New Jersey Leisure Guide Monthly Newsletter
September, 2020

At this time, and until further notice,  COVID-19 executive orders  in effect apply to large public gatherings such as concerts, festivals, and fireworks.

Outdoor public gatherings are limited to 500 people. Indoor concert venues, indoor movie theaters, indoor performing arts centers, indoor water parks, and indoor bars and restaurants remain closed.
Atlantic City's casinos are open at 25% capacity.

With near term cancellations occurring at a rapid rate, and despite trying to remove them as soon as we learn of the cancellations or restrictions, we  recommend viewers contact the event sponsors before heading out to a listed event to confirm their status.

September is also the unofficial ending of summer on Labor Day weekend, and the official beginning of fall on September 22nd. With pleasant temperatures, this is still a popular month for outdoor activities, Jersey Shore beaches, hotels, outdoor restaurant dining, and amusement parks remain open.

This Edition's Contents...

• Popular September Things To Do
• Seasonal Frequently Asked Question
• This Month's Featured Restaurant

September 2020 Things To Do

As of the date of the publication, the listed activities have not been cancelled, though many are operating with some restructions.

Labor Day Weekend Fireworks on the Beach in Wildwood
September 4th, 2020: at 10pm (Rain date is Sunday at 9 p.m)
On the Rio Grande Avenue beach
Wildwood, NJ
Website
 (609) 523-1602
This weekly event previously canceled up until now because of the pandemic, has now returned.
Visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk! Hear the fireworks explode to a musical score that is played all along the Boardwalk and is simulcast on 98.7 The Coast.

Trenton Pork Roll Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2020: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
Website
Cost: $5
Whether you call it Pork Roll or Taylor Ham ... this cult favorite meat, still made in Trenton, is one of Jersey's most beloved edible treasures. This event features Food trucks & guest chefs, a Beer garden and full bar, Live music stage, their superhero mascot, P-Roll (alias: Casey Taylor) VIP option for the ultimate experience Games and fun for kids and adults alike..

Beachwood Holiday Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, September 5th, 2020
Shelter Cove
Toms River, NJ
Website
This annual celebration, normally held on July 4th, due to Covid-19 this year has been postponed to Labor Day weekend
Fireworks at dusk

LBI's Annual Chowderfest
Saturday, September 5 until Sunday, October 4, 2020; Rain or Shine)
Taylor Avenue ball field, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue
(across from Schooner's Wharf and Bay Village)
Beach Haven, NJ
Website/Schedule
Chowderfest Weekend has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome the fall.
However, this year due to restrictions currently in place, the Chowderfest will bring chowder tasters directly to the source by supporting local restaurants and retailers. There will be a lot of events this year including a Chowderfest Play list for in home or on route listening, Ecommerce Chowderwear store, restaurants serving up dine and take home options as well as an online voting component, Chowder Virtual Run, social media and pop up surprises.
By allowing a full month to share the spirit of the event, it allows attendees to enjoy multiple restaurants at their own pace, avoiding overcrowding of restricted space and submitting their vote when they are sure of their choice. Starting September 5, patrons can begin purchasing Chowder cups, pints and quarts to taste so they can even create a "Chowderfest at Your House" event with online voting beginning Labor Day Weekend. Each voter can register for free and will receive the Chowderfest Virtual Information Packet. The event will be supported by interactive content as well as the announcement for the Chowderfest 2020 Overall Champion happening October 4.

Filipino American Festival
Sunday, September 6, 2020; 12pm — 8:00pm
Overpeck Park
199 Challenger Rd.
Ridgefield Park, NJ 076661
201-841-3070
Website
This event features all things Filipino with Filipino foods, vendors, a cultural show fashion show, entertainment, beverages, arts, bubble tea and more.

West Long Branch Fireworks Celebration
September 7, 2020
Franklin Lake Park
132 NJ-36
West Long Branch, NJ
Website
This event, originally scheduled for July 4th has been postponed to September 7th.
Families can bring their blankets and find that perfect spot to watch the spectacle, A concert will begin the night at 7 p.m. and will be followed by the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Don't Call Me Francis Band
Friday, September 11, 2020; 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
The Estate at Monroe
1351 N Black Horse Pike
Monroe Township, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $20/patron in a vehicle, or $60/Car for a Cars only Parking Spot - Tailgate area (10'x20')
Don't Call Me Francis Band is a high energy, smash-mouth, get up and jam type of band that has performed before entertainers such as Steve Winwood, Tom Jones and Brian Setzer.
This drive-in concert takes place on the grounds of the Estate at Monroe with a cool stage/video screen set up, featuring a live band and a DJ.
It's BYOB, with concessions, and bathrooms availble.

Downbeach Seafood Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2020; 12pm - 9pm
Ski Beach
Dorset Ave & Burk Ave
Ventnor. NJ
Website/Tickets
Admission: $10 per person. Kids under 12 are FREE
This family event features a seafood lover's dream with approximately 30 different local and regional seafood restaurants and purveyors who will be serving up their favorite seafaring dishes! This is a great opportunity for foodies and food seekers to meet some of Atlantic County's most unique chefs and restaurateurs all while eating their tasty creations, from clams to calamari, oysters to ahi, and even alligator. Attendees will get to try the vast selection of local restaurants, sipping Jersey made craft beers, cooking with local chefs, shopping unique exhibitors, or even playing in the sand.

New Jersey Motorsports Park for the Designer Wraps Beer Fest
September 12, 2020; 4PM - 8PM.
8000 Dividing Creek Rd
Millville, NJ
Website / Tickets
Cost: $35, early entry tickets at $45, and VIP tickets at $75 -Parking will be $10 per car - cash only
Expect over 30 craft breweries and 60 styles of beer, in addition to food trucks, vendors, live music by Megan Knight, and more. Your ticket includes beer samples from all participating breweries. Parking will be $10 per car - cash only. All ticket holders must bring valid ID for admission to the festival to receive proper credentials, wristband, and tasting glass. Guests are reminded that New Jersey Motorsports Park offers overnight accommodations including camping spots and hotel rooms.

South Jersey Wine & Food Festival
Saturday, September 19, Sunday, September 20, 2020
Lake Lenape Park East
753 Park Road
Mays Landing, NJ
Tickets
Attendees will get to meet some of South Jersey's best winemakers and culinary personalities and sample their delicious creations!

Asian-American Heritage Festival
September 20, 2020; 11am - 8pm
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave
Edison, NJ
Website
732 371 9625
This is a Lifestyle Family Festival that brings together the three things that appeal most to Asian-Amerucans:Entertainment, food, and shopping. There will be Dance Performances, Diverse Food Options, Ethnic Shopping, Bollywood Celebrities, Cricket Fun Game, Kids Games, and more.
Every one is invited to attend. People form all backgroungs, religions, and ethnicities are welcomed to join in to celebrate and enjoy the rich sights, sounds, and tastes of Asian-American culture.

Liberty Science Center Re-Opens Labor Day Weekend
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Website
They will reopen with digital tickets and limited capacity. Guests are asked to purchase tickets online in order to reduce wait times and increase physical distancing. Tickets will go on sale closer to the reopening. Guests age 2 and over must wear masks. All of their staff members will be wearing them, too. They will have fun new programming designed with your health and safety in mind. While some experiences, like the Touch Tunnel and Infinity Climber, will be temporarily closed, Their team has created lots of new programs and modified exhibitions to reduce contact. Stay tuned for the exciting updates!
For the safety of everyone, they will also be doing body temperature checks. If you register above 100.3°F, your party will have to return another time. Increased daily disinfecting and sanitizing protocols will be in place for the entire facility. There will be special attention paid to highly trafficked areas and high-touch surfaces throughout the building and its exhibits. Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the building. The Labor Day Weekend fun continues on September 6 and 7. Afterward, we will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Kites at the Pier
Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2020: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pier Village
50 Chelsea Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
Website
This two day family event features a dazzling display of giant inflatable kites visible for miles; an array of vertical wind feathers and ground displays; kids and adults Running of the Bols competition; super-sized giant bubbles, kite sales and a separate public flying field for all!.
Get in on the fun with music and kite flyers from all areas of the eastern seaboard flying their most incredible creations!

Seasonal Frequently Asked Question:

Question: Cape May in the Fall. We are looking for an offseason getaway probably the end of September, first week of October and was wondering if Cape May at this time of the year is still active?

Answer: Cape May is not just a summer resort, the fall season is very popular with many theme weekends and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach. If you go on a weekend, everything will be open. During the week some stores and restaurants may have shorter hours but most will still maintain regular hours. Cape May does not reach a lull until after Christmas. B & B's are very popular in the fall and you will need to book early

For more inforamtion visit the Cape May Visitors Guide

This Months Featured Restaurant

The Clean Plate Kitchen Restaurant
49 Main Street
Clinton, NJ
 908-200-7610
Website
Open for riverside dining, covered porch seating. Serves healthy food using locally sourced, organic ingredients.---- and with the best view in town, This is great place to dine in the warmer months on the outdoor patio with a view of the Old Red Mill on the Raritan River.
Review

Top Ten Things To Do in September - The popular NJ seasonal outdoor and indoor activities, events, attractions, and points of interest for people of all ages.

Labor Day Weekend Events - The popular things to do and events in Celebration of Labor Day.

NJ Drive-in Events - Down in the dumps over canceled concerts and festivals due to the COVID-19? Check out these venues offering drive-in concerts and movies.

Monthly Events - This page has links to events that appear in future months, usually 3-4 months in advance. The Monthly newsletter that you are receiving includes many of the events found on the pages.