Looking to make some fun weekend plans after the first week of school? Across New Jersey you’ll find airshows over the Shore, car shows, festivals, live music, and more. Here’s your guide to the best events happening this weekend.
WEEKEND
Peloton Instructor Kristin McGee Comes to Loopwell
Loopwell, Montclair
Thursday
The nationally-recognized yoga and Pilates instructor, speaker, mompreneur, and author will lead classes in yoga, Pilates and somatic movement. After the practice, there will be a Q&A where you can meet McGee and get a copy of her book, Somatic Exercises For Dummies, signed.
Greek Festival
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Union, Union
Thursday – Sunday
Immerse yourself in Greek culture through live music, traditional folk dancing, Greek food and desserts, a full bar, live music performances, cultural dancers, vendors offering unique goods, rides, and games.
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
The Wildwoods
Friday – Saturday
The Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, and Patrick McAlee Pitts Aerobatics will headline a brand-new (free!) airshow over the beaches of The Wildwoods. Watch parachute jumpers, helicopters and military planes, and rescue demos throughout the afternoon.
Summertime New Year’s
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
The Mummers will hold a STRUT Dance Contest on Friday night, where their captains show off while the Mummers Association plays music. On Saturday, a dozen string bands from the 2025 New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will reenact their performances during a parade.
Grand Opening of Ninja Kidz Action Park
American Dream, East Rutherford
Friday – Saturday
Fans of Ninja Kids TV on YouTube can meet Bryton, Ashton, Paxton and Payton this weekend as a new trampoline and adventure park based on the channel opens at American Dream.
North Wildwood Recreation Surf Fishing Competition
Gazebo at 3rd and JFK Boulevard, North Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Join the fishing tournament to attempt to catch the biggest fish.
Roots Classic 4 – Volkswagen Car Show
Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Travel “back in the day” with preshow GTGs, and cars on display at various outdoor locations all weekend. On Sunday, there will be an indoor judged Pre-2k water-cooled car show.
Fall Kickoff Festival
Alstede Farms, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
The fall farm season begins with apple picking, a corn maze, live music and hard cider. Harvest Moon Nights return September 26, with nighttime corn maze access and hayrides under the moonlight.
Rose Squared Fall Art Show
Municipal Field, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
Rose Squared and the Historic Chester Business Association invited 225 crafters and makers to set up in the heart of town. Handcrafted works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography will be on display, and for sale.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
This is the final weekend of the season-long birthday party. Come for the Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents.
FRIDAY
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and will change artists each week.
Farm Fun Day
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
There will be hayrides, storytelling, ballet for kids, a sing-along with Pete, face painting, corn dollies, greeting card making, yoga, herbal goodies, other snacks and ice cream, and artisans and crafters.
SATURDAY
Beer & Garden Festival
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
Join Sustainable Princeton for its first-ever Beer & Garden event, which includes brews from Triumph Brewery, live music by local band Ride or Die, gardening tools from the free Lending Library, a leaf corral making workshop, a native flower seed bombs workshop, and free educational booths about sustainable landscaping.
Pet Palooza Food and Music Festival
Lincoln Park, Manville
Meet adoptable pets, visit the food trucks and vendors, listen to local bands, enter your dog into a contest, and go shopping at the vendor tables.
Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Vendor Fair
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
There will be craft vendors set up in the parking lot next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, plus food vendors, live music, games and activities. The vendor fair benefits survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and families of missing loved ones in honor of Stephanie Parze, a 19-year-old Freehold woman who was killed by her boyfriend in 2019.
Fall Cruisin’ the Boards: OC Classic Car & Street Rod Show
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
2025 is the 50th anniversary celebration of the boardwalk parade of vehicles that were made in or before 1989. Take your time strolling down the boards, since there will be family-friendly activities in addition to all the cars.
Born to Run Live – The 50th Anniversary Concert
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Hailing from Asbury Park, The E Street Shuffle is a 7-piece Bruce Springsteen tribute band. They are celebrating Bruce’s “Born to Run” album, which was written 50 years ago in West End, Long Branch.
Brielle Day Craft Fair
Brielle Park, Brielle
There will be 150+ crafters, fire truck rides, live music, a Kids Corner and a beer garden.
Mayor’s Cup Basketball Tournament
Madden Field Courts, Rahway
The inaugural Mayor’s Cup is a 3-on-3 outdoor adult basketball tournament that will feature special guest DJ Drewski.
Citizens Pep Rally for Giants’ Season
Citizens Bank, Lyndhurst
Fans will have the opportunity to meet Giants alumni, take photos, and get autographs. The event will also feature giveaways, contests to win tickets to the Giants’ home opener, signed Eli Manning memorabilia, and a “Game Ready” activation—including an inflatable Giants helmet.
The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
The unofficial afterparty for the Thunder Over the Waves airshow takes place in Byrne Plaza with food vendors, craft vendors, live music from local and regional bands, family activities, and a beer garden.
National Read A Book Day
MarketFair, Princeton
Listen to a reading of “Where the Wild Things Are,” and then meet Carol from the book. You can make a mosaic crown inspired by Max. Then have some snacks while entering a contest to win 1 of 5 Labubu dolls.
Boonton Brew Fest
Canal Side Park, Boonton
More than 30 local breweries from the Greater NJ area will offer samples. There will be food trucks, live music, a wine sampling tent, and craft vendors. Games include cornhole, giant Jenga, bucket pong and VOLO Sports.
Back to School
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Youngsters 5 and older will attend the one-room school to learn as Pleasant Valley kids once did. The unique history lesson includes doing before- and after-school farm chores, playing games during recess, and learning arithmetic, English, and social studies from the schoolmarm. You can also meet Larry Kidder, author of an award-winning book about the school itself.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk
Boardwalk outside Hard Rock Atlantic City, Atlantic City
In 2024, Hard Rock raised more than $280,000, making the Atlantic-Cape Walk one of the largest in the state of New Jersey.
NJ FMBA Fallen Heroes 5K
Bar Anticipation, Lake Como (Belmar)
Choose a 5K or 1-mile run, and your little ones can join the Kids’ Race. Stay for the post-race BBQ. The event honors the fallen heroes from 9/11 and supports their families.
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County’s Insect Fest
Mercer County Educational Gardens, Hopewell
Learn about the vital role of insects in a fun, hands-on way. There will be demo gardens, varieties of plants, composting workshops, a scavenger hunt, storytime and make-your-own mosquito bucket.
Full Moon Bike Ride and Walk
Mercer Meadows Park (parking lot at Rosedale Lake; entrance is located along Federal City Road, between Blackwell and Old Mill roads), Pennington
Now in its 10th year, the bike ride is a once-a-year opportunity to ride through the park along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail under the light of the moon. There will be music, lighting and festivities along the way. New this year is a walk for people who prefer a slower-paced journey.
Be Fort Lee & Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be 50+ artisan vendors, live music by Steve Kelman, and back-to-school shopping.
Fiesta Latina
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, authentic Hispanic food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and more. Limi-T 21, the Puerto Rican trio who play energetic merengue music, will take the stage alongside legendary sensation, Johnny Ray, Salsa Con Clase. The day’s festivities will be hosted by DJ Ralphie Mercado.
Robert J. Miller Oyster Fest
The Woodland, Maplewood
There will be catering from Celebrated Foods, live music including bagpipers, and an oyster and raw bar. The fundraiser honors Maplewood resident Robert J. Miller and supports melanoma research.
Apple Festival
Mood’s Farm Market, Mullica Hill
Everyone who goes on the hayride gets to pick 3 pounds of apples. After the ride, you’ll get an apple cider donut and cider. There will be three donut eating contests during the festival; plus live music by the Jazztones and The One Way Express. The corn maze opens for the season; this year’s theme is the ‘80s.
SUNDAY
Grandparents Day Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Ride a vintage train as it rolls along the route of the historic Whippanong Trail. There is a large assortment of restored rail cars and locomotives at the museum site in Whippany, along with authentic railroad exhibits and an operating model train layout.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market Summer Pop-Up
Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Grandparents Day
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Treat Grandma and Grandpa to a day out at the Shore; grandparents ride the Ferris wheel, Sky Ride and carousel for free.
Beach Plum Festival
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
Celebrate this beloved plant that grows on the island at a celebration with 100+ art and craft vendors, kids’ games, non-profit tables and beach plum jelly.
Apple Harvest Breakfast
Alstede Farms, Chester
Start your day on the farm with a homemade breakfast featuring farm-fresh dishes made with ingredients grown on the farm. After eating, continue with apple and vegetable picking in the fields. Also included are tractor-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, the sunflower trail, the hay pyramid and tractor slide for kids, and the evergreen adventure maze.
PigDog PuppaPalooza Pooch Pool Party & Beach Walk
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Take a scenic walk along the beach and get a puppy swag bag for your pooch. Then cool off at Raging Waters Water Park, where pups can swim and play, and get a scoop of doggie ice cream.
Twin Lights Ride
Huddy Park, Highlands
Cyclists can choose one of five routes, ranging from 15 to 100 miles, that travel along the shore and countryside. Fresh, local seafood and other food will be sold at the post-ride festival, with nearly 20 restaurants to choose from in town. Stop by the beer garden after the ride.
Family Fun Sunday Funday: Irish Festival
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Willie Lynch & Friends perform during the fourth annual Irish fest.
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Red Bank
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids can choose to make a variety of crafts inspired by history, art and the season.
Greg DiAntonio Memorial Reggae Fest
Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant, Wildwood
The event will feature live music, live and Chinese auctions, a seafood buffet with other entrée options, and beer and wine. Proceeds benefit the Greg DiAntonio Memorial Fund, which helps people struggling with substance use disorders, as well as Wildwood Catholic Academy.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Monroe Center, Hoboken
There will be 60+ artisan vendors, an escape room experience, and live music by Dave ‘n’ Coney.
Welcome Back! Luau
Beyond the Boogie Dance Company, Montclair
The afternoon of free trial dance classes is open to everyone from toddlers to adults. Options include basics, hip-hop, Afrobeats, kickboxing, acro, heels and chair stretch (all depending on age). There will also be raffles, glitter tattoos and crafts for the entire family.
ONGOING
Cirque de Paris
September 4-14 at Rockaway Townsquare in Rockaway
September 18-28 at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison
Anouchka Bouglione will bring a cast of circus artists from across Europe – including BMX trick riders, illusionists, aerialists, acrobats and clowns – to perform in French circus traditions.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, September 5 – October 4
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Renaissance Festival
Camp Sacajawea, Sparta
September 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Dress in your Medieval best and come out for jousting, shows, archery, ax throwing, interactive events, vendors, kid-friendly activities, food, mead, beer and wine.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, September 6 – October 12
Celebrate fall with PYO pumpkins and apples; there will be a pumpkin painting station. There are 30+ activities and attractions to enjoy: pony rides, pedal and play tractors, wagon rides, children’s games and activities, corn stalk maze and hay bale maze, a barnyard of farm animals, barnyard sports (basketball toss, pumpkin bowling, baseball throw), the pollinator sunflower trail, a scavenger hunt, live music, and tastings of Terhune’s wine and sangria.
Tri State Sunflower Festival & Pumpkin Fest
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Daily, from September 6 to October 26 (closed Tuesdays)
Daily activities include flower picking, a corn maze, a giant slide, a trike track, a playground area, a low ropes course, a pumpkin patch and fall photo ops. Weekend activities add a farmers market, live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and pedal boat rentals.
Apple & Pumpkin Days
Riamede Farm, Chester
Apple Days: September 6-14
Apple & Pumpkin Days: September 20 – October 26
Apple Days include PYO apples and veggies, cider slushies and wagon rides. Apple & Pumpkin Days include pumpkin picking, time to explore the Pumpkin House, live music and fall activities.
August Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through September 14
The whole family can come to the winery for live music, time outdoors, and samplings of Terhune’s sangria and fresh fruits.
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
September 6 – December 7
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.
Broadway Week
Broadway, New York City
September 8-21
Choose from 24 shows that offer 2-for-1 tickets, or discounted upgrades. Some choices include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, &Juliet and Mamma Mia!
Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Daily, September 8 – October 13
While walking around the village to vote on your favorite scarecrow that lines the pathways to the shops and restaurants, you can also sign up for a scarecrow-making workshop, view the pet photo exhibit, attend the Scarecrow Festival (September 13 and 14), order from the food trucks (September 18) or bring your significant other to the wedding show.
Company Town Walking Tour
Roebling Museum, Roebling
Saturdays, through September 27
Take a guided walking tour of the company town to discover the stories of workers who lived in the unique houses – from immigrant laborers to wealthy superintendents.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through November 2
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Fall Theatre Season
All Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, Denville
Select dates, through November 26
ACACNJ’s fall productions include Aladdin, Camp Rock, The Sound of Music Jr., Shrek Jr., and The SpongeBob Musical.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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