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Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
5/26/24 - By Laurie Rein

Summer is the season for awesome FREE things to do all across New Jersey. We’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy this summer that don't involve breaking the bank, including fireworks displays galore, festivals that offer something for everyone, and outdoor movie screenings throughout the Garden State.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and more freebies in our FREE Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with New Jersey Kids. Have a fabulous summer full of FREE fun!

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Many events in this listing occur on multiple dates, so be sure to read through the entire description and click through for addresses, times, and any reservation requirements. 

 

 

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Kick off every weekend on the Wildwoods Boardwalk with Friday night fireworks. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods, New Jersey
Kick off every weekend on the Wildwoods Boardwalk with Friday night fireworks. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods, New Jersey

Free Things To Do in New Jersey All Summer Long

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Multiple Locations
Select days through Friday, August 30, 2024
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Avalon Beach Movies

Avalon
Select dates from Friday, July 5-Friday, August 23, 2024
Bring a beach chair or blanket to 30th Street Beach for a big-screen movie on select Fridays. Titles include Barbie.  READ MORE

Meet & Greets at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Mondays, July 1-August 26, 2024
Bring the little ones to Casino Pier every Monday for free character appearances, including Bluey and the Trolls. READ MORE

Beach Treasure Hunt in Lavallette

Lavallette
Mondays from June 24-August 26, 2024
Children of all ages are invited to dig for treasures every Monday at President Avenue Beach. Coins are hidden in the sand, and every participant receives a prize.  READ MORE

Free Family Movie Nights in Downtown Wildwood

Wildwood
Tuesdays, June 25-August 20, 2024
Head over to Byrne Plaza on Tuesday nights for a free family movie, with animated titles like Inside Out 2. Bring blankets or beach chairs, and take advantage of free parking. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer Movie Series

Fanwood
Tuesdays, June 25-August 13, 2024
Fanwood's LaGrande Park presents hit movies under the stars every Tuesday evening on a 16 feet wide outdoor screen. Bring a blanket or beach chair. READ MORE

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Westfield
Tuesdays, July 2-August 27, 2024
Enjoy a night out in town with free music as you stroll, eat, and relax at outdoor venues around town featuring live musicians. Talented groups play and entertain each Tuesday evening through August with Wednesday rain dates. READ MORE

Ridgewood Movies in the Park

Ridgewood
Select Wednesdays from June 12-August 7, 2024
The Ridgewood Guild presents a roster of hits every other Wednesday at Memorial Park. Arrive 30 minutes before the film for complimentary ice cream, candy, performers and a trivia contest. READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays , June 26-August 21, 2024
Bring a blanket to the lawn outside Hall of Records every Wednesday night for a showing of a new or classic movie. Grab a bite from a downtown eatery while you're there.  READ MORE

Bergen County Movies in the Park

Paramus
Wednesdays and Fridays, Wednesday, July 10-Friday, August 23, 2024
Bergen County presents movies in two locations- Van Saun County Park and Pascack Brook County Park. Free movies include Mean Girls and Migration.  Bring chairs and blankets. READ MORE

Sea Isle City Free Movies Under the Stars

Sea Isle City
Wednesdays, July 3-August 28, 2024
Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robots are a couple of the great movies scheduled to play at Excursion Park on Wednesday nights.  READ MORE

Princeton Summer Concert Series

Princeton
Thursdays, June 6 -August 8, 2024
Princeton Shopping Center's courtyard is home to a diverse summer outdoor entertainment series on Thursday nights. Get ready to dance with local bands. There are plenty of dinner options from nearby Princeton eateries. READ MORE

Kites and Castles in Lavallette

Lavallette
Thursdays, June 27-August 22. 2024
Bring your kites to the Philadelphia Avenue beach every Thursday night for sandcastle building and kite flying. A first place prize is awarded each week, and prizes are given to all participants.  READ MORE

Thrilling Thursdays in Margate

Margate
Thursdays, July 5-August 29, 2024
Get a head start on the weekend with this busy Thursday roster of activities in Margate. Start your day with a visit to the farmers market, shop at local sidewalk sales then head over to the beach at 6:30pm for prescreening activities and giveaways. READ MORE

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series in Freehold

Freehold
Thursdays, June 6-August 22, 2024
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold's summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts. READ MORE

Jenkinson's Fireworks at Dark

Point Pleasant
Thursdays, June 20-August 29, 2024
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at dark. READ MORE

Aquarium Beach Bingo at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Fridays, June 21-August 30, 2024
All are invited to Jenkinson's Aquarium Beach Bingo on Friday. Instead of numbers, this bingo uses beach items. Meet in front of the aquarium and win prizes.  READ MORE

Toms River Downtown Night Out

Toms River
Fridays and Saturdays, May 31-October 12, 2024
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

Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Fridays, June 7-September 6, 2024
Spend a relaxing Friday evening at Terhune Orchards, with live music from local bands and, of course, wine. Light fare is available for purchase. Families are welcome. READ MORE

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Every other Friday, June 21-August 30, 2024
METC's free Summer Concert Series sponsored by the DDC is back. Enjoy a free night of music this summer on Fridays. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit and listen to some great performances. READ MORE

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays, June 28-August 30, 2024
Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Farmers' Market

Scotch Plains
Saturdays through November 2, 2024
The annual farmers' market returns every Saturday morning for its 33rd season, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, gifts, entertainment and more.  READ MORE

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market

Wildwood
Saturdays through August 31, 2024
The Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market features 60+ quality vendors, including farmers selling a full variety of produce, plants, and flowers. Bakers offer all kinds of goodies, too, with many gluten-free varieties. Children's entertainment takes place each week. READ MORE

Downtown After Sundown in South Orange

South Orange
Saturdays, June 8, through August 31, 2024
South Orange Downtown's live music series, Downtown After Sundown (DAS) is a free summer music series features 13 live performances from talented local musicians covering several genres including, R&B, soul, flamenco, rock, jazz and more. READ MORE

Montclair Movies Under the Stars

Montclair
Select dates from Sunday, June 23-Saturday, August 24, 2024
Montclair's 16th annual summer movie series kicks off with a Wicked sing-along and continues at various town locations. READ MORE
Enjoy an evening of at outdoor fun by hunting for fireflies at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the farm
Enjoy an evening of at outdoor fun by hunting for fireflies at Terhune Orchards. Photo courtesy of the farm

Free Events in NJ in June

West Cape May Strawberry Festival

West Cape May
Saturday, June 1, 2024
This fun-filled festival features Jersey fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, craft vendors, food, and more. READ MORE

Undercover Music Fest in South Orange

South Orange
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Experience the electrifying vibes of Under Cover Music Fest at the Sloan Street parking lot. Groove to hits from Beyoncé to The Grateful Dead and more, performed by sensational cover bands at this free community event. READ MORE

Jersey City Jazz Festival

Jersey City
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2, 2024
This 2day celebration features musicians on three stages, plus food trucks, bars, a parade and more, all on the Jersey City waterfront. READ MORE

50th Annual Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Head over to New Brunswick for a wonderful day of great food, song, and dance at the 50th Annual Hungarian Festival. READ MORE

West Orange Street Fair

West Orange
Saturday, June 1, 2024
The popular West Orange Street Fair is loaded with festivities, featuring local crafters, food from local vendors, street performers, a classic car show, beer and wine garden, a rock-climbing wall, free all-day admission to the Thomas Edison Museum and more. READ MORE

Feria de Sevilla in Woodbridge

Woodbridge
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of Spain. This event not only celebrates Spain's unique cultural heritage with New Jersey flair but also provides an enjoyable family-oriented event for all ages. READ MORE

Crafts in the Park Show in Westwood

Westwood
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Over 100 exhibitors with arts, crafts and photography from three states showcase a great variety of hand crafted items, such as stained glass, pottery, garden decor, welcome signs, paintings, apparel, metal & resin art, charcuterie boards, jewelry, florals, birdhouses and more. READ MORE

Garwood Rocks

Garwood
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Rock out in downtown Garwood, with food, rides, a petting zoo, KidZone, classic cars, live entertainment and much more. Rain or shine. READ MORE

Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair

Hasbrouck Heights
Sunday, June 2, 2024
The Hasbrouck Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsors the borough’s most popular spring event, held annually along the Boulevard. It features area merchants, exhibitors, a crafter’s section, food booths and trucks, kiddie rides and live music. READ MORE

Haddon Township Pride Parade and Community Night

Haddon Township
Thursday, June 6-Friday, June 7, 2024
Join Haddon Township Equity Initiative for a weekend of pride celebrations, featuring a Pride Parade on Thursday on Haddon Avenue and Community Night on Friday at Haddon Square. READ MORE

250th Anniversary of Walnford

Upper Freehold
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Historic Walnford celebrates 250 years with tours of the house, ice cream samples from an 18th century recipe, and porch festivities. READ MORE

Pride in the Park in Red Bank

Red Bank
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Everyone is invited to Riverside Gardens Park for a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Featured are live music, vendors, giveaways and activities. Don't miss the Best Pride Pet Contest and Drag Bingo. READ MORE

Glassboro CommUNITY Day

Glassboro
Saturday, June 8, 2024
CommUNITY Day celebrates the emarkable diversity and culturally vibrant community that Glassboro embodies. The entertainment lineup features performances by local nonprofits and Glassboro High School. Vendors and food trucks round out the fun. READ MORE

Sparta Day 2025

Sparta
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Swing by this vendor fair, family festival, and highly anticipated community event. Enjoy over 100 vendors, live entertainment, a food plaza, games and more. Visit Kid's Country for activities and amusements.  READ MORE

Bayonne Hometown Fair

Bayonne
Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9, 2024
The Bayonne Hometown Fair is an annual two-day festival featuring two stages of free entertainment, one with main and one with community acts. Check out the many local businesses and vendors on display, plus free blow-up rides. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

various locations
Saturday, June 8, 2024
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

Montvale Mile Long Street Fair

Montvale
Sunday, June 9, 2024
The Montvale Chamber of Commerce hosts the 12th annual mile-long street fair, one of the season’s most popular events. Paragon Drive features over 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, a kid’s area, a community section, two food courts, and live entertainment all day. READ MORE

Family Fun Night in Downtown Summit

Summit
Thursday, June 13, 2024
The whole family can enjoy a fun-filled evening in Downtown Summit, complete with entertainment, a carnival-themed kid zone, business promotions and more. READ MORE

Skimmer Festival in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Come to this festival by the sea, featuring vendors, food, live music, rides and children's activities. Enjoy sand art, balloon art and a photo booth. READ MORE

Elmwood Park's Multi-Cultural Street Fair

Elmwood Park
Saturday, June 15, 2024
This mega-block party is held on Market Street and the Recreation Field with shopping, live music, vendors, children's activities, food  and more. The Kidz Traveling Shindig includes bounce rides, slides, face painters, sand art and games. READ MORE

Union Township Juneteenth Arts Festival

Union
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Head over to Biretumfpel Park for a community celebration in honor of Juneteenth, featuring music, food, art and vendors. The fun includes face painting and a photo booth. READ MORE

Gospel Doo Wop Car Showcase in Forked River

Forked River
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The 2nd Annual Gospel Doo Wop Car Showcase combines the soulful sounds of gospel doo-wop music with a stunning display of vintage automobiles.Experience a day filled with powerful gospel music, vintage cars, and uplifting community spirit. READ MORE

Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival

Washington
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The Sustainably Green Music and Arts Festival returns to Washington Borough, featuring a day of live music, ecofriendly vendors, crafters, artists, free kids activities, shopping, and dining. READ MORE

International Horseshoe Crab Day at Cattus Island County Park

Toms River
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Cooper Environmental Center honors these magnificent creatures with crafts, lectures, stories and live encounters.  READ MORE

Marvel Superheroes Meet & Greet at Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Spider-Man and Iron Man swing by Jenkinson's Boardwalk to meet with fans. READ MORE

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, June 22, 2024
The towns of Scotch Plains and Fanwood sponsor an afternoon of free programs in honor of Juneteenth. Events are located at or near Shady Rest, the nation's first Black-owned county club. READ MORE

Clark's Rock the Block Street Fair

Clark
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Head over to Westfield Avenue's giant block party, featuring quality exhibitors, a special crafter’s section, a classic car show, gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, a kid’s zone, live music and performances, and local merchants and civic organizations. READ MORE

Summer Picnic Party at Berkeley Island

Berkeley Township
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Kick off the summer at the park with live music, bocce, horseshoes, giant Twister and food trucks. Bring a beach chair or blanket. READ MORE

Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show

Deptford
Thursdays, June 27, July 25, August 22, 2024
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

Touch-A-Truck at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Friday, June 28, 2024
Kids of all ages are invited to get behind the wheel and explore all kinds of vehicles. Crafts and snacks round out the fun. A sensory-friendly half hour, with no noises or flashing lights, takes place at 10am. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Mount Arlington
Friday, June 28, 2024
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. READ MORE

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Long Beach Island
Saturday, June 29. 2024
Gather at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for an evening campfire, with live music and marshmallow-roasting. Please bring a blanket or chair and some marshmallows and sticks. READ MORE

Keansburg Fourth of July Family Fun Fest

Keansburg
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Head to the beach in Keansburg for a fun, family-friendly celebration of the start of summer. Enjoy live music by The Nerds, plus frolic in the sand to DJ music. Food and beach vendors sell snacks and more.   READ MORE

CANCELED- Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Sunday, June 30, 2024
(Canceled due to weather. New date tba).Light up the summer with a free evening of nature, music, wagon rides, and outdoor activities. Children can decorate firefly wings and make antennas in the craft area. There is a kids' play area, plus farm animals to visit. READ MORE

Hammonton Red, White, and Blueberry Festival

Hammonton
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Hammonton, which calls itself the Blueberry Capital of the World, hosts this 39th annual event, with fair food, kiddie rides, crafters, children's craft activities, and entertainment throughout the day. See a blueberry pie-eating contest, and explore the classic car show. READ MORE
Jenkinson's Boardwalk lights up with fireworks on the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's
Jenkinson's Boardwalk lights up with fireworks on the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's

Free Events in NJ in July

Cedar Grove Fireworks

Cedar Grove
Monday, July 1, 2024
Head to the turf field at Panther Park with your picnic blanket and spread out to enjoy the fireworks. Prior to the show, entertainment includes a DJ, balloon artist, crafts, obstacle course and refreshments.  READ MORE

Big Bubble Bonanza at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Monday, July 1, Tuesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 15, 2024
See the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair. READ MORE

Hamilton Township Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

Hamilton
Monday, July 1, 2024
Music, food and fun kick off the celebration at Hamilton Township's Veterans Park. Stick around to see the fireworks fly beginning at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Highland Park Fireworks

Highland Park
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Food trucks, music, and fun are the pre-show to this fireworks display, which begins at 9:15pm.  READ MORE

Perth Amboy Fireworks

Perth Amboy
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
View one of the state's biggest fireworks displays over the Raritan Bay.   READ MORE

Marvel Independence Night at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Kick off America’s birthday week with the Superheroes- red, white, blue and Marvel too. Enjoy free meet & greets with Spiderman and Captain America on the Pier Stage. READ MORE

Mount Holly Fireworks

Mount Holly
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with a festive fireworks display at Ironworks Park. Round out the fun with live music, giveaways, rides, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

Camden
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Festival, presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the City of Camden. Families can expect patriotic fun, live music, and an amazing fireworks show over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Milltown celebrates the 4th of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, food, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant Beach
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Springfield's July 4th Celebration

Springfield
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Springfield's July 4th Celebration features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a trackless train, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert. READ MORE

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular

Leonia
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Bergen County presents a brand new Independence Day Celebration, featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony, plus an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks at Overpeck Creek. READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school flair. Longstreet Farms takes the party back to the 1890s. Enjoy old-fashioned patriotism and celebrate with games, music, and more. READ MORE

Oceanfest in Long Branch

Long Branch
Thursday, July 4, 2024
All are invited to the 32nd annual Oceanfest, an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. READ MORE

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Join the 114th annual Ridgewood 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a flag raising at 9am followed by a parade stepping off at 10am. The evening festivities include food trucks and fireworks. READ MORE

Ocean City 4th of July Celebration

Ocean City
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day down the shore in Ocean City with a kite flying competition, live entertainment, and a boardwalk fireworks display. READ MORE

Princess Party on the Pier

Seaside Heights
Friday, July 5, 2024
Calling all Princesses to the Pier. Meet your favorite princesses singing your favorite songs. READ MORE

Wildlife World of Animals at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Select Wednesdays, July 10-August 28, 2024
Casino Pier is hosting an exotic animal show with Rizzo’s Wildlife World. Check out a variety of exotic animals right on the pier. The wildlife program brings 8-10 animals, including snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, insects, and small mammals, as well as a baby alligator. READ MORE

Princess Palooza at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Select Thursdays, July 11-August 15, 2024
Meet your favorite princesses at Jenkinson's Pavilion Beach Stage prior to the fireworks show. READ MORE

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

Wildwood Crest
Friday, July 12, 2024
Serious sand lovers can grab a pail, shovel, and other tools and head to the beach at Wildwood Crest for the town's annual sand sculpture festival. This ultimate summer event is worth checking out even if you don't want to compete.  READ MORE

Palmer Square Movie Nights

Princeton
Fridays, July 12 and August 2, 2024
Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie under the stars on Palmer Square. Come early for upscale shopping and enjoy al fresco dining before the show or pick up a meal to bring to the Green. READ MORE

30th Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival

Haddonfield
Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14, 2024
Stroll through Downtown Haddonfield and check out crafts, outdoor cafes, music, and more at the 30th edition of this annual festival. READ MORE

Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! at Macculloch Hall

Morristown
Saturdays, July 13-July 27, 2024
From pollinators to plant dyes, discover something new in nature each Saturday. The program runs rain or shine. READ MORE

Anglesea Blues Festival

Wildwood
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14, 2024
All are invited to enjoy blues music and delicious barbecue at the Anglesea Blues Festival in beautiful North Wildwood. The festival features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. READ MORE

NJ State Barbecue Championship

Wildwood
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14, 2024
Bring your appetite to this summer celebration of ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork. Between licking your fingers you can get some tips from the pit masters, listen to live music, and see some cooking demonstrations. READ MORE

Summer Music and More: El Noordzo in Princeton

Princeton
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Spend an evening filled with free live music and art activities for all ages. The headliner, El Noordzo, performs their instrumental, psychedelic, Afro-Cuban surf-jazz interpretations of classic rock, punk and alternative songs. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer FanJam

Fanwood
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Rock out to live music from local bands, along with a classic car show, food trucks, and more at this Fanwood music festival. READ MORE

Night in Venice

Ocean City
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Ocean City's 69th annual boat parade is set to sail, and its theme is "Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett." Stick around after the flotilla to see a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

Diversity Day on the Morristown Green

Morristown
Sunday, July 21, 2024
The Diversity Coalition of Morris County (DCMC) is proud to announce the 7th annual Diversity Day on the beautiful and historic Morristown Green. Diversity Day celebrates the diverse culture, religious, and ethnic gifts of neighbors who live and work in the Morristown community. READ MORE

Hackettstown Street Fair

Hackettstown
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Celebrate the annual Hackettstown Street Fair on Main Street, featuring artisans and crafters, vendors, live entertainment, food and more. READ MORE

Ready, Aim, Fire at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Select dates from Tuesday, July 23-Saturday, July 27, 2024
Sara Twister is a crowd-stopping phenomenon who, whilst balancing on her arms, can fire a bow and arrow with her feet. Part Lara Croft, part Robin Hood, this unforgettable foot-archer will simultaneously blow your mind whilst stealing your heart. READ MORE

Christmas in July at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Tuesday, July 23-Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to the shore in July! Take photos with Santa and enjoy a stroll, storytime, diving Santa and a holiday show. READ MORE

2024 Mercer County 4‑H Fair

Lambertville
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2024
Spend the day enjoying everything this county fair has to offer, including animal shows, hay rides, pony rides, music, a magic show, homemade ice cream, and more.  READ MORE

Free Movie Tuesdays at MPAC

Morristown
Tuesdays, July 30 and August 13, 2024
Mayo Performing Arts Center presents hit movies on the big screen as part of its free Arts in the Community series, generously supported by ADP. Free tickets are available online.  READ MORE

Free Events in NJ in August

Highlands 29th Annual Clam Festival

Highlands
Friday, August 1-Saturday, August 3, 2024
This annual event has fresh seafood, live entertainment, contests, vendors, crafters, and games. Stick around for a fireworks display on Saturday at Snug Harbor Beach. READ MORE

Pyrotoxic Fire Show at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Thursday, August 1-Friday, August 2, 2024
Alluring, professional, and jaw-droppingly talented, come experience a free Fire Show. Crowd amplifying fire performances and tantalizing specialty acts are guaranteed to wow and captivate you. READ MORE

Olde Freehold Day

Freehold
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Now in its 48th year, Olde Freehold Day hosts food, drinks, music and family-fun. The Kidz Zone features a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and more. READ MORE

Mansfield Township National Night Out

Columbus
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
(New date due to weather) Join the Mansfield Township Police Department for an evening of live music, games, food trucks, giveaways and a visit from Paw Patrol's Chase. Don't miss fireworks at 8:45pm. READ MORE

Roseland National Night Out

Roseland
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
The Borough of Roseland hosts a new National Night Out celebration, featuring entertainment, family activities and a visit from a State Police helicopter. READ MORE

Dinosaurs on the Pier

Seaside Heights
Wednesday, August 7-Friday, August 9, 2024
Extinct No More! Dinosaurs have been found again on Casino Pier. Learn about the dinosaurs that have been discovered in an interactive experience that is sure to excite and also educate. READ MORE

New Brunswick Heart Festival

New Brunswick
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The 5th annual New Brunswick Heart Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex Counties, featuring live music, dance, crafts, food vendors, roaming musicians, interviews with local artists, and a wellness tent. READ MORE

Cirque-Tacular at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Tuesday, August 20-Friday, August 23, 2024
Enjoy a Cirque-Tacular Show on the Pier. Elite acrobats perform both ground and aerial acts that will have your jaw dropping. READ MORE

Canal Day Music & Craft Festival

Wharton
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Celebrate the Morris Canal at this country fair with live music, regional crafts, and tasty food. Take a trip down the canal on a mule-drawn boat, check out musical artists, take a kayak ride, and see the animal and cowboy shows. The festival winds down with fireworks. READ MORE

Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival

Long Branch
Saturday, August 24, 2024
This annual event features jazz and blues music, local food, children's activities, crafts, games, and fun. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in New Jersey Labor Day Weekend

St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival

Scotch Plains
Friday, August 30-Monday, September 2, 2024
This 50th annual Italian fest is a Labor Day weekend tradition with something for everyone. There is nightly live music, rides, games, and delicious food, including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, and calzones. READ MORE

Fall Flower Festival & Craft Market

Port Murray
Saturday, August 31-Sunday, September 1, 2024
Enjoy two full days of free informative lectures and presentations, tours of the spectacular gardens and a craft market featuring a wide selection of curated vendors and food. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

30th Street Beach
President Avenue Beach
Downtown Westfield
Van Saun County Park (and another park)
Philadephia Avenue Beach
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Municipal Parking Lot
Various Montclair locations
Riverside Gardens Park
Elmwood Park's Multi-Cultural Street Fair
Shady Rest Country Club House
John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Roseland Municipal Building

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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