20+ Things to Do in New Jersey This Weekend: Fairs, Festivals, Food Trucks and Family Fun

NEW JERSEY — Looking for something to do this weekend? VisitNJ’s latest event calendar is filled with county fairs, food truck festivals, live music, craft markets, winery events and family-friendly attractions across the Garden State. Whether you’re headed to the Shore, the Highlands or the Delaware River, there’s no shortage of activities.

County fairs and summer traditions

The Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival continues through Sunday in Harmony and Phillipsburg, featuring nightly hot air balloon launches, demolition derbies, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment and family activities.

The New Jersey State Fair – Sussex County Farm & Horse Show opened Friday in Augusta and runs through Aug. 8 with livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, horse competitions and classic fair food.

Saturday marks the final night of the Manasquan Fireman’s Fair, one of the borough’s biggest annual fundraisers, featuring rides, games, food, live music and a beer garden.

Festivals celebrating food and culture

The Highlands Clam Fest continues through Sunday with seafood, food trucks, live music, a beer and sangria garden and a fireworks display Saturday night.

The Japanese Food Festival takes over Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park on Saturday with authentic Japanese cuisine, taiko drumming, traditional dance performances and family-friendly Matsuri games.

Wine lovers can head to Laurita Winery in New Egypt for the Latino Food Truck Festival, featuring dozens of vendors, live entertainment and fireworks Saturday evening.

On Sunday, Atlantic Highlands Food Truck & Music Fest brings 18 gourmet food trucks, live bands, local vendors and a beer garden to the waterfront.

Family-friendly events across the state

Nature lovers can visit the Butterfly Festival at The Watershed Institute in Pennington for butterfly exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and environmental education.

The New Jersey Sunflower Trail opens for the season this weekend with sunflower fields, hayrides, farm animals, live music and food vendors.

Families can also enjoy Terhune Orchards Summer Fest in Princeton with bubble shows, live animal demonstrations, craft vendors, live music and wine tastings.

Shopping, crafts and community events

Downtown Princeton hosts the annual yART Sale, where local artists offer ceramics, paintings, jewelry and handcrafted goods at discounted prices.

Olde Freehold Day returns Saturday with live music, food vendors, games and a veterans ceremony at Lake Topanemus.

On Sunday, shoppers can browse handcrafted goods at the Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace or visit the Crafts & Vintage Fair in Clifton featuring antiques, artisan vendors, gourmet food trucks and live entertainment.

Restaurant lovers can also kick off Burlington County Restaurant Week, which begins Sunday with more than 35 participating restaurants across the county.

For movie fans, the Women’s International Film Festival wraps up Saturday with screenings celebrating women filmmakers from around the world.

Featured Events This Weekend

• Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival – Harmony/Phillipsburg
• New Jersey State Fair – Augusta
• Highlands Clam Fest – Highlands
• Japanese Food Festival – Ridgefield Park
• Butterfly Festival – Pennington
• Olde Freehold Day – Freehold
• Terhune Orchards Summer Fest – Princeton
• Latino Food Truck Festival – Laurita Winery, New Egypt
• Atlantic Highlands Food Truck & Music Fest – Atlantic Highlands
• Latin Festival: Tacos & Tequila – Oceanport
• Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show – Wildwood
• Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace – Maplewood
• Crafts & Vintage Fair – Clifton
• Burlington County Restaurant Week – Countywide

The event listings are based on VisitNJ’s published calendar for this weekend. Dates, times and admission prices may change, so visitors should confirm details with individual event organizers before traveling.