New Jersey’s got a little of everything this week—coastal walks, lively festivals, and easygoing small-town adventures. You might wander through historic streets, catch a concert, or just get outside and soak up some scenery. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening across the state between September 21 and 27, 2025.
From waterfront music to pop-up markets, there’s something for every mood. Artsy? Hungry? Just need fresh air? You’ll find options that fit, whether you want to move fast or just take it slow.
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1) Atlantic City Boardwalk stroll and entertainment
Kick things off with a stroll down the Atlantic City Boardwalk—the original and still the longest around. You get the beach, shops, arcades, and casual food all in one place. It’s usually buzzing, especially on weekends.
If you’re up for a view, hop on The Wheel at Steel Pier. It climbs 227 feet and gives you a sweeping look at the ocean and city. Families gravitate toward the rides and games, so it’s easy to keep kids entertained. Snack stands are everywhere, so grabbing a bite is never a hassle.
Casinos are big here, but you don’t have to play to have fun. Kennedy Plaza sometimes hosts free events, and street performers liven things up. Check the Atlantic City attractions if you want to plan out your stops.
Crowds and pricey beach parking are the norm. For a calmer vibe, go early before the shops open. That ocean air hits different when it’s quiet.
2) XPoNential Music Festival on Camden Waterfront
The XPoNential Music Festival lands on the Camden Waterfront from September 19–21, 2025. WXPN puts it together every year at Wiggins Park, just across from Philly.
Three days, a wild mix of bands—some you’ll know, some you’ll want to look up later. Stages line the river, so you get a city skyline backdrop with your music.
No camping here, so you’ll want a hotel or a spot nearby. Camden and Philly both have plenty of options, and the train’s not a bad idea.
Food and drinks are easy to find in the park, but if you want more than festival fare, just wander out to a local spot. The festival’s small enough that you can see everything without trekking miles.
If you like live music but want the city close by, this is a solid pick. Details—set times, tickets, all that—are at WXPN’s festival page.
3) Westfield Garden State Plaza Hispanic Heritage Concert
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus hosts a free outdoor concert from 5 to 10 p.m.—all ages welcome.
Tito Puente Jr. headlines, bringing salsa, Latin jazz, and those classic dance rhythms. It’s a celebration of Hispanic music and culture. Get more info on the concert page.
The show’s outside, so bring a jacket just in case. Arriving early helps if you want a good spot. Food vendors will be there, and the mall’s got plenty of restaurants if you want to sit down.
Parking is free but fills up fast. Carpooling or public transit might save you some headaches. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can duck into the mall and come back out when the music starts.
4) Wind & Sea Festival at Bayshore Waterfront Park
Saturday, September 20, the Wind & Sea Festival takes over Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking’s on-site, but it goes quick.
Kayaking, fishing, crabbing—there’s plenty to try along the water. Families get into seining, shell painting, and crafts. Kite flying demos and sand art keep people coming back.
Food’s basic festival style, and most activities are free. A few water things might cost a little. If you’re getting in the water, pack an extra set of clothes and water shoes.
You’ll see the NYC skyline on a clear day, but there’s not much shade, so sunscreen and hats are smart. This is a good way to catch a bit of coastal life without leaving Monmouth County.
Check the official announcement for the full schedule.
5) Asbury Park Spring Bazaar 2025
The Asbury Park Spring Bazaar pops up inside Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade on September 27–28, noon to 5 p.m.
Local makers, vintage finds, art, food, and live music—easy to spend a few hours just browsing and hanging out. The indoor setup means you’re covered if the weather turns.
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Prices are all over the place, from affordable to high-end artisan stuff. It’s fun for families (kids under 10 get in free), and the vibe is relaxed. The boardwalk’s right outside, so you can mix shopping with a beach walk.
Crowds can get tight, especially mid-afternoon, but that’s part of the energy. If you want something quieter, maybe aim for early or late in the day.
6) Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series
Wednesday night, head to Downtown Freehold for live music at Hall of Records Plaza. The Fall Concert Series runs weekly, with shows at 7:30 PM.
On September 24, Ready or Yacht plays from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. The plaza’s open-air, so you can wander, grab food nearby, or just sit and listen.
These concerts are free and easy to fit into your week. Parking can be tight, so getting there early helps.
Locals and visitors both turn out, so it’s got a real community feel. The area gets lively during shows, so if you’re after peace and quiet, maybe pick a different night.
Weather can mess with the schedule, so double-check the events page before heading out.
7) West End Farmers’ Market in Long Branch
Thursday morning, swing by the West End Farmers’ Market at Brighton and Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local produce, fresh bread, and specialty stuff from nearby farms—what’s in season is what you’ll get. It’s perfect if you want to cook with fresh ingredients while you’re in town.
The market’s a short walk from the beach, so you can easily pair your visit with some time by the ocean. Parking can be a pain during busy hours, so earlier is better.
Events like the West End Farmers’ Market show off the local scene. The pace is easy, and you’ll see a mix of visitors and regulars.
It’s not huge, so if you’re after a mega-market, this might feel small. But for quick, fresh finds and a laid-back vibe, it’s worth a stop.
8) Ocean Grove Farm Stand visit
The Ocean Grove Farm Stand is open Thursdays between September 18 and 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a quick stop for seasonal produce and local goods.
You’ll find veggies, fruit, baked treats, and sometimes flowers or small-batch stuff. It’s smaller than a full market, but the quality’s usually top-notch since it’s straight from nearby farms.
If you’re already in Ocean Grove, it’s an easy add-on—maybe pair it with a stroll through town or a beach visit. Parking can be tricky, so give yourself a little buffer.
Want a slower pace and fewer crowds? This is your spot. It’s got a neighborhood feel that’s hard to find at bigger markets.
Check the listing for updates before heading over, just in case anything’s changed.
9) Lakota Wolf Preserve tour
Head to Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ, for a guided wildlife tour. This place is tucked inside a campground and lets you see wolves, bobcats, and foxes in a safe, natural-feeling setting. You’ll need to reserve ahead.
Tours run about 90 minutes and focus on education. You’ll learn about wolf behavior, pack life, and conservation, all while watching the animals from secure viewing spots. The vibe is way more about respect than entertainment.
There’s a half-mile walk from the parking lot to the enclosures—nothing too steep, but the ground’s a bit uneven. Good shoes help. Tours are group-based, so you’ll share the experience.
You can take photos, but fences and distance make close-ups tricky. If that’s your thing, look into the special photography sessions for better access.
It’s not a zoo—tours are scheduled, and you can’t just wander. That keeps things calm for the animals and makes the experience feel more personal.
10) Grounds For Sculpture visit in Hamilton
Spend a few hours at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. It’s 42 acres packed with over 270 contemporary sculptures, plus gardens, ponds, and winding paths. Six indoor galleries rotate exhibits, so there’s always something new.
Weekday mornings are usually quieter if you want space to yourself. Weekends bring more people and sometimes performances or workshops—lively, but a bit busier. Check the event calendar before you go.
The park’s walkable, but some paths are uneven, so comfy shoes are a must. Indoor galleries offer air conditioning, which is a nice break if it’s hot or rainy.
You’ll need to buy timed tickets in advance (admission page), but you can stay all day. Parking’s free and on-site.
If you’re hungry, Rat’s Restaurant overlooks the pond and sculptures. It’s popular, so book ahead if you want to eat there.
Planning Your New Jersey Adventure
Your trip’s going to come down to how well you prep—layers for the weather, a handle on train routes, double-checking event dates. Those little details make all the difference when you’re trying to squeeze the most out of your week.
Weather and Packing Tips
Late September in New Jersey usually brings mild days and cooler evenings. Daytime highs hover in the low 70s °F, while nights can drop into the 50s. Rain pops up now and then, so tossing a light waterproof jacket in your bag is smart.
Pack layered clothing:
- Short-sleeve shirts for daytime
- A medium-weight sweater or fleece for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for both city streets and park trails
Planning on apple picking or hiking? Go for sturdy shoes—you’ll want the traction. Mosquitoes mostly mind their own business this time of year, but a little insect repellent doesn’t hurt if you’re heading into the woods.
A compact umbrella or poncho hardly takes up space and can save you from getting soaked. Sunglasses come in handy too, since the midday sun still packs some punch.
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting around New Jersey isn’t too tricky—car, train, or bus all work. Driving gives you the most freedom, especially if you’re aiming for rural spots or the shore. Parking, though, can be a pain (and expensive) in cities like Hoboken or Jersey City.
NJ Transit trains connect places like Newark, Trenton, Princeton, and the Jersey Shore. They run often, but rush hour delays do happen. PATH trains link Jersey City and Hoboken straight to Manhattan, which is handy if you’re staying near NYC.
For local trips, buses cover most towns, though weekend schedules can be sparse. Rideshare apps are everywhere, but prices spike when it’s busy.
Accessibility is a mixed bag. Major train stations and newer attractions usually have elevators and ramps. Older spots? Sometimes less so. If you need specific accommodations, it’s worth calling ahead.
Local Events Calendar
This week’s got a bunch of seasonal festivals, cultural happenings, and family-friendly stuff going on. You’ll find up-to-date listings on NJ Family’s event calendar—they cover fairs, food events, and special performances.
Some highlights: fall harvest festivals with live music and vendors, and themed events like the Sparta Renaissance Festival. Families often head to local farms for pumpkin picking and hayrides.
Prefer indoor plans? Museums and aquariums usually roll out special exhibits in September. The New Jersey weekend guide helps you pick between outdoor fests and cultural spots.
Keep an eye on traffic—popular events can clog up highways, especially near the shore and big fairgrounds.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
You’ll find tons of food options, from classic diners to upscale restaurants. New Jersey’s famous for its diners—many open 24 hours, serving big portions at decent prices. Craving seasonal treats? Try apple cider donuts or fresh corn at farm markets.
Seafood’s a big deal here. Along the coast, you can dig into blue crabs, clams, and flounder caught nearby. North Jersey leans Italian-American, with pizzerias and bakeries dishing out thin-crust pizza and fresh pastries.
Tipping’s the norm in most places. People usually leave 15–20% of the bill before tax. Some spots add a service charge for big groups, so it’s good to check your receipt.
If you’re after something quick, food trucks and boardwalk stands serve up sausage sandwiches, funnel cakes, and other grab-and-go bites. These are perfect if you’re heading to local festivals and events.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
In New Jersey, folks really value direct communication. People talk fast—sometimes it feels like they’re in a rush—but don’t mistake that for rudeness. If you need directions, just ask straight out and you’ll get a no-nonsense answer, probably without much small talk.
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When you’re driving, stick to the rules. Locals are used to heavy traffic, especially around New York and Philly, and they expect everyone to keep up with the flow. Oh, and those weird left turns? They’re called jughandles—only in Jersey, right?
At public events like county fairs or concerts, you’re supposed to line up and wait your turn. Jumping ahead in line? People notice, and they don’t love it.
In smaller towns, people might seem a bit reserved at first. If you offer a polite hello and give it some time, most folks warm up. Respect personal space, and maybe keep the volume down in quieter spots—it just makes things easier for everyone.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
