – 6 pm
A monthly night market season runs on Saturdays from March until November and features around 50 local artists, makers, live music, & drinks. Located in Holmdel, NJ, Bell Works is a 2 million square foot metroburb featuring 5 floors of offices, a full restaurant and retail experience, and a rooftop bar
101 Crawford’s Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ

Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival
July 20, 6 pm
Come celebrate the Christmas season in the summertime with this family-oriented festival along Sunset Lake. Live music with “Big House” (holiday-themed songs, along with dance and party hits), food, children’s and family activities, FREE photos with Santa Claus and more! Event concludes with boat parade in Sunset Lake.
Sunset Lake near Atlanta and New Jersey Aves., Wildwood Crest, NJ

FilmOneFest
July 20, 6 pm – 11 pm
FilmOneFest takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting with the majestic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. FilmOneFest (a production of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council) is the Jersey Shore’s preeminent showcase for all forms of short films under two minutes in length. FilmOneFest also promotes local and international filmmaking through the use of new media and technology, educational activities and screenings, and supports its local food bank. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers who include professional artists, educators, business leaders and community organizers. There will be Artist Vendors, Food Trucks, Live Music, 50/50 Raffle, and more.
SeaStreak Parking Lot, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Hackettstown Street Fair
July 21, 11 am (Rain Date July 28)
There will be Artisans and Crafters, Vendors, LIVE entertainment, food and more! This event is a family friendly event right on Main St. Visitors are invited to experience the vendors, live performances throughout the day, kid’s area, as well as local shopping.
Main St, Hackettstown, NJ

Montclair Film’s Annual FREE Movie Night Under The Stars
July 21, 7 pm
On Sunday, July 21, Montclair Film will feature a 20th Anniversary screening of 2004’s NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, directed by Richard Jared Hess, at Essex County Anderson Park. Arrive early for dance lessons by AC Dance. Come early, bring a picnic and lawn chairs and enjoy the show.
Essex County Anderson Park, Montclair, NJ

Soulsational Music Festival
July 27, 11 am – 8 pm (rain or shine)
This family event features live music on two stages, crafters, vendors, free yoga, vegetarian and organic food, food trucks, a beer garden, and a kids’ village.
Veterans Park, Bayville, NJ

Mercer County 4-H Fair & Wheat Threshing
July 27 & 28
This event features animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hay rides, pony rides, music magic shows and farm tours. On Saturday, Howell Farm’s 2022 wheat sheaves will be fully dried and ready to be “threshed” to separate the grain and straw. Live music featuring the Jugtown Mountain String Band, Magnolia Street String Band, and Crown Acoustic.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ

Summer 2024 Main Street Pops Artisan Market
July 28, 11 am – 4 pm
Main Street Pops Artisan Market attracts a diverse selection of artists & makers offering their handmade creations such as art, photography, jewelry, fashion, home and lifestyle accessories, artisanal food, pet products, and much more! This bustling market always features live music and a variety of vendors with new offerings each month.
Under 14th Street Viaduct 1401 Adam’s street Hoboken, NJ

Hopatcong Monthly Market
July 28, 11 am – 4 pm
50+ vendors of all types, including farm, food, makers and more.
120 River Styx Road, Hopatcong, NJ

The Wildwoods Love Waddler’s Baby Waddle Contest
July 30, 9 am
A fun event for infants and toddlers (up to 2 years old) to show off their speedy crawling or “waddling” technique on the day before the official Wildwoods Baby Parade! The Baby Waddle takes place on the grassy circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Registration takes place at 9 a.m. which is FREE. The little cuties will start waddling at 9:30 a.m. sharp! Special prizes awarded to top finishers! The first 40 participants receive a beach bucket filled with goodies. Waddlers are encouraged to also participate in the official Wildwoods Baby Parade (a tradition since 1909!) the next day at 6 p.m. Rain location inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. For more information call 609.729.9000.
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Manasquan Fireman’s Fair
July 30 – August 3, 6 pm – 10 pm
The Manasquan Fireman’s Fair, which began in 1974, is the year’s largest fundraiser for Manasquan Volunteer Engine Company #2. The five day fair features exciting carnival rides for all ages by Skelly’s Amusements, delicious festival food and treats, beer garden, live music, carnival games & prizes, $25,000 Super 50/50 raffle, and so much more!
Mallard Park, Manasquan, NJ