As June rolls in, New Jersey wakes up with a burst of energy. The Garden State shifts into summer mode, and suddenly there’s more to do than you might have time for—boardwalks, festivals, you name it. Here’s a handpicked list of events happening across New Jersey from June 1-7, 2025.
The first week of June usually feels like the unofficial start of summer here. Beaches open up, outdoor venues buzz, and the whole state seems to put on a show. There’s a little something for everyone, from family outings to more grown-up cultural experiences. This week’s calendar is packed with festivals and community events that really capture what makes Jersey, well, Jersey.
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1) Jersey City Jazz Festival
The Jersey City Jazz Festival is back this weekend, stretching from May 27 and rolling right through May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront. Jazz fans from both NJ and NYC look forward to this one every year.
Three main stages crank out live jazz in all its forms—classic, modern, experimental, you get the picture. The lineup is stacked, so you’ll catch both big names and up-and-comers.
But it’s not just about music. Food trucks dish out local flavors, and vendors add pops of color with crafts and cool finds.
Bringing kids? The Community Zone (courtesy of the Jersey City Public Library) has arts and crafts, bucket drumming, and plenty of hands-on fun.
If you’re feeling bold, try the swing dancing lessons. Whether you’ve got two left feet or you’re a regular on the dance floor, everyone’s welcome.
This year’s festival is extra special—five straight days of non-stop music. If you’re looking for a lively weekend activity, this is it.
2) Strawberry Festival at Von Thun Farms
Kick off summer at the Strawberry Festival at Von Thun Farms on June 7-8, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm. This festival serves up berry picking and a full day of farm fun.
Pick your own strawberries—seriously, it’s hard not to eat half your haul before you leave the field. The farm keeps the berries coming all weekend.
There’s more than picking, though. Games and activities are sprinkled around the property, and hayrides run from 1 to 4 pm so you can see the whole farm.
Kids gravitate to the barnyard animals, tractors, and playhouses. Face painting is a staple, too.
Before you head out, swing by the farm market for fresh produce and homemade goodies. Food trucks will be on hand with lunch and, of course, strawberry desserts.
Both Von Thun locations host the festival, but South Brunswick tends to be quieter in the early hours. Wear comfy shoes and bring sunscreen—most stuff happens outside.
3) Sparta Day 2025
Sparta Day is back June 7, 2025, turning this small town into a lively festival. This community event has grown a lot, now featuring over 100 vendors.
Live entertainment runs all day on the main stage, with local bands and performers keeping things upbeat as you wander.
Feeling hungry? The food plaza mixes local restaurants and food trucks, so you’re bound to find something that hits the spot.
Families: don’t miss Kid’s Country, a special spot just for little ones with games and activities.
The event goes from 10am to 4pm at Station Park. Admission’s free, and there’s shuttle parking from nearby lots.
Bring some cash—some vendors skip cards. And if it’s sunny, you’ll want sunscreen since there’s not much shade.
4) Undercover Music Fest in South Orange
Music fans, mark your calendar for the Under Cover Music Fest in South Orange on Sunday, June 1. Rain pushed it from Saturday, but the fun’s still on.
This free outdoor bash features eight cover bands playing hits you know and love. The lineup covers all sorts of genres, so odds are you’ll hear something you like.
It’s not just about the music. There’s an interactive kid zone to keep little ones happy.
Come hungry—the fest serves up food and drinks from local favorites, plus a beer garden.
It all takes place downtown, so you can easily get there by train or bus. If you’re driving, get there early—parking fills up fast.
5) West Milford Food Truck & Music Festival
The West Milford Food Truck & Music Festival hits Wallisch Homestead Field this Saturday, May 31. It’s a one-day, family-friendly mix of food and entertainment.
You’ll find 18 gourmet food trucks serving up everything from wings to global eats. Chick Wings and Things is just one of the local favorites rolling in.
Adults can grab a drink at the beer, margarita, and sangria bar while live music plays all day.
For kids: pony rides, a petting zoo, bungee trampolines, rock climbing, knockerball, a bounce house, and face painting. It’s a lot.
Vendors sell crafts and other goods, too. If you want to avoid lines, get there early—food trucks get busy.
6) Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest
Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest is going strong at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, running from May 30 through June 1. Catch the final day on Sunday if you haven’t made it yet.
You’ll get a taste of Louisiana with Cajun, Zydeco, Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, and Brass bands across four stages. The lineup includes Grammy winners like GALACTIC and George Porter Jr.. It’s the real deal.
Food stands boil crawfish on-site and serve up jambalaya, étouffée, and more. Bring cash—some vendors don’t do cards. Arrive early if you want the best eats before they sell out.
Single-day tickets are available at the gate. There’s plenty of parking, but you might have to walk a bit to the festival entrance.
7) New Jersey’s 33rd Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration
The biggest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Jersey returns to Asbury Park on Sunday, June 1, 2025. It’s 33 years strong and runs noon to 7 PM, rain or shine.
You’ll find the festival between Sunset Lake and Convention Hall. Things kick off with a parade, then a rally, and a festival packed with local vendors, food, and entertainment for all ages.
Everyone’s welcome—this family-friendly event is all about community and good vibes. Expect a packed crowd and a contagious energy right by the shore.
Can’t make it to Asbury Park? Other Pride Month celebrations are happening in nearby Shore towns like Red Bank.
Parking fills up fast, so come early. Wear comfy shoes and whatever the weather calls for.
8) Glen Burtnik Plays the Music of STYX at Count Basie Center for the Arts
If you’re a music lover, don’t miss this one. Glen Burtnik brings the music of STYX to life at Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts on Friday, May 30, 2025.
This is the first time Burtnik’s focused a show just on STYX’s hits. The concert starts at 8 p.m.—perfect for a night out.
He’s pulled together a top-notch band for the gig. As a former member of STYX, Burtnik gets these songs on a whole different level.
The Count Basie Theater sounds great and has comfy seats. Parking’s easy, and downtown Red Bank has plenty of spots to grab dinner before the show.
Tickets are moving fast. If you’re into rock anthems like “Come Sail Away” or “Renegade,” this is a rare chance to hear them live from someone who’s been there.
9) Giant Flea Market in Ocean Grove
Check out the Ocean Grove Spring Market on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This event’s got a fresh vibe but still keeps that quirky, welcoming feel that brings all kinds of shoppers back year after year.
The market runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Ocean Grove lawn, so you’ll have loads of time to wander. Vendors set up with everything from vintage finds and antiques to handmade crafts and newer goods. There’s always something unexpected, and you might just stumble on a treasure you didn’t know you needed.
All the booths focus on family-friendly items, so it’s a solid choice for a day out with kids or friends. The pace is pretty mellow, too—no pressure to rush, just a nice spot to browse and soak in the Ocean Grove scenery.
Organized by the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce, this market’s a staple in the community every spring. Heads up: parking can be a hassle, especially if the weather’s nice. You’ll thank yourself if you arrive early or take public transit.
June weather usually cooperates, but it’s smart to bring sunscreen since most of the market’s out in the open. Some vendors don’t take cards, so stash a little cash in your pocket just in case.
10) Atlantic City Boardwalk visit
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is classic Jersey summer, especially in the first week of June. This wooden walkway runs along the ocean, giving you those sweeping Atlantic views that never get old.
There’s always something happening—casinos, shops, restaurants, amusements. The place buzzes with energy, especially as summer kicks off.
Weather’s usually kind in early June. Bring comfy shoes; the boardwalk goes on for miles and you’ll want to see it all.
This week’s extra lively, with several special events from May 26 through June 1. Might be worth checking the schedule to catch a show or festival while you’re there.
Don’t forget to dip your toes in the sand at one of the beach access points. Sometimes you just need a break from the crowds and a moment by the water.
And, honestly, you can’t leave without trying the saltwater taffy from the OG shops. It’s a little touristy, sure, but it’s tradition for a reason.
The boardwalk’s open day and night. After sunset, the whole vibe shifts—the casino lights flicker on, and the place feels electric.
What to Know Before Visiting New Jersey in Early June
Early June in New Jersey? Pretty great, honestly. Still, a few tips can help your trip go smoother. The state’s got a mix of weather and travel quirks, so a little planning goes a long way.
Weather and Packing Tips
Expect temps between 65 and 85°F. The shore stays a bit cooler than inland, so bring layers if you’re bouncing between beach towns and cities.
Humidity creeps up in June, so pack light, breathable clothes. Essentials? For sure:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), especially if you’re outside a lot
- Insect repellent—the bugs can get annoying in parks and woods
- Light rain jacket or umbrella for those occasional afternoon storms
- Comfy walking shoes—you’ll need them for boardwalks or city streets
Ocean water’s around 65°F—refreshing, maybe a little cold for some. Evenings by the shore get chilly, so toss a light sweater in your bag if you’re planning dinner outside.
If you have allergies, brace yourself. Pollen counts spike in early June, so keep your meds handy.
Getting Around the Garden State
Getting around’s pretty manageable. NJ Transit has trains connecting cities and shore towns—a solid option if you want to ditch the car for a bit.
Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to hit up different spots across the state. The Parkway hugs the coast, and I-80/I-78 cut across east-west.
Watch out for these traffic patterns:
- Rush hour: 7-9am and 4-7pm on weekdays—avoid if you can
- Shore traffic: Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons get rough
- Events: Check the June events calendar—festivals can snarl traffic
Rideshare apps work almost everywhere, but waits get longer in quieter areas. Some shore towns run seasonal shuttles or trolleys to help with parking headaches.
Making the Most of Your Week in New Jersey
There’s a ton to do in Jersey, but a little local know-how makes a big difference. You’ll have a better time if you roll with the local pace and keep tabs on what’s going on.
Events and Local Festivals Etiquette
For summer festivals, it pays to show up early—parking fills up and the lines get long. Most bigger festivals take cards, but the smaller stands? Cash is still king.
Dress for the weather—June’s warm, so stick with light clothes, but bring a layer if you’ll be out late. Temps usually hang between 65 and 85°F.
Book tickets online for popular spots like Grounds For Sculpture if you can. Lots of places offer early-bird deals or weekday discounts, so you might save a few bucks.
At community events, people are friendly but polite. Photos are usually fine, but it’s good manners to ask before snapping performers or artwork. Most festivals set up eating areas—try to use those instead of munching right next to the exhibits.
Staying Safe and Informed
Check the official New Jersey events calendar often—plans shift, especially in June. Weather? It’s unpredictable. I’d grab the NJ Emergency Management app if I were you; it’ll ping you about storms or last-minute event changes.
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Beach safety’s not just a sign on the sand. Keep an eye on those flag warnings and actually listen to lifeguards. Rip currents can show up out of nowhere, even when the water looks harmless. Stick to marked swim zones. And don’t forget: the sun’s brutal from 10am to 2pm, so you’ll want to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Trust me, it’s easy to forget.
Parking rules jump all over the place, especially around boardwalks. If you can, use municipal lots, but honestly, it’s worth checking street parking rules before you go. More towns are rolling out parking apps, which makes paying way less of a hassle.
Getting around? NJ Transit trains and buses cover the main spots, and there’s a family pass on weekends—$15 total for two adults and three kids, unlimited rides. If you’re bouncing between towns, that’s a pretty sweet deal.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
