Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Let’s be honest, this has been one of the hottest summers we’ve seen in a long time. That means the sunny weather is sure to extend into the fall, making it the perfect time for food trucks, music festivals and beach parties. Check out this collection of 16 fun and unique festivals coming to New Jersey this September.
Sept. 10 – Oct. 30
12th Annual Hub City Sounds Festival – New Brunswick
For the twelfth year running, Hub City Sounds is hosting its family-friendly festival series. There will be three festivals from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 10, Sept. 17 and Oct. 30— all with unique themes. The next festival is a live Jazz performance accompanied by food and dancing. Located in front of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, this long-standing festival is a fun, free event to elevate your September weekend.
Sept. 10
Livingston ‘Summerfest’ Food Truck and Music Festival – Livingston
For you northwestern New Jerseyans, this is the festival for you. Sponsored by the Livingston Rotary Club, the Livingston Summerfest will have 20 food trucks to service your every craving; including Surf and Turf seafood, Hitting Ur Belling fusion BBQ, Latin Bites cuban food and more. Various craft beers, sangrias, margaritas and mojitos will also be available, but be sure to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs! Enjoy this great collection of food and live music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $5 per person (kids under 2— free). Attendees will pay at the door, but can reserve their tickets here.
Sept. 16 – 18
‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival – Wildwood
Put on your boots and yee-haw over to the ‘Boots at the Beach’ Festival in the North Wildwood Entertainment District. Along Olde New Jersey Avenue, this event featureslive country music, merchandise vendors selling everything country, dancing, crafts and food. This event is free admission. Attend Friday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. or Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more details or a complete lineup of entertainment, look for updates on their website.
Sept. 17
2nd Annual Parsippany Food Truck Fest – Parsippany
Bring your lawn chair and your appetite over to Parsippany, where15 food vendors hit Veterans Memorial Park as Parsippany says goodbye to summer and raises money for The Kiwanis of Greater Parsippany. In addition to food vendors, families will enjoy great kid-friendly activities including sand art, henna tattoos, airbrush tattoos, airsoft shooting, remote control race cars and more! The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults pay $6 and kids 4 – 13 pay $4— get your tickets here.
Sept. 17
Bark in the Park – Mays Landing
Head to Bark in the Park for some quality bonding time with your furry friend. Taking place at the 4H fairgrounds in Mays Landing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival sports a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and even pony rides. There are just as many dog-friendly activities, including a dog show, dog pie eating contest and dog training demonstrations. Tickets are $5 per person and per dog— all proceeds benefit Laddie’s Legacy, a non-profit providing medical treatments for pets.
Sept. 17
8th Annual Seafood Fest 5k – Point Pleasant Beach
Known as the friendliest 5k on the Jersey Shore, this year will be no exception. The 8th Annual Point Pleasant Beach Seafood Fest 5k is open for registration. Walk or run to the finish line to enjoy fresh New Jersey seafood. There are 400 race spots available— registration includes a t-shirt & finisher medal (for the first 200 registrants), entertainment, food and drinks! Get your tickets here.
Sept. 18
Ocean County History Day – Toms River
Meet Revolutionary War heros and tour Victorian style mansions in Ocean County’s historical district this September. The Ocean County Historical Society is partnering with the Heritage Commission to put on this fun and educational event. Attendees will be entertained by a live performance of classic oldies and reenactments. Come enjoy free tours, book sales, exhibits and more at this laidback historical festival. For more details click here.
Sept. 22 – 25
Annual Irish Fall Festival – Wildwood
For 31 years, the Irish Annual Fall Festival has been making an appearance in North Wildwood. Whether you’re Irish or simply want to experience the culture, this event is fun for the whole family. Spanning three days, the event offers a golfing tournament, live entertainment, a 5k run, Irish dance lessons, a parade and so much more. Some activities are free while others, such as the golf tournament and 5k run, have an entrance fee. Depending on the day, the location changes, so click here for all of the details.
Sept. 24 – 25
Fall Flower Food Truck Festival – Cream Ridge
Floral backdrops, sunflower fields and pedal heaven, this festival is a content creator’s dream. Located at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, NJ, the festival offers over 30 food trucks, pick-your-own-flowers, petting zoos and more. Bring your friends, kids or just your camera for this fun floral event! Tickets will go on sale in September for $13 per person ages 3 and up. Also, be sure to check back for Holland Farms’ other fall festivals that extend through October.
Sept. 23 – 25
Roseland Greekfest 2022 – Roseland
The Roseland Greek Fest is coming back for another year at 80 Laurel Ave. in Roseland. With a free admission, enjoy live outdoor greek music, food and boutiques. Click here for a full view of the takeout menu— be warned, it’s highly affordable, authentic and delicious! The festival is open on Friday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.- 12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Sept. 25
Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival – Washington
It was 21 years ago that the hot air balloon festival became a part of the annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair in Harmony Township, New Jersey. The tradition lives on as the 2022 Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take place at the Warren County fairground. Enjoy a mass balloon launch viewing, food and entertainment at this unique NJ festival! Gates open at 3 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $8 per adult and $4 for children ages 4-12. For a balloon ride, see the additional pricing on their website.
Sept. 24
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival 2022 – Glassboro
Head on over to Gloucester County for another year of the Glassboro Craft Beer Festival! This event is a South Jersey treasure, hosting over 30 brewery vendors including Founders Brewing Co., Iron Hill and so much more. In addition, there will be a variety of food and dessert trucks for an endless afternoon of fun. General admission tickets are $50 and include entrance from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a complimentary sampling glass.
Sept. 24
Kean University Jazz and Roots Music Festival – Hillside
Pack a picnic basket and bring a blanket to the second annual Jazz & Roots Music Festival! This free outdoor music festival is on The Lawn at Enlow Hall in Hillside and begins at 4 p.m. Attendees are in for a real treat as five-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves— a premier jazz vocalist— is performing at the event along with other talented musicians.
Sept. 24 – 25
Water Lantern Festival – Jersey City
The Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, joy, beauty and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This family friendly event is a truly unique experience where guests can design their own water lantern and send it into the Hudson River at dusk. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., attendees are free to enjoy food trucks and live music as well. Early bird tickets are $26 and expire on Aug. 24, so snag a few while the price is right!
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2
Fall 2022 Exit Zero Jazz Festival – Cape May
Find yourself second-lining to a New Orleans brass band in one moment, and snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian dum bloco the next at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival this year. The festival is located at the picturesque beach town of Cape May and is a 3-day musical feast featuring hundreds of musicians. Enjoy music from the setting of bars and restaurants or one of two outdoor stages that overlook the Delaware Bar. Tickets are on sale here.
Gabrielle is an Editorial Assistant Intern at The Digest. After graduating from Grove City College with a degree in Communications, she worked in corporate sales for a year before giving in to her long-lost passion for writing. Known as the “investigative journalist” at her alma mater’s newspaper, Gabrielle loves uncovering the facts and weaving them into a compelling story. Having lived in New Jersey her whole life, this news journalist turned editorial writer aims to put the hidden gems of The Garden State on the map. If you ever can't find her, odds are she's gone ghost protocol at her favorite Jersey beach.
