The unofficial start of summer came fast! Whether you’re heading to a BBQ, the beach, or a Memorial Day parade, here’s what’s happening this Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey.
Rain is forecast for much of the holiday weekend, so be sure to check event websites and call ahead before heading out.
Some of the biggest events and happenings this weekend include:
- Memorial Day Weekend Carnival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
- Wildwoods International Kite Festival
- Fantasy AdventureFest at Historic Smithville
- Opening weekend of Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge
- New Jersey Jerk Fest in East Brunswick
- Tour of Somerville
WEEKEND
Circus Vazquez
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
Wednesday – Sunday
The international cast includes a clown from Mexico, acrobats from the Czech Republic, jugglers from Switzerland, highwire and aerial acts from Uzbekistan, a dance troupe from Ukraine, and the Circus Vazquez Band.
Memorial Day Weekend Carnival
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Wednesday – Sunday
There will be 15 rides and 8 food vendors, plus nonstop games and entertainment, over six days of fun.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Wednesday – Sunday
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). This is the last weekend there will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Monday
The 40th anniversary weekend kicks off with the opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social and Illuminated Night Kite Fly on Friday. Saturday includes the Silent and Loud Auctions. On Saturday and Sunday watch as large inflatable kites sail above the shoreline. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition.
Memorial Day Festival
Bradley Beach
Saturday – Sunday
A Memorial Day parade kicks off the weekend on Saturday morning, followed by music by the Mike Kaplan Big Band, Pat Roddy and Little x Little. On both days, there will be craft, retail and food booths set up, kids’ activities, and more along the oceanfront.
Riddlebrood’s Alice in Wonderland & Fantasy AdventureFest
Village Green of Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
Watch as actors perform a live musical based on the Lewis Carroll classic on three portable stages. Check out the booths filled with fantasy- and adventure-themed art and collectibles.
Fabricating for Faeries
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Saturday – Sunday
Kids will be led on a guided walk along the Fairy Trail. They’ll take that inspiration and then design and build their own fairy house to take home.
Turkish Fest
CJC Center, Somerset
Saturday – Sunday
This two-day cultural festival celebrates all things Turkish: food, art, community, music, traditional dances, performing arts, a kids’ train ride, playground, cultural dialog booths, and traditional crafts.
Memorial Day Weekend at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
American-themed activities include a patriotic meet-and-greet with Elmo, the C is for Celebrate fireworks display (with add on dessert package) and the opening of the water attractions.
Opening of Fairy Tale Forest
Fairy Tale Forest, Oak Ridge
Saturday – Monday
The enchanting park of classic Grimms’ Fairy Tale and nursery rhymes includes the Nostalgic Whimsical Escape, interactive storytime at the bluebird stage, meet-and-greets from storybook characters, village drum circles, 20 storybook cottages, lunch at the Gnomes Nest with outside picnic-style seating, and a gift shoppe.
Memorial Day Weekend
Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
Saturday – Monday
Families can spend time at the Shore. On Saturday, there will be a stilt walker and music by DJ Rob Lo. Sunday includes Yappy Hour at Carousel Bar, live music by Mark Sganga, a stilt walker and a magician. On Monday, A.D.D. Band performs.
FRIDAY
Beach Ball Drop
Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City
Summer officially begins in AC when 5,000 beach balls rain down on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Resorts. There will be contests, prizes, giveaways, and music by Sidestory.
SATURDAY
Sun Bum’s Banana-Eating World Championship
Eastside Surf Shop, North Wildwood
Watch 10 of the world’s top professional eaters set a new banana-eating record. There will be music, sunscreen, and some fun surprises for those in the crowd.
Collingswood May Fair
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
Art and music take center stage at this street fair festival. One mile of the business district will be packed with artists and crafters, a juried exhibit, a KidZone with carnival games and rides, multiple stages of live music, an antique and classic auto show, food courts, Jersey Fresh produce and flowers.
Spring Beekeeping & Gardening
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Meet honeybees, peek inside their hive, and find out what they do around the farm and in the gardens. Weather-permitting, Howell Farm beekeeper Johanna Swartzentruber will open the hives and check the health of the colony by looking at the bees and their work on the comb. Kids can make their own bee home to take home.
Frenchtown Farmers Market Opening Day
Sunbeam Lenape Park, Frenchtown
Stop by booths from 20+ local farmers, food vendors and artisans, who put a focus on sustainable and locally produced goods. There will also be a wine tasting, community gifting, a live vinyl DJ, an interactive community peace quilt, and family games throughout the day.
Red White & Blue-tiful Family Swim
Goldfish Swim School, Princeton
The afternoon will be packed with family swimming, snacks, patriotic activities, and a surprise special guest.
Hillsborough Memorial Day Events
Hillsborough
The morning starts with the annual Salute to Military Service Breakfast open to Hillsborough vets and active duty personnel. The community comes together at the Memorial Day parade, which will have an America 250 twist. Then, the Garden of Honor Commemoration Program honors all veterans.
State of New Jersey Memorial Day ObservanceÂ
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown
This will be the first ceremony held by the newly created New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. The program opens with a roughly 200‑meter march featuring veterans, veterans service organizations, detachments and color guards.
Bud Break Bash
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard, since the buds just started to bloom. Bring the kids for a walk around the vineyard, while older folks can taste some of the unreleased wine for the season. Jam out to live country music by Nikki Briar and the SweetBriar Band, and grab some Mexican food from the MexiBoys Food Truck.
SUNDAY
New Jersey Jerk Fest
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Caribbean Food Heaven features some of the best Caribbean chefs serving jerk chicken, pork, fish, goat, oxtail, veggies and lobster. Enjoy live Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats music. There will be a Game Zone for kids, a marketplace, community organizations and special guest performances.
Murph Challenge
Shimon & Sara Birnbaum JCC, Bridgewater
People of any skill level can test their strength – and limits – by trying out the Murph Challenge: inspired by Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, this iconic workout includes a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another 1-mile run. You can modify the workout to your own level.
Memorial Day Patriotic Hike & Ribbon Hunt
Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Lace up your boots, wear red white and blue, and take a scenic hike where you’ll look for colorful ribbons along the way. This is part of New Jersey State Parks’ 250 Challenge to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
MONDAY – MEMORIAL DAY
Tour of Somerville
West Main Street, Somerville
America’s longest-running bike race (dating back to 1940!) starts with the Family Run Ride, takes a break for the Memorial Day Parade, then continues all day with different legs of the race. Restaurants will offer outdoor seating to watch the runners go by. The DSA Community Zone will have activities for kids, including a bounce house, Pop’s Bike Shop’s Kids Course, food trucks, an expo area and a marketplace.
Freehold Memorial Parade
Main Street, Freehold Borough
Every Memorial Day, thousands of marchers give a nod to America, including veterans groups, active military, Scouts, local business owners and families.
Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk
North Brunswick Community Park, North Brunswick
Dress in your most patriotic outfit and challenge yourself to the finish line. The Children’s Dash for kids ages 1 to 5 promotes healthy kids.
Glassboro Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Glassboro
Award-winning string bands and the children’s bike brigade march through the streets. Following the parade, a ceremony honors Glassboro’s fallen heroes at the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in Town Square.
Complimentary Gourmet Breakfast for Veterans
The Mathis House, Toms River
This meaningful morning will honor veterans with a breakfast (scones, frittata, fruit salad, tea) served inside the Victorian tea room. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the vets will get to see the Memorial Day Parade as it passes by along Main Street.
The Ridgewood Run
Ridgewood
North Jersey Masters Running Club hosts its 49th annual Memorial Day tradition, offering a 10K, 5K, Memorial Mile and fun run through the Village of Ridgewood.
Red, White & Blue Hike
Wharton State Forest, Hammonton
Join Wharton State Forest staff members on a free, moderately paced, 4-mile hike.
Memorial Day in Clifton
Clifton
Aside from the morning parade, a series of ceremonies will be held at the fire station, Flag Barn, veterans monument at Main Memorial Park, and Athenia Veterans Post Memorial. The Avenue of Flags will be set up at City Hall on Sunday and Monday, weather permitting.
Memorial Day Parade & America 250
Middlesex Borough
Start with a ceremony at Victor Crowell Park, where the parade will kick off. America 250 festivities start once the parade ends, happening at the American Legion and Middlesex Recreation Center.
Somerville Memorial Day Parade
Somerville
After the parade, a ceremony will be held at Somerville New Cemetery. Before, bring everyone to the Frank Quinn Family Fun Ride, or sign up for the annual Tour of Somerville bike ride through town.
Memorial Day Parade & Encampment
Twp. of Union
The Veterans’ Alliance Memorial Day Parade is back, with the Uptown String Band, floats, show cars, military units and vehicles, Clydesdale horses, and civic and youth organizations. There will be a Revolutionary War Battle, followed by a formal program.
Memorial Day Ceremony & ParadeÂ
Woodland Park
Honor the sacrifice of our veterans during a firemen’s memorial ceremony, KIA memorial ceremony, veterans memorial ceremony and the annual parade. The Boys & Girls Club will be handing out snacks.
ONGOING
Car Cruise
Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 22
June 12 and 26
July 10 and 24
August 14 and 28
September 11 and 25
Stop by The Village Greene to see vehicles on display, or to show off one of your own.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
May 22 – September 7
Young fans of the PBS KIDS series will feel like they’re part of the show. Kids will be involved in character meet-and-greets, original live shows, a climbable life-sized trolley, a seek-and-find nature walk, a tactile station where you can learn about animals, the Tunnel of Make Believe, and a sensory-rich replica of the iconic Neighborhood Music Wall.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
May 23-24, May 29 (School Day), May 30-31
June 6-7, June 13-14
Come to the Shire of New Crossford (aka the fairgrounds) for jousting events, stage shows, live music, fire breathing stunts, knights, bubble magicians and acrobatics.
Summer Boardwalk Craft ShowsÂ
Wildwoods Boardwalk
May 23-24; June 19-21; July 3-5, 11-12, 18-19; August 1-2, 8-9; September 5-6
Dozens of booths will be set up along the southern end of the boardwalk, so you can look for handcrafted jewelry, home décor, unique artwork, beach-inspired treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats.
Red Bank BroadWalk
Red Bank
Through May 31
A giant pedestrian plaza will be set up all summer, with daily May activities including: a summer kickoff party, Dog Walk on BroadWalk, karate demos, chair massages, fitness classes, lots of live music and outdoor dining.
U.S. Military History Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ
Through May 31
This exhibit, covering World War I through the Iraq War, is a tribute to the American veteran and all of our fallen heroes. Included will be military as well as civilian artifacts. The museum’s permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Pre-Columbian (Native American) period, American farmstead, antique hand tools and equipment, a glass and ceramics room, a fossil exhibit, artifacts from the Pine Barrens, and, just in time for the America’s 250th, several new exhibits from the Colonial Era.
The Stinky Cheese Man And Other Fairly Stupid Tales
Arden Children’s Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through May 31
Based on the book, this musical flips classic fairy tales completely upside down. The Ugly Duckling stays ugly, a princess gets more slime than romance after kissing a frog, and familiar characters keep wandering into the wrong stories as narrators lose control and chaos takes over.
Face(t)s of America Exhibition
Gallery Space, Rahway
Through June 13
Six artists whose work explores what it means to live, belong and define oneself in America will present their artistic thoughts through portraiture, photography and painting.
Elmo’s Springtacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through June 14
Kids can meet Blippi, sing along (and sign along to ASL) during a concert with Emma Memma, watch “Dino Ranch On Stage!’, check out the new Elmo’s Imagination Explorers stage show, and dress up for Elmo’s Pirate Weekend, as just some of the different themed events taking place each weekend.
Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 7
The traveling exhibit finds a new home inside historic Hangar #1, showing the role AC played in World War II: hotels were converted into military barracks, ballrooms into drill halls, and Boardwalk Hall into a training facility. You’ll experience oral histories, archival materials, and personal stories that highlight the wartime experiences of servicemen, nurses, volunteers and civilians.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through September 7
There are animatronics, robots, ride designs, costumes and props that mimic The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving you an insider’s look at the storytelling and building behind the rides and worlds at the Florida and California theme parks.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Got questions about this weekend’s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, theme parks) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It’s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.
Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?
A: You’ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor flower shows, events and festivals.
Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25 2026)?
A: This weekend (May 22-25, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights this Memorial Day weekend includeÂ
a Memorial Day parade, here’s what’s happening this Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey. Some highlights include the Memorial Day Weekend Carnival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, Fantasy AdventureFest at Historic Smithville, opening weekend of Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge, the New Jersey Jerk Fest in East Brunswick and the Tour of Somerville.
Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?
A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey, plus more events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: Where can I find more events near me?
A: This weekend’s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar.
Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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Memorial Day Parades in New Jersey
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