5 Things To Do This Weekend In NJ: Fairs, Festivals And Food

NEW JERSEY — Summertime is fun time in New Jersey, and this weekend is no exception, with several interesting events scheduled to take place across the state.

Here are five activities to keep on your radar from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14.

COUNTY FAIR RETURNS

Get ready for fun, games, animals and funnel cakes when the Ocean County Fair returns for the year from July 10 to July 14 at the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley Township.

A variety of events are scheduled, ranging from horse shows, pig races, wrestling, K-9 demonstrations and more. There will be an open craft show. The 4-H also offers open horse shows for anyone to compete in. Throughout the days, Pirate Dan will stroll around the fair and interact with attendees. Read More: Ocean County Fair Returns For 2024 (See What's In Store)

See a schedule of events here. Visit the Ocean County Fair website for more information.

FOOD FEST AT AMERICAN DREAM

The Dream Food Fest aims to “transcend the conventional boundaries of a night market to deliver a culinary journey” courtesy of more than 120 street food vendors. Learn more or purchase tickets here.

Here’s what to expect, organizers say: “Dream Food Fest is not just a night market; it's an elevated culinary experience that showcases the very best of authentic global street food. Every summer, we journey through the world's diverse cultures by inviting an exclusive and biggest mix of renowned food and art vendors for communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.”

The 2024 festival, which will also include music and other activities, will take place at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford on the following dates/times:

• Friday, July 12 – 4 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13 to Monday, July 15 – noon to 10 p.m.

AFRO BEAT FEST

The Afro Beat Fest is the largest celebration of culture and heritage of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora in the state of New Jersey, organizers say.

The festival – whose concepts originates from the Ashanti people of Ghana, West Africa – is held each year on the second Saturday of July. The daylong festival will take place this year starting at 10 a.m. on July 13 at Military Park in Newark and the surrounding area, and will include an “eclectic mix of vendors, entertainment and music.”

The event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

An annual all-day bluegrass festival will return to the Albert Music Hall in Waretown on Saturday, July 13.

A rotating cast of bands will play 45-minute sets beginning at 3 p.m. There will also be pickin' taking place throughout the event in the venue’s Pickin' Shed and on its porch, organizers say.

The festival will also include food, a gift booth and a 50/50 draw. Doors open at 2 p.m.; tickets are $10 (kids under 12 are $1). Learn more here.

BLUES AND BARBECUE

The three-day Anglesea Blues Festival in North Wildwood will feature both national and regional blues musicians, and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. Top blues acts will be featured on a free outdoor main stage at 2nd and Olde New Jersey avenues, as well as in neighboring clubs and pubs.

The 2024 iteration will take place on the following days/times (learn more here):

• Friday, July 12 – 4 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 14 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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