Seasonal
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Communiversity
Princeton
end of April
A street festival sponsored by Princeton University students and the Arts Council of Princeton, Communiversity takes place along Nassau and Witherspoon streets, drawing families as well as members of the university community out into town to celebrate spring. Small tents line the pavement to sell food or crafts, while many university student organizations also perform or advertise community service causes, some affecting the Princeton community, and others affecting the international community. This year some of the attractions included deep fried Oreos, a pie throwing contest, and chalk drawing. Entertainment includes the Princeton University Band, more than a dozen performing groups on a stage near Stanhope Hall, demonstrations by the cheerleaders and martial arts clubs, and performances by the University’s a cappella groups.
Shad Festival
Lambertville
end of April
Shad Fest takes place in Lambertville, right near the NJ/PA border and along the scenic Delaware river. The tents are spread throughout the town and several local stores and antique shops also advertise and attempt to draw customers into their shops.The Festival has been held annually since 1981 to celebrate the spawning season of shad up the Delaware River. The
Delaware was so polluted during the 1970′s that the return of the shad was thought to be impossible. After environmental legislation had been passed, as well as other state and local initiatives, the shad triumphantly returned. Townspeople and tourists go crazy for shad; they sing about it, draw it, look at it, and eat lots of it during the festival. An eclectic variety of musical groups perform everything from Country to Reggae. A local nonprofit organization maintaining a clean Delaware River, the Riverkeepers, provides information for keeping the river free of pollution. Attractions this year included local fudge, kids’ shad fishing games, and the Shad Queen.
The Bamboozle
The Meadowlands
Early May
A giant concert festival, a spring tradition in the Meadowlands parking lots since 2003. It’s considered one of the largest rock concerts on the east coast. Thousands and thousands of people attend each day of the two-day event. From local to headline bands, Bamboozle has music for all rock music fans. The food stands, band t-shirt/CD stands, and the Ferris wheel turn this event into more than a concert, but a true festival. It’s a great way to kick off spring. Even the emo kids have something to smile about. A word of warning: it’s a long day, and it’s a rain-or-shine event, so be prepared for the hottest sun and the cool night.
Meadowlands Sport Complex
Route 3 & Route 120
East Rutherford, NJ
NJ Festival of Ballooning
Readington
late July
More than just “hot air,” this festival features bands like the Beach Boys (in 2000 the kickoff year for band entertainment), Blues Travelers, and over a hundred traditional and cool-shaped hot air balloons flying over central jersey.This festival was the recipient of governor’s award for the best special event in New Jersey recently. It is the largest summertime balloon festival in North America.
Solburg Airport,
Readington, NJ
Phone: 1-800-HOT-AIR-9
La Festa Italiana
Jersey City
mid August
This festival celebrates Italian heritage, spirituality through an evening of music, dance and lots of great Italian food. The Holy Rosary Church organizes an “olde world” street festival, celebrating Italian American traditions.There are lots of Italian festivals throughout New Jersey all summer, but this one comes to us highly recommended!
344 Sixth Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
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