As summer approaches, New Jersey comes alive with a vibrant array of festivals, carnivals, and fairs, showcasing the best the Garden State has to offer.
In 2025, residents can look forward to more than 60 events taking place throughout the season, offering everything from delicious food vendors to captivating live entertainment.
In Hoboken and Jersey City, the HDSID Handmade Market at Grove Street PATH Plaza will be running weekly until September 17th, featuring over 200 makers with handcrafted goods.
Every Wednesday from 3 PM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 12 PM to 6 PM, attendees can enjoy live music courtesy of Groove on Grove, in a bustling community atmosphere.
The Jersey City Jazz Festival is set for May 30th and 31st at Exchange Place Plaza, marking one of the largest jazz events in the Tri-State area with over 200 musicians performing across three stages.
For Pokémon enthusiasts, the Pokémon GO Fest will take place from June 6th to June 8th at Liberty State Park, where players can engage in on-site gameplay, meet fellow trainers, and explore Pokémon habitats.
The Jersey City Night Market kicks off with ‘The Cookout’ theme on June 7th, offering a diverse selection of food trucks serving BBQ and Caribbean cuisine along with family-friendly activities and live entertainment.
Additional highlights include the Record Riots event on June 28th and July 26th, where over 40 vendors will showcase new and vintage vinyl records at the Grove Street PATH Plaza, making it a free event that vinyl lovers won’t want to miss.
The annual Fourth of July festivities in Jersey City at Exchange Place will blend food, shopping, and fireworks, with entertainment details to be announced as the date approaches.
Locals can also enjoy themed night markets throughout the summer; on July 4th, the Jersey City Night Market will host ‘Festival + Fireworks’, promising a festive atmosphere filled with food, drinks, and activities for all ages.
The Loud Garden Music Festival on July 19th at Lincoln Park will feature a range of music genres alongside artist booths and an array of food trucks, offering lively fun throughout the day.
St. Ann’s Italian Festival in Hoboken celebrates its 115th year, inviting attendees to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and enjoy a lineup of live entertainment amidst games and a lively beer garden.
Later in the summer, the Jersey City Night Market will present ‘Vintage + Vinyl’ on August 2nd, providing an opportunity for vintage-themed vendors to showcase their goods alongside family-friendly activities and entertainment.
On August 3rd, the Summer Blockfest in Hoboken will feature hip-hop and R&B music alongside food trucks and local vendors, creating a fun-filled community event with giveaways for students.
From August 13th to August 17th, La Festa Italiana in Jersey City will celebrate Italian culture with local eats, live music, and entertainment from various artists, making it a can’t-miss event.
As part of the summer festivities, the Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts + Culture Festival will take place on August 16th and 17th, celebrating culture through food and performances.
The annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival returns on August 23rd, recognizing diversity and inclusivity with a variety of performances and activities throughout the event space.
The All About Downtown Street Fair will round out the local festival scene on September 20th, featuring live music, interactive booths from local businesses, and plenty of delicious food and drinks.
Outside of Hoboken and Jersey City, the NJ Greekfest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church runs from May 30th to June 1st, offering a taste of Greek culture through food and entertainment.
The Montclair Dance Festival on May 31st will honor local dance talent in two sessions, highlights of which include free dance performances in the afternoon and ticketed shows in the evening.
Those who enjoy farm activities can attend the Strawberry Festival at Von Thun Farms on weekends from May 31st to June 8th, offering berry picking and plenty of games and fun for all ages.
The A Taste of Greece festival from May 31st to June 2nd will celebrate traditional Greek food and cultural activities at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian.
Another highlight in Asbury Park is AsburyFest which will take place from June 6th to 8th, featuring food vendors, local artisans, and live music, alongside dog-friendly activities.
Moreover, Newark’s Portugal Day by SolMar will celebrate Portuguese-American culture from June 6th to 8th, around food, music, and traditional crafts.
For fans of the steampunk genre, the Steampunk Alchemy Fest at Vasa Park will delight attendees with themed entertainment and a marketplace from June 6th to 8th.
The Montclair African-American Heritage Parade + Festival on June 7th will honor local culture, featuring a parade, festival activities, food vendors, and engaging performances.
Throughout the summer, various food fests will also occur, such as the Caribbean Food Fest in Morristown on June 7th, which combines Caribbean cuisine with local entertainment and activities for children.
Additionally, the Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest will celebrate local waterways on June 7th with family-friendly activities, educational opportunities, and interactive exhibits.
The montclair Art Museum is hosting its Food Truck Festival + Cocktail Crawl on June 8th; the parking lot will be filled with delicious food and drinks, accompanied by complimentary museum admission.
From June 12th to June 15th, the Tri-County Fair in Rockaway will bring fun fairs and delicious food familiar to many carnival goers, including rides and live entertainment.
Hopatcong will honor Flag Day with a parade on June 14th, leading to a festive celebration that includes food trucks, music, and activities for the family at Hopatcong Firehouse #3.
On the same day, the Piscataway Street Fair will be a community event with food, crafts, and local artisans showcasing their work.
June 14th also marks Montclair’s Pride Festival, inviting attendees to celebrate diversity with stage performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
The North 2 Shore Festival will run from June 14th to June 29th, showcasing various artists and entertainers in venues across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City.
The Barefoot Country Music Fest will take place between June 19th and 22nd at Wildwoods Boardwalk, featuring over 40 artists while offering food and drink options for festival-goers.
The Avalon Summer Solstice Festival is happening on June 21st, with food, crafts, and music to celebrate the longest day of the year.
At the Battleship Beer Festival on June 21st, brewers will showcase their beers aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey, combined with food vendors and live entertainment for a unique experience.
Trinda’s Wild Fest Food Truck and Music Festival on June 22nd will benefit wildlife rehabilitation efforts while offering live music and an array of food trucks.
The Rock, Ribs, + Ridges Festival on June 27th to June 29th promises a great blend of southern rock music and barbecue delights for attendees at Sussex County Fairgrounds.
The State Fair Meadowlands will return later in June, offering carnival fun and classic fair experiences for families, with specific dates to be confirmed.
Six Flags Great Adventure will host its annual July 4th Fest, featuring fireworks and theme park rides, offering a festive way to celebrate Independence Day.
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Annual Feast will take place from July 9th to 12th, showcasing a vibrant carnival atmosphere with music, games, and delicious foods.
Randolph will hold its Freedom Festival from July 10th to 12th at County College of Morris, with activities to celebrate the holiday week, including live music and fireworks.
On July 11th, Wildwood Crest will invite everyone to create unique sand sculptures during its Sand Sculpting Festival on the beach.
The Highlands Annual Pride Fest in the Park will happen on July 12th, emphasizing support for LGBTQ+ rights through diverse entertainment and local vendors.
Mark your calendars for the Haddonfield Crafts + Fine Art Festival on July 12th and 13th in downtown Haddonfield, featuring various artisans and food vendors.
The Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will cover two days of art and live music on July 12th and 13th, boasting popular local and regional acts.
Food enthusiasts can enjoy the Blueberry Festival hosted at Von Thun Farms on July 13th and 14th, with activities centered around blue berries and more delicious treats.
The Visit Atlantic City Soar + Shore Festival will bring excitement to Atlantic City Beach on July 15th and 16th with aerial performances and more to come.
A Sunflower Festival will return to Von Thun Farms on multiple weekends, offering families a chance to pick flowers and enjoy farm activities throughout July and August.
The Clamfest at Huddy Park will light up the summer nights from August 1st to August 3rd, featuring food, drinks, and fireworks.
On August 2nd, the Watershed Institute will hold its Butterfly Festival, targeted towards families and nature lovers for an educational day outdoors.
East Brunswick will host the Middlesex County Fair from August 4th to 10th, showcasing rides, food, and a captivating trapeze show along with more fair charm.
The IAATO Italian Festival will highlight Italian heritage at Joe Palaia Park from August 6th to 10th, offering cuisine and various community activities.
Join the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 9th with performances, artisan markets, and engaging activities outside the State Theatre.
From August 16th to 17th, foodies can revel in the Surf + Turf Seafood Festival at Monmouth Park, offering the best seafood vendors and live music.
Metuchen will host its Street Fair + Craft Show on August 17th, filled with local artists, live performances, and delicious foods to sample.
The Indie Street Film Festival will celebrate independent films from August 18th to 24th, showcasing local filmmakers in various venues throughout the Red Bank area.
A diverse lineup of jazz and blues performances can be expected at the Long Branch Jazz + Blues Festival on August 23rd, alongside local food and artisan vendors.
Finally, Haddon Township will host its Summer of Love Music Festival on August 23rd, promising music lovers a nostalgic journey with classic tunes and fun activities.
Concluding the summer events, the Car Show + Food Truck Festival in Glassboro on August 29th will celebrate classic cars, food trucks, and local music, capping off a summer filled with community engagement and fun.
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