5 NJ Events To Check Out This Weekend: Summer Festivals, Butterflies

NEW JERSEY — Another week has come and gone, and Patch rounded up some weekend events in New Jersey on this second-to-last weekend in July.

This weekend’s highlights include a well-known Italian festival, a popular summer carnival, the chance to get up close with sharks, and a pet adoption event that coincides with a car, truck, and motorcycle show.

Here’s what’s going on around New Jersey:

St. Ann's Italian Festival kicks off 113th year (Hudson Co.)

Live music returns to the St. Ann's Festival in Hoboken this year, along with games, rides, and fried zeppole desserts. The street festival is open from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, and from 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is no cost to get in. (Read more in this Patch article.)

"Fast and the Furriest" pet adoption event/vehicle show (Ocean Co.)

Enjoy a car show and maybe bring home a new furry friend at the Fast and the Furriest Car/Truck/Motorcycle Show and Pet Adoption Event. This event is Saturday at Veterans Park in Bayville, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Read more at this Patch article.)

"Shark Summer" begins at Adventure Aquarium (Camden Co.)

This shark-focused festival celebrates the ocean's apex predators, and visitors can brave the suspended Shark Bridge above the water or touch some of the most exotic sharks in the world, the aquarium says.

Also, look for the "Scuba Tooth Fairy" who will search for fallen shark teeth underwater in the 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. Shark Summer is open now through Aug. 20. (Read more via Adventure Aquarium.)

St. Mary's Parish Nights of Summer Carnival (Ocean Co.)

The Nights of Summer Carnival is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and runs all weekend from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Manahawkin. Rides, food, games, and entertainment are all on the agenda. The carnival ends Sunday, and features free admission and free parking. (Read more via St. Mary's Barnegat.)

Annual North Jersey "Butterfly Day" (Bergen Co.)

Anyone looking to admire the beauty of nature may want to wander to DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst for Butterfly Day on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family-friendly program "explores the significance of these winged marvels and showcases the Meadowlands’ unique urban ecosystem," organizers say.

The event is free, and is co-hosted by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and Bergen County Audubon Society. The rain date is July 30. (Read more in this Patch article.)