This weekend is all about flower festivals, May the 4th fun for Star Wars fans, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Kentucky Derby parties and much more for everyone in your crew. Here are some of our favorite weekend highlights:
- Opening weekend of Morey’s Piers in Wildwood
- The final weekends of the tulip festivals at Holland Ridge Farms and Arrowhead Farmstead
- A Formula 1 Watch Party at RPM Raceway in Jersey City
- A superhero-themed makerspace event at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison
- Kids Day Kids Markets at Historic Smithville
- A Cinco de Mayo street fair in Toms River
- The Fairy Trail Festival in Millburn
- A sweet teddy bear clinic with a touch-a-truck event in Denville
- A Taylor Swift tribute concert at the Levoy Theatre in Millville
WEEKEND
Celebrate National Therapy Animal Day
Vail Mansion, Morristown
Thursday
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy will set up a pet-friendly party on the lawn of the Vail Mansion. Meet certified therapy animals, learn about the benefits of pet therapy, and discover how you can help out.
1776
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
Thursday – Saturday
In this tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary, 1776 follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and some other delegates as they try to unite the 13 Colonies.
Dino Festival and Tulip Experience
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Thursday – Sunday
This is the final weekend to see 30 life-sized dinos hiding amongst 1 million tulips on 150 acres of farmland for this combo fest. Activities for the kids include fossil hunting, dino stage shows and science lessons on the prehistoric. You can order from the food trucks or lemonade stand.
Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Thursday – Sunday
This is the final weekend the mega tulip farm will be open for u-pick flowers, along with weekend festival activities like food trucks, tours of the windmill and plenty of photo opps.
New Jersey Fable Festival
Paranormal Books, Asbury Park
Friday – Saturday
The weekend of film, folklore, podcasts, shopping, authors, speakers and other live events is presented by Paranormal Books. Friday night features the Jersey Devil Film Festival. Saturday’s Village Market includes a Tales of the Jersey Devil Walking Tour, music and Cryptid Bingo. The Pod Barrens podcast shows will be broadcast from The ShowRoom Cinema all day Saturday.
Americana
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
American Repertory Ballet’s season finale honors our country’s 250th anniversary with dances choreographed to works by George Balanchine, Tchaikovsky, and an excerpt from Stars and Stripes by John Philip Sousa.
Morey’s Piers Opening Weekend
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
It’s not summer without the Jersey Shore, and this weekend the rides and games open for the summer season.
May the 4th: International Star Wars Day
New Hope, PA
Friday – Monday
More than 60 businesses will have their own Star Wars spin, with themed cocktails, special menus, costumed discounts, and interactive experiences. Highlights include members of the 501st Legion (Garrison Carida) moving through town on Sunday in full, museum-quality costume; and Star Wars Quizzo at the Bucks County Playhouse courtyard.
Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Kids can decorate their own kites, then fly them around the fields. There will be country music playing, old-fashioned games like hopscotch and hoop the horse, a ducky race, sheep shearing (on Sunday), and food and wine served in Pam’s Food Tent.
Union Muster
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Saturday – Sunday
The village will be “occupied” by British, Hessian and Loyalist military and civilian historical interpreters. There will be historical weapons demonstrations, 18th-century music, children’s crafts, and more.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Saturday – Sunday
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.
FRIDAY
Sensory-Sensitive Hours at New Jersey Hall of Fame
New Jersey Hall of Fame, American Dream, East Rutherford
On the first Friday of every month, from 12 to 3 pm, people with sensory sensitivities can explore the HOF with reduced lighting effects in certain exhibits, neutral lighting throughout the space, lower crowd levels, decreased sound effects in select exhibits, and minimal ambient noise overall.
Taylorville
Levoy Theatre, Millville
The tribute band will sing Taylor Swift’s greatest hits will using a full-on video projection wall.
SATURDAY
Voices Chorale Spring Concert
Trinity Church, Princeton
Singers will be joined by an orchestra to feature music by American composers in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Secaucus Green Festival
The Xchange at Secaucus Junction, Secaucus
The day’s activities include a clothing drive, test driving of Lucid Motors electric vehicles, a recycled craft activity, free kids’ yoga sessions, live planting activities, a Mad Science earth-based workshop, live music, food vendors and a marketplace.
Spring Forestry Festival
Forest Education Resource Center, Jackson Twp.
Join members of the New Jersey Forest Service for tours of the nursery and greenhouse, hayrides through the property, demos on how to measure big trees, guided hikes, tree carving demos, and a live wolf exhibit – plus environmental displays and exhibits.
Hammonton Arts & Music Festival
Horton Street, Hammonton
Artists, musicians and crafty folk come together for performances, marketplace shopping, art demos, Fairy Power Hour with a dance party for kids, upcycled crafts and creative outfits.
Sheep Shearing & Herding
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
There will be sheep shearing, wool spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day. Award-winning border collies will herd sheep round the pasture. Learn about sheep care, fleece cleaning and wool use—plus working dog whistle commands, puppy training, and more.
YingHua International School Spring Night Market Fundraiser
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
The traditional Asian night market is also a fundraiser for the school. The open-air festival will include street food, cultural performances (like a traditional Chinese lion dance), interactive activities, artisan vendors showcasing East Asia, carnival games, face painting, balloon twisting, a raffle and silent auctions. This takes place during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
Celebrate Mom: A Shopping Extravaganza
St. Jude Parish Center, Hopatcong
Held both indoors and outdoors, the event will feature over 40 unique people showcasing a variety of handcrafted goods, boutique items, home décor, jewelry, beauty products, and thoughtful gifts.
Teddy Bear Clinic & Touch-a-Truck
Morris County School of Technology, Denville
Kids ages 3–9 can bring their stuffed animals for a health checkup. They’ll meet local first responders and healthcare pros who will teach them how to stay calm in medical and safety settings.
Union County Celtic Festival
Deutscher Club of Clark
The Irish festival includes live music and entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, craft vendors, dancing, and a beer garden.
Buena Fine Crafts & Artisans Spring Festival
Landisville
This is one of the most all-inclusive festivals in the state. Shop from over 125 artists, crafters and antique dealers; take a horse & carriage ride or hop on a restored Atlantic City tram car; play at the amusements and games area; get your face painted or do sand art; take a pony ride; tour the museum; listen to a live broadcast by WVLT-92.1, live bands and the Western Atlantic Wind Ensemble; check out the food trucks; visit the garden center booths; watch a livestream of the NASCAR race and see the Pellegrini Motorsports exhibit; celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special flag raising; meet authors at a book signing; and view the cars on display during a fundraising car show for Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
World Labyrinth Day
Trinity Cathedral, Trenton
On World Labyrinth Day, you can walk around the permanent labyrinth on the grounds of the church (which was installed as part of an Eagle Scout project 20 years ago) or around a second one installed on the lawn for this event. You’ll learn about the significance of the labyrinth from a historian before the walking meditation that’s part of the worldwide “Walk as One at One” event.
Fairy Trail Festival
Locust Grove, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn
The festival includes fairy house building, storytelling, a scavenger hunting, music and dancing.
Dr. James Still Community Wellness Fair
Dr. James Still Historic Site Visitor Center, Medford
The free outdoor event includes free health screenings by Cooper Health, a guided nature trail walk, free workshops, a wellness marketplace, an open house, live music by Marrisa Joy and Soundbath Collective, games and prizes.
Spring Block Party
Ocean City
There will be over 350 people selling food and crafts while live musicians play.
ECO Fair
WheatonArts, Millville
Look out for gardening clubs, Rutgers Master Gardeners with plants and herbs for sale, handmade works by New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, a Nature Trail tour, eco-friendly activities for families, and more throughout the entire campus.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Washington Street, Toms River
Walk along the street for a mix of businesses, restaurants, sellers and food celebrating Mexican culture.
Hopewell Township’s Cultural Festival
Woolsey Park, Titusville
There will be live cultural performances, traditional music and dance, international cuisine, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about the many cultures that make the community unique.
Elmwood Park Springfest Street Fair
Market Street, Elmwood Park
There will be exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, a kiddie zone, festival foods, food trucks, dancing, karate demos, and more.
Cherry Blossom Festival
In front of Margate Community Church, Margate City
Celebrate spring with kids’ games and activities (like egg, spoon, potato sack and three-legged races), live music by Dead Reckoning (a Grateful Dead tribute band), food vendors, Wawa snacks, wine and beer, arts and crafts, an environmental exhibitors, a petting zoo and a Tai Chi demo.
Down and Derby Wine Festival
Cooper River Park, Camden
Sample wines from some of South Jersey’s best wineries. There will be live music and performances, food trucks and Kentucky Derby themes.
Kentucky Derby Party Fundraiser
Red Mill Museum & Village, Clinton
There will be food, entertainment, contests and auction items – all to benefit the museum’s educational and preservation programs.
Kids Day Kids Markets
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Kids will run their own mini-businesses — selling products, meeting customers, and keeping their profits.
Kids Day, Scouting of America
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Boys and girls ages 6 to 20 can meet scout units, and see demos in archery, fishing, camping and Pinewood Derby Car Racing.
Founders Day
Plainsboro Municipal Grounds, Plainsboro
A parade is followed by museum tours, food, games and entertainment to celebrate this Mercer County town.
Makerspace: Superhero Edition
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Superhero Day in Madison includes a Makerspace for kids at the METC Education Annex. Create superhero crafts and activities as you track the Madison Menace throughout town. Regular Makerspace activities will also be available: Kids will use the 3D printer, build with LEGOs, make jewelry, experiment with the marble run and play with coding robots.
Free Fly Fishing Family Event
Lake Topanemus, Freehold
Try fly fishing together. All equipment is provided, but anyone over age 16 needs a New Jersey fishing license.
SUNDAY
Highland Park Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Highland Park
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games and food vendors all down the streets.
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Watch Party
RPM Raceway, Jersey City
Check out the limited-edition karts showing off Lando Norris’ helmet design. While watching the race, you’ll get to try free Lando Norris Zero Sugar. There will be race-themed Monster Energy and RPM prizes given out during select races.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Historic Bridgeton’s Riverfront, Bridgeton
Celebrate Mexican and Latino heritage with live music and dancing, storytelling, a taco eating contest, Loteria (Mexican bingo), dancing horses, Mariachi bands, a student performance by the Bridgeton High School Latin Club, pinata fun for kids, a Miss Cinco de Mayo presentation, and a family fun zone.
Galactic Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
May 4th is known as May the Fourth, AKA Star Wars Day. During this Galactic Brunch on Sunday, kids will meet the Star Princess, Dark Commander and the Grand Master while they order off their own menu. They’ll also get their own coloring book.
STAFF PHOTO / Cherry Grove Farm
First Milk Fest
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
The first-ever First Milk Fest, held with the NJ Dairy & Cheese Guild, is the spring answer to the fall’s Cow Parade and fall fest. You’ll get to sample products made from milk from cows, goats, sheep and buffalo. Pick up some jams, wool, herbs, honey and halvah, all made by local artisans. Have a flower crown made at Sprouts Flowers, dance around the maypole, buy some plants for your home garden, churn butter, take a hayride, watch the morris dancers, and participate in the kirtan for the calves.
Handmade Hopewell: A Makers Street Fair
Seminary and Columbia avenues, Hopewell Borough
Discover unique goods from artists and makers, meet the people behind the work, and visit all the local shops and restaurants in the area.
Chestnut Hill’s Home + Garden Festival
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s Garden District will set up a marketplace along Germantown Avenue with more than 250 vendors; plus live craft demos, food and drinks from neighborhood hotspots, food trucks, history-themed performances, live music, and plenty of opportunities to buy garden products or seasonal blooms.
ONGOING
Von Thun Farms Tulip Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
May 1-7
In November, farmers planted 250,000 tulip bulbs for the first time ever. Visit on any day to pick your own, or plan to come by on a festival weekend when there will be food trucks, kids’ activities, farm animals (like Hope the Highland cow) and market shopping.
U.S. Military History Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ
May 1-31
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.
Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
May 1 – 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.
Mizuho Americas Open
Mountain Ridge Country Club, West Caldwell
May 4-10
The world’s best golfers will compete – including icon Michelle Wie West, LPGA’s top players, 24 elite junior girls from the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and Jeeno Thitikul, the world’s No. 1-ranked player.
Spring Blooms
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through May 7
There’s so much to see among the 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows. Already growing are hardy bulbs, crocus, forsythia and cherry blossoms. By next week, more than 150,000 tulips and other spring bulbs are expected to reach peak bloom along the 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk. Come a little later in the season for flowering magnolias and dogwoods.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25
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!). 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.
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.
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 weekend (May 1-3 2026)?
A: This weekend (May 1-3, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include opening weekend of Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, the final weekends of the tulip festivals at Holland Ridge Farms and Arrowhead Farmstead (which also has dinos), a Formula 1 Watch Party at RPM Raceway in Jersey City, a Cinco de Mayo street fair in Toms River and a Taylor Swift tribute concert at the Levoy Theatre in Millville.
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!
Read More:
You and Your Kids Will Love These Day Trip Ideas Around New Jersey
Fairs and Festivals in NJ: Our Mega-Guide
The Best Free Things to Do in New Jersey in May (2026)
The Best Fairs & Festivals in NJ in May
