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N.J.'s 5 Best Summer Festivals And Outdoor Fairs

New Jersey is busting with great weekend plans for you in all corners of the state. These events are great for relaxing family time, dates and groups of friends to check out and enjoy. Here are the highlights of the summer festival scene in the Garden State. By Emily Tamburri.

More: N.J.'s 5 Best Outdoor Bars

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwoods Kite Festival
(credit: skyfestivals.com/)

from Rio Grande Ave to Burke Ave
Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-729-9000
skyfestivals.com
May 25 – May 28, 2012

View the bright whirling colors that glide across the sky at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. The kites are diverse and the flying techniques are impeccable—with just the right amount of wind and the dexterous workings of the kite flier's string, you will be able to witness a multitude of tricks and aerial displays. If you'd like to try your hand at flying your own kite during this spectacle of a weekend, feel free to register online or at the registration booths set up at the event. Competitive kite flying events will take place over the course of the weekend and the celebration carries long into the evening with the Nite Kite Show.

Jersey Shore Wine Festival

2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-901-7000
lakewood.blueclaws.milb.com/
June 2 – June 3, 2012

The Jersey Shore Wine Festival will be hosted by the Lakewood BlueClaws the first weekend in June as a great kick off to the summer. This two day event allows guest to sample award winning wines from ten of New Jersey's participating wineries (some of who are featured in our NJ's Best Wineries write up). Advance tickets are currently on sale for $15, which include a pass for both days of tastings, vendors, food, entertainment and a complimentary wine glass to commemorate the occasion.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center
(credit: Appel Farm Arts & Music Center)

457 Shirley Rd.
Elmer, NJ 08318
856-358-2472
appelfarm.org/
June 2, 2012

This two stage day of concerts take place on the 176 acres of Appel Farm grounds where guests can enjoy a day of live music and hand crafted artwork on display and for purchase. Sounds of folk, blues and acoustic rock music will entertain your ears throughout the day as you view on site artist demonstrations and pick up some treats at the food distributors.

Vintage Auto Museum's 2nd Annual July 4th Car Show

301 Union Ave.
Lakehurst, NJ 08733
732-797-1456
vintageautomuseum.org
July 4, 2012

If you are a car enthusiast, venture down to Lakehurst, NJ for a great vintage car show. Lines of old time foreign and domestic cars, trucks will be displayed with hoods popped and ready for viewing. If you are the lucky owner of one of these classic cars, feel free to bring your car and share it's beauty with all the like-minded individuals in attendance (all registration information available through the website). Trophies will be awarded after the parade and a firework display will conclude the evening.

Cape May Craft Beer and Crab Festival

Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ
609-884-5404
capemaymac.org/
August 11, 2012

Beer and fresh seafood, mainly crab, are a true definition of summer, and Cape May has thoughtfully combined the two into a day long all you can eat and drink festival. The day features local craft beers from local NJ breweries and a crab boil alongside other favorite summer sides like corn on the cob and potato salad. The outdoor stage will feature live music and vendors, a farmers market and an old-fashioned Victorian carnival will be on site to encompass a full day of family fun.

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