Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: September 12 – September 14

From smooth jazz and fresh seafood to bold flavors and brews, New Jersey is packed with exciting events this weekend. Don’t miss the Central New Jersey Jazz Festival, the Downbeach Seafood Festival,…

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From smooth jazz and fresh seafood to bold flavors and brews, New Jersey is packed with exciting events this weekend. Don't miss the Central New Jersey Jazz Festival, the Downbeach Seafood Festival, and the Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival, plus live music and seaside fun across the state.

Central New Jersey Jazz Festival 2025

  • What: A weekend of live jazz, food, and community
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse, 71 Main Street, Flemington (Saturday), and Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green, Corner of E. Main & Grove Streets, Downtown Somerville (Sunday)
  • Cost: Free

Experience two days of incredible live jazz in the heart of Central New Jersey as Flemington and Somerville come alive with music. The Central New Jersey Jazz Festival has great jazz artists, lots of fabulous food, and a great vibe for music lovers of all ages. From the historic steps of Flemington's courthouse to the great green in downtown Somerville, this event is all about celebrating community, culture, and the lasting sounds of jazz.

The Downbeach Seafood Festival

  • What: Celebration of fresh seafood, local flavors, and community spirit
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Ventnor Ski Beach, Bay Shore Blvd., Ventnor
  • Cost: Advance sales are $10 or $15 at the gate, with children aged 12 and under admitted for free

The Downbeach Seafood Festival transforms Ventnor's Ski Beach into a paradise for seafood lovers. Guests can savor fresh dishes from dozens of local restaurants and purveyors, from lobster rolls and grilled octopus to oysters and creative coastal fare. Beyond the food, the festival offers live music, chef demos, craft beer, art, and family-friendly fun. Highlights include the Chowder Cook-Off benefiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and the popular Oyster Tour of The Shore.

Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival

  • What: Live music, tastings, food trucks, and family fun
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Flying W Airport & Resort, 60 Fostertown Road, Medford
  • Cost: $20

Savor a day of flavor and fun at the Bacon, Bourbon and Brews Festival at Flying W Airport & Resort. Enjoy live music all day, capped off by a spectacular Pink Floyd Laser Show in the evening. Enjoy a full day of live music culminating with a Pink Floyd Laser Show in the evening. Sip on the tastings of bourbon, beer, and specialty drinks while sampling bites from food trucks. Explore tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting) and kids' activities galore.

Other Events

New Jersey is buzzing with live music, festival vibes, and craft brews this weekend. From intimate performances to massive seaside concerts and local beer tastings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Rick Barth: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 8 p.m. at Grasshopper Irish Pub, 2891 New Jersey Route 23, Newfoundland
  • Sea.Hear.Now. Music Festival: Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from noon to 10:30 p.m. at Asbury Park, 1 Municipal Plaza, Asbury Park
  • Fall Brew By the Bay: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. at Seafarer, 1 Atlantic Ave., Highlands