Experience Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show during the Monmouth County Fair

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The scent of cotton candy!  The thrill of the rides! The cheers from the crowds! There's something magical about the Monmouth County Fair.  Find out for yourself when this five-day event celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Wednesday-Sunday, July 23-27, 2025 at East Freehold Showgrounds (Kozloski Road) in Freehold.

Organized and presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H, this summer tradition offers five days of entertainment, rides, competitions, food, and so much more!

This year promises to be better than ever with the Spectacular 50th Anniversary Fireworks display (weather permitting) on opening night and several exciting new acts joining the Fair’s amazing entertainment lineup. Topping that list is DAWG Pro Wrestling! Experience the thrill of the DAWG Days of Summer with family-friendly matches featuring top DAWG stars. The fun continues with Andrew's Big Show.  This one-of-a-kind show mixes comedy, juggling and circus tricks for a combination that’s sure to delight all ages. There will also be daily Wacky, Quacky Duck Derbies and Fam Jam Family Dance Parties.

Those looking for their favorite acts won’t be disappointed!  Returning this year are Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, and Tommie Turvey's Stunt Horses & Dogs. Strolling entertainment includes the Ocean Ave Stompers on Wednesday and Thursday, Crunchy the T-REX on Thursday and Friday, and Bluey and Bingo on Saturday and Sunday.

Live music is always one of the best parts of the Fair and the tradition continues with amazing performances on the Main Stage!  Yasgur’s Farm kicks things off on Wednesday. Other performances are Mission Dance Band on Thursday night; Nicole Atkins on Friday night; Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday night; and Rock It Academy and Jackson Pines on Sunday.

And it just wouldn’t be the Monmouth County Fair without rides! Provided by Reithoffer Shows, this year’s lineup combines nostalgia and thrills. Timeless classics such as Tilt-a-Whirl, a Ferris wheel and a carousel are joined by the Sky Flyer, Zero Gravity and Super Himalaya. Rides require wristbands.  Please note that rides are weather permitting.

Those looking to experience the charm of a traditional county fair should be sure to stop by the Home and Garden Tent. Inside, they’ll find the county’s finest baked goods, vegetables, flowers, and arts and craft pieces on display as entries into the Home and Garden Competition.  (Details on how to enter are available online at www.MonmouthCountyFair.com.)  The tent will also feature beekeeping, gardening and pottery demonstrations.

The Fair also honors its agricultural roots in the Living History Tent. Staffed by the Park System’s Historic Longstreet Farm staff, this year’s tent focuses on plows and plowing and features hands-on demonstrations, music and displays.

Then experience “Nature Through a Lens” in the Park System Naturalists’ Tent. See the details of nature slides using digital microscopes, examine knick-knacks with magnifying glasses, and study the walk-through starry night tunnel with a telescope. If that’s not enough, walk through the native butterfly display.

With so much to see and do, fairgoers might need all five days to experience everything the Monmouth County Fair has to offer.  The Fair is open 4:00pm-11:00pm on Wednesday-Friday, July 23-25; 11:00am-11:00pm on Saturday, July 26; and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday, July 27.

General admission to the Monmouth County Fair is $10 per adult; children 12 and under are admitted free. Half price admission will be offered during the first two hours of each day; 4:00pm-6:00pm. Wednesday-Friday; and 11:00am-1:00pm Saturday & Sunday. Veterans and active military with ID enter for free.  On Sunday, seniors 65 and older and students with ID are free. Be sure to follow the Monmouth County Park System on social media. Upcoming Fair contests will be announced on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, offering an opportunity to win admission tickets and more.