The 50 Best Events in New Jersey is our list of the biggest and the best events in every season in every region of the state. They include festivals, county fairs, parades, 4th of July celebrations, fireworks displays and more. These events celebrate the seasons, sounds, foods and wines of New Jersey. We would love your feedback on the events that you consider the best in your area.
Also, we need more winter events to fill our list, so please submit your N.J. event here. We also need more events in Bergen, Essex, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Hunterdon, Warren, Passaic, and Hudson counties–so let us know what’s happening in your town.
Feel free to comment, and to tell us about your favorite events.
- Crawfish Fest, Augusta, North Jersey, Summer: Eat and be merry at this 26th annual festival, featuring three days of New Orleans- and Louisiana-style food, music and camping. Crawfish Fest
- NJ Lighthouse Challenge, Statewide, Fall: Tour the majestic beacons that guided mariners and protected New Jersey’s coasts for over a century, and help raise funds to preserve these treasured landmarks. NJ Lighthouse Challenge
- Whitesbog Blueberry Festival, Browns Mills, South Jersey, Summer: Celebrate the State fruit at this old-fashioned festival, including blueberry picking, music, Pinelands artists and crafters, and the famous blueberry pie eating contest. Whitesbog Blueberry Festival
- Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Summer, Woodstown, South Jersey, Summer: Featuring Cajun, Canadian, blues and traditional country tunes, for over four decades the Festival has been dedicated to the presentation and preservation of traditional American music. Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
- State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford, North Jersey, Summer: The largest fair in the New York metropolitan area features over 150 rides and attractions, more than 50 food vendors, concerts with artists like Neil Sedaka and Chubby Checker, and more. State Fair Meadowlands
- Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, Chatsworth, South Jersey, Fall: Now into its third decade, the festival celebrates New Jersey’s cranberry harvest– the third largest in the United States–with live music, over 150 arts and crafts vendors, a quilt show, an antique show, an antique car show, and more. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
- Cherry Blossom Festival, Newark, North Jersey, Spring: A celebration of spring under an awning of pink petals, and events that capture the beauty of the cherry tree including embracing the Japanese tradition of hanami. Cherry Blossom Festival
- XPoNential Music Festival, Camden, South Jersey, Summer: Now held in the dual venues of Wiggins Park and the adjacent Susquehanna Bank Center, the 2015 XPoNential Music Festival will features lineup of established and up-and-coming artists heard on the Philadelphia public radio station WXPN. XPoNential Music Festival
- New Jersey State Fair, Augusta, North Jersey, Summer: The New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County is a reminder of our state’s agricultural past and exactly why we’re called the Garden State. The Fair is a wonderful mix of education, competition, music, food and fun. New Jersey State Fair
- Shad Fest, Lambertville, Central Jersey, Summer: Over 80 of the region’s best artisans and crafters will be participating in this festival celebrating the local relative of the herring, along with food vendors, live music and more. Shad Fest
- World Series of Birding, Statewide, Spring: New Jersey becomes a playground for birders from all over the world as they have 24 hours to tally as many bird species as possible to raise money for their favorite environmental cause, and to focus worldwide attention upon the habitat needs of migrating birds. World Series of Birding
- Wildwood International Kite Festival, Wildwood, Jersey Shore, Spring. The largest kite festival in North America takes place on the Beach at Rio Grande Avenue and inside the Wildwood Convention Center, featuring kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible colorful creations. Wildwood International Kite Festival
- Garden State Film Festival, Asbury Park, Jersey Shore, Spring: The Festival promotes the art of filmmaking on all levels by showcasing a wide variety of film, video and animated works as well as provide educational programs in the creative arts to the public by industry leaders. Garden State Film Festival
- Exit 0 International Jazz Festival, Cape May, Jersey Shore, Fall: Cape May transforms into a bonanza of incredible world class music, fine wine, great food and happy music fans. The festival will host over 100 international touring musicians. Exit 0 International Jazz Festival
- May Fair, Collingswood, South Jersey, Spring: Collingswood will host their 35th Annual May Fair celebration on Memorial Day Weekend and feature the works of over 200 local and regional artists and crafters. May Fair
- Cape May Music Festival, Cape May, Jersey Shore, Spring/Summer: The Festival offers world-class Orchestral and Chamber music performances with internationally acclaimed guest artists. The concerts are held various evenings during May and June at the New Cape May Convention Center Memorial Day weekend through mid-June. Cape May Music Festival
- Canal Day, Wharton, North Jersey, Summer: Enjoy an old-time country fair celebrating the Morris Canal, including music, kayak and narrated boat rides on the canal, a zoo, arts and crafts, food, a Civil War re-created encampment, and much more. Canal Day
- Warren County Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival, North Jersey, Summer: The Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival features hot air balloon rides, food, a carnival midway, crafts, 4-H/FFA exhibits, and more. Farmers Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival
- New Jersey Folk Festival, New Brunswick, Central Jersey, Spring: Enjoy traditional folk dancing, storytelling, music, crafts, and much more at the 41st annual New Jersey Folk Festival. Admission is free for this all-day family event held on the Douglass Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. New Jersey Folk Festival
- Chowderfest, Beach Haven, Jersey Shore, Fall: One of the hallmark events of the Jersey Shore, Chowderfest features a chowder competition for local restaurants and an unlimited chowder tasting. The festival also has live music, children’s entertainment, sales and more. The event is staged every year by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce on the weekend before Columbus Day. Chowderfest
- Cumberland County Fair, Millville, South Jersey, Summer: The Cumberland County Fair features fun and exciting events like comedy shows, amateur truck pulls, Battles of the Bands, pig races, a demolition derby and Mexican Rodeo. Parking is free. Cumberland County Fair
- Freedom Fest State Fair, Allentown, Jersey Shore, Summer: Held every July for six days, the Freedom Fest State Fair features music, pig races, daredevil motorcycle riders, magic shows, a petting zoo, horse shows, pie eating contests, wine tasting, games of skill, and much more. Freedom Fest State Fair
- Oceanfest, Long Branch, Jersey Shore, Summer: This family-friendly Independence Day celebration features live performances by dancers, musicians, clowns and carnival acts, treats from local food vendors, crafts, sand sculpture demonstrations and famous costumed characters for the kids. At the end of the day the grand finale of one of the best fireworks shows in the region begins about 9:00 p.m. Oceanfest will be held on the waterfront along the half mile stretch of oceanfront Promenade between Seven Presidents Park and the Ocean Place Resort Spa. Oceanfest
- Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, Newark, North Jersey, Fall: The Dodge Poetry Festival is the largest poetry event in North America, representing the most eminent poets from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Since 1986 the Festival has drawn a combined audience of approximately 140,000 attendees from 42 states. during each day of the Festival ten or more separate stages offer events simultaneously for audiences of 100 to 2,000 people. Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival
- Freedom Festival, West Windsor, Central Jersey, Summer: The annual Freedom Festival is a family oriented all-day event with entertainment and activities for all ages. There’s lots of great food, a beer garden, live music, activities for kids, carnival rides and much more. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Freedom Festival
- Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival, Lambertville, Central Jersey, Winter: The annual Winter Festival links the twin river towns of Lambertville and New Hope with a display of music, creativity and talent. Come see Mummers bands, marching bands, creative floats, dancers, jugglers, community groups all contributing to the festive atmosphere! Proceeds directly benefit many community organizations, social services, school groups and scholarships, along with fire, police and rescue organizations in both towns. Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival
- Colts Neck Country Fair, Colts Neck, Jersey Shore, Summer: Held annually at the Bucks Mill Recreation Area in Colts Neck, the festival’s activities include opening night fireworks display, a hole in one tournament, a Great American Apple Pie Baking Contest, and more. The fair benefits a host of local civic and service organizations. Colts Neck Country Fair
- Toms River Halloween Parade, Toms River, Jersey Shore, Fall: The 76th annual Toms River Halloween Parade is one of the oldest and largest Halloween parades in the state. In fact, the Guinness Book of World Records has named it the second largest such parade in the world! The parade is sponsored by the Toms River Volunteer Fire Company #1. In recent years the parade has enlisted over 6,000 participants and nearly 100,000 spectators. Toms River Halloween Parade
- Night in Venice, Ocean City, Jersey Shore, Summer: Ocean City Night In Venice marks it 57th celebration this year, starting 7:30 p.m. at the Longport Bridge, the north point of the Island. Boats will sail along the bay and in and out of lagoons to 23rd St. and South Harbor. The boat parade is led by Miss Night in Venice and her court. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated lagoon homes and boats. Night in Venice
- Ocean City Baby Parade, Ocean City, Jersey Shore, Summer: Now in its 106th year, the Baby Parade is one of the oldest baby parades in the country. The parade is held every year in early August on the Boardwalk from 6th – 12th streets, starting at 5 pm. Prizes will be awarded in seven categories from newborns to age 10. Ocean City Baby Parade
- Atlantic City Air Show, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore, Summer: The Air Show features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights, just two of the groups that perform exhilarating aerobatics, and solo and formation flying routines. Atlantic City Air Show
- New Jersey Marathon, Long Branch, Jersey Shore, Spring: Thousands of avid runners, walkers, beginners and everyone in between will participate in the 19th Annual Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon, on Sunday, April 26 at the Jersey Shore. A full marathon, half-marathon, half-marathon relay, ShapingNJ5K, Kids and Family Events, plus world-class courses designed for speed, great area restaurants and attractions, are all part of the weekend. New Jersey Marathon
- South Jersey Pumpkin Show, Woodstown, South Jersey, Fall: Held at the Salem County Fairgrounds. the South Jersey Pumpkin Show will feature the reading of Sleepy Hollow legend and the arrival of the Headless Horseman. Families visiting the festival can enjoy wine sampling, pumpkin desserts, rows and rows of craftsmen, Fall Home & Living Expo, fun contests, scarecrows, amusement rides, give-a-ways, and so much more! South Jersey Pumpkin Show
- Wine & Food Festival, Vernon, North Jersey, Spring: Celebrate the world’s best wines and top chefs from around the United States at annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort with proceeds benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The weekend’s events allow food and wine lovers to meet and mingle with great chefs, winemakers and fellow wine aficionados. Wine and Food Festival
- Oktoberfest at Mountain Creek, Hamburg, North Jersey, Fall: The festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2015, is the state’s largest Oktoberfest celebration with over 12,000 visitors each year. The fall festival features dozens of German beers, spit-fire roasted whole animals, German sausages, live music and games. Oktoberfest at Mountain Creek
- Miss America Pageant, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore, Fall: The Miss America Pageant is a competition which awards scholarships for college and graduate school to American women between the ages of 17 to 24. Miss America Pageant
- Scanfest, Budd Lake, North Jersey, Summer: the largest Scandinavian festival on the East coast celebrates Nordic culture every year on Labor Day weekend. The festival features: artisan demonstrations, live entertainment, fearsome Vikings, wife carrying, kid’s events, Scandinavian foods, crafts and goods, music, and Scandinavian dressed characters. Scanfest
- Festival of Fine Craft, Millville, South Jersey, Fall: The Festival of Fine Craft at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center offers two days of an art and shopping experience for the entire family. More than 130 juried artists will present and sell their works. It also includes interactive craft experiences, live music, hands-on family activities, a “Glass Pumpkin Patch,” a variety of concessions, and a new Beer and Wine Garden. Festival of Fine Craft
- Far Hills Race, Far Hills, Central Jersey, North Jersey: The Far Hills Race is the country’s most prestigious steeplechase event and one of the most popular social events in the state. Sponsored by the Open Road Auto Group and Peapack-Gladstone Bank, the race benefits the Somerset Health Care Foundation. Far Hills Race Meeting
- William Hill Haskell Invitational, Oceanport, Jersey Shore, Summer: The running of the William Hill Haskell Invitational marks the 48th annual race named for the first president and chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, Amory Lawrence Haskell. William Hill Haskell Invitational
- Candlelight House Tours, Cape May, Jersey Shore, Winter: Experience the high point of Cape May’s holiday season during these self-guided tours, featuring over a dozen homes, inns, hotels and churches specially decorated for the holidays each evening, along with Christmas caroling and strolling musicians, trees and garland and good old-fashioned cheer. Candlelight House Tours
- Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair, Atlantic Highland, Jersey Shore, Summer: The Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair will be held at the borough marina. The fair is sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department to support the department and to entertain and serve the community. The highlight of the fair is the incredible fireworks display staged over the bay and the Marina. Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair
- First Night, Ocean City, Jersey Shore, Winter: The annual New Year’s Eve event in Ocean City features entertainment from 4 p.m. to midnight, capped by a fireworks display. First Night will be followed by First Day at the Beach featuring a First Dip in the Ocean plus First Day shopping bargains all day downtown. First Night Ocean City
- First Night, Morris County, Morristown, North Jersey, Winter: Spend New Year’s Eve celebrating the art biggest and brightest alcohol-free arts festival in New Jersey, in and around Morristown. First Night Morris County
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks, New Brunswick, Central Jersey, Winter: The Hub City celebrates the coming of the new year at midnight with a fireworks display sponsored by The Restaurant Guys. The display is staged by Garden State Fireworks at midnight at Monument Square Park. New Year’s Eve Fireworks, New Brunswick
- New Jersey Seafood Festival, Belmar, Jersey Shore, Summer: The Festival will be held in June of 2015. New Jersey Seafood Festival
- Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival, Hoboken, North Jersey, Fall
- Morristown Festival on the Green, Morristown, North Jersey, Fall