21 Summer Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals Your Family Will Love
Don’t miss these state and county fairs, festivals, and carnivals for families in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Get kid-friendly activities sent to you!
Get the Best Kid-Friendly Activities
Sent to You Weekly!
Jurassic Quest Drive Thru Summer Tour
WHEN: July 30-Aug. 8, Wednesday, 1-8pm; Thursday-Friday and Sunday, 9am-8pm; Saturday 9am-9pm
WHERE: Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT
WHAT: See more than 70 dinosaurs in person! Jurassic Quest’s herd—from the largest predators to playful baby dinos—is displayed in realistic scenes that allow guests to experience them roaring and moving. Make epic family memories including a choose-your-own-audio-adventure tour, a visit with baby dinos and trainers, and a digital souvenir photo.
WANT TO GO? $49; $80 for passenger vehicles seating 9-15 people. Police, military, medical personnel, and first responders save 10 percent (must show valid ID). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
FREE Mercer County 4-H Fair
WHEN: July 31-Aug. 1, Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ
WHAT: Visit the Howell Living History Farm for a truly enjoyable day! The fair includes animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music, magic shows, and farm tours!
WANT TO GO? Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.
83rd Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair
WHEN: July 31-Aug. 7, Monday-Friday, 3-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-10pm
WHERE: Warren County Farmers, 1350 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg, NJ
WHAT: This fair, featuring one of New Jerseys’ popular hot air balloon festivals, is truly a family affair. Balloon launches, balloon rides, and tethered rides. Savor the bounty of Warren County’s agricultural community. See old, antique, and fast cars! Be sure to check out the Kids Rodeo Roundup on Friday. Shows, crafts, educational presenters, daily contests, and clowning around with Merriloons.
WANT TO GO? Admission: $9; $5 ages 6-12; free for ages children 5 and younger. Ride bracelet prices and individual ticket prices were not available at time of press. Tickets for shows will be available for purchase the week of the fair.
Fairs, Festivals, & Carnivals in August
Middlesex County Fair
WHEN: Aug. 2-8, Monday-Friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-10pm
WHERE: Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
WHAT: Browse a selection of homemade goods made by local vendors. Feel the thrill of adventure as you hop on one of the rides. Indulge in some traditional fair food and entertainment. And explore the rich agricultural heritage of Middlesex County.
WANT TO GO? Admission: $10; $4 seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. $25 ride bracelet. $45 Mega Bracelet Multi-Day Pass. $1 single tickets; $20 for 24 tickets; $50 for 64 tickets.
61st Annual Lebanon Country Fair
WHEN: Aug. 6-8, Friday, 5-10pm; Saturday, 8:30am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Lebanon Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT
WHAT: The Lebanon Country Fair offers entertainment on the center stage, food, games, and more!
WANT TO GO? Admission: $10-$11; $9 seniors; free for children ages 11 and younger and active, retired or disabled military with ID.
New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
WHEN: Aug. 7-14, daily, 10am-10pm; carnival rides open at 12pm
WHERE: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ
WHAT: Make it a day of carnival rides, live entertainment, animals, carnival treats and more!
WANT TO GO? $14; $10 seniors 60 and older; $6 children ages 6-12. See website for various promotions, pay-one-price, and mega pass options.
Wolcott Country Fair
WHEN: Aug. 20-22, Friday, 4-11pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm
WHERE: Wolcott Country Fairgrounds, 245 Wolcott Road, Wolcott, CT
WHAT: There is so much to do at the Wolcott Country Fair including kiddy rides, thrill rides and games of chance! Enjoy the incredible variety of delicious food and catch some of the many bands playing country, oldies, and pop.
WANT TO GO? Admission: $10; $8 seniors ages 65 and older; free for children ages 10 and younger and current active duty, reserve, and National Guard Service members (must have a valid military CAC ID). $25 carnival ride wristband Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
The Great New York State Fair
WHEN: Aug. 20-Sept. 6, Monday-Thursday, 10am-11pm; Friday-Sunday, 10am-12am; Sept. 6, 10am-9pm (closing time subject to change without notice)
WHERE: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
WHAT: This one-of-a-kind fair will feature New York’s best food and drink, live music and entertainment, rides, and games. Daily concerts include REO Speedwagon, Dropkick Murphys, Foreigner, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Farm animals will be on display to introduce the young and young-at-heart to New York’s agriculture.
WANT TO GO? $3; free for children 12 and younger. Tickets must be purchased online. Midway Ride Ticket prices were not available at time of press.
The 175th Dutchess Fair
WHEN: Aug. 24-19, daily, 10am-10pm; rides close at 11pm on Saturday
WHERE: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 Route 9, Rhinebeck
WHAT: The Dutchess Fair is back with fairgoer favorites, including the midway, fun fair food, animals, and free entertainment!
WANT TO GO? Admission prices were not available at time of press.
2021 4-H & Agricultural Fair
WHEN: Aug. 25-29, Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ
WHAT: Enjoy animals, great food, amazing entertainment, rides, and a variety of displays make for great family fun!
WANT TO GO? Admission is free; $17-$25 ride wrist bands.
Brooklyn Fair 2021
WHEN: Aug. 26-29, Thursday, 4-11pm; Friday, 10am-11pm; Saturday, 9am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Fairgrounds, 15 Fairgrounds Road, Brooklyn, CT
WHAT: Catch one of New England’s best agricultural fairs! It’s family-oriented, featuring food, music, agricultural displays, amusement rides, and more!
WANT TO GO? Admission: $10; $8 seniors ages 65 and older and military members with ID; free for children ages 12 and younger. $30 ride bracelets: Thursday, 4-11pm; Friday, 12-5pm; Sunday, 12-6pm. Regular ride tickets must be used all other times.