New Jersey Festivals 2025: A Year of Music, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Overview of Festivals in New Jersey 2025

New Jersey, the Garden State, shines throughout 2025 with a remarkable lineup of festivals celebrating its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and vibrant community spirit. From foodie havens along the Jersey Shore to dynamic music festivals in bustling urban centers, each month offers unique experiences that cater to locals and visitors alike.

Whether you’re drawn to artisanal markets, thrilling parades, or beachfront culinary showcases, New Jersey’s festival calendar promises a year packed with excitement and unforgettable memories.

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A map of New Jersey highlighting the key festivals and celebrations for 2025

New Jersey Festivals 2025: A Month-by-Month Guide

January

1. Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival

• Date: January 20–28, 2025
• Location: Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
• Significance: Celebrating winter with a mix of creativity and community spirit.
• Activities: Ice carving, live music, food tastings, and a winter parade.
• Tickets: Free for most events; some activities require paid tickets.
• Transportation: Parking in Lambertville with shuttles to New Hope.

2. Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

• Date: January 25–26, 2025
• Location: Atlantic City Convention Center
• Significance: A craft beer lover’s dream paired with live music.
• Activities: Tastings from 100+ breweries, games, and food trucks.
• Tickets: Available online; VIP options include early entry.
• Transportation: Accessible via NJ Transit and nearby parking.

February

1. Maple Sugaring Festival

• Date: February 24, 2025
• Location: Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly, NJ
• Significance: Discover the art of maple sugaring and its history.
• Activities: Demonstrations, hikes, and syrup tastings.
• Tickets: Pre-registration required.
• Transportation: On-site parking.

2. Morristown Winter Craft Market

• Date: February 10–11, 2025
• Location: Morristown Armory
• Significance: A showcase of local artisan talent.
• Activities: Craft shopping and workshops.
• Tickets: Available at the door.
• Transportation: Accessible by NJ Transit buses.

March

1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Date: March 9, 2025
• Location: Newark, NJ
• Significance: A vibrant display of Irish culture.
• Activities: Parades, Irish dancing, and food vendors.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Limited parking; public transit recommended.

2. Atlantic City Restaurant Week

• Date: March 3–9, 2025
• Location: Atlantic City
• Significance: A culinary showcase of Atlantic City’s best eateries.
• Activities: Prix fixe menus, tastings, and live demos.
• Tickets: Restaurant-specific prices.
• Transportation: Ample parking downtown.

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April

1. Cape May Spring Festival

• Date: April 19–21, 2025
• Location: Cape May, NJ
• Significance: A springtime celebration of nature and culture.
• Activities: Garden tours, art exhibits, and birdwatching.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets online.
• Transportation: Parking and bike rentals available.

2. Rutgers Day

• Date: April 27, 2025
• Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick
• Significance: A community event showcasing Rutgers University.
• Activities: Performances, interactive exhibits, and food trucks.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Campus shuttles and parking available.

May

1. Montclair Film Festival

• Date: May 3–12, 2025
• Location: Montclair, NJ
• Significance: A premier event celebrating global cinema.
• Activities: Screenings, Q&As, and filmmaker networking.
• Tickets: Available online.
• Transportation: Downtown parking available.

2. New Jersey Seafood Festival

• Date: May 17–19, 2025
• Location: Belmar, NJ
• Significance: A tribute to the state’s rich seafood heritage.
• Activities: Fresh seafood, live music, and family games.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Shuttle services available.

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June

1. Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival

• Date: June 9, 2025
• Location: Red Bank, NJ
• Significance: A celebration of oysters, Irish culture, and live music.
• Activities: Oyster tastings, Guinness beer, and performances.
• Tickets: Available online.
• Transportation: Parking downtown; public transit encouraged.

2. State Fair Meadowlands

• Date: June 21–July 7, 2025
• Location: East Rutherford, NJ
• Significance: The largest fair in New Jersey.
• Activities: Rides, games, food stalls, and concerts.
• Tickets: Day passes and family packages online.
• Transportation: Parking available; NJ Transit to the Meadowlands.

July

1. QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

• Date: July 25–27, 2025
• Location: Solberg Airport, Readington, NJ
• Significance: The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.
• Activities:
  • Mass balloon ascensions with colorful displays.
  • Live performances by national and local artists.
  • Food vendors, craft stalls, and family-friendly games.
  • Evening fireworks and tethered balloon rides.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate; VIP packages include premium seating and parking.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; shuttle services run from designated lots.

2. Fourth of July Fireworks at Liberty State Park

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Location: Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
• Significance: A grand Independence Day celebration with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
• Activities:
  • Live music and cultural performances.
  • Food trucks and local vendors.
  • Spectacular fireworks over the Hudson River.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Accessible via NJ Transit and PATH trains; parking is limited.

August

1. Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival

• Date: August 10–11, 2025
• Location: Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
• Significance: Celebrates plant-based living with delicious food and innovative products.
• Activities:
  • Tasting booths with vegan cuisine from local and national vendors.
  • Live cooking demonstrations and wellness workshops.
  • Artisan markets and live music performances.
• Tickets: Available online; discounted rates for children.
• Transportation: Parking available at Convention Hall; public transport recommended for ease.

2. Highlands Clam Festival

• Date: August 15–18, 2025
• Location: Huddy Park, Highlands, NJ
• Significance: A celebration of New Jersey’s rich seafood heritage.
• Activities:
  • Fresh clam dishes and seafood tastings.
  • Carnival rides and games for all ages.
  • Live music and beer garden.
• Tickets: Free admission; food priced individually.
• Transportation: Parking available nearby; shuttle buses operate from designated lots.

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September

1. Laurita Winery Harvest Festival

• Date: September 7–8, 2025
• Location: Laurita Winery, New Egypt, NJ
• Significance: A celebration of the grape harvest season in New Jersey’s wine country.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings and vineyard tours.
  • Grape-stomping competitions and live music.
  • Gourmet food trucks and artisan vendors.
• Tickets: Available online; includes a souvenir wine glass.
• Transportation: Free parking available on-site; rideshares are recommended.

2. Seaside Heights Italian Festival

• Date: September 20–22, 2025
• Location: Seaside Heights, NJ
• Significance: Honors Italian-American culture and heritage with food and festivities.
• Activities:
  • Traditional Italian dishes like pasta, cannoli, and gelato.
  • Cultural performances, including live music and folk dancing.
  • Parade showcasing Italian pride.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near the boardwalk; public transit options include NJ Transit buses.

October

1. South Jersey Pumpkin Show

• Date: October 5–6, 2025
• Location: Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown, NJ
• Significance: A family-friendly autumn festival celebrating all things pumpkin.
• Activities:
  • Pumpkin carving contests and pie-eating competitions.
  • Hayrides, pony rides, and corn mazes.
  • Local food vendors and craft stalls.
• Tickets: Free admission; some activities require tickets.
• Transportation: Ample parking available on-site.

2. Cape May Victorian Weekend

• Date: October 18–20, 2025
• Location: Cape May, NJ
• Significance: A historical event showcasing Cape May’s Victorian-era charm.
• Activities:
  • Tours of historic homes and landmarks.
  • Themed dinners and afternoon teas.
  • Lectures on Victorian history and architecture.
• Tickets: Available online and at the event; multi-event passes offered.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; bike rentals encouraged for easy access.

November

1. Atlantic Highlands FilmOneFest

• Date: November 2, 2025
• Location: Atlantic Highlands Marina, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
• Significance: A unique festival dedicated to super-short films.
• Activities:
  • Screenings of films under two minutes long.
  • Meet-and-greets with filmmakers and producers.
  • Food trucks and live music.
• Tickets: Available online; discounts for students.
• Transportation: Parking available at the marina; public transit accessible.

2. Thanksgiving Day Parade

• Date: November 28, 2025
• Location: Downtown Newark, NJ
• Significance: A festive kickoff to the holiday season with vibrant floats and performances.
• Activities:
  • Parade featuring marching bands, dancers, and giant balloons.
  • Street vendors offering holiday treats and hot drinks.
  • Special appearances by Santa Claus.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Accessible via NJ Transit; limited parking downtown.

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December

1. Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

• Date: December 1–24, 2025 (Weekends only)
• Location: Asbury Park, NJ
• Significance: A festive holiday market by the sea.
• Activities:
  • Shopping for handcrafted gifts and holiday décor.
  • Seasonal food and beverages, including hot cocoa and mulled wine.
  • Photos with Santa and live holiday performances.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available at Convention Hall; public transit accessible.

2. Winter Wonderland at Diggerland

• Date: December 7–30, 2025
• Location: Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ
• Significance: A family-friendly winter attraction featuring construction-themed activities.
• Activities:
  • Holiday light displays and themed rides.
  • Santa meet-and-greets and festive treats.
  • Ice skating and tractor sleigh rides.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling recommended.

Conclusion

New Jersey’s 2025 festival calendar offers a rich blend of cultural celebrations, culinary delights, and community events. From winter’s cozy craft markets to summer’s beach festivals and fall’s historic parades, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Garden State, these festivals promise unforgettable experiences.

FAQs About New Jersey Festivals 2025

1. What are the must-attend festivals in New Jersey in 2025?

• Iconic events like the Montclair Film Festival, New Jersey Seafood Festival, and Cape May Spring Festival are highly recommended.

2. Are New Jersey festivals family-friendly?

• Many events, including Rutgers Day and the Maple Sugaring Festival, are perfect for families.

3. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

• For popular festivals like the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, advance ticket purchases are recommended to secure your spot.

4. Are pets allowed at New Jersey festivals?

• Some outdoor festivals, like the Cape May Spring Festival, allow pets, but confirm the rules before attending.

5. How can I make the most of attending New Jersey festivals?

• Plan ahead, use public transportation when possible, and arrive early to enjoy the full experience.

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