Summer has only just begun, but the summer festival calendar in New Jersey is in full effect, chock full of events dedicated to food, music and community fun.Maybe you want to pick some blueberries in the birthplace of the fruit's cultivation. Maybe you want to take a ride in a hot air balloon overlooking summer greenery. Maybe you want to eat some barbecue ribs while listening to Foghat. And maybe you want to eat your weight in seafood, tacos or Jersey tomatoes.There's a festival for that. Survey our list of summer festivals below to help plan your weekends, day trips and other outings this season.
Now-June 24: Immaculate Conception Parish Festival
The 17th Immaculate Conception Parish Festival runs through June 24 in Annandale (316 Old Allerton Road), with rides, a pig roast on June 22, fireworks on June 23 and tricky tray;
icfestival.org/IC_Festival/Home.html
June 22-24: North Wildwood Italian-American Festival
At the North Wildwood Italian-American Festival, which runs from June 22 to 24, you can watch a Miss Italy contest, enter a meatball relay race or even attempt some grape-stomping. First and Olde New Jersey avenues in North Wildwood from June 23 to 25;
wildwoodsnj.com Sea Isle City Food Truck Invitational
June 22-24: Sea Isle City Food Truck Invitational
The fourth Sea Isle City Food Truck Invitational runs from June 22 to 24 at Kix McNutley's (6400 Landis Ave.). Participating trucks include Marie's Seafood, Cold Stone Creamery, Dan's Waffles, Philly Fry, Cannoli World, Grilled Cheese Factory, The Empanada Sonata, Nick's Roast Beef, Pirate Pete's and Loco Gringo's Street Taco Express. There will also be crafters, games and live music;
seaislecityfood.com
June 23: Cape May Hops Festival
Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate hosts the Cape May Hops Festival on June 23 with beer from local breweries, live music and barbecue in addition to a crafts and collectibles show and children's activities;
facebook.com/events/405417943208646/ or
capemaymac.org