The kids are back in school, but there’s still summer fun to be had. We’ve found almost 90 events happening this weekend!
WEEKEND
Roller Skating
The Rink, American Dream
Thursday – Saturday
This summer, trade your ice skates for rollerblades. Every Friday and Saturday will be Retro Nights, where you can skate to your favorite tunes from the past. Ice skating returns on September 8.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Union
Thursday – Sunday
Come to the largest Greek festival in Union County! Aside from Greek food, music and traditional folk dancing, there will be a full bar, vendors, rides and games.
New Year’s in North Wildwood
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Over a dozen string bands including the top bands from the 2024 New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will be featured as the Mummers Parade steps off.
Roots Classic 3 – Volkswagen Car Show
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Anyone who owns or loves the Volkswagen brand can check out a variety of models.
North Wildwood Recreation Department Surf Fishing Competition
3rd & JFK Blvd., North Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
The fishing contest is open to everyone, with prizes awarded on Sunday in the adult and youth divisions.
Fiesta Latina
Mercer County Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Saturday – Sunday
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with two days of live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and more. On Saturday, Grammy Award nominee and musician Toño Rosario will take the stage with the legendary salsa group Puerto Rican Power. On Sunday, listen Cumbia, Merengue and Mariachi music. Headlining will be three-time Grammy award-winning salsa and Latin jazz composer and performer Jeremy Bosch, accompanied by Jose Tabares’ All Star Band.
Chester Fall Craft Show
Municipal Field, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
Over 175 artisans from all over will bring their handcrafted wares including jewelry, textiles, accessories, woodworking, metalworks, photography, fine art, glassworks and more. The show is located on the east end of Main Street, close to Chester’s Historic Shopping & Dining District. The Historic Downtown is home to over 80 boutique stores and eateries.
Wine on the Beach
South Beach, Seaside Heights
Saturday – Sunday
This upscale event hosts more than a dozen wineries and numerous food venues. You can attend wine-related seminars and presentations. Concerts include Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute, on Saturday; and Ray Anderson & Friends, with Press Play and The Songs of 1981, on Sunday.
Grape Stomp Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Channel your inner Lucy and kick off your shoes to stomp some grapes! Learn about the wine-making process, and stay for food trucks, live music, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton
Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair
Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street, Newark
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive free general admission to six cultural attractions in NJ on the first full weekend of each month.
FRIDAY
First Fridays Series
Monument Square Park, New Brunswick
On the first Friday of the month, indulge in the arts and culture of Middlesex County with free food, live music and performances, games and activities, and arts and crafts.
Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy
Glenfield Park, Montclair
A forest bathing certified teacher will meet you at Loopwell to talk a slow, meditative walk so you can learn the benefits of the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which has you tap into all your senses while out in nature.
Dancing in the Dark
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
If you dance like Elaine from “Seinfeld” and don’t want anyone to see you, this class is for you! Once you hit the dance floor, which is dimly lit, you can dance however you’d like – without saying a word. You can chit chat outside the room but once you’re on the dance floor, it’s dancing time only, no judgements.
Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 6
Come to the historic apple orchard after work for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings.
SATURDAY
Back to School
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Kids 5 and up will attend class in the one-room school to “learn their ABCs” as the Pleasant Valley children 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. Meet Larry Kidder, author of an award-winning book about the school itself.
Salsa at Grundy Park
J. Owen Grundy Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City
The free community event features live music, salsa dance lessons, and health-related resources during the wellness expo.
Bayern Verein Newark’s Oktoberfest!
Deutscher Club of Clark, Clark
The spirit of Bavaria comes to life with traditional music, food, and activities for the whole family. Explore the German market and watch performances by traditional Bavarian Schuhplattlers. There will be a bier stein holding contest, corn hole and Connect Four. Music is by Bernie’s Orchestra.
Caribbean Food Fest
Veterans Memorial Park, Parsippany
There will be Caribbean food, live reggae music, local craft vendors. For the kids, there will be a bounce house, ATV course, henna tattoos and sand art.
Insect Festival
Mercer Educational Gardens, Hopewell Twp.
Spend the day learning about bugs, bees, butterflies, composting and carnivorous plants. There will be bugs in water, an insect hunt, build-a-bug and storytime. Speak with the Master Gardeners about your gardening needs.
Rutgers University ‘R Community Game’ & A Walk to Believe
SHI Stadium, Rutgers University, Piscataway
Eric LeGrand will lead a parade and tailgate before the big game between Rutgers and Akron.
Fall Brew By the Bay
The Seafarer, Atlantic Highlands
Each brewery will serve two beer samples. Music, fire pits and food are available for an additional fee.
Shine at Pines Village! Car & Truck Show
Pines Village, Whiting
Jersey Shore Car Shows will host this family-friendly event that focuses on a vintage car competition and live music, plus an open house tour of the campus.
Giants Foundation NY5K
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Join the NY Giants during their 100th Season Celebration Weekend. The Giants Foundation 5K race will begin in the MetLife Stadium sports complex, continue around the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, and finish in the Giants end zone inside MetLife Stadium. There’s also a kids run for kids ages 5-10. NY Giants legends will be there to greet you. Plus, after the race there will be a festival with a DJ, performances and more.
Homestead Hearth Cooking
Historic Speedwell, Morristown
Watch as historic recipes are created before your very eyes, using an open-hearth fire and herbs and vegetables from the garden.
The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood
Formerly known as Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival, the street fair has a range of food options, music, shopping, vendors and more.
Fort Lee Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be vendors, outdoor games, live music and seasonal surprises.
Pet Loss Butterfly Release Memorial Service
Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park, Lafayette
Take the opportunity to remember your beloved pet companions who have crossed the rainbow bridge by reading the names of deceased pets and releasing monarch butterflies in remembrance.
Boardwalk Classic Car and Street Rod Show
Boardwalk, Ocean City
The 49th annual car show displays Fords, Chevys, Pontiacs, and Mopars all older than 1994.
S.O.F.I.A. Walk Against Domestic Violence
Canterbury Drive, Montclair
Support ongoing domestic violence education, awareness, assistance and prevention efforts, either walking in person or joining their simultaneous virtual walk.
NJ Taco Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
If a whole day of tacos isn’t appetizing enough, come down for an event filled with live music, wrestling by the Luchadores, spicy challenges and family contests.
Union County Celtic Festival
Oak Ridge Park, Clark
This family-friendly festival includes live music and entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, craft vendors, dancing, and food vendors.
Antique Tractor and Engine Day
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Learn about how the combustion engine changed farms and communities a century ago. See antique tractors, automobiles, and stationary engines in action and understand how they run.
San Gennaro Festival
Main Street, Belmar
A full day of Italian culture begins with a 10 am Mass of San Gennaro (presented in Italian) at St. Rose Catholic Church. Follow the procession of the statue down the street, leading to a street fair with lots of food, a book signing by Produce Pete, a dog costume contest and a cannoli eating contest.
Victorian Day
Belvidere
Traditionally held the Saturday after Labor Day, the festival celebrates the beauty and history of the town. There will be a fashion show, vendor and antique market, car show, en plein air art competition, exhibits and entertainment.
Ocean County Irish Festival
Manahawkin Lake Park, Stafford Twp.
Show off your Irish heritage through food, craft vendors, a beer garden, live music, pipe bands, Irish step dancing, a super 50/50 raffle, a Basket of Cheer raffle, and kids’ activities.
Ho-Ho-Kus Day
Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus
Celebrate everything you love about this Bergen County town, which includes rides, games, food and family activities.
SUNDAY
Last Run of the Lackawanna Electrics 40th Anniversary Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Commemorate the last run of the “Lackawanna Electrics” forty summers ago with special excursion trains departing from the museum site. Subscription Club Car No. 2454 will take center stage on this day, just as it did in 1984. Each passenger will receive a commemorative “Lackawanna Electrics” keepsake. The museum will welcome several retired Erie Lackawanna employees who operated the MU’s in everyday service decades ago.
Collectible Car Fair for Kids and Teens
Hillsdale Public Library, Hillsdale
Walk with your child through a field of Driving Dreams. Take your child’s photo behind the wheel of some of the most exciting and important cars of the 20th Century. On Sunday, September 8 th the Hillsdale Free Public Library in collaboration with the website Drivin’ News (www.drivin-news.com) will present a first-ever Collectible Car Fair for Kids and Teens. This unique interactive event will afford boys and girls ages 18 and younger a hands-on opportunity to experience some of the most significant automobiles of the 20th century. More than 25 vehicles, representing 11 decades of history will be on site.
Collectible Car Fair for Kids and Teens
Hillsdale Free Public Library, Hillsdale
This unique interactive event will give boys and girls age 18 and younger a hands-on opportunity to experience some of the most significant automobiles of the 20th century. More than 25 vehicles, representing 11 decades of history, will be on site.
West Windsor Bike Fest
West Windsor Community Park Pavilion, West Windsor
Explore the town and local history along 1.5-mile, 8-mile, 20-mile or 40-mile routes. There will be historic stops along each tour. There will be lunch at the park pavilion by Aljons (hoagies) and Tript (Indian). There will be kid-friendly activities, a history scavenger hunt in the park, two-wheeler riding lessons, a bike safety rodeo, bicycle tune-ups and tire inflation (by Road Maestro of Hightstown) and West Windsor history books on sale.
What’s Your New Name?
Loopwell, Montclair
Bring your new or soon-to-be grandma or grandpa for Champagne, tea and sweets, and you’ll listen to author Cathy Livingstone talk about her new books filled with over 600 grandparent names, quizzes, celebrity names, international names and more to help grandparents pick their new name.
Highland Park Arts in the Park Street Fair
Raritan Avenue, Highland Park
There will be a juried art show and local arts and crafts sale in downtown Highland Park. Walk along the streets for live music, entertainment, food from local restaurants, children’s activities, promotional booths, and more.
September in Paris: Princeton Ballet School’s Fashion Show & Brunch
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, West Windsor
Families are invited to American Repertory Ballet’s Princeton Ballet School’s fashion show and brunch, where there will be a fashion show by Le Mireille Marche, Princeton Ballet Society merch, breakfast and raffles.
Totally Turtles for Littles
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham
Bring your little ones to explore the world of turtles as they visit the forest and pond to look for them.
Atlantic City Latino Festival
Showboat Resort Event Lot, Atlantic City
Celebrate Hispanic heritage through Latin music, folkloric dance, food, vendors and a resource fair.
Your First Mud Run
North Wildwood
Bring your kids, bring your parents, even bring your dog to this obstacle course designed for families to run together.
Grandparents Day
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Grandparents can ride the Ferris Wheel, Sky Ride and Carousel for free when they bring a paying grandchild.
Farm-to-Table Apple Pancake Breakfast
Alstede Farms, Chester
Take the wagon ride to Harvest Hall, where you’ll sit down with the fam for homemade pancakes with apple topping, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, and breakfast potatoes. After, head to the pick-your-own fields, then play in the Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail, corn maze, hay pyramid and evergreen maze.
Happy Wellness Expo
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison
Dive into holistic wellness and natural healing through exhibitors, practitioners and experts in the fields of health, wellness, holistic healing and alternative medicine. You should feel inspired by a lineup of credentialed speakers, including best-selling authors, panel discussions, live demos and interactive workshops.
Philadelphia Pizza Festival
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Try any of more than 200 different varieties of cheesy pies – whether you prefer thick, thin or Sicilian crust – plus dozens of craft beer and wine options. You can walk the bases and warning track of the baseball field and take a selfie in the Phillies dugout. Plus, there’ll be live entertainment and DJs, a huge kids’ zone, fun adult games (think giant Jenga, Baggo, giant Pong, etc.) and local vendors.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
Empire Records
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
September 6 – October 6
Nineties teens who loved the cult-classic film can see it brought to life on stage in a new musical comedy.
New Jersey International Film Festival
Voorhees Hall of Rutgers University, New Brunswick; and virtually
Fridays – Sundays, September 6 – October 18
A series of films will be screened during the fall iteration of the film festival. On October 18, electronic music artist Jim Haynes will perform an audio-visual concert.
Seth’s Big Fat Broadway LIVE! Concert Series
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
September 7, October 12, November 9, December 7
SiriusXM Radio host Seth Rudetsky will host an up-close-and-personal concert series that will be a mix of the greatest hits from a star’s Broadway career, plus behind-the-scenes stories. The series continues on September 7 with Sierra Boggess, who created the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Adam Pascal, a member of the original company of Rent, is Rudetsky’s guest on October 12. J. Harrison Ghee, who won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Some Like It Hot, will appear on November 9. Krysta Rodriguez from Broadway’s The Addams Family and TV’s Smash, will perform on December 7.
Great Adventure’s Octoberfest Food Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, September 7 to November 3
Explore German-inspired cuisine, brews and desserts all around the theme park.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, September 7 – November 23
Enjoy a quiet morning walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. You’ll learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that are natural wonders of the area.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville; or virtual
Saturdays, September 7 – November 23
Teens and adults can join a 75-minute yoga practice that will help you relax and stretch while immersed in nature.
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
Monmouth Museum, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
Tuesdays – Sundays, September 7 – January 2, 2025
This interactive exhibit explores the bones and fossils of the giant creatures that once roamed the Earth. See full-size T-Rex and velociraptor models, footprints and eggs. Special events will be announced during the duration of the exhibit, including guided tours, a special museum fundraiser, a Christmas tree lighting and Noon Year’s Eve.
Special Needs Art Exhibit: We The People
Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown
Through September 13
Perkins Center partnered with the Y.A.L.E. School on an artwork exhibit by local students with special needs. The show, We the People, focuses on contemporary Americana through the eyes of artists ages 7 to 20. The pop-up experience includes playful mixed media artworks paying homage to our nation and state.
Fright Fest Extreme
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, September 13 – November 3
If you dare, there are 9 haunted houses, 5 scare zones and 4 monstertainment shows at night for those who are not faint of heart. During the day, opt for Kids Boo Fest, Oktoberbest or the Off-Road Adventure at the Wild Safari.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
SpongeBob Experiences
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through September 15
Adventure Aquarium has partnered with Nickelodeon for photo ops, Spongebob-themed kids’ activities, activity sheets, episode screenings, and more in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.
Sussex County Sunflower Maze
Liberty Farm, Sandyston
Through September 15
This is the OG sunflower spot in New Jersey, the first sunflower maze ever created in the Garden State. It’s open for its 14th season for selfies, fresh air and time in nature.
Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
Select dates, through September 18
A series of free, all-ages, outdoor shows will take place, courtesy of Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids. Some of the newly announced shows include Spafford, Prince/Bowie, Wallace Roney Jr. and Vanessa Perea, as well as the annual return of the Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Funbox
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Fridays – Sundays, through September 29
There will be 25,000 square feet of inflatable bounce house space in 10 different bouncy sections, plus an inflatable obstacle course.
Family Photo Scavenger Hunt: It’s a Seedy Business
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown
Through September 30
Search for all sorts of seeds, and complete the hunt to win a prize.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Season
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through November 3
The next few months, celebrate everything Fall with various dates for the scarecrow display and festival, pet photo contest, Food Truck Thursdays, a murder mystery dinner, an outdoor screening of “The Wizard of Oz,” a wedding show, a Peddler’s Village Book Club, a terrarium-making workshop, the annual OctoberFeast weekend, Halloween parties, and the Peddler’s Village Apple Festival.
The Red Barn Farm Sunflower & Fall Festival
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Fridays – Sundays, through November 3
Take a hayride to the sunflower fields for photo memories and a sunflower each. Get lost in nearly 10 acres of the giant corn maze, this year dedicated to country music star Luke Bryan. When you escape, head to the fairgrounds and bounce around on the Jumbo Air Pillow, try your hand at lassoing the bull targets and other activities at the fairgrounds.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The Duke Theater at New 42 Studios, New York, NY
Through January 5, 2025
The show returns to NYC to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This production will feature two tales from Eric Carle: The Artist That Painted a Blue Horse and Mr. Seahorse. You will also see The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar during the 50-minute show. During the holiday season, Dream Snow will be added to the story rotation for the first time in New York City.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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