Welcome to the Top 10 Events in New Jersey
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of New Jersey, including events in Belmar, Cape May and Atlantic City.Ice Harvest
January
Titusville, New Jersey
Each year at Howell Living History Farm the program season opens with the annual Ice Harvesting event.
The farm is an educational facility open to the public that preserves and interprets farming life and processes from the era of 1890-1910.
During Ice Harvest, visitors help farmers cut, chop and shave ice, fill an ice house, and make ice cream from 10 am to 4 pm. Conditions permitting, visitors can also join the harvest crew on the frozen pond and take a turn using an "ice saw," and moving the ice blocks to the ramp to the icehouse.
For more information visit: www.howellfarm.org
Hudson Restaurant Week
January / February
Hudson, New Jersey
Hudson Restaurant Week is a biannual culinary celebration that started in 2005 and which put Hoboken and Jersey City restaurants on the map even to the point of being discussed side-by-side with New York's own event.
The event is during slow times of year for the restaurant industry which is the end of the summer in July and after the holidays in January. Approximately 25-35 restaurants participate in the event and provide prefixed menus at discounted prices.
For more information visit: www.hudsonrestaurantweek.com
Sherlock Holmes Weekend in Cape May
March
Cape May, New Jersey
In a weekend of mystery and intrigue, Friday through Sunday, would-be sleuths can join others in the National Historic Landmark City of Cape May to solve the crime. The scene is set on Friday evening, and the game continues until Sunday morning when the mystery is solved and the winners announced.
Period costume is highly encouraged.
For more information visit: www.capemaymac.org
Lambertville Shad Festival
April
Lambertville, New Jersey
Each year the Lambertville Shad Festival highlights the region's arts community, the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, and of course, Lambertville’s favorite fish, the Shad!
The Shad Festival has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized, award winning event. Shad Fest features the area's finest artists and crafters, great food and family entertainment. The two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local nonprofit organizations to raise necessary operating funds.
Highlights include a KidZone, Lambertville Station Beer Garden, planking demonstration and Rubber Duck Race.
For more information visit: www.lambertville.org
NJ Seafood Festival
June
Belmar, New Jersey
The New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar combines a culinary celebration of seafood delights with a day of fun. The Annual event will once again unite master chefs, fine artists and crafts people along with musicians from around the state.
Food offerings extend from the traditional shrimp, lobster and calamari, to the more exotic alligator sausage, sushi, conch fritters, and seafood paella.
The New Jersey Seafood Festival has been named as one of the top 100 events in North America. Approximately 150,000 visitors attended last year’s festival, which is held at Silver Lake Park on Ocean Avenue.
For more information visit: www.belmar.com/seafoodfestival
Annual Toms River Fest
August
Toms River, New Jersey
Toms River Fest is a two-day festival in August at the Toms River North high school campus. There are two stages of music at each day of Toms River Fest. The Lester Glenn Main Stage features premium floor and bleacher seats, plus a standing room / general admission area , and the Pine Belt Auto Day Stage is all standing room / general admission.
Artists in the past have included Daughtry and Avril Lavigne.
Besides the concerts attractions include midway attractions, BMX bike demonstrations, community exhibits, a food court, an old-school arcade setup inside the Ritacco Center, various vendors, and a gigantic fireworks display after every night's show!
For more information visit: www.trfest.com
Atlantic City Air Show
August
Atlantic City, New Jersey
The Atlantic City Airshow features flybys and acrobatic maneuvers performed by the nation’s most experienced military and seasoned civilian pilots.
One of the largest airshows in North America, drawing more than 500,000 spectators to the beach and Boardwalk, the Atlantic City Air Show takes place unusually on a Wednesday from approximately 10 am until 4 pm.
Highlights in the past have included demonstrations from the USAF Thunderbirds, US Army Golden Knights, as well as demonstrations from current Air Force and Navy aircraft.
For more information visit: www.atlanticcitynj.com
NJ Statewide Cultural Festival
September
Statewide, New Jersey
A tradition now for three years, New Jersey’s annual statewide Cultural Festival celebrates the culture and diversity of New Jersey with arts, music, dance, crafts and exhibits, and food.
For more information visit: www.njculturalfestival.com
Cape May Jazz Festival
April and November
Cape May, New Jersey
Having celebrated its 15th year and 30th celebration, the Cape May Jazz Festival
presents concerts, festivals, educational programs, workshops and jam sessions for musicians, as well as complimentary guitar, saxophone, percussion and improvisation workshops.
Featured artists have included Jon Faddis, Jesse Andrus, Frank Bey, Edgardo Cintron, David Cole, Jackie Ryan, Pamela Williams and Michael Pedicin.
For more information visit: www.capemayjazz.com
Patriots Week in Trenton
December
Trenton, New Jersey
Patriots Week is a celebration honoring Trenton’s unique role in securing victory in the American Revolution. Providing Revolutionary War historians, enthusiasts and casual observers of all ages the perfect opportunity to relive America's quest for independence, Patriots Week takes place at various locations throughout historic Trenton.
Highlight events include the public reading of Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis,” an essay written shortly before the Battle of Trenton that helped rally Americans to the cause of the Revolution, battle reenactments, lectures and walking tours,
For more information visit: www.patriotsweek.com
