We’ve rounded up more than 80 events for the weekend, from the opening weekend of u-pick tulip festivals at Holland Ridge Farms to a Stars Wars soundtrack live concert to Easter egg hunts all across the state. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and peaceful Passover.
WEEKEND
New Jersey Symphony Star Wars in Concert
Thursday at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Friday at Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
Saturday at NJPAC, Newark
Sunday at State Theatre, New Brunswick
Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ score live.
Daffodil Days
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Thursday to Tuesday
Walk the grounds at your own pace, taking in all of the 50,000 flowers in bloom. On April 13, come back for the Daffodil Day Festival, which will include food, live music, The Green Goats, stories, games, a history trail, an art exhibit and market vendors.
Renaissance Faire
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
The players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire take you back to merry Olde England in the “Shire of Smithville.” This event includes comedy, sword fighting, dancing, singing, knights and jesters from the days of yore.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Branch Brook Park, Newark
Saturday – Sunday
You can come any day during the week to see the beautiful blossoming cherry trees. Special events include a 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk on Saturday, Essex County Family Day also on Saturday, and Bloomfest! on Sunday.
EGGstravaganza
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Saturday – Sunday
Collect eggs, treats and prizes from tables set up around the zoo. Stop by the photo op areas for cool pictures. You can add on a train or carousel ticket.
FRIDAY
A Night of Disney Songs Through the Ages
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown
Alums of The MAC Players community theater group will perform numbers from beloved movies spanning from Shrek to Into the Woods.
Baby Walk
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
Get outside with your baby and explore your local trail. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then the group will walk together with their kids.
Tom Brady at American Dream
CardVault, American Dream, East Rutherford
Super Bowl champ Tom Brady is part owner of a sports card and memorabilia show, and he’s coming to the grand opening. He’ll take part in a panel discussion and stay for the ribbon cutting.
American Repertory Ballet & Princeton Ballet School Gala
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The evening of celebration includes dinner, drinks, dancing, special performances, live music and more.
Asbury Park Spring Disco + Night Market
Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Leave the kids at home for this evening party, which includes shopping, drinking and dancing inside the Grand Arcade.
SATURDAY
Ostara Fair
Penns Grove Masonic Lodge, Carneys Point
The fair celebrates the coming of spring and the spring equinox. There will local vendors displaying mystical goods and services like tarot cards, crystals and metaphysical items.
Easter Egg Hunt Pop-Up
American Legion Post 109, Rutherford
There will be more than a dozen vendors, music, games, raffles with prizes, karaoke, food, an egg hunt and other kids’ activities.
Healthy Kids Day
Ocean County YMCA, Toms River
There will be info on summer camps and swim lesson options, but also free activities like kickball, cornhole, face painting, and decorating a sign for the Y garden. Swim in the pool or play on the basketball court. There will be lots of health and safety resources. WJRZ Radio will be on site.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Pollinator Day
Bountiful Gardens, Ewing
Take a guided tour of the nursery, learn how to rethink your lawn, see monarch butterflies, and build a bee house.
Doo Dah Parade
Ocean City
Welcome the spring with a comedy parade of over 300 basset hounds. The pups will march along Asbury Avenue from 6th to 12th streets, ending at the Boardwalk at 6th Street.
Mrs. Potts’ Enchanted Tea Party
Christ the Teacher Academy Cafeteria, Fort Lee
Join some of Belle and the Beast’s enchanted friends for a tea party, which includes games, activities, dancing and photo ops.
Daffodil Day
Main Street, Moorestown
Spring arrives with horse-drawn carriages, live entertainment by local musicians, arts & crafts demonstrations, sidewalk sales, merchant specials — and lots of daffodils.
Agassi Open Play Day
Life Time Clubs, Multiple locations
Life Time is trying to get as many people around the country to play pickleball at the same time, so join a game of friendly competition.
Sparta Special Olympics Spring Vendor Craft Fair
Sparta High School, Sparta
Shop from 60+ vendors of all types to benefit Sparta Special Olympics and Special Olympics NJ Morris-Sussex. You can meet the Athletes of Determination and wish them luck for the 2025 spring season.
Dog Egg Hunt
Doggie Sweets, Long Branch
Dogs will dig in the sand for eggs that contain special prizes.
Easter Cookie Decorating Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Everyone in your family will decorate six freshly baked sugar cookies with sprinkles, icing and spring-themed treats.
Sonny the Bunny’s Colossal Carrot Adventure
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Hop along the bunny trail to collect treat-filled eggs, then take holiday-themed selfies. If you dine at The Bistro next door, you can take free photos with Sonny the Bunny.
Holi Festival
New Brunswick Free Public Library, New Brunswick
The Holi Festival includes a musical dance drama called Story of Holi, other musical and dance performances, henna, face painting, Indian food, and Holi color play.
The Great Egg Hunt
Boardwalk, Ocean City
Walk along the boardwalk from 6th to 14th streets and stop into participating businesses to collect eggs.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PRINCETON / Princeton Eating Clubs
Princeton Eating Clubs Walking Tour
Colonial Club, Princeton
Join author Clifford Zink on a walking tour of Princeton University’s eating clubs. Learn about the architecture, origins, and development of the sixteen Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928.
Easter Celebration at Allaire Village
Historic Allaire Village, Farmingdale
Visit with live chicks and bunnies, see the talents of a bubble magician, decorate bonnets, collect eggs, get a glitter tattoo, make a craft, play egg games on the green, listen to storytime, participate in a village scavenger hunt, watch historical Easter egg dying demos, and catch the Easter Bunny as he roams the village throughout the day. Plus, learn about life in the early 19th-century industrial village through demos such as blacksmithing, woodworking and hearth cooking.
April Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
This free local craft and vendor market brings together unique items you can browse while sipping on craft drinks.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new products based on Hungarian culture.
Millville Recreation Easter Egg Hunt
Evans Park, Millville
There will be four egg hunts, each a different age group, and one special egg hunt for special needs individuals. Eggs will contain small toys and candy, and special prize eggs.
Easter Jam
Converge Church, Moorestown
Kids up to fifth grade can take part in the Easter egg hunt, and then the whole family can play games, make crafts, eat lots of candy and a light breakfast, and walk through an interactive Easter story presentation.
Easter Egg Hunt
Tulpehaking Nature Center at The Abbott Marshlands, on the playground of Gateway Head Start, Hamilton Twp.
During the free egg hunt for kids ages 5-10, they will learn about spring flowers, and meet “Cube,” a boxed turtle. After the hunt, families will be invited inside for a presentation, crafts, snacks and a free gift.
Sunday Family Tour
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown
Take the family to explore the grounds as it wakes up for spring.
Bilingual Birdies
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Kids ages 3 to 9 are invited to a tropical dance party. Bilingual Birdies helps young families learn Spanish through singing, dancing and puppeteering in a Latin American adventure.
SUNDAY
The Original NJ Empanada Festival
Rustic Mall, Manville
All of the past winners from the Empanada Fest (and a few new vendors) will be back to battle for the championship belt. There will be food trucks selling empanadas, Mexican cuisine and American favorites. There will be live music, a beer and wine tent, a kids’ ATV course, a bounce house, henna tattoos, sand art and craft vendors.
Daffodil Day
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
You’ll get to see more than 50,000 beautiful daffodil bulbs in bloom in the Daffodil Bowl, an area that was shaped by ancient glaciers. There will be spring-themed games and crafts, a story trail, food trucks, market vendors and their famous goats.
Potato Planting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Join workhorses Bill and Jesse as they plant a field of potatoes; you’ll follow behind and put seeds in the furrows.
Playoff Pregame with Optimum & MSG Networks
Optimum store, Newark
At the New Jersey Devils pregame party, you can meet MSG Networks talent, have some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, get your face painted, and compete for prizes.
Jersey City Marathon & Half Marathon
Marquee Experience at Newport, Jersey City
The Jersey City Road Runners organize an annual marathon and half-marathon that take place along a fast and flat course through Jersey City’s neighborhoods.
Jenkinson’s Easter Egg Hunt
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
The fun is open to children up to 10 years old, and different age groups will start in different locations. There will also be an accessible/special needs egg hunt at the Adventure Lookout Ropes Course; there is no age limit there.
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Art Together is a free, drop-in art workshop led by Zimmerli’s experienced teaching artists. Families can get creative with the theme of shifting perspectives on Indigenous identities.
Spring Forward 5K Walk/Run and 10K
Central Park, Morris Plains
The Morris Park Alliance is hosting its annual race, which includes a newly added 10K this year. This year’s event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.
Eggstravaganza
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
The carnival includes an Easter egg hunt for kids up to 5, a bunny hunt where old kids search for stuffed bunnies and clues, flower planting, a prayer labyrinth, craft stations, and the famous “Big Al” the tortoise.
Easter Bunny Brunch & Egg Hunt
Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood
The afternoon includes brunch, an egg hunt, and a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Easter Egg Hunt
Miracle Field, Hamilton Twp.
All Miracle League of Mercer County players and families can hunt for eggs for free.
Breakfast With the Easter Bunny
Garlic Rose Bistro, Cranford
Meet Peter Cottontail for breakfast, photos and goodie bags.
Earth Day Celebration
Herrontown Woods, Princeton
Take the kids to explore and learn about nature. Activities include a bike through the woods, the May’s Cafe pop-up, a geology walk, a children’s walk, kids’ storytime, display tables in the Botanical Art Garden, a community collage workshop, bike tune-ups, and foraging for weeds.
Staten Island Fencing Club Demonstration
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Kids will get to watch swordplay in action. After a demo they’ll learn the art of balance and coordination, and then practice with plastic swords.
ONGOING
Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
April 11 through May
Every spring, the flower fields burst into bloom with millions of rainbow tulips. The season kicks off on April 11, with u-pick daily. Weekend festivals start with Dutch Fest April 17-21, featuring a 20-piece brass band from the Netherlands, freshly-made stroopwafels and poffertjes, a selection of Dutch cheeses to taste and buy, floral-themed cocktails, photo props, pictures with Volendam ladies in their traditional outfits, and a tented picnic area with Dutch elements. Check the schedule for more weekend events.
Easter Egg Search and Plant-a-Seed
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
April 15, 17, 19
The third annual egg hunt includes a hayride and visits with farm animals. You can learn about planting seeds, and you’ll get to take home your own seedling.
Easter Bunny Express
Black River and Western Railroad, Flemington
April 12-13, 18-19
Take a round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and back. Meet Peter Cottontail aboard the train for a brief photo op. There will be an egg hunt when you stop in Ringoes.
Eggstravaganza
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
April 12-13, 18-19
Visit with Hopper the Bunny, search for Easter eggs during the scavenger hunt, hop on a hayride, visit Hippity Hop Village, see the farm animals, ride on pedal cars and touring cars, play with the giant slingshot, climb on the giant straw pyramid and test your aim at the baseball speed throw. Add on the paintball range, carnival rides, food and Easter flowers. The Easter Bonnet Contest is on April 12.
Rolling Railway Easter EGGspress
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
April 5-6, 12-13, 18-19
Hop aboard the train that takes you through the Spring Village. Meet the Easter Bunny, go on an egg hunt, and find your way through the Spring Hedge maze. Kids will get a free snack, plus an Easter prize. There will also be a giant slide and an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course. You can add on a game of bowling or eat at the Alley Bar & Grille or the Pin Deck. Toy Market will be on-site at their pop-up snack and toy cottage.
Easter Bunny Express
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope, PA
April 12-13, 19-20
This epic train ride is just over the NJ border. Venture through Bucks County on a 45-minute excursion that starts and ends at New Hope Train Station. The Bunny will stop to greet every passenger, take pictures, and hand out treats like bags of candy, jelly bean-filled Easter eggs, and seasonal trinkets.
Easter Bunny Express
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
April 12-13, 19
The Easter Bunny and his helpers will be on board the train, greeting everyone during the 45-minute round-trip ride along the historic Whippanong Trail throughout Morris County. All the kids will get a special gift.
Egg & Veggie Hunt
Coombs Barnyard, Elmer
April 12-13, 19
Come to the barnyard for a hayride, visit with the barnyard animals, the Egg & Veggie Hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Collected eggs will be empty but will be turned into the Easter Bunny for a tasty surprise. Also available will be barrel train rides and egg decorating stations.
Strolling Spring Bunny
Palmer Square, Nassau Street, Princeton
April 12-13, 19
As you explore the charming boutique shops or enjoy a family lunch, keep an eye out for the Strolling Spring Bunny hopping around from Lindt Chocolate to Thomas Sweet, all the way up to Nassau Street and Palmer Square East.
Easter Eggstravaganza
G&G Stables, Howell
April 12-13, 19
Admission includes an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, hayride, barrel ride and games. Pony rides, animal feed, face painting and snacks will be available for purchase. Family Bunny Pictures are available on all dates for an additional fee.
Easter Bunny Train Ride & Easter Egg Hunt
Delaware River Railroad, Phillipsburg
April 12-13, 19-20
The train travels along the scenic Delaware River. When you stop, in front of the 150-year-old lime kilns is a glade filled with Easter eggs. After taking pictures with Mr. Bunny, kids will get their baskets and go find the candy-filled eggs.
Easter Bunny Breakfast & Bunny Trail Brunch
Alstede Farms, Chester
April 12-13, 19-20
Start your day with a hearty farm-to-table breakfast featuring homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes and coffee, with a special Easter Bunny visit. Or come in the afternoon for brunch, which offers a family-style buffet. You’ll also get access to the Springtime Festival activities, which include a scenic hay wagon ride, the Easter egg hunt, the Bunny Trail Maze, visits with baby farm animals, the evergreen maze, the giant hay pyramid, and access to the farm museum.
Easter Eggstravaganza
The Funplex, Mount Laurel
April 12 and 19
Come for an Easter egg hunt, activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a brunch buffet.
Easter Bunny Brunch
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
April 12 and 20
You’ll get admission to the zoo, a brunch buffet, and photos with the Easter Bunny.
Wild About Animals
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
April 12-27
Visit the butterfly house and petting zoo, learn cool facts about protecting the planet, and watch a film in the planetarium about the environment. You can also take a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Jersey Shore Wave Women’s Tackle Football
Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
April 12, May 3
The Wave is the newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), a professional women’s tackle football league, and has games scheduled at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, home of the New Jersey Jackals baseball team and site of the Negro League in the 1930s and ’40s.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
April 12, July 26, September 13, October 11 (Oktoberfest), November 15, December 13 (Christmas Market)
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Fur Mosa: Breakfast With the Bunny
Doggie Sweets, Pier Village, Long Branch
April 13, 18
The tail-wagging Easter breakfast includes mimosas, pictures with DS Bunny, treats for your pup, and discounted meals at Turning Point.
Godspell
Brookdale Performing Arts Center, Lincroft
Fridays – Sundays, through April 19
Godspell brings the teachings of Jesus to life on stage through music, dance and storytelling.
Easter Bunny @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Through April 19
Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available every day, plus you can bring your pets or meet Disney Princesses on certain nights. The Hop ‘n’ Hunt Experience is an augmented reality scavenger hunt to find Easter eggs hidden throughout the mall.
Egg Hunt Hayrides
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Through April 19
Hop a hayride to the egg hunt grounds, decorate cookies, snap photos with Peter Rabbit and visit the farm market.
Elmo’s Eggstravaganza
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Weekends, through April 21
Full schedule from April 12-21
Highlights include photo ops at the Easter Bunny Picture Patch, Easter Dine with Elmo & Friends, the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party, and Donut Decorating with Cookie Monster. From April 18 to 20, you can mark Passover with storytime, a holiday presentation, meetings with Baby Bear and a sing-along with a local cantor.
Back Deck Concert Series
Morris Museum, Morristown
Select dates, through April 21
Sit outside at sunset for performances in classical, jazz and other music styles.
Springtime & Easter Festival
Alstede Farms, Chester
Select Dates, through April 21
Welcome the warmer weather with hay wagon rides, visits with baby farm animals, an Easter egg hunt and Bunny Trail Maze, Easter Bunny photo ops, admission to the farm museum, entrance to the evergreen maze, and the giant hay pyramid climb. The special Children’s Activities Plus Ticket includes pony rides, wagon train and bounce house. You can also book a resy for breakfast or brunch with The Bunny on select dates.
Dinosaur and Tulip Festival
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Through April 27
Among the beautifully blooming fields of tulips and other flowers will be 30+ animatronic dinosaurs with lots of facts about dino history.
Tri State Tulip Festival
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Through April 27
Aside from 1 million tulips, there will be thousands of daffodils blooming during the festival, which includes u-pick flowers on weekdays and a festival every weekend – featuring kids’ activities, a new playground, live music, paddle boats, and a beer garden.
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through April 27
The Visitors Center will have dozens of sculptures made out of the popular Easter marshmallow candy. Vote for your favorites.
The Cereal Cocktail Bar
North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through April 27
The world’s first cereal-themed cocktail bar will have brunch every Saturday with Saturday morning cartoons and Y2K music.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 4
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in outer space. The exhibit includes the operation of wheels and pulleys, three holes of mini golf, a space rocket, a sidewalk produce stand, a vacation in the country, a farm visit, a city park playset, a busy wall, and a museum that has an original manuscript.
The Hobbit
Arden Children’s Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through May 25
J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved book comes to life on stage for families with kids ages 7 and up.
World War II Exhibit
The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 1
Celebrate the lives and memories of our veterans and fallen heroes through weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Spring Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Weekends, through June 29
Bring the entire family for some fresh air on the farm. Stop into the farm store, take a stroll around the property, listen to live music, and try some of Terhune’s own wine.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 1
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. It’s coming from the UK to New Jersey for a few months.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
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