Epic Summer Fun in NJ/NYC – Sleepover Party Shop’s Top Picks
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☀️ Summer’s heating up—and so is the fun!
Get ready for sunshine-filled adventures with Sleepover Party Shop’s Top Summer Picks in NJ and NYC. From outdoor movie nights and beach festivals to pop-up markets and rooftop playdates, we’ve rounded up the must-do events to make your summer break unforgettable. 🌈 Think family fun, cool treats, and memory-making moments—perfect for kids, teens, and anyone young at heart!
📍 Save this list and share with your besties to plan the ultimate summer of fun!
Where: Lackawana Plaza, Montclair NJ
When: Various Dates
The annual Summer Series kicks off at Lackawanna Plaza (near Crane Park) on Saturday, June 21 with 2024’s smash hit WICKED: SING-ALONG, directed by Jon. M Chu, presented in partnership with the Montclair Center BID. Lackawanna Plaza (near Crane Park) opens at 6:00pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm. Guests are encouraged to wear pink & green!
7/20: Montclair Film will feature a special screening of 1993’s DAZED AND CONFUSED, directed by Richard Linklater, at Essex County Anderson Park, with a special introduction by the Director and Producer of MAKING DAZED, Kahane Cooperman.
7/31: In partnership with the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and Autoland Toyota, Montclair Film will present 1993’s THE SANDLOT, directed by David Mickey Evans, at Nishuane Park.
8/23: Montclair Film will present 2024’s THE WILD ROBOT, directed by Chris Sanders, at Essex County Brookdale Park (Archery Field).
Where: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant NJ
When: Till 8/26
Get ready for another summer of fun, laughter, and unforgettable movie nights at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach! Movies on the Beach series is back for the 2025 season, bringing an incredible lineup of family-friendly films to the beach. Mark your calendars and gather your blankets, and beach chairs for a fun-filled evening at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach! Upcoming films include:
- 7/29: Inside Out 2
- 8/5: Sonic 3
- 8/12: Wicked
- 8/19: E.T
- 8/26: Despicable Me 4
Where: Van San County Park, Paramus, NJ
When: Till 8/22
Bergen County presents movies in Van Saun County Park. Free movie nights for all! Bring chairs and blankets. All movies start at sunset.
- 7/25: Moana 2
- 8/1: Inside Out 2
- 8/6: Captain America: Brave New World
- 8/8: The Wild Robot
- 8/13: Twisters
- 8/15: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- 8/20: Wicked
- 8/22: Mufasa: The Lion King
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn NY
When: 7/10 – 8/28
Brooklyn Bridge Park brings back Movies with a View for its 25th season. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Sweet treats, savory snacks, and drinks, including beer and wine, are available for purchase. In addition to food, each night also includes pre-show music sets spun by Brooklyn Radio DJs, and short films curated by BAM Cinématek. Upcoming films include:
- 7/24 – Waitress
- 7/31 – The Matrix
- 8/7 – The Wizard of Oz
- 8/14 – Trainwreck
- 8/21 – Hidden Figures
- 8/28 – Public Choice Night! Vote for: Pretty in Pink, Julie & Julia, or Marie Antoinette
Where: Various locations in Gloucester County, NJ
When: Till 8/29
Gather the family and bring your blankets and chairs to catch a free movie throughout the county all summer long. All shows will be at dusk. Upcoming films include.
- 7/25: The Wild Robot at Gaiter Field, Madison & Catawba Ave, Newfield
- 8/1: The Wild Robot at Oak Valley Little League, 561 Princeton Blvd, Wenonah
- 8/4: The Garfield Movie at Fort Billings Park, Clonmel Rd & Delaware St, Paulsboro
- 8/8: Despicable Me 4 at 235 E. Red Bank Ave, Woodbury
- 8/13: Moana 2 at River Winds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford
- 8/15: Inside Out 2 at Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville-Crosskeys Rd, Sewell
- 8/22: Elemental at Sunset Auditorium, Laurel Ave, Pitman
- 8/25: The Wild Robot at Wenonah Lake, W. Maple St & N Jefferson, Wenonah
- 8/27: Moana 2 at National Park Ballfields, 700 St Johns Walk, National Park
- 8/29: The Wild Robot at Ella Harris Park, 155 Commissioners Rd, Mullica Hill
Where: Municipal Parking Lot, Highland Park NJ
When: Till 9/27
Enjoy an evening of vintage cartoons followed by the main feature at Highland Park’s municipal parking lot. Some chairs are available, but feel free to bring your own. Upcoming films include:
- 8/02: Defcon: Documentary W/director Jason Scott
- 8/16: August Mulholland Drive Lost In America
- 9/13: The Devil And Daniel Johnston Q&A W/director Jeff Feuerzeig
- 9/27: Twin Peaks Double Feature: Twin Peaks Pilot Episode Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Where: 4-H Fairgrounds, Mullica Hills NJ
When: 7/24 – 7/27
This country fair beckons visitors with its agricultural exhibits and contests, displays of 4‑H projects, daily rides and games, magic shows, musical acts, baby parades, craft exhibits, tractor pulls, demonstrations, and more. Food vendors provide fair goers with a variety of culinary choices including a nightly barbecue that’s complemented with sides of locally grown produce and locally made desserts. Read more.
Where: American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ
When: 7/25 – 7/27
Rico Rico Fiesta is Coming to American Dream. The largest Latin food and culture festival in the U.S., is coming to Lot 26 at American Dream from July 25–27. There will be 🌮 90+ Latin food vendors 🎶 Live music and performances 💃 Free dance workshops (salsa, bachata & more) 🛍 30+ merch vendors 🎈 Kids 10 & under get in FREE. Bring your appetite. Bring your crew. Let’s fiesta! Read more.
Where: Downtown Toms River, NJ
When: Till 10/18
Downtown Night Out is back for 2025! Every Friday and Saturday night beginning in May, Downtown Toms River comes alive and you don’t want to miss it. Throughout downtown, restaurants and businesses are open with outdoor dining on Washington St, music, shopping and more. So grab your friends and family and head downtown. Read more.
Where: Howell Living History Farm, Lambertville NJ
When: 7/26 – 7/27
Spend the day enjoying everything this county fair has to offer, including animal shows, hay rides, pony rides, music, a magic show, homemade ice cream, and more. Read more.
Where: Warren County Fairgrounds, Phillipsburg NJ
When: 7/26 – 8/2
Celebrating its 87th year, the Warren County Farmers’ Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, provides family entertainment for the whole community. The fun includes hot air balloon rides, a rodeo, horse shows, concerts, and a Kids Corral. Read more.
Where: High View Farms, Mt Olive NJ
When: 7/25 – 7/27
Enjoy the dogs, bunnies, baby chicks, rides, food, entertainment, Monster Trucks, barn dance, face painting, fairy hair and more at this 3-day festival. Read more.
Where: Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens, NYC
When: 6/25 – 8/13
This free eight-week series showcases rising artists across a variety of genres, bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands.
Music schedule:
7/16: Paul Russell
7/23: Alex Sampson
7/30: Brittney Spencer
8/6: MXMToon
8/13: TBA
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza, Downtown Cranford, NJ
When: 6/26 – 8/28
This June, the Summer Sounds Concert Series is back at Downtown Cranford! Visit every Thursday this summer from 6-8:30PM at Eastman Plaza for live music from local bands.
Music Schedule:
7/17: The Accelerators
7/24: Jersey Swamp Cats
7/31: Forget the Whale
8/7: Carlos Frias & Circulo Social
8/14: The Mission in the Rain Band
8/24: The Genesee Stills Band
8/28: Burnside Manor
Where: Terhune Orchards, Princeton NJ
When: 6/27 – 9/5
Spend a relaxing Friday evening at Terhune Orchards, with live music from local bands and, of course, wine. Light fare is available for purchase. Families are welcome. Grab a glass of one of our award-winning wines, sit back, relax, and enjoy live music from local artists each week. Barn Door Cafe is open for homemade dinner fare and light bites fresh from the farm. Sips & Sounds is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Music Schedule:
7/18: Zuko Phillips Cohn & Starr
7/25: Foglight
8/1: Mark Miklos
8/8: Barbara Lin Band
8/15: Joah Blume
8/22: Bill O’Neal & Andy Koontz
8/29: Three to Get Ready with Bill Flemer
9/5: Laundrymen
Where: Park Plaza, Downtown Plainfield NJ
When: 6/26 – 8/28
The Downtown Plainfield Pop-Up Concert Series features live music every Thursday evening in front of Park Plaza. From smooth jazz to soulful R&B and high-energy funk, this free outdoor concert series brings the community together with an incredible lineup of talent.
Music Schedule:
7/17: Joe Taino (Blues & Jazz)
7/24: Sofia Carrasco – (Latin Jazz Fusion)
7/31: Gordan Lane – Jazz
8/7: Rainbow Fresh – Fusion
8/14: Anthony Nelson & the Trio – Jazz
8/21: Doni Nicole – (R&B)
8/28: Boyd Plus – (Funk)
Where: Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
When: 6/20 – 7/26
BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn is a free summer-long outdoor concert and performance series that has been presenting talent from around the world and around the block for more than 40 years. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy!
Music Schedule:
7/12: Benefit Concert: Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour
7/17: Benefit Concert: Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail
7/18: Benefit Concert: Men I Trust
7/26: A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz
Where: Hall of Records, Freehold NJ
When: 6/26 – 8/31
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold’s summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts.
Music Schedule:
7/17: Black Dog
7/24: Midnight Rock Show
7/31: Eddie Money Tribute Band
8/7: Winslow
8/14: Van Halen Tribute Band
8/31: Turnstyles
Where: Spiotta Park, South Orange NJ
When: 6/21 – 8/30
South Orange Downtown’s live music series, Downtown After Sundown (DAS) is a free summer music series features 13 live performances from talented local musicians. Grab your favorite lawn chairs, order some delicious takeout from South Orange’s finest eateries and let the sweet sounds of South Orange ignite your summer nights.
Music Schedule:
7/19: South Street Live
7/26: Down To The Quick
8/2: Whiskey & Sugar
8/9: Tycoon Dog
8/16: Eric & Alina
8/23: The B Side
8/30: Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks
Where: William Morrow Beach, Somers Point NJ
When: 6/13 – 9/5
Friday night is music night at William Morris Beach, with free concerts each week.
Music Schedule:
7/18: “The Girls Can’t Help It!”
7/25: Tom Hambridge and the Rattlesnakes
8/1: John Cafferty and Beaver Brown Little Feat, The Band, Derek & the Dominoes, Traffic and The Allman Brothers Band
8/15: Vanessa Collier Band
AUG 22: Somers Point Legacy Conway Twitty’s grandson Tre Twitty
8/29: The Billy Walton Band
9/5: South Jersey Allstar
Where: The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx NYC
When: Till 10/26
The Conservatory Lawn blooms with a massive field of monumental sunflower sculptures by artist Cyril Lancelin alongside living sunflowers and other plants, all inspired by the flowers in Van Gogh’s famed artwork. On select Friday and Saturday nights, Starry Nights offers exhibition viewing in the glow of evening, with music and performers, drinks and food available for purchase, and, conditions-permitting, after-dark Van Gogh-themed drone shows. Read more.
Where: City Center, New Brunswick NJ
When: 7/26
It’s like the most wonderful time of the year in New Brunswick with Christmas in July. The fun includes selfies with Santa for both people and pets, children’s sandcastle constructions, chalk art, lawn games, and the sweet sound of holiday music. Don’t miss the festive dunk tank. Visitors are invited to experience Yuletide joy under the golden rays of July. Read more.
Where: Bryant Park, NYC
When: Till 9/12
Picnic Performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with 25 live and in-person music, dance, and theatrical shows. Bring a blanket and a picnic (of course).
Schedule:
7/18: Carnegie Hall Citywide: La Excelencia
7/25: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Cecile McLorin Salvant
8/1: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band
8/8: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Dez Duron
8/15: World Music Institute: Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East + Gamelan Dharma Swara
8/16: New York City Circus Fest
8/22: Belongo: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
8/29: Accordions around the World: Mattos and more
8/30: The Town Hall: New York loves Sly! Featuring Steven Bernstein
Where: Surfside Park, Avalon NJ
When: Till 8/22
Spend a fun-filled Friday night at Surfside Park, with balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing, character shows, games and prizes.
Schedule:
7/18: Mickey’s Magical Showcase
8/1: Royal Princess Showcase
8/8: Superheroes Unite 8/15: Wicked in Avalon
8/22: Minion Mayhem
Where: Historic Smithville & the Village Greene, Absecon NJ
When: 6/13 – 9/5
Stop by The Village Greene at Historic Smithville on Friday nights. to see some spectacular vehicles on display, or show off one of your own. The Car Cruises are a perfect hang-out for all car enthusiasts to see, show, and talk cars. Historic Smithville also offers 50 Shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, arcade, and on site lodging at the Colonial Inn and over 26 free weekend events. Read more.
No matter how you like to spend your summer—soaking up the sun, dancing under the stars, or exploring the city with your crew—Sleepover Party Shop’s top picks are your go-to guide for fun in NJ and NYC. From beach days to block parties, outdoor movies to rooftop hangs, there’s something magical waiting every weekend. ✨ Grab your calendar, round up your besties, and get ready to make this summer your most unforgettable one yet. Don’t forget to save this list and share the joy! 🌞🌈
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