15 June Festivals for New Jersey Families

Summer is here; let the festivals begin! There's something on the calendar to please everyone this month, whether you’re in the mood for music, food, nature or a good old-fashioned carnival. Highlights include the Privateers & Pirates Festival at Tuckerton Seaport, the Atlantic City Airshow and Whitesbog Village’s Blueberry Festival. You can’t go wrong with any of these awesome activities. So grab the family, slap on some sunscreen and kick off summer at one of these 15 recommended events.

Rubber Ducky Festival (Berkeley Heights)

June 1, 12-4pm

Don’t miss this wonderful kid-friendly event featuring food, music, games, moonwalks and more! And stick around for the namesake Rubber Ducky Race, taking place at 3pm. Thousands of rubber ducks are launched into the Passaic River where they’ll race to the finish line—owners of the winners will receive great prizes. FREE Admission. $5 to “adopt” a rubber ducky (see website for details).

New Jersey Renaissance Faire (Bordentown)

June 1-2 & 8-9, 11am-6pm
  

Calling all lords and ladies! Step back in time for a day of juggling, jousting, comedy, music, wine and food. Special children’s shows are presented daily. Tickets cost $20 per adult, $12 per child ages 5-12, free for kids 4 & under. $2 discount per ticket if purchased online. Season passes are also available.

New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar)

June 7-9 (Fri 4-8pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm)

Head over to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from area restaurants, enjoy live music and visit the Children’s Activity Tent for special games and entertainment. FREE Admission and FREE shuttle from downtown, marina and train station.

Privateers & Pirates Festival (Tuckerton)

June 8, 11am-5pm

Ahoy, matey! Got a kid obsessed with all things pirate? Then don’t miss this fabulous fest featuring pirate-themed activities such as a treasure hunt, costume contest and pirate craft projects. Live pirate entertainment and delicious food are also available. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for kids 5 & under.

New Jersey Irish Festival (Oceanport)

June 9, 12-7pm

Visit Monmouth Park for this lively and unique festival celebrating Irish heritage. Entertainment includes live music, step dancing and a bagpipe competition. Food stands, craft vendors and children’s activities, as well as a “human horse race,” add up to a wonderful day of family fun! FREE with park admission ($3 per person).

Spring Festival of Children (Jersey City)

June 9, 10am-5pm

Enjoy music, dance and theater performances at this 5th annual festival in downtown Jersey City’s beautiful Van Vorst Park. Local family-friendly businesses will be on hand to provide information on classes, camps and other activities for kids. A fun event for all ages! FREE.

Atlantic Highlands Car Show (Atlantic Highlands)

June 15, 11am-5pm

Both kids and adults will love checking out the classic, exotic and fun cars on display along First Avenue. Live music, games, craft vendors and local eateries add to the fun! FREE Admission. (Rain date: June 22)

Harbor Fest (Cape May)

June 15, 10am-5pm

Cape May Harbor offers a beautiful setting for this celebration of the sea and its culture. Events include kayaking, live music, tons of kids’ activities and the popular “Scallop Challenge.” FREE Admission.

National Marbles Tournament (Wildwood)

June 17-20, Hours vary

This unique event celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Watch “mibsters” (marble shooters) compete for prizes and awards at various games over the four-day tournament. FREE for spectators, advance registration required for participants.

St. Gregory the Great Family Carnival (Hamilton Square)

June 17-22, 6-11pm

If you’re looking for old-school carnival action, look no further. This one has it all: rides, games, yummy food and even fireworks! There are plenty of rides for younger kids so it’s the perfect event for all ages. FREE Admission, ticket prices vary for rides and games. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance.

State Fair Meadowlands (East Rutherford)

June 21-July 7, Hours vary

Over 150 rides and attractions will provide hours of non-stop action for your family! Try your hand at classic carnival games, indulge in “fair food” (funnel cake anyone?) and enjoy live circus shows daily. Admission is $9 per adult, $7 for children, free for kids under 34 inches. Ride tickets are additional. Visit website for information on special Bargain Nights, including Kids Go Free Night on June 25.

Terhune Orchards Firefly Festival (Princeton)

June 23, 4-9pm

Fireflies are one of the surest signs that summer’s arrived. Celebrate these wonderful creatures with an evening of games, live music and firefly hunting. Pony rides and wagon rides will also be available. Be sure to wear your wings! FREE Admission, $5 charge for craft activities.

Atlantic City Airshow (Atlantic City)

June 26, 12-3:30pm

Prepare to be wowed by the thrilling maneuvers of these Army, Navy and Air Force planes! This is one of the best air shows in the country, showcasing solo routines and formation flying by both military and civilian pilots. If you’ve got a plane-lover in your family, you won’t want to miss it. The Airshow can be viewed from anywhere on the Atlantic City boardwalk or beach. FREE Admission.

Italian-American Festival (North Wildwood)

June 28-30 (Fri 4-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12-6pm)

A Shore favorite, this annual celebration features vendors, doo-wop bands, a meatball relay and an abundance of food. You’ll probably want to come on an empty stomach. Buon Appetito! FREE Admission.

Whitesbog Blueberry Festival (Browns Mills)

June 29, 10am-4pm

Celebrate the blueberry at this old-fashioned event at historic Whitesbog Village. Enjoy blueberry picking, live music, children’s activities, wagon tours and even a blueberry pie-eating contest. Parking is $8 per car. $5 per person arriving by foot, bike or bus.