Pig Races, Fireworks, And Daily Concerts (New): Meadowlands Fair Returns For 18 Days

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Where can you find fireworks, racing pigs, syrupy funnel cakes, and live bands and then go back for more the next day? The State Fair Meadowlands!

The annual fair returned to East Rutherford this Thursday and will run for 18 days, including two nights of fireworks.

Taking place from June 22-July 9, the 2023 Fair is the largest, long-lasting New Jersey event of the summer.

As a new feature, there will be daily live music.

The fair will also include "death-defying stunts, high wire jumps and magic routines."

Here are some other attractions:

• Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean
• Cycle Circus
• BIG BEE Transforming Car
• Magician Lance Gifford
• Petting zoo with ponies, llamas, and donkeys, plus pony rides for an added fee.

“This year is going to be our best, most entertainment-packed year yet,” said Mike Dorso, Vice President of State Fair Meadowlands. “We have perennial favorites with new performers that are sure to please. All the favorite foods are back with a few new vendors.”

The State Fair Meadowlands will be open weeknights with extended hours on weekends and July 4. Parking is free every day for all fairgoers.

Taking Uber to the Fair? You can follow directional signs to the designated drop off and pick-up location.

The Food

Also, "The State Fair Meadowlands has a reputation for some of the best fair food. It offers an impressive range of fair standards, such as mouth-watering cheesesteaks, and Greek gyros. It also has exotic alligator meat prepared in a number of delicious ways. Try a plate of hand-crafted Puerto Rican food with fresh empanadas while you sip a hand-squeezed lemonade. Don’t forget to sample all the fried foods from fried Oreos to fried candy bars. But wait; there’s something for the health conscious, too. The smoothie stand features an excellent array of different blended fruit and veggie drinks."

The Music

Organizers say, "Fairgoers will have their pick of everything from Latin rock favorites to funk
dance tunes, soulful ballads, and popular rock covers. The concerts will take place at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. every day.

Highlights include:

• Canvas (June 22-25), influenced by Bluegrass Folk, Rock, and Hip Hop, this band offers a fusion of sounds with original songs and covers ranging from Santana to Enrique Iglesias.
• Rising star with roots in gospel music/R&B, Parker Phillips (June 26-30) has performed on stages across the country, including the world-famous Apollo Theatre, where he recently won Amateur Night in early April 2023. His debut single is “Runnin,” and his single “WADE” released in February, is followed by his latest release “Wishing Praying,” which started streaming on all major platforms June 2.
• Over the July 4th Holiday, Monte Ibel (July 1-4) will be performing. A multi-instrumentalist inspired by the likes of Prince and Deangelo, he has an eclectic sound, while fusing modern pop with soul sounds of the 70’s.
• Closing out the concert series is singer/songwriter Jason Guzman featuring Axel (July 5-9). Guzman has played venues such as The Bitter End, and The Knitting Factory, and can be found regularly entertaining crowds throughout New York City. In addition to original tunes, he performs a wide range of covers from Maroon 5 to Mariah Carey and Los Lobos.

The fair also features rides and games for children and adults.

For hours and other information, visit www.njfair.com and follow them on social media platforms.

Pricing information can be found at http://njfair.com/tickets/