23 Popular Festivals In New Jersey, The USA

1. New Jersey International Film Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Go binge-watching in this festival that offers you a wide range of movie choices. It features a lot of different movies from international, independent features, classic, animation, short clips, experimental films, and also documentaries. Some of the movies shown here are actually entries from people for the New Jersey Film Festival Competition wherein movies here are judged by the professionals. Aside from getting to watch these movies, you can also get to know and ask questions to the filmmakers, actors, actresses, screenwriters, and production crew.

New Jersey International Film Festival

Address: Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies 4170 Academic Building, 15 Seminary Place New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901-8525 U.S.A.

Website: New Jersey International Film Festival

Takes place: January to February

2. Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is one of the largest kite festivals being held in North America. Kite-makers from all over the world come to New Jersey to showcase their skills and talents in kite flying. It’s free for anyone and you can just watch and relax by the beach. You’ll be blown away and be amazed by the beautiful kites these people are flying. There is also indoor kite flying wherein people will perform without wind and use choreographed music. There are a lot of activities in store such as the kite sales tent, night kite socials, candy drop, and you can even learn how to fly your own kite.

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Address: 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, United States

Website: Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Takes place: May

Price: Free

3. Lambertville Shad Festival [Last event in 2019]

This two-day festival is a celebration of the culture and art of Lambertville. It highlights and gives importance to local and regional artists by showcasing their artworks. You can expect crafts as well such as jewelry, ceramics, furniture, accessories, and a lot more! There are a lot of things you can do such as take home well-crafted pieces at the art auction, visit the local merchants, taste amazing food, and enjoy live music. There are so many food choices here–taco salads, calamari, fried Oreos, fries, lemonade, and a whole lot more. Also, it isn’t a shad festival without the shad - so that’s definitely something to look out for. There is also face painting and sand art that are awaiting the kids.

Lambertville Shad Festival

Address: Lambertville, New Jersey

Website: Lambertville Shad Festival

Takes place: April

4. The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

One of the largest and most-awaited balloon festivals in New Jersey is where you should be next. This festival is a great way to spend and bond with your family. There are over 100 balloons being flown over almost every year. The event is jampacked with different activities anyone can enjoy such as the different hot air balloons, concerts, family entertainment, shopping options from different crafters and vendors, good food, amazing fireworks displays, and a whole lot more. The best part of the festival is that you can also take a ride in one of the hot air balloons and you’ll be surprised by what views you get to enjoy.

The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

Address: Solberg Airport, 39 Thor Solberg Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889

Website: The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

Takes place: July

5. Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Here you can expect only the best crafted beer and a great line-up of singers and bands. Party all night with your friends at this three-day festival and have nights you won’t forget. There are so many different breweries participating so don’t miss this opportunity to try almost every kind. You’ll also be able to meet new friends who would definitely be great company throughout the festival. There are also food and crafts stalls within the area. Also, don’t forget to drink responsibly so you can really enjoy the night.

Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

Address: 1 Convention Blvd, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401

Website: Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

Takes place: June

Price: 60 USD

6. Festival of the Sea

It’s time to celebrate the beauty and resources that we have because of the sea. Enjoy different seafood being sold here such as crab cakes, shrimp skewers, paella, soups, clam chowder, lobsters, and so much more. If you aren’t a fan of seafood there are also other vendors selling a variety of food options. There are almost 200 vendors selling here so you’ll definitely have a lot to go through. There is also a wine garden here for all those wine lovers. Live entertainment from local musicians and other acts is a show you wouldn’t want to miss.

Festival of the Sea

Address: 517 Arnold Ave # A, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742

Takes place: September

7. New Jersey Seafood Festival [Last event in 2019]

This festival is a call to all seafood lovers out there! The real winner of this festival is definitely the food - the delicious and large lobsters, the crab legs, and the scallops served on sticks. You can find a lot of food vendors selling seafood cooked in different ways. Walking along the area, you’ll also find crafts and market vendors. To keep you company there is also live music entertainment performing around the area. The place is also very accessible through public transportation.

New Jersey Seafood Festival

Address: Downtown Belmar - Belmar Plaza Parking Lot Between 8th and 10th Avenues

Takes place: May

8. Garden State Film Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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The Garden State Film Festival has been celebrating and promoting independent films for almost 16 years. Sit back, relax, and grab yourself some popcorn and enjoy the showcasing of independent films and learning about the creative process of these filmmakers. This is a great event for aspiring filmmakers to really understand the process, expand your connection by meeting other filmmakers, and learn from professionals who’ve excelled in the industry. But don’t worry, this is also perfect for those who just want to watch a good film.

Garden State Film Festival

Website: Garden State Film Festival

Takes place: March

Price: 15 - 125 USD

9. Cape May Strawberry Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You’re in for a sweet tooth at this annual Strawberry Festival held every June. It’s a festival that celebrates the agricultural resources of the fruits and bounty of West Cape May. There are over 100 vendors celebrating and selling the fruit of spring. Support the Cape May Technical High School students by buying their homemade strawberry shortcake wherein proceeds go to their after-prom party. You can expect different kinds of strawberry snacks from muffins, cookies, floats, dips, ice cream, lemonade, and a whole lot more. Just walk around the area and you’ll also find other vendors selling food aside from strawberries. Shop from the crafters selling strawberry pottery, honey, wine, and etc. Also, you’ll enjoy live music performance all throughout the festival.

Cape May Strawberry Festival

Address: Wilbraham Park, West Perry Street, Cape May NJ 08204

Website: Cape May Strawberry Festival

Takes place: June

10. Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Be able to experience the famous Japanese cherry blossoms right in New Jersey. This park is the first park to be named on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places so it definitely should be on your itinerary. There is a kid-friendly one-mile fun run wherein children get to run through the park and win a t-shirt and an award after completing the race. Families are also encouraged to stay to bond as a family and experience hula hooping, paddle boats, fishing derby, and face painting activities. It’s such a great experience to see the beautiful cherry blossoms first-hand.

Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, United States

Takes place: April

11. New Jersey State Fair

This 10-day state fair has a lot to offer you - whether you’re with your family, friends, and even alone you’ll always have something fun to do here. There is an agricultural area wherein shows from different animals await you such as sheep, puppies, swine, rabbits, small animals, and a whole lot more. There is also a number of fun carnival rides and carnival games. There are games, competitions, horse shows, petting zoos, and pig races that are waiting for you here. You can also explore the different craft, merchandise, food, and drinks stalls around the area. It’s such a family-friendly fair that everyone will enjoy and you’ll definitely want to come back for more.

New Jersey State Fair

Address: 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ

Website: New Jersey State Fair

Takes place: August

Price: 12 USD

12. New Jersey Folk Festival

This festival is not only for fun but it serves to educate people on the culture and history of traditional indigenous people, multicultural forms, and artists in New Jersey. It showcases the folk tradition and aspires to share it with the younger generations. Listen to the traditional folk music being played at the festival, admire the crafts made, and understand and respect the traditions. Bring your children so they can enjoy the activities like paper origami boat making, bead art, face painting, and they’ll even be able to meet a well-known sand artist. The best part is that the festival is free of charge.

New Jersey Folk Festival

Address: 191 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States

Website: New Jersey Folk Festival

Takes place: April

Price: Free admission

13. New Jersey Annual Greek Festival [Last event in 2019]

Celebrate the Greek culture with St. George Greek Orthodox Church which has been organizing the event for years now. It’s a festival that commemorates the beauty of Greek culture through food, performances, and activities. You should also expect a lot of live entertainment and dancing here. Everyone here goes home with a full stomach and a new understanding of the Greek culture. There are also merchants selling various items you might want to take a look at. Take this opportunity as well to make new friends, step out of your comfort zone, and try something new.

New Jersey Annual Greek Festival

Address: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway

Website: New Jersey Annual Greek Festival

Takes place: May

14. Jersey Shore Wine Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a taste of the most classic wines ranging from red to white wines at this festival. Get to choose from the different New Jersey wineries from all over the state. Be your own judge and choose which wine is your favorite. A lot of these wines come from a family business and they all have a story to tell about it. Aside from wine stalls, there are also food stalls you can enjoy and snack on. Also, catch live music entertainment from great performers. You can also bring your children to play at the BlueClaws play area.

Jersey Shore Wine Festival

Address: 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701, United States

Website: Jersey Shore Wine Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

15. WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft [Last event in 2019]

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You’ll find almost everything about arts and fine crafts here. This two-day festival allows people to grow a deeper love and appreciation for art. There are over 150 artists and craftspeople showcasing and selling their artworks. You can also join hands-on family activities such as creating Halloween paper masks, corn mosaics, and beaded spiders. There are also more intense activities that require an additional fee such as basket-making and marbling a silk scarf. Aside from that, catch artists showcase their creative process in their crafts such as glassblowing, jewelry making, silk painting, and so much more. You’ll definitely have so much fun creating and you never know you might discover your own hidden talent in the arts.

WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft

Address: 1000 Village Dr., Millville, NJ 08332

Website: WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft

Takes place: June

Price: 7 - 12 USD

16. Jersey Shore Music Festival

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Party and dance to your heart’s content at this three-day music festival. It features over 150 artists showcasing their talents in the music industry. These artists range from well-known bands, singers to those who are just starting out in the music industry. This would be a great way to learn about new artists and their music. The festival starts with a welcoming party wherein you’ll get a glimpse of what is in store with music performances and drinks to enjoy the night. Aside from the music performances, much-awaited events are networking mixers, kite shows, monster truck rides, and a whole lot more. The energy of the festival will just surprise you.

Jersey Shore Music Festival

Website: Jersey Shore Music Festival

Takes place: May

Price: Free

17. Thomas Edison Film Festival [Previously known as Black Maria Film Festival]

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Compared to other film festivals, the Black Maria Film Festival is an international festival traveling to celebrate and acknowledge creators of short films. The festival showcases films that demonstrate issues and struggles in society. Topics range from environmental responsibility, family, women’s rights, immigration, and so much more. Filmmakers can also submit their entry to the festival in the hopes of having their film featured. Going to this festival is a great way to learn about society at the same time being able to enjoy a nice film.

Black Maria Film Festival

Website: Black Maria Film Festival

Takes place: July

18. Jersey City Pride

Spread love and equality by joining the LGBT movement in Jersey City Pride. This festival celebrates diversity and acceptance of freedom of expression. Show your support by joining the community in the pride march held every year. You can expect unique, colorful, and fun outfits by everyone here. There are also other activities such as drag queen storytime, sip and paint, vogue dancing, and so much more. You can also expect live music and performances by members of the LGBT community. Join in the festival and spread some love.

Jersey City Pride

Address: 134-188, Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, United States

Website: Jersey City Pride

Takes place: August

19. Scandinavian Fest

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Gather round and join the celebration of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden which are the nordic regions. It also has five stages with non-stop dancing and performances by the Nordic folks so you’ll definitely be entertained the whole day. If you bring your kids you can let them enjoy the activities area for children. There are stalls that display traditional food, handicraft items, and imported gifts all from the Nordic regions. What’s interesting is that they also have demonstrations of Norse combat, talks and demos, and displays of Viking ships. Just in one day, you’ll be able to experience the lives of Scandinavians just right at your state.

Scandinavian Fest

Address: 1 Vasa Dr, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, United States

Website: Scandinavian Fest

Takes place: September

Price: 13 USD

20. New Jersey State History Festival [Last event in 2019]

Have a blast from the past and re-learn your history at the New Jersey State History Festival. It will bring you to almost over five centuries of New Jersey’s history. There are exhibits, stories, and artifacts that showcase the historic eras up until the 20th century. There are also talks and presenters who will share about New Jersey. Don’t worry–there are food stalls around the area so you definitely won’t get hungry.

New Jersey State History Festival

Address: 16 Highway 33, Manalapan, NJ United States

Takes place: January

21. Hungarian Festival [Last event in 2019]

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Good food, music, and fun activities are waiting for you at the Hungarian Festival. This festival promotes Hungarian culture. You’ll be excited to taste goulash which is considered to be their national dish. Jam to Hungarian folk music and even learn how to dance their folk dances. This is a children-friendly festival wherein there are also activities prepared for your kids. The Folk Pavilion and Beer Garden are areas you should also pass by while you’re here.

Hungarian Festival

Address: 300 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901

Website: Hungarian Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

22. Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

The festival has three stages that all have live music entertainment wherein you can sing along and dance with them. It also features over 300 artists and crafters that are showcasing oil painting, watercolors, sculptures, handmade jewelry, furniture, and a whole lot more. There are also vendors that sell delicious culinary treats. Make great memories with your friends and family here.

Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

Address: 94 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States

Website: Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

Takes place: Usually held in May

23. Liberty Jazz Festival [Event has passed]

Come together and listen to the different jazz artists play their art. These jazz artists are well-known musicians in their industry who all have a heart and passion to perform in front of people. How beautiful it is to be listening to soothing music while having a view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. After enjoying the music, you can go around and buy yourself food at the various food vendors around the area. There are crafts and exhibits as well. The best part of the festival is that the portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Liberty State Park which has been continuously taking care of the park.

Liberty Jazz Festival

Address: 200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States

Takes place: September

Price: 55 - 225 USD

Festivals for everyone

In New Jersey, you’ll always find a festival that fits your interests, budget, and time. The number of festivals you can go here might be overwhelming but in no time you might have already gone to every popular festival here in the state. Always say yes to new opportunities! The best part of joining festivals is it gives you a glimpse of how beautiful and wonderful people are in the state. Pack your bags, ready your wallet, and have fun with your friends and family.