By Jennifer Amato Published: July 28, 2022 July 29, 2022
There’s no reason to stay inside this weekend, as multiple opportunities abound for you and your family to continue making summer memories! Have a boatload of fun when you take your best furry friend aboard the Circle Line for the Pawsitively Perfect Pup Cruise. Pick-your-own sunflowers at a local festival. Or take a road trip to Atlantic City for the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit.
National Sports Collectors Convention Atlantic City Friday – Sunday Come meet more than 100 superstars at the world’s largest sports and entertainment convention! There will be meet-and-greet and autograph opportunities for every sports lover in your family. Among those in the star-studded lineup are Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Odell Beckham Jr., David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, Julius Erving, Floyd Mayweather, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, Paul Pierce, Brian Leetch, Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson, Michael Vick, Johnny Bench, Jim Thome, Walt Frzier and Chuck Liddell.
Jurassic Quest Edison Friday – Sunday Jurassic Quest is known for its life-like dinosaurs and for having some of the largest rideable dinos in North America. The event includes live dinosaur shows and interactive science and art activities such as a fossil dig. Kids can see real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and even a life-size dino skull. For the little ones, there’s “Triceratots,” a soft play area with bounce houses, inflatable attractions, photo ops and more. New this year is a map where guests can embark on “The Quest,” an interactive scavenger hunt.
Raise Your Voice Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Friday – Sunday The Kelsey Forward Initiative and Kelsey Theatre presents MTI’s Broadway Junior Revue Raise Your Voice – a one act presentation of your favorite Broadway tunes performed by terrifically talented teenagers! From Broadway Junior musicals to beloved Disney shows, this show offers a fun introduction to musical revues by young performers.
New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning Solberg Airport, Readington Friday – Sunday The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America will fill the clear, blue skies with giant, colorful balloons!
Live Music Series Sharrott Winery, Hammonton Friday – Sunday Come enjoy live music in Sharrott’s beautiful winery setting. Live music will be held indoors or on their covered patio, depending on the weather. Enjoy Sharrott wines by the glass or by the bottle during the performance. Plus their Wine Bar Kitchen is open with their delicious menu!
Lammas Day Weekend Celebration Willow Creek Winery, West Cape May Friday – Sunday August 1 marks the holiday of Lammas Day at the midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox. Lammas Day in modern times is known as “Bread Day” or “Loaf Day” and in its current form derives from the ancient Lughnasadh, a Celtic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. The event will feature local craftsmen, live music, a pig roast and a special release of Willow Creek Winery’s first batch of Cape May Mead.
Sunflower Festival Stony Hill Farms, Chester Friday – Sunday Aside from getting lost in 2.5 acres of 50,000 beautiful sunflowers, enjoy photo opps, live music, food, homemade ice cream, wagon rides, trike rides, a tile maze, a barnyard board game and Noah’s Ark Playground.
Monmouth County Fair East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold Friday – Sunday Enjoy a weekend of entertainment, including 4-H shows and exhibits, rides, live music, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Ready GO Dog Show, horse shows, Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Show, living history displays, home and garden demonstrations, commercial vendors and food vendors.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick Friday – Sunday Enjoy rides, games and an array of entertainment.
Blooms & Berries Happy Day Farm, Manalapan Friday – Sunday Get excited for this festival, where you can wander through the sunflower and zinnia fields, pick farm-fresh blueberries, discover new photo ops, meet farm friends and ride the tractor.
Truck Meet Bader Field, Atlantic City Saturday – Sunday The Northeast’s largest truck show is free for spectators and features different designs from classic to modern.
Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament Wildwoods Beach Saturday – Sunday The largest beach Frisbee tournament in the world is celebrating 30 years in 2022, featuring more than 500 teams from all over the globe!
Mercer County 4-H Fair Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp. Saturday – Sunday Plan a truly enjoyable day at the fair, bringing your kids to see animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music magic shows and farm tours. Check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association and more.
Italian Festival & Wine Tasting Monmouth Park, Oceanport Saturday – Sunday Enjoy mouth-watering Italian food from over a dozen of the area’s top restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy live music by Garden State Groove on Saturday, and on Sunday by West End Dogs. Free family activities take place in the picnic area on Sunday including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house. In addition, sample from a great variety of Italian wines at the wine tasting, presented by Opici Wines. The racetrack is open as well.
Antique & Summer Market WheatonArts, Millville The annual indoor/outdoor event features 40-plus antique dealers from the Mid-Atlantic area, along with a variety of local artists, food vendors and farm market proprietors. Browse from a wide selection of ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, memorabilia, toys, vintage accessories and more.
Baby Parade Cape May The nation’s oldest seashore resort will showcase its youngest guests in the 89th annual baby parade. The parade will proceed along Beach Avenue and conclude at Convention Hall near Howard Street.
Fiesta Friday Bellview Winery, Landisville Come down for live music, a food truck and specialty drinks.
Sunflower Festival Sahl’s Father Son Farm, Galloway Enjoy 10 acres of sunflowers fields, live music, food trucks, craft vendors and of course photo opportunities.
Self-Defense Seminar Westfield Now’s the time to learn simple, effective and easy self-defense principles and techniques that can help keep you safe in today’s world. Gedman’s Black Belt Academy of the Westfield Area YMCA is hosting a self-defense seminar taught by guest instructors certified in the Allegiance Krav Maga system. No prior martial arts experience needed. Ages 16 and older.
Sad Summer Festival The Stone Pony, Asbury Park Presented by Journeys, the lineup includes Waterparks, Neck Deep, Mayday Parade, State Champs, Hot Mulligan, Hot Milk, The Summer Set and L0L0.
Food Tour Downtown Collingswood Take a tour of the wonderful town of Collingswood while sampling global flavors along the way. Sample Indian cuisine, sandwiches from Haddon Culinary, Mexican dishes, international olive oils and vinegars and pastries.
“All In” Praise Festival & Celebration Boardwalk Pavilion, Ocean Grove Take part in family fun, including inflatables for the kids. The Praise Fest bands will entertain. Food will be available. A deejay will perform followed by the Restoration Kickoff and a concert with 7Eventh Time Down. Stay for fireworks.
Meadowlands Racetrack Seafood Festival The Meadowlands, East Rutherford Live racing begins at 6:20 pm featuring eliminations for the Hambletonian & Hambletonian Oaks. Enjoy fresh seafood from area food trucks and restaurants. Plus, the Backyard Grill and Bar will feature a shrimp cocktail and more! Some food options include lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish, grilled shrimp, shrimp tacos, crab fries and more.
Pawsitively Perfect Pup Cruise New York City All paws on deck! New York’s Circle Line sightseeing cruise is offering a one-day only unique event for you and your furry friend, the Pawsitively Perfect Pup Cruise. In honor of International Friendship Day, bring your family’s best friend aboard Circle Line’s first cruise in history allowing passengers to bring their dogs for free out at sea for beautiful views of the New York skyline, sweet treats and specialty swag to make every tail wag.
John Travolta Tribute Laurita Winery, New Egypt Stop by for a “celebrity” sighting of John Travolta! Brian Bergdoll, an impersonator specializing in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease” will be performing.
“Encanto” Breakfast Imagine That, Florham Park Meet Mirabel and Isabela from the popular Disney movie during a sing-along breakfast. All kids will have makeup applied from the two characters as well! Stay and play all day afterwards.
Cooper River Dragon Boat Festival Cooper River Park, Pennsauken Prepare for some serious shopping during this vendor and craft festival.
Paint & Pick Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp. Paint a beautiful picture of a cardinal amongst the sunflower fields, led by a professional instructor. Then, wander the sunflower trails and cut three sunflowers (included in admission) from the New Jersey Sunflower Trail.
5K Run & Walk Duke Island Park, Bridgewater Participate in this 5K, either in person or virtually, to support the homeless and abused youth have a brighter future.
Jus Nice Sneaker Convention Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood This is a chance for the ever-growing SneakerHead community to buy, sell and trade some of the most unique and high-in-demand sneakers.
Yoga With Goats & Horses Good Karma Farmette, Jackson Start the day off right! Enjoy the tranquil environment of farm life after a busy week surrounded by farm animals. Rescued miniature goats and horses will join you for this yoga class, as well as the rest of the crew – friendly ducks, chickens and more.
“Much Ado About Nothing” Community Park North Amphitheater, Princeton The Hudson Shakespeare Company presents the second of the summer’s two Shakespeare in the Park performances.
Skirmish Paintball Albrightsville, PA Enjoy a half-price student discount today.
Open Play at Play Big Zone Morganville Summer hours extend through August Your kids will love 10,000 square feet of space for nonstop fun. Activities include Amazing Race, Spin Zone, Foosball Arena, Laser Maze, Robots, Bumper Cars and Little Play Zone.
Fun Fridays Byrne Plaza, Downtown Wildwood Fridays (through July 29) Treat yourself to an end-of-workweek celebration with live bands, food and drink vendors, lawn games and more! Bring your chair and enjoy the free entertainment outdoors. To keep the party going visit one of the great Downtown Wildwood restaurants and bars afterwards.
Grand Carnivale Dorney Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania July 23 – Aug. 7 Enjoy high-energy live music, delicious food, lively games and unique crafts during this international festival. You can decorate your own lei, crown or noise maker, help Mardi with an international scavenger hunt or play grand carnival games. Take a culinary trip around the world with samples of 24 delicious creations from six different countries. Stay for the nighttime Spectacle of Color Parade, a glittering sensory spectacular of lavish floats, interactive street performers and pulsing rhythms.
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown Saturdays From pollinators to plant dyes, each Saturday discover something new in nature! Rain or shine. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
Outdoor Walking Tours Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton Saturdays and Sundays (July and August) Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Summer Stage @GSPlaza Garden State Plaza, Paramus Fridays (now through August 20) Join Z100 radio hosts Maxwell and Crystal as they hang out at Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Summer Stage with popular TikTok stars! Stop by to experience a live podcast as they interview the popular stars. You’ll get to know more about their lives, and you may even get a chance to meet them!
Flemington Car Shows Main Street, Flemington Select Saturdays (now through August 21) Historic Flemington’s Main Street will be bustling with hot cars, live music, kids’ activities, delicious food and summer fun on select Saturday nights when Flemington Car Shows come to town all summer long.
Sunrise Wellness Sails Wilbert’s Marina, Lacey Twp. Saturdays (through August) Anyone who is interested in yoga, meditation and mindfulness is welcome to take part in a 3-hour Sunrise Sail along the Barnegat Bay. Sail into rejuvenation with Jaime Zazzara and Captain Dave from Jersey Coastal Adventures for the wellness retreat. There are options to enjoy a swim or float in a tube when the boat anchors out at sea.
Beyond Van Gogh Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City Through August 28 This is an immersive experience in which both still and moving art provide a show your family will never forget. More than 300 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces come alive, appearing and disappearing and flowing across multiple surfaces. This one-hour walk through will have your whole family captivated by the sights, sounds and colors.
Beach Baby Goat Yoga Beach Haven Fridays (through September 2) Join fellow yogis and animal lovers on the beach for a beginner-friendly goat centric yoga experience and snuggles with baby and miniature breed goats. Reap the benefits of animal and laughter therapies as the baby goats jump on your back, snuggle in your lap or take a nap on your mat as you move through the instructor’s guidance.
Cruise Nights Downtown Somerville Fridays (now through September 4) Friday Night Cruise Nights return to Downtown Somerville. Through Labor Day weekend, the coolest classic cars around line up along Main Street every Friday.
Summer Carillon Concerts Graduate School, Princeton University, Princeton Sundays (now through Sept. 4) The carillon is a musical instrument of 23 or more bells that produce music when sounded. All concerts start at 1 pm every Sunday, July 3 through Sept. 4 (Labor Day), and are held rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.
Sunset Sips & Sounds Terhune Orchards, Princeton Fridays (now through September 9) Meet in this historic apple orchard for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings every Friday night at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery. It’s a great way to unwind after the week, meet friends, bring your family and enjoy the sunset on the farm.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum New York, New York Fridays (through September) Enjoy the history and magic of the Intrepid for free on select Fridays through September.
Stargazing Boat Cruises Belmar Fridays and Saturdays (through September) Take a sail out to the ocean while gazing up at the moon, stars and constellations.
Field Station: Dinosaurs Leonia Summer Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Tuesdays – Sundays, through Labor Day At Field Station: Dinosaurs, more than 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are sure to impress all the paleontologists in your group. Enjoy dozens of shows, Jurassic Jump, and then Dinosaurs: After Dark come October.
Tours of Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum 215 South Middlebush Road, Somerset Second Sunday of every month (through October) Docents will lead tours of the house, which dates back to 1730.
Sunday Farmers Market Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17 Sundays (now through Nov. 20) Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am-2pm.
If you’re looking for even more summer adventures, head to one of our favorite camping spots, or stay local and visit a dog park.
Put Tuesday, August 2 on the calendar to celebrate National Night Out. “America’s Night Out Against Crime” offers activities for families to bolster positive relations between police officers and their communities!
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