Last Blast of Summer Fun: Amazing Family-Friendly Festivals in New Jersey

While parents are gearing up for back to school, and we’re getting ready to round out yet another busy season, there’s still plenty of days left to make time for our families. Today on the blog, we’re sharing some great picks for fun festivals and fairs to enjoy around NJ! No matter if you’re looking for street fairs, craft fairs, food trucks, parades, or whatever – you’re going to have a great last blast of summer vacation fun at these amazing Family-Friendly festivals in New Jersey.

The Annual Queen City Street Fair is almost here!  From 4PM to 10PM on August 15th enjoy one of the most exciting local events of the summer. Each year this festival takes place on the 3rd Sunday of August and brings plenty of family-friendly fun with rides, games, activities, attractions, vendors, music and so much more! You certainly don’t want to miss it, it’s one of our best local treasures here in Plainfield.

The Middlesex County Fair is happening from August 4th through 10th in East Brunswick. Enjoy shopping for everything from clothing to handcrafted toods to locally made food and even livestock!  There will be food trucks and concession stands and barbecue.  You’ll also have the opportunity to explore different exhibits, demonstrations, meet local businesses, and enjoy family friendly rides and games.

The Somerset County 4-H Fair is happening from August 6th through the 8th offers free admission, making it a great family friendly experience!  Come on out and explore the hard work of the 4H fair participants.  There will be hands-on activities, games, rides, and exhibits as well as a Dog Show, live alpacas, goats, chickens, and more!

The Hamilton Arts Festival in Paterson is now in its 5th year of festivities!  Attendees will enjoy local creatives and artists' works on display from the performing arts, fine arts, and even film.  Come on out to peruse the fine artworks on display, catch a theatrical show, a film screening, and much more.

The DC Heroes & Villains Festival is headed to Jackson this year from Friday through Sundays August 8th through the 31st and also Labor Day, September 1st with displays and shows from 5PM to 10PM.

Enjoy an accessible and disability friendly event in Westfield at Mindowaskin Park on August 9th from 10AM to 12PM with the Paint by the Pond event sponsored by the Union County board of county commissioners and department of Human Services.

The Passaic County Fair is bringing the family-friendly fun with rides, games, exhibits, performances, and much more from August 14th through the 17th.

August 14th and August 28th are Inclusive Splash Night events from 6:30PM to 7:45PM at Wheeler Spray Park in Linden. (pre-registration is required.)

The Metutchen Street Fair and Craft Show event takes place August 17th with shopping, food specials, arts, and music!

2025’s Sensory friendly Summer Camp at the Trailside Nature Center and Science Center is happening for attendees 12 to 21 and open to Union County Residents from August 18th through the 22nd.

The Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show and Festival is taking place on August 9th and 10th, 30th and 31st down at the Wildwood Boardwalk!  Enjoy a showcase of fine works of art and handmade goods from local artisans.  It’s free to attend and happens rain or shine!  And the Sports Card Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show will be happening in Wildwood on the 22nd through the 24th.

The Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair is headed to the Ringoes/Lambertville Area from August 20th through the 24th and will be celebrating its 25th year!

The Union County Summer Arts Festival will be bringing family-friendly fun, music, live performances, and more to Oak Ridge Park in Edison on August 23rd from 12PM to 4PM.

The Westfield Street Fair and Craft Show is coming to downtown Westfield with food trucks, vendors, music and art on August 23rd!

Pupstock Festival at the Sussex County Fair grounds is donating admission costs to  BARKS animal Rescue and OSCAR Animal Rescue!

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Italian Festival is bringing the family-friendly fun and carnival to Scotch Plains from August 29th through septembre 1st.

Boonton will be hosting a multi-day Labor Day Weekend Carnival from August 28th through the 31st.

Mendham’s Labor Day carnival will be rolling into town from August 29th through September 1st Labor Day culminating in a parade.