Summer Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

celebrate the season by attending one of these fairs or festivals in the tri-state area

By Shara Levine

Palisades Center Carnival

WHEN: through June 6: thursday-friday, 5-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-10pm WHERE: Palisades center, 1000 Palisades center Drive, West Nyack WHAT: families are welcome to join in on the fun with rides, game booths, and your favorite food vendors! tickets and wristbands are available for purchase at the carnival. WANT TO GO? $30 individual bracelets; $2 individual ride tickets; $40 for 22 tickets; $75 for 45 tickets. palisadescenter.com.

2021 SI Mall Carnival

WHEN: through June 13: monday-friday, 5-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-11pm WHERE: Staten island mall, 2655 richmond ave., Staten island WHAT: the Si mall carnival is back with some of your favorite rides, and some new ones that will become your favorite! Play games, have fun, and get your fill of delicious carnival treats! WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 10 when accompanied by paying adults monday-friday. $30 per ride wristband. Discounts available when purchasing multiple single day wristbands. simallcarnival.com.

Strawberry Festival 2021

WHEN: through June 27: daily, 9am-6pm WHERE: Garden of eve, 4558 Sound ave., riverhead WHAT: visit the only certified organic u-pick strawberry field on long island! admission includes unlimited access to u-pick organic Strawberry field, family fun fields, pedal karts, hay tower, farm animals, spider web, and more.

WANT TO GO? $9.95; free for children younger than 2. fee does not include cost of berries. gardenofevefarm.com.

The L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival

WHEN: through June 20: Wednesday-friday, 5-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-11pm WHERE: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ WHAT: Bring the family out to this carnival with spectacular rides, tons of food, games, and more! WANT TO GO? $40 megapass; individual ride tickets available as well. leadrugs.org

12th annual NYC Multicultural Festival Part II

WHEN: Saturday, June 5, 12-6pm WHERE: Jackie robinson Park: the Bandshell, 85 Bradhurst ave. and West 148th Street, Harlem, manhattan WHAT: experience an explosion of cultural music, dance costumes, and art from ireland, china, Nigeria, Ghana, italy, Dominican republic, Spain, and more. this year’s theme is culture and Diversity unite communities. activities include live music and dance performances, food and merchandise from international vendors, art making activities, free giveaways, and more. WANT TO GO? admission is free with advanced registration. multiculturalfestival.nyc.

White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival

WHEN: June 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: tibbits Park, North Broadway at main Street, White Plains WHAT: Paintings, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and more are all on display and available for purchase. the event also features emerging artists, the artwork of scholarship winners, a free children’s art workshop, and unique food vendors. WANT TO GO? free admission. whiteplainsoutdoorartsfestival.com.

Apple Blossom Carnival

WHEN: June 5-13, friday, 5:30-8:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Queens county farm museum, 73-50 little Neck Parkway, floral Park, Queens WHAT: celebrate the season with assorted carnival rides, hayrides, midway games, local food vendors, and a visit with farm animals! WANT TO GO? $21.95; free for children younger than 2. timed ticket entry to carnival ride area; advance tickets recommended. queensfarm.org.

Fairy House Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 12, 12-4pm WHERE: artpark, 450 S. 4th St., lewiston WHAT: Now in its 11th year, artpark fairy House festival is an international, interdisciplinary, and immersive performing arts festival with european street theater groups, modern dance, interactive performances by local actors, and music presented in the park overlooking the stunning Niagara Gorge. WANT TO GO? $10. artpark.net.

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Cont’d Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

FREE Queens International Children’s Festival

WHEN: June 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Jamaica Performing arts center, 153-10 Jamaica ave., Jamaica, Queens WHAT: this fun-filled family event brings high-quality arts performances and craft activities to inspire young people and families to enjoy the arts. activities include live music and dance performances, a magic show, and a socially distanced dance party. WANT TO GO? advanced registration required. jcal.org.

66th Annual Mattituck Lions Strawberry Festival

WHEN: June 16-20, Wednesday-thursday, 5-10pm; friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: fairgrounds, 1175 route 48, mattituck WHAT: there’s some much to do at the 66th annual Strawberry festival. make a day or evening of it. Whether you choose some farm fresh strawberry delicacies, take a ride on a super roller coaster, shop amongst the arts and crafts, listen to some great music, or watch many of the great attractions with the kids. WANT TO GO? $5-$10; $25-$50 Pay-one-Price Bracelet; Dads enter and ride free on father’s Day with paid child’s admission. mattituckstrawberryfestival.org.

Newburgh Mall Carnival

WHEN: June 17-27, monday-tuesday and thursday, 5-10pm; friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 12-11pm; Sunday, 12-10pm WHERE: Newburgh mall, 1401 route 300, Newburgh WHAT: Spend the day at the carnival and take a spin on the new Bertazzon Himalaya and the Jumbos rides! WANT TO GO? admission is free. $1.50 for single tickets, $30 for 20 tickets; $60 for 50 tickets. $35 unlimited ride Wristbands for persons 36” and over. dreamlandamusements.com.

State Fair Meadowlands

WHEN: June 18-July 11, monday-thursday, 5pm-12am; friday, 3pm-1am (June 18, 5pm-1am); Saturday, 2pm-1am; Sunday, 2pm-12am (July 4, 2pm-1am) WHERE: metlife Stadium, 1 metlife Stadium Drive, east rutherford, NJ WHAT: Spread over 35 acres, the fair is a fun-packed event. this year’s fair features a robust entertainment lineup, including the Jurassic Kingdom and Pirates of the colombian caribbean, cycle circus live, master Hypnotist Steve Bayner, magician Jay mattioli, and racing Pigs. Don’t forget the spectacular fireworks July 3-4. WANT TO GO? $34.95; free for children shorter than 36 inches. $15.95 fast Pass upgrade available at the fairgrounds. njfair.com.

FREE 16th Annual NYC Kidsfest

WHEN: June 19-20, 2-6pm WHERE: morningside avenue, between West 115 and 116 streets, morningside Heights, manhattan WHAT: this creative initiative brings the performing arts to open street spaces. Headliners include Grammy award-nominated artist SaulPaul, fyütch, and flor Bromley. Plus, kids can enjoy a Kung fu demo and workshop, chinese dance and hip-hop workshops, Hour children Kids Harlem School of the arts’ violin madness music Presentation, and more! WANT TO GO? advanced registration required. nyckidsfest.org.

The Rhinebeck Crafts Festival

WHEN: June 26-27, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Dutchess county fairgrounds, 6636 Spring Brook ave. (route 9), rhinebeck WHAT: this curated event features contemporary fine craft and art from more than 200 american makers. find original fashions, accessories and jewelry; functional and sculptural works; and fine art. enjoy gourmet foods and tastings from local distilleries and wineries. Plus, there’s an interactive puppet theater, face painting, stilt walkers, and more for the kids to enjoy. WANT TO GO? $10; $9 seniors ages 62 and older; $4 ages 6-16; free for children younger than 6. artrider.com.

2021 Empire State Fair

WHEN: July 1-11, monday-friday, 5-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-11pm WHERE: NYcB live, Home of the Nassau veterans memorial coliseum, 1255 Hempstead turnpike, uniondale WHAT: this fair features new acts including the royal Hanneford Big top circus, the incredible Dock Dogs Show, an educational experience at the exotic animal Zoo, and new rides and attractions! Dreamland amusements will provide a midway featuring rides and attractions never before seen at the empire State fair! WANT TO GO? admission prices were not available at time of press. $30 unlimited ride wristband for those taller than 36 inches; $1.50 single ticket, $30 for 20 tickets; $60 for 50 tickets. empirestatefair.com.

Orange County Fair

WHEN: July 15-aug. 1, thursday-friday, 4-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-11pm WHERE: orange county fair Speedway, 239 Wisner ave., middletown WHAT: Whether you go to see one of the grandstand shows (almost all now have some free seating with fair admission), taste some of the delicious fair food, or take a spin on one of the new rides, you’ll create family memories that will last a lifetime. WANT TO GO? admission: $10; $7 seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 7-12; free for children ages 6 and younger. $25 unlimited ride wristband for those taller than 36 inches; $1.50 single ticket, $30 for 20 tickets; $60 for 50 tickets. orangecountyfair.com.

Cont’d Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

NJ Lottery Festival of Ballooning

WHEN: July 23-25, friday, 1-10pm; Saturday, 6am-10pm; Sunday, 6am-8pm WHERE: Solberg airport, 39 thor-Solberg road, Whitehouse Station, NJ WHAT: this is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North america. from twice daily mass ascensions of up to 100 special shape and sport hot air balloons, to concerts, non-stop family entertainment, hundreds of crafters and vendors, great food, fireworks, and more, the festival is jam-packed with stuff to do. laurie Berkner will perform at 1:30pm on the festival’s opening day. WANT TO GO? General admission (includes lawn seating for concerts): $26; $10 children ages 4-12; free for children ages 3 and younger. balloonfestival.com.

Jurassic Quest Drive Thru Summer Tour

WHEN: July 30-aug. 8, Wednesday, 1-8pm; thursday-friday and Sunday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-9pm WHERE: rentschler field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, 615 Silver lane, east Hartford, ct WHAT: See more than 70 dinosaurs in person! Jurassic Quest’s herd—from the largest predators to playful baby dinos—is displayed in realistic scenes that allow guests to experience them roaring and moving. make epic family memories including a choose-your-own-audio-adventure tour, a visit with baby dinos and trainers, and a digital souvenir photo. WANT TO GO? $49; $80 for passenger vehicles seating 9-15 people. Police, military, medical personnel, and first responders save 10 percent (must show valid iD). tickets must be purchased in advance. jurassicquest.com.

FREE Mercer County 4‑H Fair

WHEN: July 31-aug. 1, Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Howell living History farm, 70 Woodens lane, lambertville, NJ WHAT: visit the Howell living History farm for a truly enjoyable day! the fair includes animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music, magic shows, and farm tours! WANT TO GO? Please bring a non-perishable food donation for rutgers against Hunger. mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu.

83rd Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair

WHEN: July 31-aug. 7, monday-friday, 3-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-10pm WHERE: Warren county farmers, 1350 Strykers road, Phillipsburg, NJ WHAT: enjoy balloon launches, balloon rides, and tethered rides. Savor the bounty of Warren county’s agricultural community. Be sure to check out the Kids rodeo roundup on friday. Shows, crafts, educational presenters, daily contests, and clowning with merriloons. WANT TO GO? admission: $9; $5 ages 6-12; free for ages children 5 and younger. ride bracelet prices and individual ticket prices were not available at time of press. tickets for shows will be available for purchase the week of the fair. warrencountyfarmersfair.org.

Middlesex County Fair

WHEN: aug. 2-8, monday-friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-10pm WHERE: middlesex county fairgrounds, 655 cranbury road, east Brunswick, NJ WHAT: Browse a selection of homemade goods. Hop on one of the rides. indulge in some traditional fair food and entertainment. and explore the agricultural heritage of middlesex county. WANT TO GO? admission: $10; $4 seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. $25 ride bracelet. $45 mega Bracelet multi-Day Pass. $1 single tickets; $20 for 24 tickets; $50 for 64 tickets. middlesexcountyfair.com.

61st Annual Lebanon Country Fair

WHEN: aug. 6-8, friday, 5-10pm; Saturday, 8:30am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: lebanon fairgrounds, 122 mack road, lebanon, ct WHAT: the lebanon country fair offers entertainment on the center stage, food, games, and more! WANT TO GO? admission: $10-$11; $9 seniors; free for children ages 11 and younger and active, retired or disabled military with iD. lebanoncountryfair.org.

New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm & Horse Show

WHEN: aug. 7-14, daily, 10am-10pm; carnival rides open at 12pm WHERE: Sussex county fairgrounds, 37 Plains road, augusta, NJ WHAT: make it a day of carnival rides, live entertainment, animals, carnival treats, and more! WANT TO GO? $14; $10 seniors 60 and older; $6 children ages 6-12. See website for various promotions, pay-one-price, and mega pass options. sussexcountyfairgrounds.org.

Wolcott Country Fair

WHEN: aug. 20-22, friday, 4-11pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Wolcott country fairgrounds, 245 Wolcott road, Wolcott, ct WHAT: there is so much to do, including kiddy rides, thrill rides, and games of chance! enjoy a variety of delicious food and catch some of the many bands playing country, oldies, and pop. WANT TO GO? admission: $10; $8 seniors ages 65 and older; free for children ages 10 and younger and current active duty, reserve, and National Guard Service members (must have a valid military cac iD). $25 carnival ride wristband Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. wolcottfair.com.

Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

Cont’d

The Great New York State Fair

WHEN: aug. 20-Sept. 6, monday-thursday, 10am-11pm; friday-Sunday, 10am-12am; Sept. 6, 10am9pm (closing time subject to change without notice) WHERE: New York State fairgrounds, 581 State fair Blvd., Syracuse WHAT: this one-of-a-kind fair will feature New York’s best food and drink, live music and entertainment, rides, and games. Daily concerts include reo Speedwagon, Dropkick murphys, foreigner, and the oak ridge Boys. farm animals will be on display to introduce the young and young-at-heart to New York’s agriculture. WANT TO GO? $3; free for children 12 and younger. tickets must be purchased online. midway ride ticket prices were not available at time of press. nysfair.ny.gov.

The 175th Dutchess Fair

WHEN: aug. 24-19, daily, 10am-10pm; rides close at 11pm on Saturday WHERE: Dutchess county fairgrounds, 6636 route 9, rhinebeck WHAT: the Dutchess fair is back with fairgoer favorites, including the midway, fun fair food, animals, and free entertainment! WANT TO GO? admission prices were not available at time of press. dutchessfair.com.

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Create your own story at Storybook Land!

Fun for the whole family • Exciting Family Rides • Great Food Free Parking • Splash Pad open Memorial Day thru Labor Day

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234 (a stone’s throw from Atlantic City) 609-646-0103 • www.storybookland.com

Cont’d Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals

2021 4‑H & Agricultural Fair

WHEN: aug. 25-29, Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm

WHERE: Hunterdon county fairgrounds, 1207 route 179, lambertville, NJ WHAT: animals, great food, amazing entertainment, rides, and a variety of displays make for great family fun! WANT TO GO? admission is free; $17-$25 ride wrist bands. hunterdoncountyfair.com.

Brooklyn Fair 2021

WHEN: aug. 26-29, thursday, 4-11pm; friday, 10am-11pm; Saturday, 9am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn fairgrounds, 15 fairgrounds road, Brooklyn, ct WHAT: catch one of New england’s best agricultural fairs! it’s family-oriented and features food, music, agricultural displays, amusement rides, and more!

WANT TO GO? admission: $10; $8 seniors ages 65 and older and military members with iD; free for children ages 12 and younger. $30 ride bracelets: thursday, 4-11pm; friday, 12-5pm; Sunday, 126pm. regular ride tickets must be used all other times. brooklynfair.org.

SPLASH & PLAY THIS SUMMER