NJIB’s Sneak Peek at New Jersey Summer Festivals
Summer has unofficially started! With the hotter weather brings the return of annual Summer festivals, carnivals, family-friendly events, concerts, and more. Here’s a sneak peek of what is to come this season!
New Jersey Summer Festivals:
Cape May Music Festival
Now – June 30
Join for eight weeks and 15 musical performances of classical, chamber, jazz, brass band and Americana music, featuring the Bay Atlantic Symphony, the New York Chamber Ensemble, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, the Atlantic Brass Band, Nora Jane Struthers, Paula Johns, and more, including a tribute to George Mesterhazy.
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ
Paramus L.E.A.D Carnival
June 1 – 12
Mark your calendar to attend the L.E.A.D. FEST carnival to enjoy food, rides and more at the Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey. In addition to fairway rides, Scott’s World of Magic will be performing magic tricks at the carnival. Other entertainment and attractions are included in the general admission price of $5. To purchase discounted ride tickets and mega passes in advance visit theleadfest.com.The carnival will benefit the Paramus L.E.A.D. program and other L.E.A.D. initiatives. L.E.A.D. is committed to protecting our youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug-related crimes, cyberbullying, and violence.
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $5+
The Lighthouse International Film Festival
June 2 – 5
The Sea, the Stars, the Stories are waiting for you at the Annual Lighthouse International Film Festival. This year, there are two ways to enjoy outstanding stories, with a FILM ONLY Pass or an ALL ACCESS PASS giving you VIP access to not only the film screenings but also the parties, panels, and Breakfast with the Filmmakers events!
LBI, NJ
Cost: Varies per event
Voorhees Township L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
June 2 – 11
Enjoy food, rides and entertainment at the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival, an event hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.), in Voorhees Township, New Jersey at the Voorhees Town Center.
2140 Voorhees Town Center Voorhees, NJ
Cost: $5 admission
Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts
June 3 – 5, 2PM – 9PM
It was 21 years ago that the hot air balloon festival became a part of the annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair in Harmony Township, New Jersey. In 2020 the magnitude of the Fair, combined with the limited attendance, prohibited the Farmers’ Fair from taking place. The Balloon Festival went on to celebrate its 20th year, along with longtime sponsor Warren County Community College at their Washington location. It was one of the few events that took place. The response was overwhelming and the feedback from the public was that they desired more. This festival features Arts & Crafts vendors, in addition to Food Trucks.
Warren County Community College, 475 NJ-57, Washington, NJ
Cost: $5 – $10, Parking $5 per car
Eatontown L.E.A.D. Carnival
June 3 – June 12
Mark your calendar to attend the L.E.A.D. FEST Carnival to enjoy food, rides, and more at the Monmouth Mall. In addition to fairway rides, there will be entertainment and attractions included in the general admission price of $5. Purchase discounted ride tickets and mega passes in advance online.
Monmouth Mall, 180 NJ-35, Eatontown, NJ
Cost: $5
24th Annual Spring Chester Craft Show
June 4 & 5, 10AM – 5PM
On June 4th and 5th, the Historic Chester Business Association (HCBA) will proudly host visitors from across the country at Chester’s 24th Annual Spring Craft Show. A nationally recognized community tradition, the event hosts tents of more than 120 artists (including 40+ new artists) at Chester Municipal Field. Visitors will enjoy creations in home furnishings, decor, jewelry, clothing, fine art, wood, metalworking, and more. These masterfully crafted, handmade wares are of the highest quality. Sunshine Artist, the respected magazine of American Arts and Crafts, has rated the Chester Craft Show among the Top 50 “Best Craft Shows in the Nation”. Artisans from across the East Coast, representing a wide range of craft disciplines will be exhibiting. Conveniently located on the east end of Main Street, visitors can easily stroll the brick-lined sidewalks of Chester’s Historic Shopping and Dining District. Home to more than 80 stores, the district boasts unique home decor, gifts, fine and casual dining, and many shops for unique interests, from old-fashioned candies to exotic teas. Chester’s small businesses, preserved early American buildings, country lifestyle, parks and farms draw visitors each weekend of the year.
134 Main St, Chester, NJ
Cost: $6 (Children under 12 are free)
Beardfest
June 16 – 18
Beardfest is a festival that celebrates the creative spirit in all of us. Enjoy more than 30 bands on two stages, take part in more than 40 interactive workshops, take a dip in a beautiful lake, and camp under the stars…all in an expansive Pinelands campground complete with a lake and hiking trails.
Paradise Lakes Campground, Rt 206 (between Mile markers 3 & 4), Hammonton, NJ
Barefoot Country Music Fest
June 16 – 19 (rain or shine)
This is the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music festival hosting a unique blend of country music’s top artists and up-and-comers. It features 40+ of Country’s hottest artists across 5 unique stages on the shores of Wildwood, NJ. This years line-up includes: Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Rita Wilson, Mat Stell, Priscilla Block, and More
On the beach between the famous Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, NJ
Sustainability Green Music and Arts Festival/Opening Day Farmers’ Market/Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 10AM – 5PM
Join Downtown Washington Borough for their Green, Music and Arts Fest. and the opening day of Farmers’ Market and Juneteenth Celebration. Music all day by: The Adventures of Matte Black, Dende’s Recycled Sounds and Big Bruce & the Messengers. Arts and Crafts vendors, Dove Environmental Education, Kids’ Crafts and much more!
Washington Borough Business Improvement District, 21 Belvidere Ave. Washington, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration 2022
June 18 & 19
Raritan Pow Wow is a full contest Pow Wow attracting over 500 Native American artists, educators, singers, dancers and performing groups from across the Americas. There will be over 40 artist booths selling crafts, jewelry, food and more. Other highlights of the event include authentic cuisine: buffalo burgers, venison stew and corn soup. Visitors can interact with representatives from tribes of the Lakota, Navajo, Mohawk, Seneca, Cherokee, Aztec, Mayan, Samoan, Hawaiian and many more. There is a tipi raising.
Middlesex County Fair Ground, 655 Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $10 – $45
State Fair Meadowlands
June 23 – July 10
It’s back! Over 100 Rides are available for your enjoyment, complete with our very own “kiddie land” for the little ones. Pop some balloons, throw a few rings, or grab the sledgehammer….it’s a game of chance at the fair! Classics like Fried Oreos, Corn Dogs, Frozen Drinks…Our 50+ vendors have all the treats you’ve been craving.
State Fair Meadowlands, 1 MetLife Stadium Dr. East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: Tickets Available
New Jersey Collector’s Fest
June 26, 10:30AM – 4PM, VIP Starts at 9AM
Collector Fest will be chock full of amazing Toys, Comics Comic artists & special guests! Collector Fest will feature amazing vendors from all over the east coast bringing the very best in amazing Toys, Comics, and more from classic to modern & hot! Plus guests, Comic artists, and more! So far Amazing guests and artists include Larry Kenney Thundercats! Sam Jones Flash Gordon & Ted. Mark Patton Elm Street, Bran A Prince the Predator, Comic artists Ron Wilson the Hulk, Rudy Nebres Conan, Silver Surfer- – Chris Campana TMNT – Keith Williams Superman, Spider-Man, and much more to come.
WAYNE PAL, 1 Pal Dr, Wayne, NJ
Cost: $5 – $12
Paramus 4th of July Pre Fireworks & Food Truck & Music Fest
July 3, 2PM – 8:30PM
The Paramus 4th of July Committee is teaming up with MegaBite Events bringing even more fun to the Paramus Celebration as we celebrate our nations 246th Birthday! this event is sponsored by the Atlantic Health Group.
Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $4 – $6
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
July 8, 9AM – 2PM
Grab your buckets and shovels and head to the beach at Heather Road in Wildwood Crest and get ready to create works of art in the sand! This amateur and semi-pro sand sculpting contest is hosted by professional world-renowned sand sculptor Matt Long, a former cast member of the Travel Channel’s SandMasters, and “Can You Dig It!” Sand Tools. FREE to all participants and spectators. Fun activities featured at this year’s festival include live music, beach games, and family entertainment. Sculptures will be judged on creativity, execution, composition, and overall presentation, and prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each division. Rain or shine!
Wildwood Crest Beach, Heather Rd. Wildwood Crest, NJ
Cost: Free
NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
July 8 – 10
Experience the BEST in Barbeque and Blues at this exciting three-day festival held at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues and surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. The event features live cooking demonstrations, incredible food, and top regional and national blues acts on their FREE main stage.
Olde New Jersey Ave. North Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
July 9 & 10
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Festival returns for its 28th year with more than 200 artists showcasing the best of best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond. This two-day outdoor festival, sponsored by Subaru, will be held along Kings Highway between Washington Avenue and Haddon Avenue and along Tanner Street to Euclid Avenue.
Kings Hwy. Haddonfield, NJ
Cost: Free
The Black Excellence Festival
July 17 – 19
The Black Excellence Festival, known as the nation’s largest in-person celebration of black culture, features three days of culture, comedy, shopping, live music, films, panels, workshops and more. The festival will highlight and provide opportunities to exclusively showcase the African American culture.
Showboat Atlantic City, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: $15 – $40
Sourland Mountain Festival
July 23
Enjoy the best local music, food, beverages, activities, and crafts. Celebrating its 17th year, the five and 1/2-hour festival will host history, critters, wildlife and outdoor activities with a beautiful view (especially at sunset) of farming fields on the Sourland Mountain. VIP Experience will be available from The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station. Discounted advance-sale tickets will be available Online soon for Adults, Youngsters (12-18); Children under 12 are Free. Visit www.SourlandMountainFest.com to learn more. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy.
Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes, NJ
Cost: $30 Adult Admission Online ($40 at the Door), $10 Young people age 12 – 18 ($15 at the Door), Children under 12 are free!
39th Annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
July 29 & 30
The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. The premier family entertainment event in the state features the majesty and awe-inspiring sight of up to 100 sport and special shaped hot air balloons taking to the skies twice each day; a highly popular live concert series featuring Grammy Award-winning performers; children’s entertainment and attractions; spectacular fireworks; a stunning nighttime hot air balloon glow; the Running with the Balloons 5K race; great food, vendors and more. And yes you can go up, up and away in your beautiful balloon — hot air balloon rides are available to create memories that will last a lifetime!
Solberg Airport, 39 Thor Solberg Rd. Readington, NJ
Cost: $10+
NJ Freedom Food Truck and Music Fest
July 30, 11AM – 7PM
Let’s celebrate our freedom together this summer and help support The New Jersey Veterans Network at the 2022 NJ Freedom Fest! Bring your family, your appetite, lawn chairs, and your blankets as we move into the summer festival season at the Central NJ Airport.
Central Jersey Regional Airport, 1034 Millstone River Rd. Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $4 – $6
27th Annual Clam Festival
August 5 – 7
Food and Music lovers will fill the streets at the Highlands Business Partnership’s 27th Annual Clam Fest. The famous Clam Fest is a three-day spectacular event featuring a seafood court serving the freshest food from many local vendors. Other festival favorites include the Lions Club Funnel Cakes, and the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. Fest will feature a Beer, Wine and Sangria Garden on the corner of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues. Specialty vendors will line the street with a variety of items. The spectacular Clam Fest Fireworks Display will take place on Snug Harbor Beach on August 6 at 9 pm. The fireworks display is produced by Serpico Pyrotechnics.
Huddy Park, Bay & Waterwitch Ave. Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free
Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 13, 12PM – 8PM
Join Flemington’s Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival—in the corn and tomato capital of the USA! For foodie and beer-lovers, this family-friendly event will feature an expansive micro-brewery beer garden, live music, great food from local restaurants, and family entertainment. Free admission and free parking.
Stangl Factory, Stangl Rd. Flemington, NJ
Cost: Free
