The Most Epic Annual Events in New Jersey: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
New Jersey may be small in size, but when it comes to celebrations, it knows how to go big. From vibrant cultural parades to seaside music festivals, the Garden State bursts with energy all year long. Whether you’re into food, music, art, history, or family fun, there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Each event tells a story — of heritage, creativity, and community. Some are decades-old traditions rooted in local pride, while others are modern celebrations that draw visitors from across the country. So grab your calendar, gather your crew, and get ready to explore the most epic annual events in New Jersey that you absolutely must experience this year.
A Celebration of the Seasons: Why New Jersey’s Festivals Are So Special
Before diving into the list, it’s worth noting that New Jersey’s festivals are as diverse as its people and landscapes. You’ll find beachside celebrations in summer, harvest fairs in autumn, and winter holiday villages that sparkle with nostalgia. Each region — from the scenic north to the shorelines of the south — offers something unique, giving you countless ways to experience the state’s heart and soul.
Let’s explore ten of the most iconic, family-friendly, and unforgettable events currently lighting up the Garden State.
1. The New Jersey State Fair – Sussex County’s Grand Summer Tradition
Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
When: Early August
For over 80 years, the New Jersey State Fair has been a beloved summer tradition. This sprawling event perfectly captures the state’s agricultural roots while blending in modern entertainment that appeals to all ages.
Why you’ll love it:
Livestock competitions, horse shows, and 4-H exhibits highlight New Jersey’s farming heritage.
A massive midway packed with rides, games, and carnival food keeps the fun going late into the night.
Live concerts, demolition derbies, and craft fairs round out the family-friendly excitement.
This is the fair where kids discover their first Ferris wheel thrill, adults reconnect with small-town charm, and everyone enjoys a perfect summer day.
2. The Atlantic City Airshow – Thunder Over the Boardwalk
Where: Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk
When: August
If you’ve never seen fighter jets roar over the Atlantic Ocean, you’re missing out on one of the most breathtaking spectacles on the East Coast. The Atlantic City Airshow, nicknamed “Thunder Over the Boardwalk,” draws hundreds of thousands of spectators every summer.
Highlights include:
Aerial performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights.
Free viewing areas along the beach and boardwalk.
The perfect mix of seaside fun and high-flying adrenaline.
Bring your beach chair, pack some sunscreen, and enjoy one of New Jersey’s proudest — and loudest — summer traditions.
3. QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning – A Sky Full of Color
Where: Solberg Airport, Readington
When: Late July
There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise over a field filled with hundreds of hot air balloons. The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.
What makes it unforgettable:
More than 100 hot air balloons of every shape and color take flight each morning and evening.
Nationally known musical acts perform throughout the weekend.
Food vendors, crafters, and family activities make it a full-blown celebration.
For photographers and dreamers alike, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy events in New Jersey, offering views and vibes that are nothing short of magical.
4. The New Jersey Seafood Festival – Belmar’s Oceanfront Feast
Where: Belmar Beach
When: June
If seafood makes your heart skip a beat, then Belmar’s New Jersey Seafood Festival is your culinary paradise. Each year, local chefs and restaurants gather on the waterfront to serve up everything from lobster rolls and crab cakes to clams, oysters, and shrimp po’boys.
What to expect:
Endless seafood tastings paired with cold drinks.
Live music, crafts, and ocean views.
Family-friendly fun in one of the Jersey Shore’s most iconic towns.
It’s the perfect way to kick off summer — delicious food, salty air, and live tunes by the sea.
5. Asbury Park Music & Film Festival – A Shore Town’s Creative Pulse
Where: Asbury Park
When: April
Asbury Park has long been a hub for artistic expression, and the Asbury Park Music & Film Festival celebrates that creative legacy. The city that launched legends like Bruce Springsteen now hosts one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cultural events.
Why it’s worth attending:
Exclusive film screenings and live performances.
Panels featuring musicians, directors, and industry icons.
A vibrant local scene that spills from theaters to coffee shops and bars.
The festival supports music education programs for underprivileged kids, making every ticket not just a pass to great entertainment — but a way to give back.
6. Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival – Where Food Meets Fun
Where: Red Bank
When: September
Red Bank’s Guinness Oyster Festival combines coastal cuisine, Irish cheer, and small-town charm in one lively event. It’s a day of music, seafood, and pints, celebrating the arrival of oyster season.
Festival favorites include:
Fresh-shucked oysters and local seafood delights.
Live bands across multiple stages.
Family-friendly activities and craft vendors.
With its mix of Celtic culture and New Jersey flair, this event captures the best of both worlds — making it a must-do for foodies and festival lovers alike.
7. Wildwood’s Fabulous 50s & Beyond Weekend – Step Back in Time
Where: Wildwood
When: October
If you love nostalgia, music, and vintage style, you’ll fall in love with Wildwood’s Fabulous 50s & Beyond Weekend. This retro festival transforms the beach town into a time capsule of rock ‘n’ roll, poodle skirts, and classic cars.
Expect to find:
A massive classic car show with chrome beauties gleaming in the sun.
A street fair with retro merchandise, dance contests, and doo-wop music.
A big-name concert featuring legendary artists from the era.
It’s pure Americana — the kind of event that makes you wish you could stay forever in the good old days.
8. New Jersey Film Festival – Where Creativity Takes the Spotlight
Where: Rutgers University, New Brunswick
When: January through February
For more than 40 years, the New Jersey Film Festival has been one of the state’s most respected showcases for independent cinema. Hosted by Rutgers University, it spotlights emerging filmmakers, documentaries, and experimental films from around the world.
Why film buffs love it:
Screenings of award-winning shorts and features.
Post-screening Q&As with filmmakers.
A mix of virtual and in-person showings.
It’s an inspiring event that proves the Garden State’s creativity isn’t limited to beaches and boardwalks — it thrives on the big screen too.
9. Lambertville Shad Festival – A River Town Tradition
Where: Lambertville
When: Late April
Each spring, the charming town of Lambertville celebrates the return of the shad — a migratory fish that once sustained local communities — with one of New Jersey’s most unique festivals.
Festival features:
Fresh shad prepared in creative culinary styles.
Artists, craftspeople, and live music filling the streets.
Educational exhibits on river ecology and history.
This family-friendly event brings together culture, cuisine, and conservation in one unforgettable weekend. And the riverside views are as beautiful as the festival itself.
10. Cape May Victorian Weekend – Elegance from a Bygone Era
Where: Cape May
When: October
Step back in time with Cape May’s Victorian Weekend, a celebration of the town’s architectural beauty and historic charm. Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, this festival is a love letter to the 19th century.
Why it’s one-of-a-kind:
Guided house tours showcasing Cape May’s famous Victorian homes.
Costumed reenactments, tea parties, and trolley rides.
Themed lectures and ghost tours that bring local history to life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through history, this event makes that dream come true. Cape May transforms into a living museum of grace, culture, and timeless style.
Bonus Event: The Trenton Pork Roll Festival – A Jersey Classic
Where: Trenton
When: May
Nothing says New Jersey quite like pork roll, and Trenton — the birthplace of this beloved breakfast meat — celebrates it with pride.
What to expect:
Dozens of creative pork roll-inspired dishes.
Live music and craft beer.
A quirky, lighthearted atmosphere that’s pure New Jersey fun.
It’s one of those events you just have to experience at least once — equal parts delicious and delightfully weird.
From the Shore to the Mountains: Festivals That Unite the Garden State
What makes these annual events truly special is how they bring New Jersey’s people together. You’ll see beach towns alive with summer joy, small communities honoring their history, and big cities celebrating art and innovation.
Every season offers something new — spring’s colorful street fairs, summer’s beach parties, fall’s harvest celebrations, and winter’s cozy gatherings. Together, they paint a picture of a state that’s vibrant, proud, and always ready for a good time.
Planning Your Festival Adventures in New Jersey
To make the most of your festival season, keep these quick tips in mind:
Check local schedules early. Many events sell out or book hotels months in advance.
Dress for the occasion. Whether it’s a sunny boardwalk day or a cool autumn evening, layers are key.
Support local vendors. Buy art, crafts, and food directly from local creators — it’s the best way to keep the spirit alive.
Stay a little longer. Most festival towns have plenty of nearby attractions worth exploring.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Spirit of the Garden State
From the fiery skies of the Balloon Festival to the nostalgic rhythms of Wildwood’s 50s Weekend, New Jersey’s annual events embody everything that makes this state unforgettable — heart, heritage, and hometown pride.