August is a month-long party in New Jersey with a slew of summery festivals and fairs. The New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is one of many August favorites, boasting live entertainment, rides, food, and horses. Plus, kick back to music, crafts, boat rides, and more at Canal Day Music & Craft Festival, and indulge in delicious food and fireworks at the IAATO Italian Festival.
Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in August, many of which are FREE to attend.
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NJ Fairs and Festivals in August 2025
Friday, August 1-Sunday, August 3, 2025
This annual event has fresh seafood, live entertainment, contests, vendors, crafters, and games. Stick around for a fireworks display on Sunday at Snug Harbor Beach. Read More
Friday, August 1-Saturday, August 9, 2025
The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show features horse shows, live entertainment, carnival rides and games, exhibits, delicious food, and more. Read More
Saturday, August 2
Enjoy the best empanadas in NJ along with live entertainment and kids' activities. Read More
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Now in its 49th year, Olde Freehold Day hosts food, drinks, music, and family fun. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, canoe rides, a climbing wall, a dunk tank, and more fun in the Kid Play Zone. Read More
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Enjoy a day filled with family fun, including butterfly exhibits, interactive children's activities, live music, local food and more. This 25th annual event features local artisans, an insect zoo, animal shows, nature walks, and the famous Butterfly and Bug Parade. Read More
Saturday, August 2-Sunday, August 3, 2025
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the middle of summer! This Latin festival features delicious authentic food, margaritas, live music, and more. Xol Azul performs at noon. Read More
Monday, August 4-Sunday, August 10, 2025
This 86th annual festival boasts carnival rides, crafts, agricultural displays, and an amazing array of live entertainment. Plus, enjoy a puppet show, The High Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular, magic, and fireworks on opening and closing nights. Read More
Monday, August 4-Friday, August 8, 2025
There is so much to enjoy at this annual county fair: pony rides, pig races, kiddie tractor pulls, horse shows, dairy shows, goat shows, contests and so much more. Load up on entertainment, great food, and family-friendly events. Read More
Wednesday, August 6-Sunday, August 10, 2025
The 49th annual IAATO Italian Festival is loaded with delicious food, games, rides, and live music. Don't miss the Friday night fireworks. Read More
Wednesday, August 6-Friday, August 8, 2025
This fair recognizes the accomplishments of 1,000 Somerset County 4-H members and is a showcase for visitors to see a wide variety of 4-H projects in action. Check out robotics, go-karts, large and small animals, plus food and live music. Read More
Friday, August 8-Saturday, August 9, 2025
Kids can pet a goat and meet a menagerie of other farm animals at this annual event hosted by Rutgers University's Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County. The fun includes a car show, baby parade, pet parade, rides and more. Read More
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The 6th annual New Brunswick Heart Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex Counties, featuring live music, dance, crafts, food vendors, roaming musicians, interviews with local artists, and a wellness tent. Read More
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The 20th annual Sourland Mountain Festival is hosted by the Sourland Conservancy, a non-profit organization that works to protect the Sourland Mountain region. Meet and greet the domestic and native animals of the Sourland. Little ones can take part in a scavenger hunt. Read More
Sunday, August 17
Swing by downtown Metuchen for a day of family fun with original and interesting arts & crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games, and great food. Read More
Wednesday, August 20-Sunday, August 24, 2025
Head to the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds for this fun, family-friendly 4-H and agricultural fair. This event includes 4-H shows, carnival rides, exhibits, crafts, tractor pulls, live entertainment, and more. Read More
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Celebrate the Morris Canal at this country fair with live music, regional crafts, and tasty food. Take a trip down the canal on a mule-drawn boat, check out musical artists, take a kayak ride, and see the animal and cowboy shows. The festival winds down with fireworks. Read More
Saturday, August 23, 2025
South Avenue becomes a giant block party featuring interesting arts & crafts, shopping, live music, kid's games and great food. Read More
Saturday, August 23, 2025
This annual event features jazz and blues music, local food, children's activities, crafts, games, and fun. Read More
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The 4th annual Women’s Equality Day Festival is a free public event that welcomes over 500 visitors annually and features 50+ women-owned businesses and organizations from across NJ and PA. It is held at historic Paulsdale, childhood home of suffragist Alice Paul. Read More
Thursday, August 28-Sunday, August 31, 2025
AirFest proudly presents an array of historic Aircraft for you to explore up close. Delight in the sight of helicopters from esteemed institutions such as the New Jersey State Police, AtlantiCare MedEvac and Cape May County Mosquito Commission. Read More