The Best Fairs and Festivals in NJ in August – NJ Family
Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time for funnel cake, Ferris wheels and fishing games! Check out festivals and fairs planned throughout the state where you and the family can enjoy hot summer nights and lots of family fun.
August 1-7
Middlesex County Fair
East Brunswick
Visit the Middlesex County Fairgrounds for the annual Middlesex County Fair, sure to delight every member of the family. The Home Arts Competition is always a big draw, calling on quilters, crafters, bakers, growers and all types of artisans to share their talents. Events and entertainment will include a motorcycle stunt show, 4-H displays, a circus man, wrestling, chainsaw artist, magic show and plenty of live music to keep everyone occupied.
August 2 – 6
Fireman’s Fair
Keyport
Campy’s Blue Star Amusements will provide tons of fun at Keyport’s Fireman’s Fair. Wednesday is Fireman’s Night. On Saturday, there will be fireworks.
August 5 – 7
Clam Festival
Highlands
Bring your appetite for fresh seafood or a land-lubber menu, and enjoy feasting while taking part in live entertainment, contests, specialty vendors, crafters and children’s activities at the 27th annual Clam Festival.
August 5 – 13
New Jersey State Fair
Augusta
Enjoy the Demolition Derby, carnival, monster truck show, horse show, performing arts, lumberjack competition, favorite cookie contest, hale bay toss, baking classes, blood drive, robotics demo, bee demo, history exhibit, vegetable show and wine garden.
August 6
Butterfly Festival
Pennington
Children will love the Insect Zoo, Butterfly and Bug Parade, and tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House during the Watershed Institute’s Butterfly Festival. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, live music, kids’ games and crafts, and many vendors.
Chester Music Festival
Chester
Spend the day listening to Motown, rock, folk and country music. Fun activities for kids include The Kiddie Rock ‘n’ Roll Show from 12 – 4 pm, face painting, balloon art and games all day. Also enjoy terrific food and a chance to shop, dine and explore all that Historic Chester has to offer!
Aug. 9 – 13
Brick and Central’s Summertime Carnival
Central Regional High School, Bayville
Campy’s Blue Star Amusements will provide tons of fun, in addition to games, food concessions and vendors.
Aug. 10 – 12
Somerset County 4-H Fair
North Branch Park, Bridgewater
The fair allows 4-H youth to present their hard work from throughout the year as a chance to celebrate and look ahead to the future.
Aug. 11 – 14
Passaic County Fair
Garret Mountain Reservation, Paterson
Enjoy all things a wonderful county fair offers: rides, games, attractions, 4-H displays, petting zoo, food vendors, live music, entertainment and fireworks.
August 13
5th Annual Corn, Beer & Tomato Festival
Flemington
Join Flemington’s Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival in the corn and tomato capital of the USA! For foodies and beer lovers, this family-friendly event will feature an expansive micro-brewery beer garden, live music, great food from local restaurants and family entertainment.
International Food & Music Festival
Ivy Hill Park, Newark
Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze and dance to the sounds of summer during the Essex County International Food & Music Festival.
Caribbean Festival
Monte Irvin Orange Park, Orange
Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer for the Essex County Summer Music: Caribbean Festival.
August 13 – 14
Seafood Festival
Landisville
Cast your line and sip some wine at the annual Seafood Festival, Landisville’s biggest festival of the year, showcasing local seafood vendors, live music, wine tasting, sangria and craft vendors.
Aug. 16 – 20
Hillsborough Rotary Fair and Business Expo
Hillsborough Promenade, Hillsborough
In addition to the fair’s classic thrill rides, food vendors, games of chance and an
exposition of local businesses, a spectacular firework display by Interstate Fireworks will light up Hillsborough skies
August 20
EARTH Center Garden, Arts and Music Festival
EARTH Center, North Brunswick
Spend the afternoon taking part in garden tours, the “Greatest of the Garden” Contest, children’s activities and more in one of the county’s most beautiful parks.
August 26
International Winefest
Golden Nugget, Atlantic City
The wine and jazz reception will be held under the stars on the Event Lawn. Mingle with winery ambassadors, winemakers and wine enthusiasts while you enjoy wine and award-winning cuisine. Must be 21 or older to attend.
August 27-28
Latino Festival
Monte Irvin Orange Park, Orange
Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer for the Essex County Summer Music: Latino Festival.
NEW YORK
August 23-28
176th Dutchess County Fair
Rhinebeck, New York
For those members of the family who are interested in agriculture and horticulture, enjoy Livestock Hill with farm animals, the Dairy Birthing Center, AgVenture Kids Activity Tent, horse show rings, Memorial Garden, Horticulture Building, Century Museum Village, working blacksmith shop, gas-powered engine show, Bentley One-Room Schoolhouse, Pleasant Valley Historic Train Station, Gun Club Wildlife Exhibit, and arts and crafts displays. If you came for the entertainment, the children will love “Fluffy” the T-Rex, Commerford’s Petting Zoo, Dock Dogs, Two by Two Animal Haven, Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, Vocal Trash, The Long Shots, Pawstars Canine Frisbee Dogs, Andy Rotz Wild West Showdown, Oscar the Roving Robot, and a sheriff K-9 demo. The Grandstand Lineup includes Darci Lynne, Tusk (Fleetwood Mac tribute), Niko Moon, Chris Janson and All American Rodeo.
August 27 – 28
Hudson Valley Seafood Festival
Beacon, New York
Two days of total “seafood nirvana,” including raw and fried fish, lobster rolls, seafood salads, barbecue, tacos, gluten-free and vegan options, great brews, wines, hard seltzers and fun for the whole family. Leave room for dessert! There will be live bands and a deejay all weekend, including a Santana tribute band as well as an ’80s hair band.