Last summer and fall were long for those who love good food.
No street fair full of stalls selling everything from falafel to French fries. There is no beer festival where you throw back as many pints as you like while the sun shines.
But now we’re back in the prime of overeating ice cream, drinks, and fried foods.
There are several upcoming festivals in Central Jersey that can get your foodie flag flying.
Edison Fall Family Spectacular, September 25
Hosted by Edison and the Edison Township Recreation Department, the Edison Falls Family Spectacular kicks off in the fall with events befitting the Township’s vast scale. The Edison Fall Family Spectacular occupies eight blocks along Amboy Avenue in the Clarabarton section from Walchuma Avenue to Jackson His Avenue.
Two food courts include food trucks and street vendors, wine and beer gardens, arts and crafts vendors, music on two stages, professional wrestling rings, remote control car tracks, and a children’s entertainment area.
go: September 25; along Amboy Avenue in the Clarabarton section from Wolcuma to Jackson Avenue. freedom. facebook.com/events/2925904604306138
Fanniewood Day, Funwood, September 19th
Fannie Wood Day is Funwood’s annual event that honors the mythical Fannie Wood. Legend has it that Fanny Wood wrote a poem about the district, was the daughter of the local railroad president, or may not have existed at all. At Fanniewood Her Day, a street fair in Funwood that regularly draws about 10,000 visitors, that doesn’t seem to matter.
This year, the 20-year-old event returns with the classic pizza and ice cream eating contest, as well as food exhibitors and trucks such as empanadas, tornado potatoes, zeppole, sausage and peppers. There is also live music, children’s activities, crafts and retail stores, games and rides.
go: September 19; along 200 South Avenue and La Grande Avenue in Funwood. freedom. jcpromotions.info/product/fannywood-day-fanwood-street-fair/
Middlesex County Fair, East Brunswick, August 2-8
Each summer, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the week-long Middlesex County Fair. The fair is jam-packed with rides, four-hour exhibits, arts, crafts, home goods, food vendors, entertainment, attractions, and fireworks.
The fair is back:Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Coming Next Month
This year’s 82nd annual fair features nearly 90 vendors offering gyros, cheesesteaks, cotton candy, corn dogs, pulled pork, Italian sausages, funnel cakes, lemonade, fried Oreos, pizza, cheesecake and more To do.
go: Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Cranberry Road, East Brunswick, August 2-8. $5 to $11 per person. middlesexcountyfair.com
South Amboy Irish Festival, September 25th
For 42 years, the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a surefire way to experience all the good luck and fun the Irish have. After having to cancel the parade two years in a row due to the pandemic, the City of South Amboy and the South Amboy Parade Committee kick off the first South Amboy Irish Festival.
Belated St Patrick’s Day:Here’s how South Amboy is celebrating its Irish heritage later this year
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park features craft and food vendors, rides for children, Irish musicians Willie Lynch and Andy Cooney, Lynn Academy of Irish Dance step dancers, Colonel DB Kelly Pipes and drums at dusk You can check fireworks.
go: September 25th Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy. freedom. facebook.com/events/513001953279412/
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival, Union Township, September 9-12
Now in its 44th year, the Greek Festival of St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox welcomes you to become Greek for the day, including authentic Greek food prepared on site. Enjoy dishes such as souvlaki, gyros and pastries, as well as a full bar stocked with beer, liqueurs, wine and ouzo.
real food:Raritan Boro has a new Italian restaurant that makes everything from scratch.
Plus, enjoy live music, DJ tunes, folk dancing, vendors, rides and games at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
go: September 9th to 12th. 721 Rahway Ave., Union Township (Union County); $2 per person. facebook.com/events/785592159016938
Jenna Intersimone has been a USA Today Network New Jersey staff member since 2014 after blogger turned reporter after creating an award-winning travel blog. Subscribe now or activate her digital account for unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun.Contact: [email protected] or @JIntersimone.