It isn't just the NJ State Fair: See things to do Aug. 8-11 in North Jersey
There's a lot of rain in the forecast, but hopefully, it won't wash out the outdoor fun this weekend.
The New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County concludes on Saturday with carnival rides, hundreds of vendors, and lots of attractions all day long, each day.
There's always plenty of free outdoor live music in North Jersey during the summer, and this weekend is no exception with Nitty Green and Efxto in Paterson, Big Freedia in Newark, Nash East in Little Falls, the Ries Brothers in Montclair, the Kootz in Oak Ridge, Garden State Groove in Bloomfield, 3 Day Weekend in Parsippany, High in the Mid 80s and the Discoteks in Newton, and Rave On in Rockaway.
Essex County has two festivals ? the Caribbean Festival in Orange and the International Food Festival in Newark ? and Passaic has its Annual Family Festival this weekend.
Bergen has free movies to enjoy under the stars, with "Barbie" in Hackensack and "The Boys in the Boat" in Fort Lee.
Looking for some sports? The NFL regular season doesn't start for a few weeks, but you can see preseason Giants and Jets games at MetLife Stadium. Baseball fans can continue to check out the Jackals in Paterson all weekend long.
Plus, you can experience some history while enjoying the outdoors with a Paterson Great Falls walking tour, test your knowledge while sipping wine at trivia night at a Chester winery, check out a sneaker convention (yes, that's a thing!) in Secaucus and see a free flamenco dance performance.
See below for all the details, plus the weather forecast that might put a damper on some of these activities.
North Jersey weather forecast for Aug. 8-11
According to the National Weather Service:
Thursday night: Showers are likely, with a possible thunderstorm and a low in the high 60s.
Friday: More showers and possible thunderstorms, all day and into the night. High in the upper 70s, low in the upper 60s.
Saturday: Still more showers are likely. Otherwise, mostly cloudy with a high in the upper 70s. The rain should finally abate at night, with partly cloudy skies and a low in the mid-60s.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high around 80. Partly cloudy at night with a low in the mid-60s
New Jersey State Fair and Sussex County Farm and Horse Show
The fair is open through Saturday, rain or shine. Each day will feature a carnival, more than 200 vendors, horse show classes, Aim to Survive Shooting Sports open ranges and blood drives sponsored by Kittatinny Masonic Lodge 164.
In addition, there will be six barns of animals, livestock shows, milking parlor, Snook Agricultural Museum, antique engines, rare heritage breed animals, farmers market, farm fun activities for kids, Roger the Giant Bowl Turner, Reggie the Potter and Heartfelt Creations – felter and rope maker, a tractor parade, 4-H exhibits and club displays, K9s in Flight, Join the Circus, the Commerford Petting Zoo, Hot Dog Pig Races, Freehand Custom Carving; Oscar the Robot, the Human Slinky, Catnip Junkies, a flower and garden show, Forage Show, Duo Incendio Fire Dancers, a vegetable Show, a scarecrow competition, art, photography, honey, a bee demonstration, Creative Arts for Home and Hobby, fair history, and Arbor Buddies Puppet Show.
Thursday is Senior Day and the nonprofit spotlight is SCARC. Events include Colorbreed Open Dairy Show; a baking contest; a 4-H alpaca show/demo; performances by Dance Expression, the PS Experiment Band and the 360 Band's Doo Wop 60's Dance Party; Thoroughbred Hunter Derby; Custom Car Night with Wanderers Car Club; Summer Blossom Open Garden; Lois Chammings 4-H Best of the Best Awards; 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Class; Championship Pulling Series; and Canine King & Queen & Grooms class.
Friday's nonprofit spotlight is the Weekend Bag Program. Events include Holstein Open Dairy Show; performances by Evolution Dance Arts, Carolyn Jackson, the Borrowed Time band and Kryptonite (3 Doors Down tribute band); NJ Best Cheesecake Contest; Memorial Jumper Stake, Mini Prix; 4-H Goat Costume Contest; and truck pull.
Saturday's nonprofit spotlight is Maverick's Legacy. Events include a livestock show; tractor pulls; karaoke; Outreach Leadline Class; National Hunter Derby awards and mini horse pull; a talent show; and a 4-H Seeing Eye Demo.
Go: New Jersey State Fair and Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. General admission is $15 for ages 13 to 59; $10 for ages 60 and up; $7 for veterans and active military and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Special prices include $4 for ages 60 and up on Thursday; $10 for ages 13 to 59 after 7:30 p.m.; $5 for veterans after 7:30 p.m. Some attractions have extra admission charges. sussexcountyfairgrounds.org
Passaic’s Annual Family Festival
Mayor Hector C. Lora and the Passaic City Council invite the public to the City's community event featuring food, games and rides, through Sunday.
Go: Annual Family Festival at Christopher Columbus Park, 380 Paulison Ave., Passaic. 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. cityofpassaic.com
Paterson Great Falls orientation walking tour
Take "A Stroll Through History" at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park at 2 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday until Nov. 30. This free guided tour meets at the Alexander Hamilton Statue near the picnic tables.
The story of Paterson and its Great Falls demonstrates how the natural and cultural diversity of the area helped fuel the economic and social growth of a young nation. Join a staff member for this 45- to 60-minute, one-mile walk to discover how the natural world inspired a founding father, entrepreneurs, immigrants, poets and artists to build the nation's first industrial city.
Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes. The walk will be on paved and unpaved paths with uneven footing. Guided tours led by the National Park Service or its designees can follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes (assistance may be required, especially along narrow city sidewalks). If you have any concerns or questions, contact the park and review the accessibility resources. Tours are provided on weekends as staffing permits. Call 973-523-0370 the day of your visit to ensure availability.
Go: A Stroll Through History at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave. Extension. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Free. Meet at the statue of Alexander Hamilton. If the Overlook Park parking lot is closed, meet at the Paterson Museum, 2 Market St.
Nitty Green and Efxto concert in Paterson
Part of the Summer Concert Series presented by the City of Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayeh and the City Council, Nitty Green and Efxto will perform Thursday at Paterson City Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Music provided by DJ Stunna.
Michael Best, aka Nitty Green, is the founding member of the R&B/pop group, Riff. The group was formed while its members were attending Eastside High School in Paterson and appeared in the film "Lean on Me." Nitty began recording solo music in 2018 and his 2022 pop single is “Running Out of Time.”
Efxto is a Latin pop boy band formed in the Bronx in 2023 and its first single was “Pa La Calle”. Its members - Ivon, Frank, JC, Scxttie and Lori - are of Dominican decent. They've been awarded the Hispanic Heritage Emerging Artist Award of The Year by the Copa NYC and are working on their next album.
Go: Nitty Green and EFXTO at Paterson City Hall, 155 Market St. 6 p.m. Thursday. For information, contact Della McCall at 973-321-1223 ext. 2350. patersonnj.gov, instagram.com/nittygreen, efxto.net
Big Freedia closes NJPAC's Horizon Sounds of the City series
Release your wiggle! Big Freedia - "The Queen of New Orleans Bounce" — headlines the finale of NJPAC’s free outdoor concert series. The larger-than-life hip-hop artist will perform twerk-worthy songs like “Drop,” “Excuse,” “Explode."
Grab a bite or drink from local vendors, dance and enjoy the party in the festival atmosphere at the conclusion of the Horizon Sounds of the City series.
Go: Big Freedia at Chambers Plaza on the grounds of NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. 6 p.m. Thursday. Free. njpac.org, 888-696-5722.
Trivia, music nights at Rebel Sheep Wine
Thursday is trivia night at Rebel Sheep Wine at Stony Hill Farm in Chester. Have fun with your friends and make new ones, too.
Friday and Saturday are Summer Wine and Music Nights with live music and other activities for all ages. The farm and playgrounds will be open. Wine and small bites will be available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own dinner, but no outside alcohol is permitted.
Go: Trivia Night and Summer Wine and Music Nights at Rebel Sheep Wine, Stony Hill Farm, 15 North Road, Chester. Trivia is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, no cover charge. Music is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended. stonyhillfarms.com/rebel-sheep-wine for information and reservations. Tasting room hours are noon to 5 p.m.
Nash East in Little Falls
The weekly Summer Concert Series & Marketplace in Little Falls continues on Thursday with Nash East, playing popular country songs from today's and yesterday's top hitmakers.
Go: Nash East at Memorial Park, Main Street and Wilmore Road, Little Falls. 7 p.m. Thursday; marketplace starts at 6. Admission is free. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Civic Center, 19 Warren St. littlefallsabc.org, facebook.com/nasheastnj
Preseason football at MetLife Stadium
The New York Giants face the Detroit Lions on Thursday and the New York Jets take on the Washington Commanders on Saturday as the NFL pre-season begins.
Go: NFL pre-season at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Giants vs. Lions at 7 p.m. Thursday (parking lots open at 2), Jets vs. Commanders at noon Saturday (parking lots open at 7 a.m.). $7.26 to $363. metlifestadium.com.
The Ries Brothers free outdoor concert in Montclair
Part of the free Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series, the Ries Brothers will perform Thursday. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen. Hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, the Ries Brothers blend rock, blues, funk and reggae.
Go: The Ries Brothers at Wellmont Arts Plaza, 5 Seymour St., Montclair. 7 p.m. Thursday. Free. montclairjazzfestival.org.
Movies Under the Stars at HacPAC - 'Barbie'
On Thursday in Hackensack, fans of all ages are invited to step into a dream world with Barbie, where anything is possible. Barbie embarks on a fantastic adventure filled with glitz, glamour and unexpected twists. Explore a dazzling universe where Barbie discovers the power of believing in herself and inspires those around her.
Join the pink party before the movie, where everyone wears pink and calls each other Barbie and Ken.
Go: "Barbie" at Atlantic Street Park, outside the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, 102 State St. 8:30 p.m. Thursday. hacpac.org
Free outdoor movie in Fort Lee - 'The Boys in the Boat'
The free 2024 Summer Movie Series at the Fort Lee Community Center continues with "The Boys in the Boat" (2023; PG-13) on Thursday. Bring a chair or blanket as seating is not provided.
Go: "The Boys in the Boat" at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace. 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Free. fortleenj.org
Jackals baseball at Hinchliffe Stadium
The Jackals are home in Paterson this weekend, with a three-game series against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles.
On Friday, dress in your best '90s outfit for 90s Night. Pro Wrestling Magic returns on Saturday, with post-game wrestling matches and a bobblehead giveaway. Sunday is Family Day with $5 tickets for kids age 12 and under and seniors age 55 and over.
Go: New Jersey Jackals at Hinchliffe Stadium, 1 Jasper St., Paterson. 6:35 p.m. Friday, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, 4:35 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to the game. Sunday, $5 to $25. jackals.com
The Kootz concert in Oak Ridge
A musical menu of classic '60s-through-'90s pop, rock, R&B and blues - self-described "rock n' roll with fiber" - will be served up by the Kootz on Friday. Part of the Jefferson Arts Committee Summer Gazebo Concert Series, the concert is free, with free parking, and is family friendly. Bring a chair/blanket, snacks/dinner, and/or non-alcoholic beverages – carry in/carry out your trash. There will be snacks and refreshments for sale and a port-a-john will be on site.
Go: The Kootz at the Jefferson Township Gazebo in the Municipal Complex, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Free. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Jefferson Township High School air-conditioned auditorium, where no food or beverages will be allowed. jeffersontownship.net, facebook.com/JeffersonArtsCommittee, thekootz.com, 201-230-8879 or 973-697-3828, [email protected].
Garden State Groove brings Top 40 hits to Brookdale Park
Since 2013, the band's repertoire has included hits from the 1970s to the latest chart toppers. They will perform Friday at Brookdale Park as part of the Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series.
Go: Garden State Groove at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. Call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973?268-3500. essexcountyparks.org/_media/_data/EssexPublication/summer-concerts-2024.pdf, gardenstategrooveband.com
3 Day Weekend concert in Parsippany
Part of the Fun Fridays series presented by Mayor James R. Barberio and the Township, 3 Day Weekend will perform classic and party rock from across the decades at Veterans Memorial Park. There will also be a Farmers Market throughout the afternoon in the park, featuring 25 to 30 local vendors including farm produce, bread and bakery, fresh and pre-made foods, specialty coffees, homemade treats, pet products, food trucks, family fun and children’s activities. Admission is free and the event is pet friendly.
3 Day Weekend is based in Northern New Jersey and features Lori Hoogmoed (lead vocals), George Tobjy (lead vocal, lead guitar, lead harmonica), Lloyd Sarakin (keyboards, vocals), Frank Pensa (bass, vocals) and Mark Halatin ("just the drummer").
Go: 3 Day Weekend at Veterans Memorial Park, U.S. Highway 46 at Vail Road, Parsippany. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. During inclement weather, decisions will be made by 2 p.m. and posted at parsippany.net and on Facebook. 3dayweekendbandnj.com
70s & 80s Weekend at the Great Divide Campground in Newton
70s & 80s Weekend at the campground will feature music from High in the Mid 80 and the Discoteks. Both bands will play on Friday and Saturday.
High in the Mid 80s (or HITME) is comprised of seven pro musicians, playing the new wave and pop music from the early- to mid-1980s, performed true to the original recordings. Dance/show band the Discoteks performing hits of '70s disco and Motown.
Nestled in the foothills of New Jersey’s rural Sussex County, the Great Divide is your gateway to fields, forests, mountains, and camping and recreation. It offers cabins and cable TV hookups, primitive campsites for tents, and an Olympic-sized pool.
Go: 70s & 80s Weekend at the Great Divide Campground, 68 Phillips Road, Newton. Friday and Saturday. Rates start at $65 per night for a basic campsite. Book in advance at campthegreatdivide.com or call 973-383-4026 for same day and last-minute reservations. artistecard.com/thediscoteks, highinthemid80s.com
Got Sole sneaker convention
Thousands of sneakerheads and young entrepreneurs will come together to buy, sell and trade sneakers, Saturday and Sunday in Secaucus. The sneaker convention will feature shoes ranging from $50 to $50,000, special guests, giveaways and more.
Go: Got Sole at Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. $31.42 to $59.84. gotsole.com
Caribbean Heritage Festival in Orange
Part of the Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series hosted by County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and the Board of County Commissioners, the Caribbean Festival in Monte Irvin Orange Park on Saturday is co-sponsored by the County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. The event will include a free outdoor family concert featuring Leon & the Peoples.
Go: Caribbean Festival at Monte Irvin Orange Park, S. Center and S. Harrison streets, Orange. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday (rain date is Sunday). essexcountyparks.org/_media/_data/EssexPublication/summer-concerts-2024.pdf, essexcountynj.org, leonandthepeoples.net
International Food Festival in Newark
Sponsored by the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association and Essex County, the International Food Festival at Ivy Hill Park on Saturday is co-sponsored by the County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.
Go: International Food Festival at Ivy Hill Park, off of Mt. Vernon Place in Newark. 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday (rain date is Sunday). essexcountyparks.org/_media/_data/EssexPublication/summer-concerts-2024.pdf, essexcountynj.org
Viva Flamenco performance in South Orange
The free Downtown After Sundown live music series continues Saturday with Viva Flamenco, which combines flamenco with dance forms such as Middle Eastern, jazz and East Indian to draw together the diverse influences of the art in multicultural performances.
Go: Viva Flamenco at Spiotta Park, 20-32 Village Plaza, South Orange. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. southorangedowntown.org, vivaflamenconj.com
Rave On at the Rockaway Gazebo
The Rockaway Gazebo 2024 Summer Concert Series continues Sunday with Rave On, playing favorites from Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison.
Go: Rave On at the Rockaway Gazebo, Mt. Hope Road, Rockaway Township. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. raveonband.wixsite.com/website
Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Write to Daniel Galioto at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey things to do Aug. 8-11: State Fair, music, festivals
