Summer carnival season is here! Squeeze in a visit to a carnival this weekend in between your beach trips, summer BBQs, and family outings.
The best part of it is that many of these summer carnivals are fundraisers for non-profit organizations, so you will have fun while helping local communities!
Living in the New York metro area, it’s so easy to drive to a nearby summer carnival even if it’s in a different state! That’s why we included Long Island carnivals, New Jersey carnivals, Westchester Carnivals and Carnivals in Connecticut. There is a summer carnival every weekend in the New York suburbs.
If you are looking for things to do in the New York suburbs this summer, you can always to go a carnival!
Here is our guide 2023 to summer carnivals in Westchester, NJ, CT and Long Island.
Northern New Jersey Carnivals
Looking for summer fairs and carnivals in Northern NJ? Here is our list of the best carnivals in NJ.
Carnival in Paramus, NJ
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival in Paramus
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ
When: May 25, 2023 – June 11, 2023
Time: Wednesday to Friday: 5pm to 11pm. Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day: 3pm to 11pm
The L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival is a summer carnival in Paramus, NJ. This New Jersey carnival is hosted by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence
Admission to the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival is $5.
Mega passes will be available for purchase online including admission.
Individual ride tickets are $15 for 11 ride tickets, $25 for 22 ride tickets and $55 for 55 ride tickets.
Most rides required 3 to 6 tickets per ride.
For visitors that are only attending the carnival or only purchasing ride tickets, you must also pay gate admission.
For visitors who choose to buy their wristbands at the carnival, you will have to also pay gate admission.
Carnival in Norwood, NJ
Norwood PTO Carnival
Where: Kennedy Field, Broadway & Walnut St., Norwood, NJ
When: May 31 – June 3, 2023
Time: Wednesday to Friday: 6pm to 10pm. Saturday: 2pm to 10pm.
The Norwood PTO Carnival 2023 is a summer carnival in Norwood, NJ. This NJ summer carnival is hosted by The Norwood Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
The Norwood PTO Carnival opens from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday – Friday, and from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday.
The Norwood PTO Carnival will also have a sensory friendly session from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Advance sale credits are $30 for 30 credits (50% off).
Carnival in Fort Lee, NJ
Madonna Church Carnival in Fort Lee
Where: Madonna Roman Catholic Church, Fort Lee, NJ
When: June 6, 2023 – June 11, 2023
Time: Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm to 10pm. Friday: 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 4pm to 11pm and Sunday: 4pm to 9pm.
The Madonna Church Carnival is a popular carnival in Fort Lee, NJ. The Madonna Church Carnival is hosted by the Madonna Roman Catholic Church.
The Madonna Church Carnival is a six day event that opens from 6pm to 10pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday and from 4pm to 9pm on Sunday.
Carnival in Oakland, NJ
Oakland Town Carnival
Where: Oakland Recreation Complex, Oakland, NJ
When: June 21, 2023 – June 24, 2023.
Time: Opens at 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday, June 21 and Thursday, June 22, Opens at 6pm to 11pm on Friday, June 23 and opens at 5pm to 11pm on Saturday, June 24.
The Oakland Town Carnival is a summer carnival in Oakland, NJ. This popular New Jersey carnival is sponsored by the Borough of Oakland.
Wristband Special for unlimited rides on Wednesday and Thursday is $30 while on Friday and Saturday is $35.
The Oakland Town Carnival will also have a booth for those with sensory concerns on Saturday, June 24th at 3pm to 5pm.
Special wristband will be given at the entrance to anyone wishing to come for the 2 hours on June 24th. Guardians/Chaperones are required.
Carnival in East Rutherford, NJ
State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford
Where: 1 Met Life Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
When: June 22, 2023 – July 9, 2023
Time: Opens at 2pm on weekends and holidays and 6pm on weekdays
Come to one of New Jersey’s largest summer carnivals, State Fair Meadowlands.
This popular summer carnival in NJ is a fun family event with over 150 rides and attractions for the entire family and over 50 food vendors serving up delicious meals, snacks, and sweets
The State Fair Meadowlands also have a fireworks show scheduled for July 3 and 4 after 10 pm; lasting approximately 20 minutes.
The State Fair Meadowlands will not have an admission-only ticket this year 2023. The Fun Pass ticket is the only form of admission.
There are two ticket types, Fun Pass Tickets, and Fast Pass.
Fun Pass tickets must be purchased online which include free parking, unlimited rides, and free shows.
Fast Pass is a wristband that gives you access to a VIP line at selected carnival rides.
Carnival in Glen Rock, NJ
Glen Rock Family Fair
Where: Wilde Memorial Park at 683 Maple Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ
When: June 14, 2023 – June 17, 2023
Time: 5:30pm to 10pm
The Glen Rock Family Fair is a family-friendly NJ carnival. This popular New Jersey carnival is back for 4 days of family fun!
The Glen Rock Family Fair is open from Wednesday, June 14, 2023 to Friday, June 17, 2023, daily from 5:30pm to 10pm.
Come and enjoy exciting rides for all ages, carnival games, and a variety of tasty fair foods.
Carnival in Bayonne, NJ
The Bayonne Annual Hometown Fair in Bayonne
Where: Broadway beginning at 21st Street and goes up to 26th Street in Bayonne, NJ
When: June 3, 2023 – June 4, 2023
The Bayonne Annual Hometown Fair is a very popular carnival in Bayonne, NJ. In fact, this NJ carnival is in its 9th year!
The Bayonne Annual Hometown Fair 2023 runs for 2 days!
It’s a family friendly NJ fair with attractions available to the children free of charge!
All inflatable rides are free of charge and they can be found at the south end of the Fair between 21st and 22nd Street.
Meet and Greet with your child’s favorite characters such as Mickey Mouse or Peppa Pig to be photographed with, or other exciting entertainers like caricaturists or balloon artists.
There will also be free live entertainment, professional musicians on the main stage and kid-friendly entertainment on the community stage.
There will also be other attractions such as carnival rides, mechanical rides, a beer garden and shopping with over 100 local vendors!
Connecticut Carnivals: Fairfield County Carnivals
Carnival in Trumbull, CT
Trumbull Day and Carnival in Trumbull, CT
Where: Trumbull High School, 72 Strobel Road, Trumbull, CT 06611
When: June 30, 2023 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm and July 1, 2023 from 2:00pm to 10:30pm, closing with a fabulous fireworks display.
The Trumbull Day is a popular carnival in Trumbull, CT. This family-friendly CT carnival is returning the last weekend of June 2023.
Come for carnival rides, amusement games, and food trucks on Friday, June 30.
Saturday, July 1, there will be a spectacular culmination of all festivities with a full day of carnival rides, amusement games, food trucks, band music, and ending with a fantastic fireworks display provided by Pyrotechnico Fireworks at dusk.
Admission is free and parking is available at Trumbull High School and Hillcrest Middle School.
$30 Ride Bracelets will be available for purchase on Friday (honored from 6:00pm to 10:30pm), and on Saturday (honored from 2:00pm to 6:30pm).
There will also be a live music by The Heavy Hitters on Friday, June 30, 2023, 7:00pm – 10:00pm and by The Pop Rocks on Saturday, July 1, 2023, 8:00pm – 10:30pm.
Food trucks will satisfy any food cravings and the beer and wine tent will be open near the stage in a shared section for food, libations, and vibrations.
New York Carnivals: Westchester County Carnivals
Carnival in Rye, NY
Rye Playland
Where: 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
When: May to September 2023
Time: 11am to 9pm, not open daily so better check the Park Calendar before planning to the trip.
Rye Playland is a very popular carnival in Westchester County’s Rye, NY. Rye Playland is a carnival that is open all summer from May to September 2023.
Take the kids to Kiddyland, ride the Log Flume or the Dragon Coaster, go on the bumper cars, take the Playland Plunge and be entertained with musical acts.
Lots of food choices are available at Rye Playland, making it a fun day for the entire family!
Carnival in Mamaroneck, NY
Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival
Where: Harbor Island Park at 123 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY
When: June 27, 2023 – July 5, 2023
Time: 6:45pm to 11:30pm
The Village of Mamaroneck’s annual Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival is back! It is a very popular, family-friendly carnival in Westchester County!
The Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival is organized and sponsored by the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department, and is something residents, businesses and visitors are eagerly anticipating.
There will be tons of carnival rides, carnival games, festival food, and more!
New York Carnivals: Long Island Carnivals
Carnival in Brentwood, NY
Long Island FunFest in Brentwood, NY
Where: 485 Wicks Road, Brentwood, NY 11717 (Suffolk County Community College)
When: June 15, 2023 – June 25, 2023.
Time: Opens 5 pm to 11 pm weekdays and 3pm to 11 pm weekends
The Long Island FunFest is a family friendly Long Island carnival. This popular New York carnival runs from June 15 to June 25, 2023.
Admission is only $5 and free for children under 36 inches tall.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 or $29 online in advance.
Buy your tickets online, in advance and save because online offers are limited.
Enjoy free daily concerts, Worlds of Wonders, firework show, Hanneford circus, petting exotic animals and more!
Over 30 rides, delicious foods and exciting games guarantee that there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Carnival in New Hyde Park, NY
Herricks Community Fund Carnival in New Hyde Park
Where: Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
When: June 1 – June 4, 2023
Time: Thursday: 5pm to 10pm, Friday: 5pm to 11pm, Saturday: Noon to 11pm and Sunday: Noon to 9pm
The Herrick Community Fund Carnival is a family friendly carnival in New Hyde Park, NY. This Long Island carnival provides financial support for programs, projects, and educational enrichment to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages in the Herricks community.
Carnival admission and parking are free.
Unlimited ride wristbands on Thursday are $35 while on Friday, Saturday, Sunday are $40.
Ride tickets are for sale on site daily and online.
Ride tickets at the carnival are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, and $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride.
For pre-sale special, visit Herricks Community Fund Carnival.
Carnival in Merrick, NY
Merrick Train Station Carnival in Merrick
Where: Merrick LIRR Station, 2099 Sunrise Highway, Merrick, NY 11566
When: May 25, 2023 – May 29, 2023.
Time: Thursday: 5pm to 10pm, Friday: 5pm to11pm. Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 11pm. Monday: 1pm to 10pm
The Merrick Train Station Carnival is a family friendly Long Island carnival. Come to Merrick Train Station Carnivalfrom May 25, 2023 to May 29, 2023.
It is a family-friendly Long Island fair with parades, rides, midway games and lots of carnival food.
Carnival admission and parking is free.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 (for riders 36 inches or taller) and ride tickets are for sale on site daily and online.
Ride tickets at the carnival are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, and $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride.
For pre-sale special, visit Merrick Train Station Carnival.
Carnivals in Levittown, NY
Levittown Carnival in Levittown
Where: Behind P.C. Richard & Son, 2999 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
When: May 25, 2023 – May 29, 2023.
Time: Thursday: 5pm-10 pm, Friday: 5pm-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday: noon-11 pm and Monday: 1pm-10 pm
The Levittown Carnival is a family friendly carnival on Long Island. This popular New York carnival is sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce.
There are over thrilling midway rides, games, a Memorial Day Parade and other attractions for the entire family, and lots of food vendors serving up delicious meals, snacks and sweets.
Carnival admission and parking is free.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 (for riders 36 inches or taller) and ride tickets are for sale on-site daily and online.
Ride tickets at the carnival are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, and $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride.
For the pre-sale special,1 Wristband for $25 (save $10) but the Sale will end on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5pm, visit Levittown Chamber of Commerce for more details.
Carnival in Hempstead, NY
Long Island Greek Festival in Hempstead, NY
Where: 110 Cathedral Avenue Hempstead, NY 11550
When: June 1, 2023 – June 4, 2023.
Time: Thursday: 6pm to 10pm, Friday: 6pm to 11pm. Saturday 2pm to 11pm. Sunday at Noon to 9pm. Rain or shine.
The Long Island Greek Festival is a Long Island carnival in Hempstead, NY. This family friendly carnival is hosted by the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul.
Bring the whole family to this New York carnival. There are thrilling midway rides, games, a Memorial Day Parade and other attractions for the entire family and lots of food vendors.
Free Carnival admission and free parking are available at Sacred Heart Academy (Cathedral & Fulton Ave), along with handicapped parking at Kensington Court & Chelsea Place.
There will be plenty of delicious foods that will satisfy any food cravings, tons of carnival rides and games by Newton Shows, live music, shopping, and more!
Ride wristbands are $40 each and individual ride and game credits are for available everyday.
For pre-sale special, 1 ride wristband for $32 (save $8) when purchasing them online at Magic Money.
Carnivals in Huntington, NY
Huntington YMCA Memorial Day Weekend Carnival
Where: 60 Main Street, Huntington, NY
When: May 26, 2023 – May 29, 2023.
Time: Friday: 6pm to 10:30pm. Saturday 1pm to 10:30pm. Sunday at 1pm to 10:30pm. Monday at 1pm to 6pm
Come join this beloved Long Island YMCA’s 29th Annual Memorial Day celebration! The Huntington YMCA will host a Weekend Carnival at the YMCA grounds on Main St.
All proceeds will benefit the YMCA Scholarship Fund to provide programs and services to people in need.
There will be tons of fun activities for the entore family to enjoy such as carnival rides, delicious foods and snacks, games, magic shows and so much more!
Carnival admission and parking is free.
Ride wristbands are $40 each and individual ride and game credits are for available everyday.
For pre-sale special, 1 ride wristband for $32 (save $8) when purchasing them online at Magic Money.
Carnivals in Bay Shore, NY
South Shore Mall Carnival
Where: 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, NY 11706 By Dick’s Sporting Goods
When: June1, 2023 – June 11, 2023.
Time: Every Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 10pm. Every Friday: 5pm to 11pm. Every Saturday: Noon to 11pm. Every Sunday: Noon to 10pm
The South Shore Mall Carnvial is a family friendly carnival on Long Island. Come to South Shore Mall Carnival from June 1, 2023 to June 11, 2023 to join the 11 days of non-stop family fun.
Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, enchanting sounds, and enticing aromas of the exhilarating midway. Experience the thrill of exhilarating carnival rides and games, indulge in delicious carnival food, and be amazed by the incredible Big Bee Transforming Robot Car.
Carnival admission and parking is free.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 (for riders 36 inches or taller) and ride tickets are for sale on site daily and online.
Ride tickets at the carnival are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, and $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride.
For pre-sale special, visit South Shore Mall Carnival.
Carnival in Patchogue, NY
Patchogue Fire Department Carnival
Where: Corner of Waverly Ave and South Sunrise Hwy, near St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, NY
When: May 25, 2023 – May 29, 2023
Time: Thursday and Friday: 5pm to 11pm. Saturday and Sunday: 4pm to 11pm. Monday: 4pm to 10pm
The Patchogue Fire Department Carnival is a popular Long Island carnival. The Patchogue Carnival is five days of carnival fun from May 25 to May 29- for the annual Memorial Day Weekend celebration!
There are awesome carnival rides for all ages by Blue Sky Amusements, mouth-watering festival food, and treats, carnival games & prizes.
Carnival admission is free.
Ride wristbands are $40 each and individual ride and game credits are available everyday.
For pre-sale special, 1 ride wristband for $35 (save $5) when purchasing them online at Magic Money.
Carnival in Uniondale, NY
Empire State Fair 2023 in Uniondale, NY
Where: Nassau Live Center, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, New York 11553
When: June 30, 2023 – July 16, 2023.
Time: Weekdays: 5pm to 11pm. Weekends: Noon to 11pm. Except for *Monday, July 4: Noon – 11pm.
The Empire State Fair 2023 is a family friendly carnival in Nassau County. This popular Long Island carnival runs from June 30 to July 16, 2023.
All shows are free with Admission and the last admission is sold at 10pm.
One Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 or $29 online in advance.
Buy your tickets online, in advance, and save because online offers are limited.
Enjoy free daily concerts, Worlds of Wonders Oddity Show, Big top circus, Awesome rides, exotic animals zoo, and more!
There are exciting carnival rides, animal shows, face painting, exhibits and parking for only $10 per person!
Upstate New York Carnivals
Country Hoedown in Westport, NY
Where: Corner of route 9N and Sisco Street in Westport, NY 12993
When: August 16, 2023 – August 20, 2023
Time: Wednesday to Saturday at 8am. Sunday at 6am (Rides will open at noon everyday)
The Essex County Fair is a carnival in Upstate New York. It is a small agricultural fair that runs from August 16 to August 20, 2023.
This year’s theme is Country Hoedown!
Week by Week Calendar of the Carnivals in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
To help you with your planning, we’ve organized the carnivals by week so you know which carnival to go to. You will see that there is at least one carnival running every weekend in the New York suburbs!
Memorial Day Weekend Carnivals:
- May 25-29: Merrick Train Station Carnival, Merrick, NY
- May 25-29: Levittown Carnival, Levittown, NY
- May 25-June 11: L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival, Paramus, NJ
- May 26-29: Huntington YMCA Memorial Day Weekend Carnival, Huntington, NY
- May 25-29: Patchogue Fire Department Carnival, Patchogue, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of May 29-June 4, 2023:
- May 31-June 3: Norwood PTO Carnival, Norwood, NJ
- June 1-4: Herricks Community Fund Carnival, New Hyde Park, NY
- June 1-4: Long Island Greek Festival, Hempstead, NY
- June 1-11: South Shore Mall Carnival, Bay Shore, NY
- June 3-4: The Bayonne Annual Hometown Fair, Bayonne, NJ
- May 25-June 11: L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival, Paramus, NJ
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of June 5-11, 2023:
- June 6-11: Madonna Church Carnival, Fort Lee, NJ
- June 1-11: South Shore Mall Carnival, Bay Shore, NY
- May 25-June 11: L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival, Paramus, NJ
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of June 12-18, 2023:
- June 14-17: Glen Rock Family Fair, Glen Rock, NJ
- June 15-25: Long Island FunFest, Brentwood, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of June 19-25, 2023:
- June 21-24: Oakland Town Carnival, Oakland, NJ
- June 22-July 9: State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
- June 27-July 5: Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival, Mamaroneck, NY
- June 15-25: Long Island FunFest, Brentwood, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of June 26-July 2, 2023:
- June 30-July 1: Trumbull Day and Carnival, Trumbull, CT
- June 30-July 16: Empire State Fair, Uniondale, NY
- June 22-July 9: State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
- June 27-July 5: Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival, Mamaroneck, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of July 3-9, 2023:
- July 4: Empire State Fair special opening hours, Uniondale, NY
- June 30-July 16: Empire State Fair, Uniondale, NY
- June 22-July 9: State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
- June 27-July 5: Mamaroneck Firemen’s Carnival, Mamaroneck, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of July 10-16, 2023:
- June 30-July 16: Empire State Fair, Uniondale, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of July 17-23, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of July 24-30, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of July 31-August 6, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of August 7-13, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of August 14-20, 2023:
- August 16-20: Country Hoedown, Westport, NY
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of August 21-27, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
NY, NJ, CT Carnivals for the Week of August 28-September 3, 2023:
- May-September: Rye Playland, Rye, NY (check park calendar for exact dates)
Please remember to check the park calendar for Rye Playland as the specific opening dates and times can vary.
About Daisy Mae VanValkenburgh
DaisyMae VanValkenburgh is a twenty-something blogger and Instagram lifestyle influencer finishing up her BA in journalism and moving on to her MSEd in higher education administration at Hofstra University on Long Island. She is a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, an editor-in-chief for multiple companies, a social media analyst, a website builder, and a dream chaser.
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