Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a twinkling wonderland at Holidays in the Park. Photo by Lisa Warden
Christmas Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Santa Visits, and More Things to Do
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Santa ships out before Christmas Day, but there's still plenty to see at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: A List of Awesome Things to Do
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Holland Ridge Farms combines a tulip theme and the holidays in its Winter Wonderland installation. Photo courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms
Christmas Vacation in New Jersey: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
6/13/23 - By Laurie Rein

Outdoor concerts are a summer staple throughout New Jersey, and going to one is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Luckily for us, it's possible to take in FREE live music nearly every night of the week in New Jersey, so get ready to go concert-hopping at the local parks, downtown areas, and beaches we've listed below. 

Find more summer freebies with our guide to Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids and our rundown of free summer outdoor movies in New Jersey. We also have lots more ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

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

Check individual venues for movie listings and alternate rain plans.  

More Free Activities in New Jersey this Summer

Free Summer Movies in New Jersey

July Fairs and Festivals for NJ Families

105 Free Things To Do in NJ This Summer With Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC
Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC

Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series in Freehold

Freehold
Thursdays from June 1-August 24, 2023
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold's summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts. READ MORE

Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds

Cranford
Thursdays from June 1-June 28, 2023
Grab a bite from a local restaurant and pull up a park bench for these special Thursday evening concerts in downtown Cranford. The streets come alive with a different sound from local artists each week.   READ MORE

Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Fridays from June 2-September 8, 2023
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

Thursdays by the Sea Concert Series

Long Branch
Thursdays from June 8-August 31, 2023
Enjoy free summer concerts with the ocean backdrop at Long Branch's Pier Village on Thursday nights. READ MORE

2023 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series

Essex County parks
Select dates from Tuesday, June 20-Friday, August 11, 2023
Kick back in the park, and hear a diverse group of musicians and entertainers throughout Essex County. Performers include local and international acts in jazz, rock and roll, big band, reggae and more.   READ MORE

Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series

Westfield
Thursdays from June 22-July 13, 2023
Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual Summer Concert Series in Westfield's Mindowaskin Park. The band will present selections from Broadway musicals, popular marches, patriotic selections, the classics and contemporary music. READ MORE

2023 Summer Music and More

Princeton
Select Saturdays from June 17-August 19, 2023
Gather at Nassau Park Pavilion for a free summer music series, along with free art activities for both youth and adults. READ MORE

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Select Fridays from June 23-August 18, 2023
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

Music Under the Stars Concert Series

Flemington
Select Thursdays from June 29-August 10, 2023
Deer Path Park is home to Hunterdon County's music under the stars on select Thursday evenings. READ MORE

Princeton Summer Concert Series

Princeton
Thursdays from July 6-August 10, 2023
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

Livingston Summer Concert Series

Livingston
Saturdays from July 9-August 6, 2023
Stop by the gazebo in Memorial Park Sunday nights for live music from local bands. READ MORE

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Westfield
Tuesdays, July 11-August 29, 2023
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

Maplewood Summer Concert Series

Maplewood
Fridays from July 14-August 11, 2023
Gather at the Springfield Avenue gazebo every Friday night for great live music performances. READ MORE

Waldwick Summer Concert Series

Waldwick
Select Wednesdays through September 13, 2023
Waldwick presents a free summer concert series at Borough Park. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy the show. Food donations are welcome for the Center for Food Action. READ MORE

Horizon Sounds of the City 2023

Newark
Thursdays from July 13-August 24, 2023
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to host this free live summer concert series taking place under the stars on the NJPAC Campus at Chambers Plaza. Enjoy local talent, plus a one-night showcase of local artists. READ MORE

Friday Night Concert Series

Somers Point
Fridays through September 8, 2023
Friday night is music night at William Morris Beach, with free concerts each week. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: