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Get your fill of Jersey-fresh berries at the West Cape May Strawberry Festival. Photo courtesy of Exit Zero
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6/2/23 - By Laurie Rein

Load up your calendar with dozens of FREE events taking place throughout June in New Jersey, because there's no reason summer fun has to come with a big price tag. As the days get longer, under-the-stars movies, carnivals, and other activities fill your summer roster without emptying wallets.

Swing by local fairs like West Orange Street Fair, Sparta Day 2023, and Glassboro Community Day, or kick back at evening events like Wildwood Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks, Summit Street Sounds, and Jenkinson's Movies on the Beach. 

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our roundups of water playgrounds and free beaches in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.     

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Downtown Summit comes alive with music on Thursday and Friday nights in June and July. Photo courtesy of Summit Downtown
Downtown Summit comes alive with music on Thursday and Friday nights in June and July. Photo courtesy of Summit Downtown

Ongoing Free Things To Do in June 2023

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Swing by the library on Mondays with the little ones for books, songs, and activities. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Bookscape Babies

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Brick

Brick
Every Wednesday
Head over to Barnes & Noble every Wednesday for children's stories and fun. READ MORE

KIDS! Atlantic Highlands Indoor Baby Storytime

Atlantic Highlands
Every Wednesday
Bring the babies to Atlantic Highlands library for stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplay. No registration required. READ MORE

Tiger Tales

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Terhune Orchards Winery Weekend Music Series

Princeton
Every Saturday and Sunday
Gather with friends and family at the winery for wine, relaxing music and light fare. Fire pits are available all weekend. Kids can enjoy light fare like chips and salsa, while adults can sample a variety of wines. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover

Beechwood
Every Saturday
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks

Beechwood
Every Saturday and Sunday
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE

Summit Street Sounds

Beechwood
Every Thursday and Friday through Friday, July 28, 2023
Listen to great live music every Thursday and Friday night in downtown Summit. See website for a full schedule of performers.  READ MORE

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

various parks
Every Friday through Friday, September 1, 2023
Screenings are held throughout the county on select Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights through August.  READ MORE
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's

Free Things To Do in June 2023

Deptford Family Movie Night

Deptford
Friday, June 2, 2023
The Township of Deptford presents free movies in the park on select summer Fridays, including hits like "Minions: Rise of Gru" and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." READ MORE

West Cape May Strawberry Festival

West Cape May
Saturday, June 3, 2023
This fun-filled festival features Jersey fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, craft vendors, food, and more. READ MORE

West Orange Street Fair

West Orange
Saturday, June 3, 2023
The popular West Orange Street Fair is back and better than ever. The fair features crafters, vendors, food, street performers, a classic car show, beer and wine garden, and kids' activities. READ MORE

Rockabilly

Galloway
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Enjoy a day of 50s style entertainment with a modern twist, including live music, a classic pin-up contest with prizes and vendors.  READ MORE

46th Annual Hungarian Festival

New Brunswick
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Head over to New Brunswick for a wonderful day of great food, song, and dance at the 46th Annual Hungarian Festival. READ MORE

Sparta Day 2023

Sparta
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Swing by this vendor fair, family festival, and highly anticipated community event. Enjoy over 100 vendors, live entertainment, a food plaza, games, amusements, and more. READ MORE

Under Cover Music Fest

South Orange
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Under Cover Music Fest offers great music from nine cover bands with no cover charge. The events also features dancing, local food, beer, and activities for kids. This year’s exciting line-up will feature the talent of world-class local musicians covering a diverse selection of the greatest hits. READ MORE

Jersey City Jazz Festival

Jersey City
Saturday, June 3-Sunday, June 4, 2023
This 2-day celebration features over 100 musicians on three stages, plus food trucks and more, all on the Jersey City waterfront. READ MORE

Garwood Rocks

Garwood
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Rock out in downtown Garwood, with food, rides, a petting zoo, KidZone, classic cars, live entertainment and much more. Rain or shine. READ MORE

Hoboken Movies Under the Stars

Hoboken
Wednesdays, from June 7-August 30, 2023
The NYC skyline provides the perfect summer backdrop for free films on the Hoboken waterfront. For the best seating, arrive early and bring a blanket or chair. READ MORE

Pride in the Park

Red Bank
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Everyone is invited to Riverside Gardens Park for a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Featured are live music, vendors, giveaways and activities.  READ MORE

Glassboro Community Day

Glassboro
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Join the Glassboro community for a day of fun activities, like crafts, face painting, music, demonstrations, food, kid castles and more. Over 50 vendors are present. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

various locations
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Montvale Street Fair

Montvale
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Paragon Drive is home to Montvale's 11th annual street fair, featuring over 150 vendors, crafts, children's activities, food and live entertainment. READ MORE

Crafts in the Park Show

Westwood
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Over 100 exhibitors with arts, crafts and photography from three states showcase a great variety of hand crafted items, such as stained glass, pottery, garden decor, welcome signs, paintings, apparel, metal & resin art, charcuterie boards, jewelry, florals, birdhouses and more. READ MORE

Metuchen Street Fair

Metuchen
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Hit the streets of downtown Metuchen for vendors, crafts, food, kiddie rides, games, bands, a DJ, and more. READ MORE

Ridgewood Movies in the Park

Ridgewood
Select Wednesdays from June 14-August 9, 2023
The Ridgewood Guild presents a roster of oldies but goodies every other Wednesday at Memorial Park.  READ MORE

Sankofa’s Juneteenth Festival of Morris County

Morristown
Thursday, July 15-Saturday, July 17, 2023
Morristown Juneteenth Weekend brings together five non-profit organizations to create a three-day event that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This free weekend offers access to local artists, food, music, and other festivities at major cultural venues in Morristown and Morris Township. READ MORE

Skimmer Festival

Sea Isle City
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Come to this festival by the sea, featuring vendors, food, live music, rides and children's activities. READ MORE

Burlington Freedom Day 2023: A Juneteenth Celebration

Burlington
Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18, 2023
Celebrate Juneteenth on the beautiful Burlington waterfront. The two-day event includes music, food, vendors, a kid zone, crafts, games, and free lunch. The event concludes on Sunday with Praise on the Promenade: A Gospel Music Celebration. READ MORE

Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival

Washington
Saturday, June 17, 2023
The Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival returns to downtown Washington Borough, featuring a full day of music, eco-friendly exhibitioners, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, shopping, dining, and more. READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays from June 21-August 23, 2023
Bring a blanket to the lawn outside Hall of Records every Wednesday night for a showing of a new or classic movie. Grab a bite from a downtown eatery while you're there.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Fireworks at Dark

Point Pleasant
Thursdays from June 22-August 31, 2023
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at dark. READ MORE

Marvel Superheroes Meet & Greet

Point Pleasant
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Spider-Man and Captain American swing by Jenkinson's Boardwalk to meet with fans. READ MORE

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays from June 23-September 1, 2023
Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

METC Free Summer Concert Series

Madison
Friday, June 23, 2023
METC's free Summer Concert Series sponsored by the DDC is back. Enjoy a free night of music this summer on Fridays. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit and listen to some great performances. READ MORE

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire

Long Beach Island
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Gather at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for an evening campfire, with live music and marshmallow-roasting. Please bring a blanket or chair and some marshmallows and sticks. READ MORE

Feria de Sevilla

Woodbridge
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Enjoy a free afternoon of costumes and dance performances on stage by Alborada's professional dancers and musicians. READ MORE

Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Light up the summer with a free evening of nature, music, wagon rides, and outdoor activities. Children can decorate firefly wings and make antennas in the craft area. There is a kids' play area, plus farm animals to visit. READ MORE

Aquarium Beach Bingo

Point Pleasant
Tuesdays from June 27-August 29, 2023
All are invited to Jenkinson's Aquarium Beach Bingo on Tuesday. Instead of numbers, this bingo uses beach items. Meet in front of the aquarium and win prizes.  READ MORE

Avalon Beach Movies

Avalon
Tuesdays from June 27-August 29, 2023
Bring a beach chair or blanket to 30th Street Beach for a big-screen movie every Tuesday. Titles include Top Gun: Maverick.  READ MORE

Summer Picnic Party

Berkeley Township
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Kick off the summer at the park with live music, bocce, horseshoes, giant Twister and food trucks. Bring a beach chair or blanket. READ MORE

Princess Palooza at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Meet your favorite princesses at Jenkinson's Pavilion Beach Stage prior to the fireworks show. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck

Beechwood
Friday, June 30, 2023
Kids of all ages are invited to get behind the wheel and explore all kinds of vehicles. Crafts and snacks round out the fun. A sensory-friendly half hour, with no noises or flashing lights, takes place at 10am. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Downtown Summit
various Deptford parks
Wilbraham Park
Riverside Gardens Park
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
30th Street Beach
John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center

About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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