5 Events In NJ This Weekend: Jazz Festivals, Popular Clambake + More

NEW JERSEY —There's plenty to do in the Garden State this weekend, with several music festivals going on, a renaissance and craft fair, and a sandcastle-building contest on the beach. And, fans of a popular Morris County clambake can look forward to the annual seafood feast.

Patch checked the calendar, and rounded up this selection of things to do this weekend (Sept. 9 and 10) around New Jersey.

Grand finale of the Montclair Jazz Festival (Essex Co.)

• Date: Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Location: Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
• Description: The free festival, which has been happening over the past month, wraps up with a massive "Downtown Jamboree." Live entertainment will take place on five stages, stretching down half a mile of Bloomfield Avenue from Lackawanna Plaza to Fullerton Avenue. (Read more here.)
• Tickets: None needed.

Even more music at the 2023 Central Jersey Jazz Festival (Two locations)

• Dates: Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Rain or shine
• Locations:
  • Saturday: Historic Stangl Road in Flemington's Artisans District, Flemington, NJ.
  • Sunday: Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green. Corner of E. Main & Grove Streets, Downtown Somerville, NJ

• Description: The weekend is packed with musicians performing over two dates, bringing “the sounds of today’s best jazz” to two outdoor venues in Central Jersey. (Read more here)
• Tickets: None needed.

Break out ye olde garb for Renaissance Vendor and Craft Faire, (Monmouth Co.)

• Date: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain or shine.
• Location: Farmingdale School Athletic Field, 49 Academy Street, Farmingdale, NJ
• Description: This event returns for a second year, featuring items from unique vendors, games, “frat fights,” and costume contests. Markland Medieval will once again be performing interactive demonstrations. (Read more here)
• Tickets: $2 per person, and children 2 years old and under are free.

Fill your plate at the 53rd Annual Family Clambake, (Morris Co.)

• Date: Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: Brookside Community Club Field, 1 E Main St, Mendham Township, NJ
• Description: Brookside Engine Co. No. 1’s annual family clambake offers food, music and activities, plus a chance to meet the firefighters who serve the Mendham area. (Read more here)
• Tickets: Online sales ended Thursday. Adult tickets are available at the gate for $60. Children’s tickets are $25.

Beach architects wanted at a sandcastle contest (Ocean Co.)

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 10 with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. and judging at noon.
• Location: Jenkinson's Beach, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
• Description: Point Beach Arts is holding this contest at Jenkinson's Beach, and all ages are welcome to the free family event. There are categories for kids age 11 or younger and for those ages 12 or older. Beach admission will be free for contestants. (Read more here.)

• Tickets: None needed - however, sandcastle builders are asked to register in advance online.