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The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Weekend Fun: Farmers' Fair, Summer Fest, Hot-Air Balloons

The Warren County Farmers' Fair has tons of kid-friendly fun, including hot-air balloon launches. Photo courtesy of the fair
The Warren County Farmers' Fair has tons of kid-friendly fun, including hot-air balloon launches. Photo courtesy of the fair
7/23/19 - By Laurie Rein

July comes to a close on a sky-high note with two amazing balloon events: the QuickChek Festival of Ballooning and Warren County's Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Music and food add to this weekend's excitement at the XPoNential Music Festival and 6th Annual Food Truck Seafood Festival.

Swing by county fairs in Gloucester and Monmouth counties this weekend, and celebrate New Jersey arts and culture at the Rutgers Gardens Summer Fest.

Find even more weekend options in our Summer Fun Guide, including Cute New Jersey Beach Towns to Explore with Kids. And look to our July GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The popular QuickChek Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend at Solberg Airport. Photo courtesy of the festival
The popular QuickChek Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend at Solberg Airport. Photo courtesy of the festival

All Weekend

37th Annual QuickChek Festival of Ballooning

Whitehouse Station
The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, with more than 100 participating balloons. It holds the dual distinction of being a recipient of The New Jersey Governor's Award for Best Special Event, as well as the American Bus Association's designation as a Top 100 Festival in North America. READ MORE

Gloucester County 4-H Fair

Mullica Hills
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 more. READ MORE

XPoNential Music Festival on the Camden Waterfront

Camden
WXPN and the Camden County Board of Commissioners host the XPoNential Music Festival in Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront. The festival offers an opportunity to see established artists and discover up-and-coming bands. READ MORE

Monmouth County Fair

Freehold
The Monmouth County Fair returns to East Freehold Showgrounds for its 45th year with excitement and attractions for all ages, from 4-H shows and exhibits to a variety of entertainment, thrilling rides to home and garden competitions and so much more. READ MORE

87th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival

Phillipsburg
Celebrating its 87th year, the Warren County Farmers’ Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, provides family entertainment for the whole community. The fun includes hot air balloon rides, a rodeo, horse shows, concerts, rides, a Kids Corral and more.  READ MORE
Head to the Tulpehaking Nature Center on Saturday to hunt bugs! Photo courtesy of Mercer County)
Head to the Tulpehaking Nature Center on Saturday to hunt bugs! Photo courtesy of Mercer County)

Saturday, July 27

Bug Hunting at Tulpehaking Nature Center

Hamilton – FREE
Explore the bug world of the Abbott Marshlands. With sweep nets, bug boxes and other tools of the trade, take a close look at these amazing animals before releasing them back to nature. READ MORE

Rutgers Gardens Summer Fest 2019

New Brunswick – FREE
Celebrate the Garden State at this cultural festival, featuring entertainment, vendors, cooking demonstrations, dance performances, food, art and more. READ MORE

Drop In Arts & Crafts

Clifton
Drop in at Hamilton House Museum every Saturday morning in July, August, October, November, and December for parent and child art projects. There will be new projects each week. READ MORE

Belmar Movies on the Beach

Belmar – Boss Baby – FREE
Enjoy an evening under the stars with your feet in the sand. Free screenings take place every Wednesday night. While you're there, grab dinner at Belmar's many casual or fine-dining establishments.  READ MORE

6th Annual Food Truck Seafood Festival

East Rutherford
Indulge in seafood and other treats at this 6th annual festival. On tap are food trucks that serve surf & turf, barbecue, tacos, burgers and more. READ MORE
Enjoy free activities at Monmouth Park's Family Fun Days. Photo courtesy of Monmouth Park
Enjoy free activities at Monmouth Park's Family Fun Days. Photo courtesy of Monmouth Park

Sunday, July 28

Family Fun Days at Monmouth Park

Oceanport
Every Sunday is a fun day at Monmouth Racetrack. The little ones are treated to pony rides, face painters, clowns and bounce houses.  READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Hamilton – FREE
It’s lunchtime for the education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. They might even enlist some willing hands to help. READ MORE

Seaside Heights Movies at the Beach

Seaside Heights – Captain Marvel – FREE
Bring a beach chair, towel and plenty of munchies for this summer movie series on the beach in Carteret. Movies play Sundays. Showtime starts at sunset. READ MORE

Summer Family Movie Series

New Brunswick – How to Train Your Dragon 3 – FREE
Top off the weekend with a family-friendly movie every Sunday at The Yard. Titles include hits like Wonder Park and Incredibles 2. READ MORE

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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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