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37 Free Things To Do in New Jersey this September

Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System
Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System
9/5/23 - By Laurie Rein

Our roundup of more than three dozen FREE September events and activities in New Jersey is the perfect remedy for end-of-summer blues.

With street fair freebies in Burlington, Jersey City, and Cranbury, September is off to a promising start. Meanwhile, kids can explore vehicles at Netcong Touch-a-Truck and Bridgewater Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck.

As summer transitions to fall, get in the autumn spirit at admission-free seasonal events, including Westfield FestiFall, Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, and Harvest Home Festival.

For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar and the Best Fall Fairs and Festivals for NJ Families in September. 

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Explore Toms River during the Downtown Night Out events this month. Photo courtesy of Downtown Toms River
Explore Toms River during the Downtown Night Out events this month. Photo courtesy of Downtown Toms River

Ongoing Free Things To Do in September 2023

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Swing by the library on Mondays with the little ones for books, songs, and activities. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Storytime at Barnes & Noble East Brunswick

East Brunswick
Every Tuesday
Give the kids a break from shopping every Tuesday morning at Barnes & Noble in Brunswick Square Mall. Participants will hear a story and take part in a coloring activity. READ MORE

Bookscape Babies

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Brick

Brick
Every Wednesday
Head over to Barnes & Noble every Wednesday for children's stories and fun. READ MORE

KIDS! Atlantic Highlands Indoor Baby Storytime

Atlantic Highlands
Every Wednesday
Bring the babies to Atlantic Highlands library for stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplay. No registration required. READ MORE

Tiger Tales

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Toms River Downtown Night Out

Toms River
Every Friday and Saturday
Spend Friday and Saturday nights exploring downtown Toms River. Restaurants and businesses are open for dining, shopping, and entertainment. A section of Washington Street is closed for outdoor dining. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Farmers' Market

Scotch Plains
Every Saturday
The annual farmers' market returns every Saturday morning for its 31st season, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, gifts and more.  READ MORE

Garden State Plaza Sunday Farmer's Market

Paramus
Every Sunday
Enjoy Westfield Garden State Plaza's Sunday with 25+ unique local vendors, including fresh farm products, baked goods, fresh and pre-made foods, specialty coffee, treats, gourmet food trucks and live music. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, family, friends and relax. READ MORE

Asbury Park Fresh Farmers & Makers Market

Asbury Park
Every Sunday
Stroll through Asbury Park's market every Sunday morning for local farmers, artists, food makers, live music, kids' activities, food demonstrations, crafts, animal rescues and much more. READ MORE

Sunday Makebreak at Michaels

various locations
Every Sunday
Michaels welcomes guests for a free and fun craft every Sunday at the store. Register online. READ MORE
Enjoy free dance performances at Dance on the Lawn in Montclair. Photo courtesy of the event
Enjoy free dance performances at Dance on the Lawn in Montclair. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Things To Do in September 2023

The Wood Street Fair

Burlington
Saturday, September 9, 2023
The 52nd annual Wood Street Fair fills downtown Burlington and the surrounding waterfront area with a day of fun. Peruse craft tables from 175 vendors, indulge in festival eats, hear live music and tour the historical Revell House and Carriage House. READ MORE

Elmwood Park Community Day with Fireworks

Elmwood Park
Saturday, September 9, 2023
(postponed from earlier date) This giant block party features quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, great festival foods and food trucks, and more.  READ MORE

Cranbury Day

Cranbury
Saturday, September 9, 2023
This 45th annual festival boasts food trucks, vendors, a petting zoo, car show, face painting, live music, a puppy parade and more.  READ MORE

Netcong Touch-a-Truck

Netcong
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Check out police, recycling, rescue and other vehicles in the Netcong Train Station parking lot. The event takes place at the Netcong Community Farmers Marketplace. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

Various locations
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Insect Festival

Pennington
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Spend a fun day exploring the lives of insects, featuring a variety of activities focused on bugs, bees, and plants.  READ MORE

All About Downtown Street Fair

Jersey City
Saturday, September 9, 2023
The annual All About Downtown Street Fair returns to Jersey City for its 12th year with over 100 vendors and more than 10 food and mobile fashion trucks. This event features a day full of fun for the entire family. READ MORE

East 2nd Street Block Party & Car Show

Scotch Plains
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Second Street in Scotch Plains welcomes the community to its street fair, featuring giveaways, contests, live demonstrations, shopping, food samples, art displays, consultations, and more. READ MORE

Dance on the Lawn

Montclair
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy free dance performances from the most exciting dancers and choreographers in New Jersey. Local dance schools and companies take the stage in this event. READ MORE

Westfield FestiFall- CANCELED

Westfield
Sunday, September 10, 2023
(canceled due to weather)Welcome the fall season at this bustling annual festival, featuing entertainment, fantastic food, over 300 vendors and more. A special KidZone houses rides, games and activities just for children. READ MORE

POSTPONED-Bridgewater Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck

Bridgewater
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Thus touch-a-truck event is free, open to the entire community, and includes music, crafts, inflatables, and more.  READ MORE

Arts in the Park 2023

Highland Park
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Join Main Street Highland Park for the 16th annual Arts in the Park street festival, juried art show, and arts and crafts sale. The festival invites the community to enjoy artistic offerings, live music, food from local restaurants, children's activities, promotional booths, and more. READ MORE

Marlboro Day

Marlboro
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Editor's note: This has been postponed to Sunday, October 22 due to weather. Now in its 39th year, this event sees Marlboro Township Recreation hosting a day of free activities, with rides, vendors, food, entertainment, and more.  READ MORE

Arts in the Park 2023

Highland Park
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Join Main Street Highland Park for the 16th annual Arts in the Park street festival, juried art show, and arts and crafts sale. The festival invites the community to enjoy artistic offerings, live music, food from local restaurants, children's activities, promotional booths, and more. READ MORE

Wind & Sea Festival

Port Monmouth
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Join this celebration of all things water at Port Monmouth's Bayshore Waterfront Park. Visitors can enjoy tons of beach- and water-themed seaside activities. READ MORE

Festival in the Borough 2023

Washington
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Festival in the Borough returns to Downtown Washington with three stages of music and 18 acts, ranging from local favorites to national touring Grammy nominated artists. Streets lined with vendors, children's fun zone, food, local shopping and a beer garden round out the fun. READ MORE

St. James School 33rd Annual Street Fair

Woodbridge
Saturday, September 16, 2023
St. James School's 33rd Annual Street Fair features a variety of crafters, vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and kids activities. Don't miss the huge 50/50 raffle. READ MORE

Monroe Arts & Crafts Festival

Monroe
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Head over to Main Street for fall festivities, including food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and more.  READ MORE

Arts & Cars

Summit
Sunday, September 17, 2023
This family-friendly event is designed to celebrate the vibrant arts community and the timeless appeal of classic cars. READ MORE

Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair

Ridgewood
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair boasts 200 exhibitors showing arts, crafts, and photography. There's also a food court and a large Kid's Zone with inflatables and children's activities. READ MORE

Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival

Morristown
Friday, September 22-Saturday, September 23, 2023
Editor's note: Saturday's festivities have been canceled due to the impending storm. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy free music in downtown Morristown. The performances take place at Pioneer's Plaza READ MORE

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival

Ridgefield Park
Friday, September 22-Sunday, September 24, 2023
Editor's note: Festivities on Saturday, September 23, 2023, have been canceled due to the impending storm. Enjoy some family fun at the annual Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers market, animals, live music, food trucks and much more.  READ MORE

Red Bank's 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Red Bank
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Join the Borough of Red Bank for an afternoon celebrating the Borough's rich Hispanic Heritage with live music and performance, food, and family fun at the beautiful Riverside Gardens. READ MORE

Edison Fall Family Spectacular- CANCELED

Edison
Saturday, September 23, 2023
The Township of Edison and the Edison Recreation Department host this community get-together with eight blocks of fun. Enjoy kiddie rides, games, face painting, sand art, a pro-wrestling ring, a remote-control car track, and more. READ MORE

Garfield Fall Family Street Fest- CANCELED

Garfield
Sunday, September 24, 2023
If you like shopping outdoors, head over to Midland Avenue for this giant block party. Enjoy quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, great festival foods and food trucks,  and more.  READ MORE

Harvest Home Festival - CANCELED

Holmdel
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Editor's note: Due to the impending storm, this event has been canceled. This old-fashioned country fair at Longstreet Farm is reminiscent of the 1890s, taking visitors back in time to the period when neighbors gathered to accomplish work, harvest, and spend time socializing and enjoying each other’s company. READ MORE

Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show

Deptford
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Beloved story characters take the stage at Deptford Mall for FREE monthly shows. Enjoy singing, dancing, story time, fun giveaways, and a meet-and-greet with the character. Registration is required.  READ MORE

Diversity Day Children's Festival 2023 - CANCELED

Freehold
Saturday, September 30, 2023
The 2023 Diversity Day Children’s Festival is an entertaining, inclusive, outdoor event for children and their families. Enjoy a wide selection of exciting, culturally diverse live performances and engaging hands-on activities. READ MORE

Harvest Fest

Ramsey
Saturday, September 30, 2023
All ages are welcome to this annual Harvest Fest, featuring a petting zoo, apple cider, donuts, crafts and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Municipal Parking Lot
Downtown Cranbury
Netcong Train Station
Marlboro Municipal Complex
Monroe's Main Street
The Green (and other location)
i