August is packed with free or inexpensive activities to help you soak up every last bit of the summer sun without draining your wallet!

August 1

Clamfest (Highlands) – If you want to feel like you’re at the beach without all the sand in your shoes, head over to Clamfest at Huddy Park – taking place from August 1st through August 3rd at various times. Though the name might suggest otherwise, you don’t have to be a self-proclaimed seafood lover to enjoy the weekend. In addition to the array of seafood offerings – there will be food trucks selling festival favorites, a beer, wine, and sangria garden (for those ages 21+), live music, and a fireworks display on Saturday. There is no entry fee to attend. You can find more information here.

August 2

Latino Festival (New Egypt) – Bring your friends and family to Laurita Winery to enjoy a weekend of Latin culture and cuisine, taking place from 12pm-9pm on Saturday and 12pm-7pm on Sunday. There will be an array of food trucks, live music, and local vendors to enjoy all weekend – with a side of wine (for those ages 21+). Supervised children are welcome and can enjoy a clown and facepainting artist, as well as an outdoor playground. Admission is $14, and there will be various wine and dine options available for purchase. Click here to learn more and to buy tickets online.

August 5

Cardboard Boat Regatta (Manahawkin) – See how far cardboard, tape, and creativity can take you at Manahawkin Lake Park beginning at 4pm. Your vessel (constructed only of cardboard and tape), will be put to the test to make a successful voyage across Manahawkin Lake. Boats will be inspected at 4pm and sailing will begin at 5pm. There is no fee to race or spectate, but you must register before the event to participate. Click here to learn how to register your boat and make a prize (and bragging rights) yours.

National Night Out (Howell) – Join Howell Township Police Athletic League for National Night Out at Soldier Memorial Park from 5pm-8pm. National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the United States to promote safety and foster positive connections between citizens and local law enforcement – and an easy way to keep your young ones busy and having fun on a summer night. There will be live demonstrations, music, giveaways, and more. There is no entry fee to attend. Learn more here.

National Night Out (Little Egg Harbor) – National Night Out is also making its way to Little Egg Harbor, taking place at Pinelands Regional High School from 6pm-9pm. There will be a K-9 demo, live music, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and more. There is no entry fee to attend. Learn more here.

August 6

Family Movie Night (Freehold) – There is a free family movie to enjoy every Wednesday through August 20th at the Hall of Records, beginning at 8:30pm. All you need is a lawn chair or blanket! This movie showing will be The Lion King 1 & 1/2. Click here to see the rest of the movies you can catch this summer.

Italian Festival (Oakhurst) – If you’re looking to mangia, mingle, and make memories with the whole family – explore the Italian Festival at Joe Palaia Park, taking place from August 6th through 11th at various times. It wouldn’t be an Italian festival without the chance to sample traditional foods, enjoy wholesome family fun, and immerse yourself in Italian-American heritage and culture – and this festival offers exactly that. There is no entry fee to attend. There will be food and ride tickets available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

August 8

Sidewalk Sale (Red Bank) – The pavement isn’t only sizzling from the heat of the sun – there’s also hot bargains at the Annual Sidewalk Sale, taking place August 8th through 10th from 10am-6pm. The Sidewalk Sale will get you strolling along the sidewalks of Red Bank to shop and support local businesses at the same time. There is no entry fee to attend, but we can’t promise you won’t shell out your wallet for something that catches your eye! Learn more here.

August 10

Funky Flea Market (Long Beach Island) – Calling all thrifters, vintage-lovers, and garage-salers – come on down to the St. Francis Community Center Gym from 9:30am-3pm for an event that is part garage sale, part craft show, and all treasure hunt! Whether you are drawn to garage sales for the charm, craft fairs for the creativity, or thrifting for the vintage finds – the Funky Flea Market promises to help you find your next favorite thing or inspiration for your next project. Admission is $3. Click here for more information.

August 13

Summer Concert Series (Howell) – Catch the final performance of Howell Township’s Summer Concert Series at Soldier Memorial Park, beginning at 5pm. A DJ will be spinning tracks to enjoy as you arrive, check out the food vendors and beer & wine garden (for those ages 21+), and gear up for the band to take stage at 7pm. The final performance is by Garden State Radio, who promises a night that feels more like a stadium concert than a local cover band in the park. The concert ends with a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21+) for purchase. Click here to see how you can enjoy a fun-filled night of music.

August 15

Feel Good Fest (Toms River) – Feel Good Fest is bringing “feel good” vibes at Brew Grounds Café from 4pm-8pm. We mean it when we say Feel Good Fest has something for the whole family to enjoy – it’s not every day you come by a festival that has a car show, farmers market, family-fun activities, food trucks, yoga & wellness, massages, and more – all in one place! There is no entry fee to attend. You can find additional information here.

Sunflower Festival (Lacey) – The Sunflower Festival has bloomed at Argos Farm, open select Fridays through Sundays from 3pm-8pm between August 15th and 31st. The fields are budding with photo opportunities and sunflowers to be picked and displayed – or given to someone special. There will also be live music, farm-fun activities, and tasty treats to enjoy as you stroll through the fields. General admission is $12.95 in advance and $21.95 at the gate, children ages 2 and under are free to attend. You can learn more here.

August 16

Butterfly Tent Event (Toms River) – Fly over to the Butterfly Tent Event at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County from 11am-3pm if you want to incorporate science into your summer fun. You will have the chance to walk through a display tent and learn about everything butterflies. There will also be activities and educational stations for children of all ages. There is no entry fee to attend, but donations are welcome. You can find additional information here.

August 19

Summer Concert Series (Toms River) – Bring a blanket or a chair to rock out to some tunes at this installment of Toms River’s Summer Concert Series at Shelter Cove Beach at 7pm. You will enjoy the musical talents of The Benjamins, followed by a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information and the list of bands you can enjoy through August 26th.

August 23

Kidchella by the Monmouth Moms (Holmdel) – This family-friendly spin on the Coachella Music Festival is kicking off at Bell Works at 5pm. Kidchella is replacing the beer gardens with inflatables and the fashion with face painting – but staying true to its name with a DJ, live music, and a dance party. There will also be a petting zoo, crafts, lawn games, and an indoor night market with bites, sips, and activities from local vendors for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $20 per person, and children ages 2 and under are free to attend. Click here to see how you can give a kid-friendly Coachella experience to your little ones.

August 24

Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – Enjoy the last installment of Seaside Heights’ Movies on the Beach at 8:30pm. Audience members will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters for a free showing of Sonic 3. Viewers are welcome to bring snacks. Learn more here.

August 28

Kites and Castles (Lavallette) – Head over to Philadelphia Avenue at 7pm if you have sand castle skills or kite flying that you want to show off. Whether you’re building a sand fortress, taking your kite soaring high into the sky, or simply spectating – this event will bring out the whole family’s competitive edge as you compete for the grand prize. There is no entry fee to attend, but you must bring your own sand castle building materials, props, or kite. Click here to learn more about this family-fun evening.

August 30

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival (Oceanport) – Saddle up for a weekend of barbecue and craft beers at the Monmouth Park Racetrack, taking place August 30th through September 1st from 11am-5pm. There will be over 40 craft beers and 20 barbecue food vendors to peruse – oh, and there will be horse racing, too! If there are too many craft beers to choose from, you can partake in beer sampling if you are 21 or older. There will also be family-fun activities to enjoy like live music, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house. Tickets for beer sampling and general admission to the racetrack can be purchased in advance for $18, or on the day of ($15 for beer sampling and $6 for general admission) to the racetrack. Children ages 12 and under are free to attend. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets online.