Top New Jersey Events August 18 – 20, 2023

We’re hitting mid-August and there’s plenty of time to embrace the Summer. There is plenty to do with lots of significant events like county fairs, outdoor movies, food festivals, and much more. New Jersey has diverse store events, from cultural celebrations to culinary extravaganzas.  Check out our list of the top New Jersey events from August  18 – 20, 2023.

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 Events August 18 – 20:

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

NJ Horror Con and Festival
August 18 – 20
Attendees who have a passion for horror will have the chance to engage in insightful Q&A sessions, explore an array of remarkable vendors from the horror community, and enjoy a selection of top-notch independent films. This event boasts a lineup of over 20 esteemed celebrities, a diverse array of Indie Horror films, Film Awards, exclusive Q&A panels, a bustling marketplace featuring 100 vendors, engaging Cosplay, a riveting Trivia Contest, captivating Photo Ops, and an array of additional exciting activities.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
Cost: $35 – $90

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