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Light up a summer evening with free entertainment at Terhune Orchards' Firefly Festival. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Light up a summer evening with free entertainment at Terhune Orchards' Firefly Festival. Photo courtesy of the orchard
6/3/25 - 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 will fill your summer roster without emptying your wallet.

Swing by local fairs like West Orange Street Fair, score free rides and games at Kids Fest in Elmwood Park, and kick back at evening events like Wildwood Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Free Things To Do in June 2025

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Various Locations
Select dates through August 29, 2025
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

various locations
Saturday, June 4, 2025
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

Haddon Township Pride Parade and Community Night

Haddon Township
Thursday, June 5-Friday, June 6, 2025
Join Haddon Township Equity Initiative for a weekend of Pride celebrations, featuring a Pride Parade on Thursday on Haddon Avenue and Community Night on Friday at Haddon Square. READ MORE

Deptford Family Movie Night

Deptford
Friday, June 6, 2025
The Township of Deptford presents free movies in the park on select summer Fridays, including hits like Moana 2. READ MORE

50th Annual Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Saturday, June 7, 2025
New Brunswick hosts a wonderful day of great food, song, and dance at to celebrate the 50th annual Hungarian Festival. READ MORE

West Cape May Strawberry Festival

West Cape May
Saturday, June 7, 2025
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 7, 2025
The popular West Orange Street Fair is loaded with festivities, featuring local crafters, food from local vendors, street performers, a classic car show, a beer and wine garden, a rock-climbing wall, and more. All attendees can enjoy free all-day admission to the Thomas Edison Museum. READ MORE

Rockabilly Uprising at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Enjoy a day of '50s-style entertainment with a modern twist, including live music, a classic pin-up contest, and vendors.  READ MORE

Pride in the Park in Red Bank

Red Bank
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Everyone is invited to Riverside Gardens Park for a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Featured are live music, vendors, giveaways and activities. Don't miss the Best Pride Pet Contest and Drag Bingo. READ MORE

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show

Westfield
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Downtown Westfield transforms into a giant block party featuring interesting arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games, and great food. READ MORE

Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest

Rumson
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Join Clean Ocean Action and partners for the seventh annual Eco-Fest, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating watershed mindfulness and the protection of the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. Enjoy hands-on activities, eco-art, live music, local environmental groups, and more. READ MORE

Summer Music Series in Princeton

Princeton
Saturdays, from June 7-August 30, 2025
Enjoy music out on the Green every Saturday in June, July, and August from 1pm-3pm! Swing by the Square for shopping and dining with friends and family, accompanied by an eclectic mix of music that brings Princeton to life. From acoustic covers to classic rock and jazzy favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. READ MORE

Montvale Mile Long Street Fair

Montvale
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Montvale Chamber of Commerce hosts the 12th annual mile-long street fair, one of the season’s most popular events. Paragon Drive features over 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, a kid’s area, a community section, two food courts, and live entertainment all day. READ MORE

Ridgewood Movies in the Park

Ridgewood
Select dates from Wednesday, June 11-Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Ridgewood Guild presents a roster of hits every other Wednesday at Memorial Park. Arrive 30 minutes before the film for complimentary ice cream, candy, performers and a trivia contest. READ MORE

Family Fun Night in Downtown Summit

Summit
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The whole family can enjoy a fun-filled evening in Downtown Summit, complete with entertainment, a carnival-themed kid zone, business promotions and more. READ MORE

Glassboro CommUNITY Day

Glassboro
Saturday, June 14, 2025
CommUNITY Day celebrates the emarkable diversity and culturally vibrant community that Glassboro embodies. The entertainment lineup features performances by local nonprofits and Glassboro High School. Vendors and food trucks round out the fun. READ MORE

Skimmer Festival in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Come to this festival by the sea, featuring vendors, food, live music, rides, and children's activities. Enjoy sand art, balloon art, and a photo booth. READ MORE

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration

Scotch Plains
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The towns of Scotch Plains and Fanwood sponsor an afternoon of free programs in honor of Juneteenth. Events are located at or near Shady Rest, the nation's first Black-owned county club. READ MORE

Kids Fest in Elmwood Park- CANCELED

Elmwood Park
Saturday, June 14, 2025
(Canceled due to weather) This is a fun, family-friendly event filled with activities, entertainment, and games designed to engage children and create lasting memories, featuring kid-oriented vendors, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. READ MORE

Union Township Juneteenth Arts Festival

Union
Saturday, June 14, 2025
(new date due to weather) Head over to Biretumfpel Park for a community celebration in honor of Juneteenth, featuring music, food, art and vendors. The fun includes face painting and a photo booth. READ MORE

Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival

Washington
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Sustainably Green Music and Arts Festival returns to Washington Borough, featuring a day of live music, eco-friendly vendors, crafters, artists, free kids activities, shopping, and dining. READ MORE

Jenkinson's Fireworks at Dark

Point Pleasant
Thursdays from June 19-August 28, 2025
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at dark. READ MORE

Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows at Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Friday, June 20, 2025
Friday nights are wild on the boardwalk with the Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows, featuring up-close and personal encounters with fascinating creatures. The program is both fun and educational for all ages. READ MORE

Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show

Dunellen
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Head to downtown Dunellen for a festival featuring interesting arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games, and great food. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer FanJam

Fanwood
Sunday, June 22, 2025
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

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Bring family and friends to this carnival with no-fee admission. Enjoy rides, inflatables, carnival games, and a DJ spinning tunes. Plus, there's a petting zoo, crafts tent, face painting, food trucks, and more. READ MORE

Summer Kickoff at Ramsey Free Public Library

Ramsey
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Celebrating the start of summer with entertainers, including a DJ and balloon sculptor, and delicious sweet treats. READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays from June 25-August 20, 2025
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

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Mount Arlington
Friday, June 27, 2025
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. Fireworks may be viewed by the public on the south end of the lake. READ MORE

Cancelled: Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays from June 27-August 29, 2025
Update, 8/25: The fireworks have been cancelled through the end of the 2025 season due to hurricane damage.  Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Friday, June 27, 2025
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

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Long Beach Island
Saturday, June 28, 2025
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

Keansburg Fourth of July Family Fun Fest

Keansburg
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Head to the beach in Keansburg for a fun, family-friendly celebration to start summer. Enjoy live music by The Non Stop Band, plus frolic in the sand to DJ music. Food and beach vendors sell snacks and more.   READ MORE

Hammonton Red, White, and Blueberry Festival

Hammonton
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Hammonton, which calls itself the Blueberry Capital of the World, hosts this 39th annual event, with fair food, kiddie rides, crafters, children's craft activities, and entertainment throughout the day. See a blueberry pie-eating contest, and explore the classic car show. READ MORE

Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Saturday, June 29, 2025
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

Ongoing Free Things To Do in June 2025

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 Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. 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 at Cotsen Children's Library

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

Tiger Tales at Cotsen Children's Library

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

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Select Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, June 22
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Spring Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join family and friends for Terhune Orchards' winery weekend music series. Set in a wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, it's the perfect way to relax, connect, and toast the new season. Sit back and listen to live music from local artists each week. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks at Jakes Branch County Park

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

Places featured in this article:

various Deptford parks
Historic Smithville & the Village Greene
Riverside Gardens Park
Shady Rest Country Club House
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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