March is here and we’re counting down to the first day of spring and longer days. From St. Patrick’s Day parades across the state to the reopening of Lambert Castle this weekend (you can tour the inside for free on March 1) to hands-on experiences at Howell Living History Farm, here are the best free admission events in New Jersey this month:
March 1
Lunar Fest NJ
The Woodland, Maplewood
Come for cultural performances representing Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Southeast Asian culture, including children’s activities, food and more.
Reopening of Lambert Castle
Lambert Castle, Paterson
After an extensive, multi-year restoration, Lambert Castle reopens to the public this weekend. Improvements include structural repairs, interior restoration, accessibility upgrades and a new visitor center. Constructed in 1892 as the home and showplace of silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert, Lambert Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See the historic interiors and rich architecture during a free open house day.
Morris County Card Show
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway
There will be sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, memorabilia and more. Special guest Kent Williams — the voice of Vegapunk and Kuro from ONE PIECE — will be signing autographs.
Read Across America Kickoff
Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, Princeton
Kick off Read Across America Week with a special appearance by Elmo and Ms. Rachel, along with storytime, a character meet-and-greet, snacks and crafts. There will be more storytimes and coloring activities on Tuesday, March 3, and Saturday, March 7.
Women’s History Month Pop-Up
MarketFair, Princeton
Come for health and wellness workshops (mindful art, yoga basics, menopause awareness), financial literacy and career sessions, cultural experiences (Afro-Brazilian dance and a podcast celebrating women) and fitness/lifestyle classes (Barre, stretch and movement workshops).
Saturdays – Sundays, March 1-29
Cattus Island Nature Walks
Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
These walks have been a local tradition for 40 years, inviting you to explore the park alongside a naturalist. Themes include Backyard Birding on March 1; Signs of Spring on March 7 and 8; Naturalist’s Choice on March 14 and 15; Osprey Nests on March 21 and 22; and Return of the Osprey on March 28 and 29.
Wednesday – Sunday, March 4 – 25
Open Air / Open Space
Experience a juried art exhibit celebrating Somerset County’s Open Space Preservation Program. This special exhibition showcases the unique beauty of Somerset County’s public park system through the perspectives of both professional and novice New Jersey Plein Air artists.
March 5
Egg Decorating Workshop
Mercer County Library System, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Lawrenceville
Andrew Carfaro is a Princeton resident, chef and winemaker who discovered egg art in 2017 and has since decorated thousands of real, hollowed eggs. Teens and adults can learn how to paint these eggs in Polish and Ukrainian styles.
SparkNight: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The free monthly art party will focus on exhibits dedicated to Women’s History Month.
March 7
Orchard Care & Road Grading
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Mercer County Horticulturist Justine Gray will lead a presentation on home orcharding. Learn some tips about planting and pruning before going outside for some hands-on learning by the apple trees. Watch as farmers fill potholes using a horse-drawn road grader.
Shamrocks By The Shore
Pier Village, Long Branch
The St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes music by an Irish folk band and bagpipers, kids’ activities, and a village-wide Shamrock Stroll where you collect stamps to win prizes.
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Seaside Heights
Grand Marshal Sammy Hammer will be joined by Peggy Hurley, Irishwoman of the Year, as marchers head down the Boulevard. Massed Band will present a 40-foot American flag while piped bands join in “Amazing Grace.” The post-parade party is co-hosted by The Hershey Motel, and has The Drunkin’ Clams at the mic.
Cantonese Family Fun Day
Fanwood Memorial Library, Fanwood
There will be games (like classic Chinese Mahjong), arts and crafts, Cantonese-English storytime, Asian stories, and other activities to welcome the Year of the Horse.
Reptile Adventures
Bierman Autism Centers, Eatontown, Piscataway and Ramsey
Kids will meet turtles and lizards, learn facts from expert handlers, make a reptile-themed craft and have some snacks in a sensory-sensitive, quiet and safe space.
March 7-8
Grilled Cheese Weekend
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Saturday – Sunday
Families are welcome at the winery for grilled cheese samples, with wine for the adults. There will be music each day. There is no cover charge.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
March 8
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Hackettstown
Irish dance groups, Irish bands, community groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, bagpipes and drums, Centenary University and Hackettstown High School teams and clubs, floats, decorated vehicles, and area fire departments and rescue squads will march down the streets. The parade is pet-friendly, with a special Pet Irish Costume Contest before dogs walk in the parade.
Lines in the Pines
Stockton University Campus Center, Galloway
Artists, authors and artisans who love the Pine Barrens get together to sign books, display their artwork, show off their crafts and play music. This year’s theme is Safety in the NJ Pine Barrens. A special “Lines on the Pines for KIDS” area has hands-on displays, crafts and activities for young ones.
Sunflower Lantern Festival Gala
American Dream, East Rutherford
This is the final event of American Dream’s Lunar New Year celebration.
March 9 – April 12
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
More than 100 dioramas made out of the Easter candy will line the walls of the Visitor and Event Center. There are dozens of shops and restaurants in the village to visit after you cast your vote for your favorite marshmallow masterpiece. Note: The Visitor Center is closed on Easter (Sunday, April 5).
March 13-15
Hunterdon County Irish Festival
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Free activities ahead of St. Patrick’s Day include a children’s party on Saturday, and the village-wide parade on Sunday.
March 13-22
Shake the Shamrock Week
Brigantine
Local businesses will offer face painting, games, themed events, or live music, plus special promos throughout the week. Brigantine’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 14.
March 14
Maple Sugaring Living History Open House
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
You’ll see an American Frontiersman tap his trees, visit a sugar “farmer” at his evaporator, and listen to a Native American story about the discovery of maple sap.
Catsbury Park
Bell Works, Holmdel
This adopt & shop event takes over the Main Atrium with everything you need for your cat-loving needs: the option to adopt a new kitty while getting food, clothes and accessories for your current cats.
Pi Day Party
Mathnasium, Kendall Park
Mark Albert Einstein’s birthday (March 14), which is also Pi Day (3.14), with game booths, Play-Dough “pi” making, wheel prizes, raffles and pizza.
The Cook College Ramblers: An Irish Celebration
Monmouth County Library, Eastern Branch Library Branch, Shrewsbury
Listen to Irish folk music, rebel anthems, ballads and pub sing-alongs.
Agriculture Day: Fun on the Farm
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Hands-on fun includes wagon rides, antique farm equipment displays, farm animals, “day on the farm” activities, crafts and games, and live hearth cooking demonstrations.
Irish Festival
Washington Street, Toms River
The street will be filled with live entertainment, booths by local businesses, and tables set up by restaurants.
Paddy O’Laddy and The Great Rainbow Treasure Quest
Grand Cascade Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Paddy O’Laddy is a leprechaun doll that spreads kindness every St. Patrick’s Day season through a series of books. The book comes to life through a St. Paddy’s Day event, including a treasure hunt, magical fairy and leprechaun clip-in hair accessories, face painting, a book reading, and signings by NJ author Kimberly Feehan-Ponte, and more lucky surprises.
Visit From the Horse Doctor & Shoer
Howell Living History Farm, Howell
Join the veterinarian and dentist in the barn, where they will make sure the horses, sheep, chickens, and farm cat Bushy are fit for spring. Listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist at work, and learn about old and new veterinary instruments and techniques. The farrier will be shoeing, and the blacksmith will be working in the forge.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration
North Wildwood
A Catholic Mass takes place at St. Ann Church of Notre Dame La Mer Parish before a ceremony on the front steps of North Wildwood City Hall. Anglesea Irish Society leads the parade for the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Pipe Brigade, Emerald Society, Miss North Wildwood, Queen Oceania, local school bands, and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Brigantine
Brigantine’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 2 pm, as part of the Shake the Shamrock Irish week.
Saturdays, March 14 to April 18
SatARTdays Free Kids’ Art Classes
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
A professional artist will lead art classes for kids ages 5 to 12.
March 14-15
St. Patrick’s Day in the Winery
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Shamrock Shenanigans with Mike Tusay performs on Saturday, while Irish Tunes with Bill O’Neal and his wife, Mary, takes over the grounds on Sunday. Adults can try tasting flights or mulled wine while kids run around on the playgrounds and near the farm animals. Stop inside the farm store for fresh homemade Irish soda bread.
March 15
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The free, drop-in programs are led by Mason Gross MFA students and teaching artists. Families work together on art projects after being led through the galleries. This month’s theme is Neighborhood, inspired by the current exhibit, Allan Rohan Crite: Neighborhood.
Freehold Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Freehold
Bands, organizations, community groups, first responders and Irish lovers will march along Main Street. Choose your after-party (fees may apply): Mail Order Bride at the Freehold Elks Lodge, Jimmy & Gene’s McMahon Clan at the Knights of Columbus, or Eddie Testa Band/Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell at The American Hotel.
March 21
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Huddy Park to Bay Avenue, Highlands
This event will celebrate Irish culture, with nearly 100 marching units including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the parade will blend Irish pride with red, white and blue. Join in the fun at the annual float competition, then head to different restaurants around town after for pipe bands, live entertainment, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Workhouse Rides
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
During this program, kids 5–12 will learn the differences between draft, saddle and carriage horses when they climb aboard a fully harnessed workhorse for a ride down the lane. After, that is, they help farmers with barn chores like bedding stalls, filling water troughs, and making feed.
A Night in Paris
Old Rail Tavern, Barrington
Highlights include specialty drinks and French food, a children’s play area, Pierre the Mime, a live strolling violinist, a balloon artist, cozy fire pits, ice skating under the lights, a horse-and-carriage ride, and an Eiffel Tower replica for standout family photos.
MOMI Maker Day
Newark Symphony Hall, Newark
As part of the NJ Maker Day Initiative, kids can get hands-on with cardboard fort building, toy hacks, giant bubble making, a clay flower garden, and more.
STEM & Sustainability
Museum of Trades & Crafts, Madison
To mark NJ Makers Day and New Jersey STEM Month, young “makers” ages 5 to 11 can create homemade kaleidoscopes, fidget spinners and paper dancing people.
Sparta Special Olympics 2026 Spring Vendor & Craft Fair
Sparta High School, Sparta
There will be 60+ tables set up to sell all sorts of goods and food. Support the Sparta Special Olympics and Special Olympics NJ Morris-Sussex programs and wish their Athletes of Determination luck for the 2026 spring season.
March 21-22
Spring Artisan Market
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Saturday – Sunday
Local artisans will line the tasting room. There will be live music, food by Antimos Italian Kitchen, wine tastings and flights.
March 22
Bergenfield High School Flea & Collectible Market
Bergenfield High School, Bergenfield
More than 50 vendors will sell crafts, clothing, jewelry, candles, toys, antiques, vintage items, sports collectibles and housewares. There will be a tag sale and other bargains.
March 27
Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo
NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison
There will be 200+ wellness-based businesses, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, metaphysical shopping, modern tech, and free workshops. The expo takes place all weekend, but admission on Friday only is free.
March 28
Sawmilling & Horse-Drawn Road Grading
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Logger-sawyer Scott Stevens makes his annual stop at Howell Farm, and you’ll be able to help roll logs to the mill with logging tools, cut firewood for the kitchen stove, make pegs for use in barn framing, and plant replacement trees in the farm’s woodlot.
Sonny the Bunny’s Colossal Carrot Adventure
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
The free event includes a bunny trail to hop along for treat-filled eggs, Easter-themed selfies at photo op stations, holiday arts and crafts, and raffles. For pictures with the Easter Bunny, make a reservation for brunch at The Bistro.
Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Belmar and Spring Lake
Prior to the kickoff of the parade, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore, and the Spring Lake Fire Department, will hold a rally at the fire department, with Bloody Marys, beer, wine and hot chocolate. The CBA Pipe & Drum Band will join the march. You can head back to the FD for a post-parade party.
March 28-29
Special Olympics New Jersey Basketball Competitions
Throughout the Wildwoods
Special Olympics athletes who have intellectual disabilities will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals.
March 29
Último Domingo: Celebrating Latina (Women’s) History Month
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
This monthly series – held on the last Sunday of the month – celebrates Latinx culture. Bilingual families can explore the exhibitions, create art, and watch interactive performances. This month’s theme is Women’s History Month.
Big Easter Show
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown
The Big Easter Show features Cinderella, Peter Rabbit and other famous bunnies.
Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Celebration
Bakes Brewing Co., Belmar (Wall Twp).
Have each kid bring a basket to collect up to six eggs inside the brewery, before it opens to the public. Then stay for an afternoon of food trucks, and beer for the parents.
Easter Bunny Festival, Pizza Party & Puppy Adoption Event
Blairstown Masonic Lodge, Blairstown
For the free festival, there will be vendors inside and outside, glitter tattoos, doggy ice cream, coffee trucks, food trucks, slime making, and a bounce house for kids. The ticketed portion includes a pizza party and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Meet puppies from Cold Nose Warm Heart Rescue.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parades in New Jersey
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