8 Epic New Jersey Food Festivals You Have To Try

North America

United States

New Jersey hosts some of the country’s most unique and diverse food festivals.

You’ll find all kinds of food-filled activities throughout the year.

Join the thousands of people who flock to these festivals yearly to enjoy mouth-watering dishes.

Table of Contents

8 Amazing Food festivals in New Jersey

With so many different flavors and options, here is a list of the top-rated food festivals to guide you.

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Get your taste buds ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

1. Tomato Festival

The New Jersey Tomato Festival offers a cornucopia of delights for every tastebud, whether you’re a fruit or vegetable fan.

It is usually held every August at Cooper River Park.

The festival has plenty of tomato-based cuisines to sample, from traditional tomato dishes to more adventurous creations.

Tomato Festival in New Jersey — Tomato Festival

Some of the foods to expect include:

Heirloom Tomato Salad
Tomato Fritters
Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Fried Green Tomatoes
Tomato Pie
Tomato Soup
Tomato Gazpacho
Tomato Sandwich
Tomato-based ice cream

There are tomato-centric activities, including a tomato-eating contest, a tomato cook-off, a tomato-based art competition, and a tomato-spitting contest.

There’s also a “Tomato King” and “Tomato Queen” contest to crown the most devoted tomato fanatics.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping from food vendors offering tomato-themed items, from tomato-inspired jewelry to tomato-themed artwork.

Of course, the highlight of the festival is the parade.

Floats decorated with tomatoes and tomato-inspired art make their way through the streets. It’s a great way to get a firsthand look at the creativity of the locals.

2. The Big Brew Beer Festival

If you’re a craft beer fan, you will want to attend the Big Brew Beer Festival.

This two-day annual event takes place at the historic Morristown Armory in February.

From its grand opening taps to its tasting pavilion and live entertainment, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

The festival features dozens of craft breweries, both local and international. This is approximately 200 craft beers and ciders from over 80 different breweries.

The Big Brew Beer Festival New Jersey — The Big Brew Beer Festival

The Big Brew Beer Festival also offers seminars and educational programming for those looking to learn more about craft beer.

In addition to the beer, there are food trucks, live music, and games on the festival grounds.

The average beer cost at the Big Brew Beer Festival is between $6 and $7 per 12-ounce pour. Some limited releases and rare beers may be priced higher.

The festival also typically offers a variety of food and snacks, ranging from $3 to $12. Discounts are available to those who purchase tasting tickets in advance.

It’s an excellent opportunity to meet fellow beer lovers and explore the craft beer scene in New Jersey.

3. New Jersey Seafood Festival

The New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar is an annual event that draws seafood lovers from all over the country.

This two-day event held in May is a seafood-lovers paradise! Local vendors serve the freshest seafood sourced from the nearby ocean and rivers.

For seafood fans, the festival offers an array of seafood-centric dishes.

This includes the classic lobster rolls and clam chowder to the more adventurous fried oysters and whole fish.

Visit New Jersey Seafood Festival New Jersey — New Jersey Seafood Festival

Whether you prefer your seafood fried, grilled, poached, or raw, there’s something for every ocean-loving palate.

The festival offers more than just food. There is also plenty of entertainment. Live bands, DJs, and performances fill the air with upbeat tunes.

Numerous kid-friendly activities make it an excellent spot to spend with family and friends on a summer day.

Of course, no festival would be complete without shopping. Various vendors sell everything from jewelry and clothing to seafood-related items.

Craft vendors also sell handmade items, and local artisans display their work.

4. Whitesbog Blueberry Festival

The Whitesbog Blueberry Festival is an event that celebrates the unique and delicious bounty of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

The event is held every June in Whitesbog, Brendan T.

The festival brings together farmers, vendors, musicians, and visitors to celebrate the region’s blueberry.

Visiting Whitesbog Blueberry New Jersey Festival — Whitesbog Blueberry Festival

With activities for all ages, the Whitesbog Blueberry Festival is a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates a local agricultural tradition.

The festival includes live music, educational activities, and food vendors offering delicious blueberry treats.

Visitors can also explore historic Whitesbog Village and learn more about the area’s rich cultural heritage.

In Addition – The festival also features the annual Blueberry Pie Eating Contest. The contest is open to all ages, and the winner is awarded a special prize.

The festival also celebrates the history of Whitesbog, home to one of the oldest cultivated blueberry patches in the world.

The average cost of food at the festival is around $5-$10 per item. Most vendors accept cash only, though some may accept credit cards.

5. BBQ and Craft Beer Festival

Join the most exciting BBQ and Craft Beer Festival in New Jersey!

The BBQ and Craft Beer Festival is held every September at Cape May. It celebrates two of life’s greatest pleasures: BBQ and craft beer.

For those who crave the savory and succulent flavors of BBQ and the tart and tangy flavors of craft beer.

Visiting BBQ and Craft Beer Festival New Jersey — BBQ and Craft Beer Festival

The festival is a feast for the senses, with the aroma of smoked meats from more than 30 of the best pitmasters in the state.

Some of the distinct styles of smoked meats you can expect to find include:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Smoked Beef Brisket
Baby Back Ribs
Texas-Style Sausage
Beef Short Ribs
Smoked Chicken
Smoked Turkey

And to wash it all down, the craft beer offerings are equally impressive.

Enjoy samples from local breweries and some of the top names in craft beer from around the world.

With more than 20 varieties of craft beer available for $6, from lagers to IPAs to stouts, you’ll find the perfect complement to your meal.

To add to the fun, the festival also features live music and entertainment. From classic rock to bluegrass and folk.

And when you need a break from the music, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.

Cornhole and other classic lawn games, beer-centric trivia, and even a hot dog eating contest are all on the schedule.

6. Italian-American Festival

The Italian-American Festival is held at Clark municipal grounds every year in October.

This four-day vibrant celebration of Italian culture and heritage has been a staple of New Jersey life for decades.

The festival is an opportunity to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine while participating in various activities.

Experience the Italian-American culture, from art and literature to folk traditions and history.

Visiting Italian-American Festival New Jersey — Italian-American Festival

Get a chance to sample some of the best Italian Cuisines New Jersey has to offer, including homemade pizzas and pasta.

Additionally, you get to enjoy the sounds of traditional Italian music, including opera, pop, and folk. Take part in various activities, such as games, contests, and more.

One of the festival’s main attractions is the eating contests, which feature pizza, pasta dishes, and zeppoles for dessert.

The eating contests are held throughout the weekend and are a great way to show off your competitive eating skills.

The cost of food at the festival varies according to the type of food being presented.

On Average – A meal at the festival would cost between $8 and $15. This cost includes traditional Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.

Other foods you can find include:

Pizza
Calzones
Italian Sausage
Lasagna
Focaccia Bread
Eggplant Parmesan
Stuffed Shells
Cannoli
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ravioli

7. Just Jersey Fest

Are you looking for a special way to experience Jersey culture and heritage?

Look no further than Just Jersey Fest. This one-of-a-kind festival takes place every August in the heart of Jersey City.

It brings together some of the state’s finest purveyors of culture, crafts, and cuisine in one place.

From local artisans to world-renowned chefs, the Just Jersey Fest offers an abundance of delights for all who attend.

Visiting Just Jersey Fest — Just Jersey Fest

The festival features over 20 food vendors and restaurateurs coming to showcase their unique dishes. You can sample the best of their cuisine for only $5-$15.

Each vendor offers something unique, from classic Italian to modern fusion, that you can’t find anywhere else.

You can find traditional favorites like pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers or more elaborate dishes like ceviche and ramen.

But Just Jersey Fest isn’t just about food.

There are activities designed to appeal to all ages. So even if you don’t fancy yourself a foodie, you won’t be left out!

Kids can participate in fun activities such as face painting and balloon animals. Adults can enjoy shopping from local vendors and sampling craft beer from local breweries.

8. Trenton Pork Roll Festival

The Trenton Pork Roll Festival is an annual event held in Trenton to celebrate the city’s favorite food: pork roll.

The festival, which takes place in May, celebrates all things pork roll-related, from famous sandwiches to recipes and products made from pork rolls.

Visiting Trenton Pork Roll Festival New Jersey — Trenton Pork Roll Festival

The festival typically features a variety of activities and entertainment, including live music, food stands, craft vendors, and cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

Attendees can sample an array of pork roll-inspired dishes, such as pork roll tacos, pork roll quesadillas, and even creative desserts made with pork rolls.

The Trenton Pork Roll Festival has become a special event in the city, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of Trenton’s best food and support the local community.

Some of the pork roll cuisines to expect include: