FESTIVAL FUN HAS BEGUN

Fair and festival season is in full-swing in New Jersey. Here are some of our favorite early summer fests.

June 3 -6 Hot Air Balloon Arts & Crafts Festival

Warren County’s Balloon Festival isn’t until the end of July but you can still see a few balloons launch at this arts and crafts fair. Splurge on a tethered or traditional ride for an additional fee. $9/adult, $4.50/child for festival. balloonfestnj.com

Remember

Memorial Day on page 64

June 4-5 Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival

This 21+ event will be held outdoors at Bader Field and general admission tickets are required. Sample from a selection of more than 600 beers, listen to music, play games, go to a silent disco and try local restaurant fare. Tickets start at $60/person. acbeerfest.com

June 4-6 Garden State Comic Fest

The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth is home to this year’s Comic Book Festival, featuring artists, celebs, vendors and panel discussions. Tickets start at $15/person. gardenstatecomicfest.com

May 28-31 Wildwoods International Kite Festival

This free event kicks off the unofficial start to summer. Hit Wildwood Beach at Rio Grande Avenue and see hundreds of colorful kites in the air, plus sport kite demos and illuminated night flights. wildwoodsnj.com

June 5-6 Puchi Con

This convention at Hyatt Place in Fort Lee brings together artists, talent and fans of anime and video games. Cosplay is highly encouraged. Tickets start at $39.99. puchicon.com.

June 5-6 NJ Renaissance Faire

The second weekend of this throwback event in Bordentown will have music, dance, sword fights, costumes and oversized turkey legs. You can even buy a ticket for your dog. $25/adult, $10/child or dog. njrenfaire.com

For more events near you or to add your own, go to njfamily.com/calendar

All events are subject to cancellation and COVID restrictions so make sure to call ahead before heading out.

June 6 Annual Doggie Derby/Family Fun Day

Enter your furry friends in contests like Most Happy Dog, Best Dressed, Best Tricks and more while you and the kids play games and listen to music in Forked River. $5/person, max $20/family. $2 registration fee for each contest. Sign up at forkedriverrotary.com

June 12 Czig Meister’s 5th Anniversary

This Hackettstown craft brewery has been releasing quality beers for the last five years, and its anniversary celebration will have live music, special brews and a handmade artisan market. 12-8 pm. czigmeisterbrewing.com

June 22-26 Annual Fireman’s Carnival

This carnival is a fundraiser for the Chester Volunteer Fire Company and is a fun tradition with plenty of rides for the kids, plus food and music at Chubb Park. Fireworks night is currently planned for the 25th. chestertownship.org

June 18 – July 11 State Fair Meadowlands

For 24 days, this massive fair takes over the parking lot at MetLife Stadium and fills it with 100 rides, tons of carnival games, live music, magic shows and all the fried foods you can stand. Get tickets at njfair.com.

June 26 Cape May Hops Festival

This family-friendly beer fest features barbecue faves, live music and great views at the beautiful Physick Estate.

In Residence at The Studio Playhouse, U. Montclair

“Essex Youth Theater—Where Every Child is a Star!”

SUMMER THEATER

DAY CAMP

• IN-PERSON, OUTSIDE! • For kids age 6-13 • Lots of individual attention

in a friendly atmosphere Jan CampAD_Layout 1 1/7/20 3:43 PM Page 1

• Every child gets a starring role!

Montclair’s Premiere Acting School for Kids!2020 SUMMER Now celebrating our 30th year! 973-746-3303 EssexYouthTheater.com ART CAMPS

Weekly half-and full-day camps for ages 5-15 2021 SUMMER ART CAMPS

Weekly half- and full-day camps for ages 5-15

Register by April 1 to receive $25 off

THE CENTER

FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

2020 Burnt Mills Rd, Bedminster, NJ 07921 908.234.2345 www.ccabedminster.org Looking for more Memorial Day events?Visit njfamily.com/memorialday

Salute Our Veterans

On Monday, May 31st, we honor the fallen Americans who died in service to our country and Memorial Day parades are making a comeback this year. Please note: Social distancing restrictions will be in place and parades may have capacity limits and require masks. Check in advance before heading out. Woodland Park’s annual festivities kick off with a parade at 11 am, and end at a Memorial Day Street Fair on McBride Avenue. Celebrate with food trucks, music, shopping and a kids zone until 6 pm. Freehold will be holding its 147th Memorial Day Parade at 10 am, with military groups, fire department marching bands and more. Wayne’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 am at the Ramapo Shopping Plaza and will run along Valley Rd. and honor first responders, veterans and healthcare workers. Looking for a unique way to pay tribute to fallen heroes? Ancestry.com is using the #iSaluteFor hashtag, so you can share stories of military family members. On Monday, there’s a live “50-Story Salute” with members from veteran’s organizations sharing stories of strength and hope.