Things to Do in NJ This Weekend
Are you looking for something to do this weekend in New Jersey? New Jersey Monthly has you covered! Below we highlight recommendations for events across the state, from festivals to concerts to family-friendly events and more.
Looking to make the most of the Jersey Shore this summer? Check out what’s new for the 2026 season, our editors’ favorite water activities, the best bay beaches, and our deep dive on the brand-new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music.
Want to cool off without heading to the coast? Lake Hopatcong is a top-notch summer escape, as are these other great lakes around the state.
Hungry? Check out this month’s best food events.
And don’t forget to peruse our list of the 52 things you must do in New Jersey all year, no matter the season!
Our editors’ picks for this week & weekend:
Benson Boone
📅: Monday, July 13 (8 pm)
📍: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
ℹ️: The artist behind pop hits like “Beautiful Things” and “Mystical Magical” takes the stage.
Jersey City Restaurant Fest
📅: Now through Tuesday, July 14
📍: Various Jersey City locations
ℹ️: Enjoy special menus and deals from a variety of Jersey City restaurants while supporting the local food scene.
Belmar Sandcastle Contest
📅: Wednesday, July 15
📍: 8th Avenue beaches, Belmar
ℹ️: Contestants can sculpt and compete for prizes. Registration begins at 8 am, and builders have until noon.
Ocean County Fair
📅: Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19
📍: Pinewald-Keswick Road/Route 530 and Mule Road, Bayville
ℹ️: Enjoy food, cute animals, and live entertainment.
“Weird Al” Yankovic
📅: Friday, July 17 (8 pm)
📍: Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City
ℹ️: The performer in a category all his own brings his unique brand of music to Jersey.
Lucas Zelnick
📅: Friday, July 17 (7:30 pm)
📍: The Music Box, Atlantic City
ℹ️: The social media sensation known for viral crowd work comes to Jersey.
South Jersey Caribbean Festival
📅: Saturday, July 18 (2-8 pm)
📍: Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden
ℹ️: Celebrate the festival’s 26th anniversary with food, music and more.
Country in the Park Food & Music Festival
📅: Saturday, July 18 (11 am-7 pm)
📍: Washington Lake Park, Sewell
ℹ️: Enjoy country music and good food.
Ne-Yo and Akon
📅: Sunday, July 19 (8 pm)
📍: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
ℹ️: The duo performs their biggest R&B and dance hits.
Born To Run at 50
📅: Through Sunday, July 19
📍: Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House, Hawthorne
ℹ️: The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music celebrate the landmark album five decades later.
Drone Show
📅: Every Friday through July 31
📍: The Park, Atlantic City
ℹ️: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a patriotic-themed drone show every Friday in July.
Free Summer Movies
📅: Now through August 4 (8:30 pm)
📍: State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
ℹ️: Family-friendly films (including A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon) are screening every Tuesday night. Movie-themed arts and crafts activities begin at 6 pm, followed by the movie at 7 pm.
Movies on the Beach
📅: Now through Tuesday, September 1 (8:30 pm)
📍: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (in front of Jenkinson’s Aquarium), Point Pleasant Beach
ℹ️: Family-friendly movies (including Legally Blonde, Jurassic Park, Zootopia 2 and Jaws) are playing outdoors every Tuesday night. Bring a blanket or chair.
Find More Events
Want to find even more events? Browse additional events by date and category using our calendar below. And to submit your own event to the calendar, click here.