New Jersey has become synonymous with Jersey Shore, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s packed to its borders with hedonism, chaos and materialism. But what travellers can find instead is a beautiful state covered by golden shores, welcoming smiles and lush farmlands. The Garden State attracts for many reasons, and lots of travellers visit the state for its bustling and busy festival scene, with more than enough events to attract visitors all year around.
New Jersey’s Miss America Pageant is undoubtedly the most famous event in the entire state. From tiaras to tantrums, everyone is familiar with the tropes and traditions of the event – and the winning face is always guaranteed to become a future star. The event provides scholarship assistance to all entrants, and ensures that it promotes equality, education and entertainment, while the competition itself includes beauty displays, interviews, talent performances and plenty more. It’s a little different to most festivals, but it’s an ideal event for those with a thirst for glamour and occasion.
Celebration of the Suds is a frothy and foamy festival of boozy beers, and specialises in varied craft ales from every part of the USA. The event, which also goes by the name of Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, offers stouts, porters, IPAs, wheat beers and a cornucopia of thirst-quenching beverages from almost 100 different breweries. The event specialises in offering rare and sought-after beers from famous and iconic breweries, and offers a much bigger selection and choice than most other beer festivals. So if there’s one place to sip a few cold ones, this is it! And if that doesn’t wet your whistle, there are also many national and regional food vendors and musicians to provide the sustenance and entertainment.
The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning has won many awards, and is a perfect idea for a family day out. For three days, hundreds of themed and decorated balloons ascend, descend and impress over the scenic backdrop of the Readington countryside. Each year, there are also fireworks, demonstrations, balloon rides and music performances from a host of famous names.
Other festivals in the state offer food, drink, music and more, with some festivals dedicated to offerings as strange and silly as Scandinavia, kites and fish. So come along, join the fun, leave your expectations at home and let New Jersey surprise you!