Summer is officially upon us, and we’re ready to relish in warm weather, good food, and live music with loved ones. What better way to celebrate the season than attending one of Jersey’s many cultural festivals — and with New Jersey being the 6th most diverse state in the United States, it’s no wonder we have so many. Your summer is about to get exciting — as we’ve compiled a list of cultural festivals happening in New Jersey throughout summer 2023.
Lost Souls Public Memorial Project 6th Annual Recitation of Names & East Brunswick Juneteenth Celebration | East Brunswick
June 24th, 11AM
Lost Souls Public Memorial Project will host its 6th Annual Recitation of Names & East Brunswick Juneteenth Celebration in East Brunswick on June 24th. The event will feature African dances, drumming performances, a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony, and more.
DCMC Diversity Celebration | Morristown
July 9th
The Diversity Coalition of Morris County will its Diversity Celebration on July 9th. The community event will start with an Interfaith Worship Service, then lead to a festival of multicultural music and ethnic food.
Puerto Rican Parade | Elizabeth
July 16th, 2PM
Beginning at 2PM, Elizabeth’s Puerto Rican Parade will bring its community together to celebrate Puerto Rican culture. The parade will start at Union Square.
Colombian Independence Celebration | Elizabeth
July 20th – July 21st
Another cultural event in Elizabeth is the Columbian Independence Celebration on July 20th and 21st. The event will feature authentic cuisine, live music, and great company as a tribute to Colombia’s Independence Day, which is July 20th.
St. Ann’s Feast | Hoboken
July 21st – 26th
Back for its 113th year, St. Ann’s Italian Festival is a six-day feast on 704 Jefferson Street. The celebration will feature authentic Italian dishes like zeppoles and wood-fired pizza, a beer garden, live music, and more. Read more about this quintessentially Hoboken celebration in HG’s piece here.
Raunaka Majajana Deeyan | Monroe
July 22nd, 2PM – 6PM
Majajana of Monroe is hosting the Raunaka Majajana Deeyan to celebrate the Sikh heritage. The event will feature ethnic dance, Giddha, and Bhangra performances.
Italian Festival + Wine Tasting | Oceanport
July 30th, 11AM – 5PM
The Italian Festival & Wine Tasting will take place on July 30th and feature Italian food from local restaurants, a variety of high-quality Italian wines, and more. Presented by Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, this wine-tasting and community event is a great way to get the family and loved ones together.
Read More: Carnivals + State Fairs in New Jersey for Your Summer 2023 Bucket List
Caribbean Festival | West Orange
August 5th, 12PM – 8PM
The Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series will celebrate Caribbean heritage with its Caribbean Festival on August 5th. Taking place at Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange, the event will feature a diverse lineup of performers. Attendees can sit on their blankets to take in the music or dance in the grass with loved ones.
La Festa Italiana | Jersey City
August 9th – 13th
La Festa Italiana is back for its annual celebration. Dating back to 1902, this old-world Italian festival will feature authentic cuisine, live music, and fun activities for attendees of all ages.
Fiesta Dance Festival 2023 | Whippany
August 12th
Whippany will host its Fiesta Dance Festival at the Hanover Marriott Hotel on August 12th. The event is a great way for family members and loved ones to get together and celebrate their heritage.
Multicultural Summer Celebration | Monroe
August 12th, 10AM – 3PM
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey will host a Multicultural Summer Celebration on August 12th in Monroe. The event will feature a variety of food and entertainment for attendees throughout the day.
Latino Festival | Orange
August 26th – 27th, 12PM – 8PM
The Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series will return at the end of August for the Latino Festival. Co-sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, the event will feature various performers and Latino music at Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange.
8th Annual Caribbean Festival | New Brunswick
August 26th, 2PM – 6PM
The New Brunswick Cultural Center will host the 8th Annual Caribbean Festival on August 26th. Taking place at Recreation Park, attendees can celebrate Caribbean culture all afternoon with authentic cuisine and entertainment.
Annual Scandinavian Festival | Budd Lake
September 3rd, 10AM – 5:30PM
The Scandinavian Festival of Budd Lake is back for another year of fun and celebration. The all-day event will offer education about the customs, history, and ethnic variety of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden — the six Nordic nations.
Hoboken Italian Festival | Hoboken
September 7 – 10th
One of the largest Italian festivals in the tri-state area — which is filled with food vendors, a parade, rides, entertainment, and a fireworks show.
See More: 9 Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat in the Montclair + North Jersey
Jersey Shore Greek Festival | Ocean Township
September 8, 9, 10th
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host a family-friendly event with Greek food, music, dancing, and culture — all under a giant tent with authentic Greek dancing. There will also be specialty items from Greece for sale.
Union County Celtic Festival | Clark
September 9th
Union County will host its Celtic Festival on September 9th, featuring plenty of opportunities for dancing. The event will have a beer garden, live music, food and craft vendors, cultural activities, and live entertainment, including a piping and drumming contest.
Latino Festival of Monmouth County | Freehold
September 16th, 12PM – 7PM
The Latino Festival of Monmouth County will take place on September 16th and include live music, dance, food, and entertainment. Taking place at the Hall of Records, the free community event is perfect for families and loved ones looking to celebrate Latino culture.
