The legendary Highlands Clam Fest will be celebrating 30 Years of tradition, food, music, and fun from August 1 to 3 at Huddy Park, Bay and Waterwitch Avenue.
This three-day extravaganza serves up eats for every taste, live music, and non-stop family fun all with free admission and parking,
The Clam Fest is a summer staple in Highlands, a high-energy weekend where locals and visitors come together to enjoy a laid-back coastal vibe and all that Highlands has to offer.
It’s a rain or shine event and the perfect excuse to soak up even more of what makes Highlands so special.
Highlands’ deep connection to the clamming industry dates back generations, when the town’s working waterfront supported a thriving community of baymen who harvested clams from the rich waters of Sandy Hook Bay and the Shrewsbury River. Known for producing some of the freshest shellfish on the Jersey Shore, clamming became not only a way of life but a vital part of Highlands’ identity and economy.
Highlands is also home to one of only two clam depuration plants on the East Coast, where clams are purified and made safe for consumption, further cementing the town’s role as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s seafood heritage.
The Clam Fest honors this proud legacy, celebrating the town’s salty roots and the hardworking families who helped shape its coastal character. This milestone year promises something for everyone.
There will be mouthwatering arrays of food trucks dishing out fresh seafood and festival classics, including the beloved Lions Club Funnel Cakes, while the Beer and Wine Station keeps the good vibes flowing. The Highlands Fire Department will also be back this year, serving up their famous burgers and hot dogs.
Parts of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues will be closed to accommodate a vibrant marketplace featuring local vendors offering a diverse range of products, including handcrafted jewelry, artisanal goods, and unique gifts.
Families can head to the Kid Zone, hosted by Big Mark’s Action Park Amusements and the Highlands Recreation Department’s Relaxation Station, featuring kid-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.
Festivities kick off Friday, August 1, from 6:00 to 11:00 PM with live music by The Diskoteks starting at 7:30 PM.
Saturday, August 2, the excitement ramps up with Johnny 5 is Alive hitting the stage at 2:00 PM and Big Hix rocking the night at 7:00 PM. At 10:00 PM, all eyes will turn to the sky for a dazzling fireworks display over Snug Harbor Beach, a block from the festival grounds, a spectacular tribute to Clam Fest’s 30th anniversary, sponsored by Pacifico Beer and Shore Point Distributors and produced by Serpico Pyrotechnics.
Highlands Business Partnership, Inc. on Sunday, August 3, wraps things up with a full day of fun starting at noon. The Josh Zuckerman Band performs at 1:00 PM, followed by The Clamdiggers at 5:00 PM. The Clam Eating Contest, back by popular demand for the 30th anniversary, begins at 5 p.m.!
Sponsored by Station One Seafood, the contest is open to the first 12 participants to register at the Highlands Business Partnership booth on Sunday. A $20 entry fee gets you in the game and possibly crowned the King of the Clams! Don’t miss a chance to win big in the King of the Clam Super 50/50 Raffle. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be available throughout the event at the HBP booth. It is not necessary to be present to win, and the lucky ticket will be drawn at 8:00 PM on August 3 during the festival.
Hosted by the Highlands Business Partnership, a non-profit commercial alliance dedicated to fostering economic growth in Highlands, Clam Fest 2025 wouldn’t be possible without its generous sponsors: Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank, Bridge Marina, Gateway Marina, The Honorable Plant, WRAT 95.9, Pacifico Beer, and Shore Point Distributing Company.
For more info, visit www.highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713.
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