Friday, July 23
12 MO’ Angry Men
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark, info here
In this timely reimagining of 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose, 11 black jurors and one white juror deliberate about the guilt and/or innocence of a white police officer who shot and killed a 16-year-old black teen. It’s free, and food trucks will be there.
New Jersey Documentary Film Festival
10 Sparta Ave., Sparta, njdocfest.com
A variety of feature-length documentaries running all weekend from the Sparta Avenue Stage.
St. Ann’s Italian Street Festival
Church of St. Ann’s, Jefferson and Seventh Streets, Hoboken, stannhoboken.com
A beloved tradition for over 100 years, this event features 60-plus vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts, games and a procession through the streets of Hoboken on Saturday. Festivities run all weekend, though.
New Brunswick Restaurant Week
Various locations in New Brunswick, info here
Taste the best the Hub City has to offer as dozens of restaurants participate in this event with specials and discounts. Runs through the weekend.
New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Solberg Airport, 39 Thor-Solberg Road, Readington, info here
100 hot air balloons, live music (Max Weinberg, Styx, Barenaked Ladies and more), food, fireworks… it’s a good time. Runs all weekend.
Jorma Kaukanen
Suneagles Golf Club, Eatontown, info here
In a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues and rock. Go see him.
Saturday, July 24
Biergarten Fest
Germania Park, 56 Conger St., Rockaway Township
Dive into some German beer and food from 1-7 p.m. Entrance is $5, and there’ll be live music. Knock your lederhosen off.
New Jersey Beer Festival Aboard the Battleship
Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton St., Camden, info here
Hey, go drink on a big boat. Plenty of local breweries will be on-hand to help you get that done from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $50; VIP tickets are $75 and get you in an hour earlier.
SopranosCon
Harrah’s, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City, info here
This is Comic-Con for gangster movies, a fan-created dedication to films and television shows like The Sopranos, Goodfellas, The Godfather, A Bronx Tale, Donnie Brasco, and more. There’ll be an interactive, street fair-inspired fan experience with food, music, exhibits, galleries, vehicles, cosplay, contests and pictures and autographs with guests like Ice-T, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Giancarlo Esposito and many more.
Knee High Knuckle Busters Micro Wrestling
Ducktown Tavern, 2400 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, info here
Knee-High Knuckle Busters Championship Micro Wrestling will once again be slamming down in Atlantic City for its fourth consecutive year. Ducktown Tavern’s outdoor “Back Duck” transforms into a high-energy arena for this spectacle of unique entertainment that will astonish and amaze, they say.
Sunflower Festival
Ferrara’s Orchards, 1564 Commissioners Road, Mullica Hill, info here
Pick your own sunflowers throughout the day and take ’em on home. $1 per flower, and bring your own scissors.
Butterfly Gardens for Adults
Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, info here
Go learn what makes a butterfly a butterfly and how you can transform a small part of your yard or green space into a butterfly oasis.
Sunday, July 25
22nd Annual Miracle Run
Cranford Elks, 951 Lincoln Ave East, Cranford
Support a good cause—proceeds benefit children with special needs—and get moving in this charity fun-run.
Saving Abel
Artie’s Bar and Grille, 1121 Rt. 12, Frenchtown, info here
Live music from Saving Abel at a unique venue. Tickets are $20.
Queer Women in Music Festival of Musicians
Crossroads, 78 North Avenue, Garwood, info here
Tickets are $15 at the door and 100% of proceeds go to the artists and organizers of this concert featuring queer women artists.