Free Things To Do in August 2018

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Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 22 Need some AC? Check out Marquee Cinemas Free Summer Films, with August titles like LEGO Ninjago Movie and Sing.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through August 16 Bring a blanket to Knight Park twice a week for Summer Movies, starting with Pee Wee's Big Adventure in August.

Wednesdays and Thursdays through August 30 Trolls kicks off Citiplex 12's August portion of the indoor series.

Wednesdays, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy is the final showing at Bernards Township Movies in the Park.

Wednesday, August 1 The parks of South Orange host an art projects for kids followed by a concert at Floods Hill.

Wednesdays through August 15 Take in the Manhattan skyline and hit movies every Wednesday at Hoboken Movies Under the Stars, with The Isle of Dogs as its first August showing.

Wednesdays through August 22 Van Vorst Park in Jersey City presents Black Panther with its summer movie series.

Thursday, August 2 – Sunday, August 5 Live music, rides, and an all-you-can-eat-clam contest will be part of the fun at Highlands' Clam Festival.

Thursdays through August 26 Head to downtown Glassboro Thursday nights for Summerfest, featuring live entertainment and craft activities for kids of all ages and abilities, plus local craft beers and wine for the grown-ups.

Thursdays through August 23 Enjoy free access to one of our favorite Jersey Shore beaches, Margate Beach, on Thrilling Thursdays. After a day in the sun, watch a family-friendly movie under the stars.

Thursdays, August 2 onward Hoboken Historical Museum invites the little ones every Thursday to Penny's Storytime, with stories and songs about city life.

Thursdays through August 30 Thursdays nights are like 4th of July all summer with fireworks on Jenkinson's Beach.

Fridays through August 31 Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a screening of LEGO Ninjago Movie, as part of Jenkinson's Movies on the Beach.

Fridays, August 3 onward Stop in the Lovin Oven in Frenchtown for children's stories and songs every Friday. 

Fridays through August 31 Fireworks light up the sky every Friday night in Wildwood. 

Fridays through August 31 Sea Isle City Movies Under the Stars kicks off in August with Beauty and the Beast.

First Saturday of the month onward Keep cool the first Saturday in every month at the Freehold Raceway Mall at the Kids Club: Powered by Nat Geo Kids, with fun activities, free carousel rides, and prize drawings. 

First Saturday and Sunday of every month Get free admission to the Morris Museum, Newark Museum, Montclair Art Museum, and Liberty Science Center with your Bank of America card.

Saturday, August 4 The sweet Peach Festival at Community Presbyterian Church of Chester promises homemade peach desserts and tons of cool items up for auction.

Saturday, August 4 Come hungry to the Cape May Craft Beer and Crab Festival. Food will be available for purchase, and live music, jugglers, and acrobats will entertain your family while you eat.

Sunday, August 5 Enjoy rides, food, a petting zoo, and more at the Garfield Street Fair.

Mondays through August 27 Head over to Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant every Monday night for the Kiddie Beach Show, featuring a lineup of comedy and magic shows. 

Tuesdays, August 7–14 Fanwood Summer Movie Series presents Spider Man: Homecoming as its August premiere. 

Tuesday, August 7 Free your tot from the stroller for a Tot Trek along the trails of the Lord Stirling Park.

Tuesday, August 7 Make your own instruments from recycled materials at Scotch Plains Library.

Tuesday, August 7 Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at the Cape May Lighthouse. Make your own crafts, listen to songs of the sea, and meet the lighthouse keepers.

Tuesday, August 7 Join your neighbors in celebrating National Night Out in communities throughout New Jersey, including Maplewood and Bayonne.

Tuesdays, August 7 State Theater wraps up its summer movie series with Wonder. 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 15 Free indoor movies continue on Tuesday with Bow Tie Cinemas Summer Kids Series, with Smurfs as the August debut. 

Tuesdays through August 28 Downtown Westfield gets musical every Tuesday evening with Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through August 28 Seaside's Casino Pier is loaded with free kid's entertainment twice a week, including face painting and balloonists. 

Tuesdays and Sundays through September 4 Stick around Seaside Heights on Tuesdays, and Sundays, for Movies on the Beach.

Tuesdays through August 21 Get crafty every Tuesday at Bridgewater Library's Craftacular. 

Thursday, August 9 Belt out favorite Little Mermaid tunes at Hazlet Library's The Little Mermaid Sing-A-Long.

Saturday, August 11 Fill the day with live jazz performances at the Montclair Jazz Festival. 

Sunday, August 12 Garden State Discovery Museum welcomes families with children on the autism spectrum for an evening of safe, interactive fun. 

Wednesday, August 15 The always-free Cape May Zoo presents a free concert by Suite Inspiration.

Friday, August 17 Catch a flick in West New York's Veteran's Park on select Fridays in the summer, wrapping up with Coco.

Paddle along the Morris Canal on Canal Day. Photo courtesy of Canal Day Music & Craft Festival

Saturday, August 18 The Morris Canal is the center of the action at Canal Day Music & Craft Festival. Free kayak and boat tours, pony rides, and blacksmith demonstrations will be part of the fun.

Saturday, August 25 Live music, food, and crafts make for a fun family day at the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival. 

Saturday, August 25 Revel in Caribbean cuisine, music, and dance performances at Hub City Sounds: 3rd Annual Caribbean Festival.