The top ten must-attend foodie events of the summer in New Jersey
Think farmers' markets are an early morning thing? Think again — because 4 p.m. is the new 8 a.m. at Jersey City's bustling Night Market.
Held on sporadic Saturdays throughout the warm months, the energetic event is turning the traditional idea of a market on its head with reverse hours, cosmopolitan decor and a clientele largely under the age of 40.
And as for the products sold? Just as unconventional as the atmosphere. In the past, customers have been offered Korean corn dogs, fried mushroom bao buns and gourmet babka, to name a few.
It — and nine others — are our must-attend outdoor foodie events of the summer.
"I totally dig the Jersey City Night Market," KC Gonzalez, owner of Tenmomi Ramen, said. "It has great energy and vibes, and it's a little non-traditional compared to the other farmers' markets that I do."
Gonzalez is a Nutley chef known for his innovative Japanese-Filipino fare. Each year, he serves his locally-acclaimed ramen bowls at a handful of North Jersey food festivals and markets.
"I attend several markets from down in Union County to up here in Jersey City," he said. "And the Night Market is definitely one of the best, if not the best, out of them all. The last one we did drew over 6,000 people, and everybody had a good time. All of the vendors did great."
In a truly unique evening, North Jersey residents gather under the lights to enjoy great eats, craft drinks and endless photo ops. Self-proclaimed "foodies" indulge in the internet's most relevant culinary trends — and relish the incongruity of purchasing fresh berries in the dark.
From sunset to sunset, Gonzalez says; "It's like an all-day party."
The ten can't-miss foodie events of the summer
Does partying the hours away at Jersey City's Night Market sound interesting to you? Or have you hungry for more unconventional food events (AKA, an outdoor eats gathering that isn't a farmers' market)?
You've come to the right place; because we at northjersey.com are pretty much a glossary of one-of-a-kind culinary happenings.
From Sussex County to Bergen, then, these are our ten can't-miss foodie events of the summer.
Jersey City Night Market, Jersey City
Join Jersey's top food vendors at an open-air foodie event to remember. On various nights throughout the summer (and early fall), the Jersey City Night Market will bring together chefs, artist/makers and more for six hours of great eats, chill vibes and sunset-hour photo-ops.
When/where: 3 to 9 p.m. on June 1, Aug. 3 and Oct. 5 at City Hall (179 Montgomery St., Jersey City); and 2 to 8 p.m. on May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sep. 21 and Oct. 19 at Journal Square (136 Magnolia Landing, Jersey City).
Learn more at: jcnightmarket.com.
Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival; Augusta
Rock and roll music and top-notch BBQ are the name of the game at this three-day Sussex County food festival. Over the course of the weekend, eleven bands and five barbecue pitmasters will join forces to provide guests with smoky, saucy meats — and a show.
When/where: June 28 to 30 at The Sussex County Fairgrounds; 37 Plains Road, Augusta.
Learn more at: rockribsandridges.com.
Dream Food Fest, East Rutherford
If you're looking for the biggest food festival in North Jersey? Look no further than Dream Food Fest, as the "ultimate foodie paradise" will host more than 120 vendors in its American Dream Mall lot. The event brands itself as globally-focused, and includes international eats ranging from ramen to cachapas — with mochi donuts, tacos and Filipino deep-fried watermelon in between.
When/where: 4 to 10 p.m. (July 12), and noon to 10 p.m. (July 13 to 15) at the American Dream Mall, Lot 26; 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford.
Learn more at: dreamfoodfestival.com.
The Big Dill Pickle Festival, Philadelphia
Ok, so this isn't exactly in New Jersey, but, for just a short ride to Philly, pickle-lovers can unite, eat and socialize at the nation's largest pickle party. Aptly named The Big Dill, the niche festival includes pickle-centric food trucks/vendors, a brine chug challenge, outdoor activities, mascots, a pickle rave and more.
(A kids' zone will be on the premises, too, as this is a family-friendly event).
When/where: June 15 (noon to 7 p.m.) at 110 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia.
Learn more at: bigdill.com/pages/philly.
Farm-to-Table Strawberry Pancake Breakfast, Alstede Farms (Chester)
No strawberry tastes as good as one picked straight from the vine at Alstede Farms — except for the ones baked into fresh pancakes, also at Alstede Farms. This June, the team will whip up hundreds of those decadent, fruit-loaded flapjacks to serve to guests (who will be brought in on hayrides) in its rustic harvest hall.
Following breakfast, guests are invited to stay, free of charge, to enjoy the farm's PYO fruit fields.
When/where: June 2 (8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. start times available) at 1 Alstede Farms Lane in Chester. Advance tickets required.
Learn more (and purchase tickets) at: alstedefarms.com/farm-events-calendar.
Foodie 5K, Woodbury
Would you run for pizza? How about BBQ? Or a soft-serve twisty cone from Mister Softee? Now is the time to figure out, because all three of those food items will be available — for free — to participants who complete this Woodbury-based Foodie 5K.
If running (or distance) isn't your speed, however, fear not; a one-mile walk is also an option, as is a short kids race.
When/where: May 29 (start times: 6:15 kids race, 6:30 p.m. 5K, 6:35 p.m. one-mile walk) at Lot 323; 115 South Broad St., Woodbury.
Learn more at: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Woodbury/Foodie5K.
New Jersey State Fair, Augusta
State fairs are known for their outrageous food options (specifically of the fried variety), and the annual New Jersey State Fair will be no exception. Held on the spacious Sussex County Fairgrounds, the event will boast fat-filled delicacies from funnel cakes to fried pickles.
And, as for the non-fried options? Expect nachos, pierogis and cannoli ice cream sundaes, to name a few.
When/where: August 2 through 10 at The Sussex County Fairgrounds; 37 Plains Road, Augusta.
Learn more at: sussexcountyfairgrounds.org.
Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival, Paramus
Food truck events have become a dime a dozen in Jersey lately, so it's often hard to decide which ones are worth going to. With over 20 trucks in attendance (including many of our favorites, like Angry Archies Lobster) and a beer and sangria garden, however, Just Jersey's Paramus festival is not to be missed.
When/where: June 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Paramus Park Mall; 700 Paramus Park, Paramus.
Learn more at: justjerseyfest.com.
Hoboken Italian Festival, Hoboken
Food plus Italians might equal the most New Jersey event we've ever heard of, so, if you're a Garden State aficionado? Be sure to head over to the Hoboken Italian Festival this September. Over four days, the event will feature high-quality European eats, live music and a massive Saturday "feast" alongside the Hudson riverfront.
When/where: Sept. 5-8 on Sinatra Drive (1st through 3rd Street blocks, along the Hudson River) in Hoboken.
Learn more at: hobokenitalianfestival.com.
Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest, Freehold
Good news, competitive eaters! You no longer have to travel to Coney Island to compete in Nathan's Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, because Jersey Freeze will be hosting its own frankfurter competition right here in our home state. To be held in the shop's parking lot prior to the town's annual firework celebration (July 3), the outdoor event will challenge participants to crush as many hot dogs as they can in 10 minutes. Prize bags will be awarded to the winners.
To enter, send a DM to @jerseyfreeze1952 on Instagram.
When/where: July 3, about 7:30 p.m., approximately an hour before Freehold's annual fireworks begin, at 120 Manalapan Ave., Freehold.
Learn more at: instagram.com/jerseyfreeze1952.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Outdoor food events to attend in New Jersey this summer