Isiah Christie 
A summer in New Jersey is never dull, and its abundance of festivals, fairs, and carnivals is part of why. From Hudson County to the Jersey Shore, over 25 festivals with live entertainment, pop-ups from small businesses, and celebrations of culture + heritage are happening in New Jersey from June to early September. Read on for a list of festivals + community fairs happening in New Jersey for summer 2026.
Hudson County
Jersey City Night Market | 179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
Saturday, June 6th
Saturday, July 4th
Saturday, August 1st
This night market will have three dates during the summer – a Latin Food + Music” fest on June 6th, a “‘Murica” Fourth of July celebration, and a K-Pop Foodie Fest on August 1st. All Jersey City Night Market events feature food from local vendors.
Hoboken Artisan Market | 770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken
Sunday, June 14th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, August 9th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Hoboken Artisan Market will feature local makers + small businesses in Hoboken. It will also include live music and family-friendly activities.
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Carrington Village Caribbean Festival | 459 to 467 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City
Saturday, July 18th
The Carrington Village Caribbean Festival highlights West Indian culture with food, local artists, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. It has not yet announced a start time, but updates can be found on its Instagram.
Jersey City Pride Festival | 112 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Saturday, August 22nd
The Jersey City Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with an equality march, live entertainment, and pop-ups from small businesses. Its theme this year will be “Show Your True Colors: Now More Than Ever”, which will focus on visibility, authenticity, and community presence.
Summer BlockFest | 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken
Saturday, August 22nd
Hoboken’s Summer BlockFest exists as a platform for hip-hop artists in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond to perform, connect, and support one another. It was recently announced for a 2026 date of Saturday, August 22nd, although a start date has not been confirmed. More information + updates can be found on its Instagram.
Essex + Union Counties
Food Truck + Music Festival | Mountain Avenue + Courter Lane, North Caldwell
Saturday, June 6th | 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Food Truck + Music Festival in North Caldwell will take place in the Mountain Avenue Field. The event promises 16 gourmet food trucks, live music, vendors, beer, margarita + sangria garden, and kids’ activities. Admission is $5, kids under 5 enter free, and attendees are requested to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food pantry.
Westfield Street Fair + Craft Show | South Avenue West + Boulevard, Westfield
Saturday, June 6th | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Westfield Street Fair + Craft Show features artists, crafters, live music, food, family-friendly activities, games, and more. Admission is free.
Montclair Pride Festival | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Saturday, June 13th | 12:00 PM
Montclair’s annual Pride Festival will be held at Lackawanna Station in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. It will feature live performances, community resources, vendors, family-friendly activities, and more. The event will be headlined by acclaimed actress Dominique Jackson, who will serve as Featured Pride Emcee.
North to Shore Festival | Multiple Locations
Saturday, June 13th to Sunday, June 28th
New Jersey’s North to Store Festival is a three-city celebration of the arts. It includes hundreds of shows in different venues in Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City, and will feature artists such as Janelle Monáe and The Ocean Blue this summer.
Garden State Comic Fest | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Saturday, June 27th | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 28th | 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Garden State Comic Fest will be at Codey Arena in West Orange. The Fest offers a variety of exhibits, vendors, panels with creators, and contests for comic book fans to participate in. Ticket prices vary and can be viewed and purchased here.
Passaic, Sussex + Warren Counties
Hot Air Balloons, Arts + Crafts Festival | 475 Route 57, Washington
Saturday, June 6th + Sunday, June 7th | 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM
The Hot Air Balloons, Arts + Crafts Festival is hosted at Warren Community College and offers the opportunity to watch hot air balloons drift across the summer sky. It also includes live entertainment, food trucks, music, and a car show. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children aged 4 to 12, and free for children aged 4 and below.
Independence Day Picnic | 199 Totowa Road, Wayne
Tuesday, July 7th | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Dey’s Mansion is hosting a picnic to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. At this historic landmark, there will be patriotic festivities, including lawn games, live music, and delicious food.
2026 New Jersey State Fair | 37 Plains Road, Augusta
Tuesday, July 7th | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
At the New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County, the Fair aims to showcase its local agriculture, provide family-friendly entertainment and activities, and support non-profit charities. Attractions include a variety of free entertainment, a carnival, performing arts and live music, exhibits, a horse show, and more. Tickets can be viewed and purchased here.
Bergen County
South Bergen PrideFest | 176 Park Avenue, Rutherford
Saturday, June 6th | 2:00 PM
The South Bergen PrideFest, formerly known as the RutherFord Pride Fest, is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and culture. It will include live performances and pop-ups from local vendors.
Spring Fling Street Fair + Food Truck Fest | 216 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights
Sunday, June 7th | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This annual street fair features over 100 exhibitors, a kids’ zone, live music, and food. There will also be a Crafters’ Corner dedicated to local artisans and craftspeople.
Fort Lee Artisan Market | 2030 Hudson Street, Fort Lee
Saturday, June 13th | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 8th | 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Fort Lee Artisan Market will be hosted on two dates – Saturday, June 13th features a day market, and Saturday, August 8th will feature a night market. Plenty of unique finds will be available, including handcrafted jewelry, international fashion pieces, home decor, and artisanal eats.
Multicultural Food + Music Festival | 75 Elizabeth Street, Garfield
Sunday, June 14th | 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Multicultural Food + Music Festival in Garfield will take place at 20th Century Park. There will be food trucks representing international cuisine from 11 countries, desserts, an adult bar, live music, and kids’ activities. Admission is $5, kids under 5 enter free.
At the Jersey Shore + Central Jersey
Terhune Orchards Strawberry Festival | 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
Saturday, May 30th + Sunday, May 31st | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, June 6th + Sunday, June 7th | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Terhune Orchards in Princeton hosts an annual strawberry festival where visitors can engage in special craft activities, pony rides, a strawberry buffet, and more. Tickets are discounted online and can be purchased here. Admission does not include strawberry picking.
AsburyFest | Across from 1300 Ocean Avenue North, Unit C-4, Asbury Park
Friday, June 12th | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 13th | 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, June 14th | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
AsburyFest is one of Asbury Park’s largest annual events and will feature food, drinks, live music, and vendor pop-ups throughout the weekend of Friday, June 12th to Sunday, June 14th. Admission is $5, with a portion of the proceeds going to non-profits in Asbury Park. It is pet-friendly.
Bayshore Greek Festival | 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel
Thursday, June 4th | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 5th | 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, June 6th | 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday, June 7th | 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Bayshore Greek Festival celebrates Greek culture with authentic food, games, rides, Greek music, and specialty booths.
Branchburg’s America250 Celebration | 227 Baird Road, Branchburg Township
Sunday, July 5th | 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Branchburg will be celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary with live music, food trucks, an adult bar, kids’ activities, and a fireworks show. Guests will also be able to watch the FIFA World Cup during the event. The celebration is free to attend.
Mercer County Fair | 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
Tuesday, July 7th | 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday, July 8th | 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Thursday, July 9th | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday, July 10th + Saturday, July 11th | 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
The Mercer County Fair is a long-standing tradition that has happened annually since 1853. It features exhibitions, animals, antiques, photography opportunities, and carnival rides.
Ocean County Fair | 901 Route 530, Berkeley Township
Wednesday, July 15th + Thursday, July 16th | 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday, July 17th + Saturday, July 18th | 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 19th | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Ocean County Fair is a five-day celebration with live music, rides, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and livestock displays.
Monmouth County Fair | 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold
Wednesday, July 22nd to Friday, July 24th | 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 25th | 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 26th | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Monmouth County Fair is an annual event and home to a wide variety of entertainment shows, including live music, animals, wrestling, and interactive displays. The 2026 live music lineup includes bands such as Red Dirt Revolution, Mushmouth, and The Ultimate Queen Celebration.
Middlesex County Fair | 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
Monday, August 3rd to Friday, August 7th | 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 8th | 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 9th | 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Middlesex County Fair is a four-day festival that includes food, craft vendors, live performances from local bands, home arts competitions, and more. It will also feature a showcase of antique farm equipment obtained from the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture, located in the fairgrounds’ Antique Storage Building.
Somerset County 4-H Fair | 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater
Wednesday, August 5th to Friday, August 7th | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
This fair celebrates the leadership, community, and spirit of Somerset County’s local youth with activities, events, and exhibits. Admission is free, and parking is available at Raritan Valley Community College, with a shuttle bus operating to and from the fairgrounds.
Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair | 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
Wednesday, August 19th to Friday, August 21st | 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 22nd | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, August 23rd | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair is a family-friendly event with exhibits, rides, food, commercial vendor pop-ups, live entertainment, and home arts competitions.
New Jersey Folk Festival | 42 Riva Avenue, North Brunswick Township
Saturday, August 29th | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The New Jersey Folk Festival is one of the state’s largest folk celebrations, with live music, folklife demonstrations, children’s activities, food trucks, crafters, and appearances from folklorists. It will be held on Saturday, August 29th, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, rain or shine.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival | 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Saturday, September 19th + Sunday, September 20th
This massive two-day festival celebrates the art and music of Asbury Park. It will feature over 25 bands and solo acts, including Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, Chaka Khan, Goo Goo Dolls, and Fontaines D.C.
See More: 25+ Annual Bergen County Events That Every Resident Should Know
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