This sponsored content is provided by LEADFest
Carnivals and state fairs are beloved summer traditions. There’s no better place for the whole family to enjoy rides, food, music and fun than at 2026 L.E.A.D. FEST events. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s events include carnivals and a 10-day State Fair taking place from June 26 to July 5 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township.
The jam-packed State Fair promises something for everyone including nightly musical entertainment, featuring an incredible lineup of local, regional, and national acts across all 10 nights—from tribute acts like the B-Street Band, Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience, and Pure Petty to fan favorites like Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns and the Sensational Soul Cruisers. Access to the bands is free with gate admission. Plus: Fireworks on June 26, June 29 and July 5, and a spectacular Drone Show on July 4!
Live animal attractions include the ever-popular Robinson’s Racing Pigs and a petting farm where the whole family can get up close with farm animals.
Returning midway provider Reithoffer Shows will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike. In fact, they are once again bringing the largest traveling coaster in New Jersey—the Crazy Mouse—as well as the largest traveling Himalaya, the largest traveling swing ride, and the largest traveling carousel. Complementing these is a variety of other rides and attractions sure to suit thrill seekers of all ages.
Proceeds from L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit L.E.A.D. — Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence — a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to drug and violence prevention “On The Street and In The Classroom.” L.E.A.D. partners with law enforcement agencies across all 50 states to deliver prevention education at every level of community life — through its school-based program featuring Botvin LifeSkills® Training, the most extensively tested prevention curriculum available, and through its Community Prevention Officer initiative, which extends that mission beyond the classroom and into the broader community. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“The L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair is one of our most important fundraising events of the year, and it’s also one of the most fun. Every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding our prevention education programs and putting trained officers in classrooms across the country. This year we’re bringing an even bigger lineup—great bands every night, fireworks, a drone show, and all the rides and food you expect from a true state fair. We hope families across New Jersey will come out, enjoy the fun, and know that their support is making a real difference in kids’ lives,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. Executive Director and CEO.
Gate admission is $5 on weekdays when the carnival opens at 5 pm and $10 on weekends and holidays when the carnival opens at 3 pm; kids under 12 always pay only $5 admission. Discounted MegaPasses—unlimited rides plus gate admission—are on sale now at TheLEADFest.com. Gate admission and ride tickets will also be available for purchase on-site at the carnival. Parking at Mercer County Park is free for this event!
The 2026 L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair is proudly presented with support from media sponsor New Jersey 101.5.
For more information, including hours and attendance policies, visit TheLEADFest.com. Hours subject to change due to weather or safety situations. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit LEADrugs.org or email info@leadrugs.org.
