If you’re wondering what to do in New Jersey this weekend, you’re in luck. August arrives with a bang, and the Garden State is buzzing with can’t-miss events that promise something for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard music fan, a theater lover, or just looking to soak up the summer with the family. From peach festivals to punk rock, Shakespeare to SmackDown, New Jersey has your weekend covered.
For the full calendar of events across the state, don’t forget to check out our curated guide here: Explore New Jersey Events
🍑 Family-Friendly Fun: Peaches, Ponies & Bubbles
Kick off August with the sweetness of summer at Terhune Orchards’ Just Peachy Festival in Princeton. This beloved weekend event (August 3–4) is packed with classic farm fun for all ages—pony rides, live music, peach slushies, peach pie, and even a visit from the fan-favorite Bubble Man. Kids can run wild in the farm-themed play area while adults sip on cold peach cider in the winery barnyard.
Not far away, another slice of summer is served up at the Peach Pie Contest & Festival, where bakers battle it out and visitors enjoy generous samples, face painting, and old-fashioned games.
🎭 Theater That’ll Make You Laugh, Cry, and Applaud
Looking for something indoors with a little artistic flair? Several stellar productions are wrapping up this weekend:
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison offers a laugh-out-loud 99-minute sprint through all 37 of the Bard’s plays. It’s clever, chaotic, and totally binge-worthy.
- The Spongebob Musical at Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville brings your favorite sea sponge and Bikini Bottom crew to life with bright sets, catchy songs, and positive vibes perfect for younger audiences and nostalgic millennials alike.
- Over in Long Branch, the New Jersey Repertory Company continues its heartwarming run of How My Grandparents Fell in Love, a tender tale set in 1920s Europe that blends romance and resilience with a touch of humor and hope.
- In Union, The Mallard plays its final shows at Wilkins Theatre. This whip-smart comedy dives into themes of teaching, treasure, and a mysterious mallard. Don’t let this one fly past you!
🎤 Music Lovers, Prepare to Be Spoiled
From soft harmonies to gritty guitars, New Jersey’s stages are stacked with talent this weekend:
- Pantera storms into Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center on Thursday, July 31. Expect a thunderous show that melts metalheads and mosh pits alike.
- The Head and the Heart headline the iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage on Thursday with support from Wilderado and Marfa—a dreamy night under the stars in Asbury Park.
- On Friday, August 1, catch The Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional at PNC, Guster & The Mountain Goats at the Stone Pony, and Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Music of Warren Zevon at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
- If indie-pop is more your speed, The Greeting Committee plays Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Friday night. More of a throwback fan? Yacht Rock Gold featuring Elliot Lurie keeps things smooth with a twilight concert at Cooper River Park.
- Saturday, August 2, delivers another huge lineup: The Offspring bring punk energy to Holmdel, Lil Wayne makes a stop in Atlantic City, and Sleepy Hallow + Sheff G light up the stage at Starland Ballroom. Bonus: if you missed them earlier, you’ve got a second shot at catching Descendents at the Wellmont Theater.
- Capping off the weekend on Sunday, The Bacon Brothers bring their “Freestanding Tour” to Cape May Convention Hall. If you’ve never seen Kevin Bacon jam out with his brother Michael, this is your chance.
🎥 Film, Festivals & Fighting for the Spotlight
For something off the beaten path, Newark is hosting the 16th Annual Women in Media–Newark International Film Festival through August 3. It’s a weekend of screenings, discussions, and celebrations honoring women’s voices in global cinema—a must for film buffs and changemakers alike.
Meanwhile, Atlantic City becomes fight central with the Professional Fighters League World Tournament Championships at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Friday night. Get ready for high-stakes matchups and an electric atmosphere on the Jersey Shore.
🎉 Family Vibes: Music, Mayhem & Kid-Friendly Moments
Parents, rejoice! If you’re looking for kid-approved activities that are still fun for grown-ups, Saturday’s KIDZ BOP Live: Certified BOP Tour at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden is pure pop magic. Sing, dance, and bop to chart-topping hits—all performed by the KIDZ BOP Kids.
Just hours later at the same venue, indie-pop trio AJR takes the stage with their high-energy “Somewhere in the Sky” Tour—perfect for families with teens or those who just love a feel-good singalong.
💥 SummerSlam Weekend: A Wrestling Double Header
And let’s not forget the main event: WWE SummerSlam 2025 lands at MetLife Stadium for two nights—August 2 and 3—marking its first-ever double-header in the Garden State. Saturday also includes a special Friday Night SmackDown at Newark’s Prudential Center, making it a must-attend weekend for pro wrestling fans from across the tri-state.
Plan Your Weekend Now
Whether you’re into fresh fruit or face-melting solos, Shakespeare or smackdowns, New Jersey’s weekend lineup has something unforgettable waiting for you. Don’t let the summer pass you by—get out there and explore everything the Garden State has to offer.
Find your perfect event here: Explore New Jersey Events 🌟
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