Fairs and carnivals across New Jersey bring thrilling rides, diverse food options, fun games, and nonstop entertainment for all ages. From classic attractions to new experiences, these events provide a chance to enjoy summer outdoors with family and friends. Here’s a look at some of the best fairs and carnivals happening around New Jersey this August.

New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show

Nine days packed with thrilling rides, live music, delicious fair food, demolition derby, horse shows, and much more. Visit their website for more info here.

Date & Time:
Friday, Aug. 1: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Weekends (Sat–Sun): 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ
Cost: Adults $12 (advance), Kids $4, Carnival Mega Pass $33 (advance)

Salem County Fair

From pig races and pony rides to rabbit shows, barrel racing, skillet throwing, fireworks, and more — this five-day fair delivers classic country fun for the whole family. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Monday, Aug. 4: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 5: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 7: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 8: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove, NJ
Cost: Free admission; Parking $10 per day or $20 for all 5 days

Middlesex County Fair

Enjoy rides, food, crafts, live music, and exciting shows like the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, Agricadabra Magic, a Mobile Dairy Classroom, stilt walking, and fire-breathing comedy. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Monday–Friday, Aug. 5–9: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Adults $10, Seniors $4, Kids $4, under 2 free; Free parking & entertainment

Kinnelon Carnival

Get ready for thrilling rides, delicious food, games, and fun for the whole family at this annual summer carnival sponsored by the Kinnelon Junior Football Association. Visit their website for more info here.

Date & Time:
Wednesday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 9
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Kinnelon High School Parking Lot, 121 Kinnelon Rd, Kinnelon, NJ
Cost: Pay-One-Price wristbands: $45 per night; advance sale wristbands $40

Somerset County 4-H Fair

A fun-filled fair with 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Wednesday, Aug. 6 – Friday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: Free admission and parking; ride prices vary

Atlantic County 4-H Fair

Spend a fun-filled weekend with thrilling rides, tasty food, lively contests like pie eating and watermelon, a car show, parades, and plenty of family-friendly activities. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Friday, Aug. 8: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 Rt 50, Mays Landing, NJ
Cost: Free admission; Parking $5

Our Lady of Hope Parish Carnival

This new two-day family festival in Blackwood features rides, a food court, games, raffles, and plenty of fun for all ages. Visit their website for more info here.

Date & Time:
Saturday, Aug. 9 – Sunday, Aug. 10
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Our Lady of Hope Church, Blackwood, NJ
Cost: Free admission; ride tickets and games extra

Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Department Carnival

Six nights of rides, games, raffles, a beer garden, and fair food—all to support the local fire department and rescue squad. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Monday, Aug. 11 – Friday, Aug. 15: 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 16: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Location: Brearley High School, Kenilworth, NJ
Cost: Free admission; pay-one-price ride specials on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Hillsborough Rotary Fair

Somerset County’s largest carnival is back with over 20 rides, games, food vendors, business expo booths, a huge Friday fireworks show at 10 p.m., and a giant 50/50 raffle Saturday night. Visit their website for more info here.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Thursday, Aug. 14: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 15 – Saturday, Aug. 16: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Location: Hillsborough Promenade, 315 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: Free admission; pay-one-price ride wristbands available nightly

Leonia Sports Booster Carnival

Five days of rides, games, food, and live music at Overpeck Park. Free entry for kids under 36 inches and seniors 65+. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:

Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Sunday, Aug. 17

Wed–Fri: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sat–Sun: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Overpeck Park, 500 Challenger Rd., Leonia, NJ

Cost: $5 admission; ride wristbands $35 presale, $45 at event

Passaic County Fair

Four days of rides, games, art activities, food, and fireworks — this county fair packs in fun for all ages with something new each night. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Thursday, Aug. 14: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Wristband Night)
Friday, Aug. 15: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 16: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 17: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: Garret Mountain Reservation, 8 Mountain Ave, Woodland Park, NJ
Cost: Free admission; ride prices vary

St. Margaret Parish Carnival

Rides, games, food, vendors, and fun for all ages at this annual summer carnival hosted by St. Margaret of Scotland Church. Visit their website for more info here.

Date & Time:
Friday, Aug. 15: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 16: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 17: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church, Morristown, NJ
Cost: Free admission; unlimited ride wristbands $35 (Sunday only, 2–6 p.m.); pre-sale wristbands $25; 30 pre-sale ride credits $25

Metuchen Street Fair & Craft Show

New Jersey’s largest street fair organizer brings family fun with live music, kids’ rides, shopping, games, and delicious food. Each fair draws an average of 20,000 visitors and features artists, crafters, vendors, and performances. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Sunday, Aug. 17
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Main St & Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
Cost: Free admission for spectators; prices vary by activity or vendor

Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair

This five-day fair brings animals, exhibits, food, games, live entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun to South County Park. Rides, family activities, and plenty of reasons to come back each day. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Wednesday–Friday, Aug. 20–22: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: South County Park, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ
Cost: Free admission; Parking $15

Pompton Lakes Elks Carnival

This four-day carnival includes rides, food, drinks and $30 wristbands available each night for unlimited fun. Proceeds support the Elks’ charitable committees. There’s also plenty of on-site parking.

Date & Time:

Wednesday, Aug. 21 – Thursday, Aug. 22, 6 to 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23 – Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 to 10 p.m.

Location: Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge, 15 Perrin Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ

Cost: Free admission; $30 wristbands available nightly

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show

Experience a full day of family fun featuring talented artists, unique crafts, tasty food, exciting rides, live music, games, and plenty more. For more info, tap here.

Date & Time:
Saturday, Aug. 23
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Westfield Train Station, S Ave W, Westfield, NJ 07090
Cost: Free admission; prices vary by activity or vendor