Here in Southern New Jersey, we have a variety of environments in such a relatively small geographical area. There’s the ocean beaches and boardwalks of the Jersey shore, the stately evergreens and sandy soil of the Pine Barrens, and the urban sprawl and colorful nightlife of cities. We’re close enough to attend events in Philadelphia, as well as North Jersey – and with a little more travel and effort, New York.
It’s a great place to live – and this summer, there are many exciting festivals and events going on.
The Camden County June Theater Festival is running now through July 1st, at the Ritz Theater. See shows including Dog Sees God, a parody of the popular Peanuts characters; Title of the Show, a musical about two guys writing a musical; and Three Little Pigs, a family favorite. Tickets, full dates and showtimes are available on the Ritz Theater website.
Jazzfest 2012 will be held on June 16th from 12 to 9 pm by the New Jersey Jazz Society in Morristown at the College of St. Elizabeth. A New Jersey tradition since 1976, Jazzfest is one of the foremost jazz festivals in the Northeast. Featured performers include the Tony DeSare Trio, Harlem Renaissance Orchestra, and guest vocalist Lynn Stein. Ticket prices are $10 for full time students with valid ID, $55 in advance or $75 at the gate. See the NJJs website for ticket purchase and further information.
The New Jersey Renaissance Festival and Kingdom will be held on the weekends of June 23rd / 24th and June 30th / July 1st from 12 pm to 6:30 pm in Dunellen, NJ at the Washington Memorial Park. The festival includes stage shows, a fairy grotto for children, a merchant’s village, and an enchanted forest. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children over 3 (under 3 admitted free). See the festival’s website for further information.
The Warren County Farmer’s Fair has been an annual event in Warren County for 75 years. This year’s fair will run from June 28th through August 4th. There will be some performers from the Wild West City theme park including a trick roper and a snake oil salesman. Included in the price of admission is a hot air balloon festival, car shows, contests for teens, and a Country Music Idol competition. Admission is $6 for adults, and $4 for children 5 and older (younger admitted free). Season passes are available. See the festival website for a schedule of events and further information.
The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship will be held in North Wildwood from July 8th through 10th. Watch teams from around the country fire up their grills and try to smoke out the competition. Anglesea Blues Festival, held concurrently, will be providing the bluesy background for all that tasty barbecue. There will be food, drinks, and cooking demonstrations as well as a team wing eating competition. Admission is free. See their website for event schedule and details.
Beachstock will be held on July 7th in Margate. This festival includes events and attractions for all ages, including a beer garden for adults and a sand sculpting class for children. There will be face painting, water balloon throwing, bocce ball and shuffleboard competitions, obstacle courses, a battle of the bands, a movie on the beach and much more. The festival is free. See the Margate town website for event times and details.
If you need a more quiet or truly local entertainment, don’t forget to check in with your library and your park! There are some wonderful summer events being held in your county. You can learn about writing from the New Jersey Author’s Network, see a free concert in the park, or go to a chocolate tasting at your local library!
