Summer is officially in full swing, and this weekend is packed with festivals, live music, fireworks, beach parties, barbecue, and family fun across the Garden State. Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or something close to home, here are four events worth adding to your calendar.
Note: With rain in the forecast this weekend, be sure to check the latest event info before heading out.
Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival – Augusta
If your perfect summer weekend includes live rock music and award-winning barbecue, head to Sussex County for the annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival. This three-day event brings together nationally known rock acts, legendary barbecue vendors, camping, craft beer, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
This year’s lineup includes Almost Queen, 38 Special, Blackberry Smoke, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Gary Hoey, and more. Visitors can spend the day enjoying live music while sampling ribs and barbecue from some of the country’s top pitmasters.
It’s one of New Jersey’s premier summer music festivals and a great excuse to head to the beautiful hills of Sussex County.
Friday, June 26
The festival kicks off Friday evening with:
- The Super 70’s Rock Show – 7:15 p.m.
- Almost Queen – 8:30 p.m.
- Dead Aire (Campers-Only Concert) – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 27
Saturday delivers a full day of music:
- Matt Coffy Band – 1:00 p.m.
- Matt O’Ree Band – 2:15 p.m.
- Gary Hoey – 3:45 p.m.
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – 5:30 p.m.
- 38 Special – 7:30 p.m.
- Sugar Mountain (Campers-Only Concert) – 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, June 28
The weekend wraps up with:
- Triple Rail Turn – 1:00 p.m.
- Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2:30 p.m.
- Artimus Pyle Band honoring Lynyrd Skynyrd – 4:30 p.m.
- Blackberry Smoke – 6:30 p.m.
More information here
Beachstock 2026 – Margate City
Known as “The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party,” Beachstock returns to Margate for a full day of free family fun on the sand.
The event features live music, surf lessons, kite demonstrations, volleyball tournaments, food vendors, kids’ activities, a Tiki Beach Bar, and an evening bonfire. Best of all, admission is free and no beach badge is required.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the ocean or keep the kids entertained all day long, Beachstock delivers a classic Jersey Shore summer experience.
A Full Day of Free Family Fun
From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., the stretch of beach between Huntington and Granville Avenues transforms into a giant outdoor playground. Visitors can enjoy:
- Free surf lessons
- Kite demonstrations and lessons
- Sand sculpting workshops
- Environmental activities and beach walks
- Kids’ treasure hunts and limbo contests
- Cornhole and volleyball tournaments
- The ever-popular Fire Department “Cool Blast”
- A special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic for the first time ever at Beachstock
Beachstock was moved to the rain date, June 28. More information here
Scotch Plains Revolution 250 Celebration
As communities across the country celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Scotch Plains is hosting a two-day Revolution 250 celebration from June 26 to June 27 honoring both our nation’s founding and the township’s important Revolutionary War history.
Events include historical presentations, a community celebration, the opening of a time capsule, live entertainment, and a fireworks spectacular at Shady Rest Country Club on Saturday evening.
For local residents, this is a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history while learning about the important role Scotch Plains played during the Revolutionary War.
Friday, June 26: History Comes Alive
The celebration begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic Scotch Plains Baptist Church, honoring Revolutionary War patriots buried there. Residents and visitors can then enjoy food, music, historical exhibits, and family-friendly activities on the Village Green. Local historical organizations will share stories and artifacts highlighting Scotch Plains’ unique place in American history.
A special highlight of the weekend is the opening of a time capsule that was sealed during the township’s 300th anniversary celebration, offering a fascinating glimpse into the community’s past.
Saturday, June 27: Fireworks and Celebration
The festivities continue Saturday evening at Shady Rest Country Club, where families can enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, food, and one of the area’s premier fireworks displays. Activities begin in the evening, with fireworks lighting up the sky at dusk.
Why It Matters
Few New Jersey communities can claim such deep Revolutionary War roots. The anniversary celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and events that shaped our nation while bringing today’s community together for a weekend of remembrance, education, and fun. Scotch Plains was the site of important Revolutionary War activity, including events connected to the 1777 Battle of Short Hills, making this milestone especially meaningful for local residents.
For more information, click here
L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair – West Windsor
Nothing says summer quite like a carnival, and L.E.A.D. Fest delivers all the classics: thrilling rides, midway games, fair food, live entertainment, and family fun. It all kicks off June 26—running until July 5.
Produced by Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.), the festival helps fund programs that support youth education and prevention initiatives. Families can enjoy everything from Ferris wheels and funnel cakes to live entertainment while supporting a great cause.
It’s the perfect event for families looking for an affordable summer outing filled with nostalgia and excitement.
Another L.E.A.D. Fest sets up shop next month in Lawrence Twp. Click here for more information on both state fairs.
Make a Weekend of It
One of the best things about New Jersey is that you can experience mountains, beaches, history, and live music all in the same weekend. Rock out in Augusta, soak up the sun in Margate, mark 250 years of American history in Scotch Plains, or keep the kids happy at L.E.A.D. Fest. The final weekend of June has something going on in every corner of the state.
Get out there. Summer doesn’t wait.
Antonietta LaVecchia has been a small business advocate for over two decades and has made it a mission to get communities to shop small and support local.