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Best July Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey for Families

The Ocean County Fair has live music, animal acts, rides, and classic fair food. Photo courtesy of the fair
The Ocean County Fair has live music, animal acts, rides, and classic fair food. Photo courtesy of the fair
6/27/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best July fairs and festivals for New Jersey families? Here are some great options to add to your list.

Soak up the sun, build some sandcastles, and jam with local bands at family-friendly summer fairs and festivals throughout New Jersey this month. Independence Day festivities kick off a festival-filled month. Plus, lots of county fairs offer good, old-fashioned fun in July—swing by events in Cumberland, Ocean, Morris, Gloucester, and Monmouth counties.

Hit the Jersey Shore for fun-in-the-sun festivals like the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival and the Anglesea Blues Festival. And admire a sky full of brilliant colors at the 40th Annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning and the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Mark your calendars with these July fairs and festivals. And for more July happenings, check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

We're adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don't forget to check it frequently.

Be sure to click through to our listings for full details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages and keep in mind, advance tickets may be required.

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As NJ's largest fair, State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Photo courtesy of the fair
As NJ's largest fair, State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Photo courtesy of the fair

July Festivals in New Jersey for Families

State Fair Meadowlands

East Rutherford
Thursday, June 22-Sunday, July 9, 2023
The jam-packed State Fair Meadowlands returns for 18 days with more than 100 rides and attractions, including Jurassic Kingdom, plus plenty of food and entertainment. Fireworks take place July 3-4. READ MORE

Gloucester Township L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival

Blackwood
Monday, June 26-Sunday, July 9, 2023
Enjoy food, rides and entertainment at the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival, an event hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.). READ MORE

L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair at Mercer County Park

West Windsor
Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 9, 2023
Summer fun awaits at L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair at Mercer County Park with food, rides and entertainment. Plus, don't miss performances by Anastasini Circus. READ MORE

Little Falls Annual 4th of July Street Fair

Little Falls–FREE
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Main Street in Little Falls hosts this big block party on Independence Day. Stroll the blocks-long celebration with food, vendors, crafts, children's activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Cumberland County Fair

Millville
Tuesday, July 4-Saturday, July 8, 2023
The Cumberland County Fair is back and promises something for everyone. The fair features five days and nights of old-fashioned family fun. Fairgoers enjoy amusement rides, games, entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

Wildwood Crest–FREE
Friday, July 7, 2023
Serious sand lovers can grab a pail, shovel, and other tools and head to the beach at Wildwood Crest for the town's annual sand sculpture festival. This ultimate summer event is worth checking out even if you don't want to compete.  READ MORE

29th Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival

Haddonfield–FREE
Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 9, 2023
Stroll through Downtown Haddonfield and check out crafts, outdoor cafes, music, and more at the 29th edition of this annual festival. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer FanJam (Canceled)

Fanwood–FREE
Sunday, July 9, 2023
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. Rock out to live music from local bands, along with a classic car show, food trucks, and more at this Fanwood music festival. READ MORE

Ocean County Fair

Berkeley Township
Wednesday, July 12-Sunday, July 16.2023
This 5-day event has live music, animal acts, 4-H displays, carnival rides, food, vendors, and more. Highlights include Extreme Illusions & Escape, Cowboy Larry's Wild West Show, and Animal House Band. READ MORE

Anglesea Blues Festival

North Wildwood
Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16, 2023
All are invited to enjoy blues music and delicious barbecue at the Anglesea Blues Festival in beautiful North Wildwood. The festival features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. READ MORE

NJ State Barbecue Championship

North Wildwood
Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16, 2023
Bring your appetite to this summer celebration of ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork. Between licking your fingers you can get some tips from the pit masters, listen to live music, and see some cooking demonstrations. READ MORE

Butterfly Festival

National Park–FREE
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Beautiful butterflies are the spotlight of this festival at Red Bank Battlefield National Park. The fun includes tours of the butterfly house, free classes, a bug parade and other activities. READ MORE

METC Family Fun Day

Madison–FREE
Saturday, July 15, 2023
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) is hosting its annual Family Fun Day, featuring activities with a sustainability theme. Explore an electric car, crafts, music, entertainment, and more. READ MORE

5th Annual Franklin Food Truck and Music Fest

Somerset
Saturday, July 15, 2023
(Postponed from earlier date due to weather). The 5th Annual Franklin Food and Music Festival features activities like inflatable rides, face painters, Henna tattoos, local craft vendors, and live music from Naughty Humphry and The Big Fuss. READ MORE

Sourland Mountain Festival

Ringoes
Saturday, July 15, 2023
The 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

Monmouth County Fair

Freehold
Wednesday, July 26-Sunday, July 30, 2023
Five days of fun await at the 48th Annual Monmouth County Fair. Enjoy outdoor entertainment, strolling performers, main stage entertainment, carnival rides, and competitions. READ MORE

Gloucester County 4-H Fair

Mullica Hills
Thursday, July 27-Sunday, July 30, 2023
This country fair beckons visitors with its agricultural exhibits and contests, displays of 4‑H projects, daily rides and games, magic shows, musical acts, baby parades, craft exhibits, tractor pulls, demonstrations and sales. READ MORE

Morris County 4-H Fair

Chester–FREE
Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30, 2023
Enjoy the dogs, bunnies, baby chicks, rides, food, entertainment, Monster Trucks, barn dance and more at this 4-day festival. READ MORE

40th Annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning

Whitehouse Station
Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30, 2023
See a sky full of beautiful balloons, plus enjoy concerts, vendors, and fireworks at The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning. The excitement includes rides, live music, fireworks, a drone show and up to 100 hot air balloons.  READ MORE

85th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival

Phillipsburg
Saturday, July 29-Saturday, August 5, 2023
Celebrating its 85th year, the Warren County Farmers’ Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, provides family entertainment for the whole community. The fair is a place that delights everyone, from grandparents to the grandkids. READ MORE

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