May in New Jersey is all about spring blooms, getting outside at a fair or festival and so much more. Here’s where to go this weekend with the fam:
WEEKEND
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in 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. This is the last weekend of the exhibit.
Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Thursday – Sunday
This is the last week of the u-pick season, and the final festival includes food trucks, a market, tons of photo ops, and a climb through the new Dutch windmill.
New Jersey Wine & Food Festival
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Friday – Sunday
There’s a full slate of activities all weekend, including a Champagne reception, cabaret, brunch and dinners, a book signing, wine pairings, chocolate pairings, and even a Kentucky Derby viewing party.
A Day or Two of Wine, Romance and More
Brook Hollow Winery, Columbia
Friday – Sunday
Meet some of the 50 authors on Friday night, and then browse books on Saturday and Sunday. Food and wine will be available for purchase during the family-friendly event, which includes music by Stan & Elise.
Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Fly your kite in the 10-acre open pasture of the farm. There will be country music, wagon rides, kids’ activities and lawn games, traditional May Day dances and sheep shearing.
Boujee Foodie Con
Fort Monmouth, Oceanport
Saturday – Sunday
There will be about two dozen food trucks and food vendors, shopping areas, live music, games and experiences. A large kids section will offer physical challenges and friendly competitions, plus face painting and photo ops.
Morris County: The Pathways of History Tour
Morris County
Saturday – Sunday
Thirty historic sites and museums across 22 Morris County towns will be open to the public for free.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park Opening Weekend
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park, Vernon Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
Adrenaline-seekers can climb 10 different aerial obstacle courses or try ziplining 50 feet above the ground through the trees of Great Gorge.
LSC May the 4th Weekend
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Saturday – Sunday
Wear your best intergalactic costume because there will be lots of photo ops; plus space-themed activities, science demos, an encounter with a droid, and all of the museum’s regular exhibits.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Various locations throughout NJ and NY
Saturday – Sunday
If you have a Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit card, you’ll get free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Strawberry Festival
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Celebrate the summer fruit with strawberry-themed treats, live entertainment and family activities.
A Weekend in Old Monmouth
Monmouth County
Saturday – Sunday
You can learn the history of one of the oldest parts of the state by visiting any of 53 sites, either in person or virtually, via a self-guided tour.
FRIDAY
360 Hoops Debut
Iron Peak Sports & Events, Hillsborough
After a ribbon cutting, there will be an interactive 360 Hoops demo, with ten courts open for exhibition play for players age 8 and older. Hoops will be set up at 6, 7, 8, and 9 feet, with a three-in-one hoop and a circular style of play.
Mental Health Community Resource and Family Fun Day
Raymour Flanigan, Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Rockaway Twp.
Resource Day is focused on raising community awareness of the Mental Health Association and the resources available to provide mental health support. Families can take part in art therapy craft activities, and visit the food trucks on site.
First Friday Farm Fun: May Day
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
Activities include a glass blowing demo, hayrides, yoga, vendors, fresh produce and cheese, a kid’s concert with Singalong Pete, the milking of the cows.
Boonton Art Walk
Boonton
Stroll along Main Street, head to a wine & cheese reception, explore art openings, meet artists, and book a resy at a local restaurant. There will be live music, a gallery walk, drinks and food.
SATURDAY
Pier Village Kite Festival
Pier Village, Long Branch
Aside from flying your kite high above the sand, there will be food trucks, live music, stilt walkers, dance performances, bubble art, bowling, mini golf, a bead project, and a makers market.
Made in Monmouth
Brookdale Community College, Robert J. Collins Arena, Lincroft
There will be hundreds of vendors who live and/or make their goods in Monmouth County selling art, home decor, baked goods, jewelry, gifts, ornaments, craft beverages, chocolates, soaps, lotions, oils and more from inside the arena.
Sheep Shearing & Herding
Learn about sheep care, fleece cleaning and wool use as you watch sheep shearing, wool spinning and weaving demonstrations. You’ll see border collies herding sheep around the pasture.
Kids Day Scouting Event
Historic Village of Smithville, Galloway
Scouts, their friends and family, and the general public can come to the shops to see scouting traditions, plus games and outdoor programs, including live demos and exhibits. Activities include archery, a BB gun range, a pinewood derby, the Raingutter Regatta, a veggie track, a knot station, a lashings station and camping.
Big Tree Event
Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson
There will be live music, games, food, crafts, woodworkings, birding hikes, a hayride, nursery and greenhouse tours, a water quality table, bee tables, a wildlife habitat setup, a fire table, forest measurements, forest crafts, maple sugaring and more nature activities.
Monster Jam
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Check out 12,000-pound monster trucks as they fly around the arena doing massive stunts, backflips, two-wheel tricks and all-out racing at 70 miles per hour during freestyle, skills and racing competitions. This is the first time you’ll see the all-new Classroom Crusher.
May the Force: Make A Wish
Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick
The event to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation includes touch-a-truck, a car show, R2-D2 and BB-8 meet-and-greets at IRL Games, a May the Force costume contest, and character appearances.
WheatonArts ECO Fair
WheatonArts, Millville
ECO Fair is a campus-wide event that brings you to members of local gardening clubs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners with various plants and herbs for sale, handmade works of New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, a Nature Trail tour, eco-friendly activities for families, and more.
Hungarian Folk Dance Show and Dance Party
Hungarian American Athletic Club, New Brunswick
After seven choreographed dance performances, teaching circles will be led by dancers from Hungary so you can join in. Hungarian dinner will be available after the show.
Mom-A-Rama Extravaganza
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls
There will be local pop-up shops in the center of the outlets, plus a DJ, a Kid Zone, food demos, fresh food and desserts, and special sales and promos. The first 250 moms to show up will get swag.
Music @themall: Scouting For Stars
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
Gen Z’ers get an up-close look at the music industry, from free live performances to meet-and-greets with artists to chats with music execs. They’ll be able to show off their talents and see if they have what it takes to make it in the biz.
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County Spring Plant Expo and Garden Market
Mercer Educational Gardens, at Mercer County Stables, Hopewell Twp.
This year’s expo will feature home-grown perennials, trees and shrubs from the gardens of Rutgers Master Gardeners. A garden market will showcase native plants, woody ornamentals, perennials, annuals, herbs, tomatoes and other veggies sold by local farms.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Watch and wager on the Kentucky Derby from one of the only horse racing tracks in NJ. Tickets include access to the Turf Club, with appetizers, lunch buffet and dessert.
Run With Eagles 5K
Cream Ridge Winery, Cream Ridge
The 17th annual Run with Eagles 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run takes you through horse country on Kentucky Derby Saturday. Support the Allentown Lions Club Foundation, which will raise money, in part, for the annual Memorial Day Parade. Donations also go to Trenton Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and local food banks.
Jersey Shore Wave Women’s Tackle Football
Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
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.
Makerspace
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
During this “super” edition of Makerspace, guest artist Dan Fenelon will help you create your own superhero logo. Other Makerspace activities include using the 3D printer, LEGOs, jewelry making, marble runs and playing with robots.
Barnyard Buddies Sensory-Friendly Petting Zoo
Bierman Centers for Autism, Eatontown and Ramsey
The free outdoor family event will include a sensory-friendly petting zoo designed specifically for children with autism, ages 2-9. Meet goats, bunnies, pigs and more. There will be hands-on, farm-themed activities.
Union County Celtic Festival
Deutscher Club of Clark, Clark
The festival includes entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, three live bands, craft vendors, dancing, food vendors, and a beer garden.
The Red Mill Kentucky Derby Party
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Saddle up for Derby-themed food, drinks, music, games and auctions.
Mom & Me Dinner and Music
NAYA, Montvale
NAYA Montvale – known for its Middle Eastern bowls and “Little Habibi” kids meals – is holding a pre-Mother’s Day party for the fam, including a roaming performance by Songs for Seeds, an interactive band known for bubbles, instruments and magic. The concert is free, and a parent will get a free meal when they buy their kid a meal, too.
Spring Market
Horseshoe Lake Park, Succasunna
The day features a variety of vendors, makers, food trucks, music and more. Shop decor, handmade jewelry, tumblers, trinkets and dozens of unique gifts from 100+ vendors.
Garden State African Club Show & Plant Sale
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
This year’s theme is “Violets on the Move,” with lots of plant and design displays grown by club members and pro gardeners. There will be educational exhibits, tips on growing and caring for your own violets, and a plant sale.
Down & Derby Wine Festival
Veterans Island on Cooper River Park, Pennsauken
There will be music by GoodMan Fiske Band and The Lally Brothers Band, food, games, and lots of wine sampling.
Area 57 Hot Air Balloon Festival
Warren County Community College, Washington Twp.
This day full of tech and aviation features hot air balloons, robotics, a mobile arcade, and the chance to build and launch a small rocket.
Jersey Shore 5K & Team Hope Walk
Bar A, Lake Como
Support the Huntington’s Disease Society of America by taking part in the 5K or Team Walk. After the event, enjoy food and drinks at Bar Anticipation.
Children’s Book Festival
Hopewell Park Gazebo, Hopewell
The Hopewell Public Library invited four local authors for fireside chats, readings and book signings, along with craft tables for families. The first 50 children will receive a free book, sponsored by Book an Author.
Derby Celebration
Autumn Lake Winery, Williamstown
Don your most festive attire and watch the race live. Tickets include food trucks, live music, a commemorative Derby glass, and a private wine bar and more samples if you’re a VIP.
Spring Block Party
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
There will be over 350 crafters, food vendors, musical acts and more from 5th to 14th streets.
Kids Day for Scouts
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Boy and Girl Scouts ages 6 to 20 will have a special day just for them. Meet other scout units, participate in activities and see demonstrations. There will be archery, fishing, camping, Pinewood Derby car racing and more.
Fiesta de Mayo
Huddy Park, Highlands
You’ll get to sample 6-ounce pours of different margaritas and then choose your favorite for the Best Margarita contest. There will be samples of food, deals from local restaurants, and live Mariachi music.
MaiFest
Germania Park, Rockaway Twp.
Celebrate the spring with music by the Alex Meiner Band.
Community Planting Day
Carter Park (Seton Village neighborhood), South Orange
Volunteers of all ages can plant herbs, native trees and flowers to add to the greenery of the park.
Spring Blossom Festival
Riamede Farm, Chester
See the orchard in bloom, take a tractor ride around the orchard, talk to local beekeepers, shop from 50+ craft vendors, and snack on apple cider donuts.
SUNDAY
May the 4th Party
Flounder Brewing, Hillsborough
Dress as your favorite “Star Wars” character for the party. Tiger Man Band will play a Force-themed show. The May the Schwartz Be With You beer will be released. 22 West Tap & Grill food truck will serve Star Wars-inspired foods.
Pete the Cat
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure, especially when he meets young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. There is a 1:30 pm show, and then a sensory-friendly version at 4:30 pm.
A New Hope Star Wars Day
Downtown New Hope, PA
Meet Stormtroopers and iconic Star Wars characters from Garrison Carida, a chapter of the 501st Legion in Eastern PA. There will be Galaxy Paint & Pot, YodaRita cocktails, Luke Skywalker and Yoda sushi rolls, and a scavenger hunt and costume contest.
Skylands Manor Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Hop on a tour led by a New Jersey Botanical Garden volunteer docent, who will teach you about the architecture and history of Skylands Manor.
Cherry Blossom Festival (and May the Fourth Be With You)
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, a May the 4th Be with You (Star Wars) Dog Contest, a environmental exhibitors, a petting zoo and a Tai Chi demo.
Danube Harmonies
Magyar Reformed Church, New Brunswick
There will be a Young Adult Jam Session before the performances of Hungarian folk dance, quartets and a waltz.
May the 4th Be With You “Star Wars” Day
YesterCades, Metuchen
All Jedi and Sith can play together during a night of retro gaming and nostalgia-filled fun. Cosplay is encouraged as you play “Star Wars” games, enter the raffle and listen to music.
Bridgewater Spring Carnival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
This free community event will have a few Star Wars surprises in celebration of the iconic May the 4th day, including Jedi training. There will also be rides, inflatables, carnival games, a DJ, food vendors, a petting zoo and an arts & crafts tent.
Star Wars Day
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Show up in a Star Wars costume and you’ll get 50 percent off admission to the decommissioned battleship museum. You can take a guided tour at 12 pm, or go on a self-guided tour at any time during the day.
Monmouth Moms Spring Festival
Bell Works, Holmdel
There will be more than 80 vendors, fresh flowers and Mother’s Day gifts, a DJ and kids entertainment, a Letters to Mom writing station, new mom and baby resources, an indoor fun zone, a MomOsa bar with sweet treats, a photo station, food vendors and restaurant stations, and an outdoor fun zone with a bounce house.
Sea-Con Comic Book Show & Collectibles Festival
Sea Bright Recreation Center, Sea Bright
There will be vendors selling comic books, toys, trading cards and collectibles. Meet artists, writers, cosplay groups and photographers. Themes include Anime, Star Wars and The Mandalorian.
Wayne NJ Toy Show
Wayne PAL, Wayne
There will be lots of “Star Wars” memorabilia among the sports cards, toys, collectibles and comic books on display and for sale.
Springfest Craft & Gift Show With Antique Corner
Veterans Park, Westwood
Expect 125 exhibitors from three states set up with handmade products, antique treasures and high-end gifts.
Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Fun Day
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill
Support Animal Welfare Association’s lifesaving programs by taking part in a 5K race or a shorter walk with your dog, and then entertainment, a vendor market, children’s activities, food and more.
Racin’ for Bacon 5K, 10K and 1-Mile K9 Walk
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Run through a historic Revolutionary War battlefield to celebrate the nation’s 249th birthday. Choose from a 5K, 10K or a 1-mile walk with your dog – and get a free freshly cooked thick-cut pork belly bacon from Btchi’N Bacon on a Stick at the finish line. The races benefit GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough, whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome.
Handmade Hopewell
Seminary Avenue, Hopewell Borough
The highly curated makers street fair will feature more than 60 makers, artisans and craftspeople selling textiles, home goods, paintings, ceramics and more.
Highland Park Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Highland Park
All on the same day are the Run in the Park 5K and Kids’ Races, the Spring Street Fair and Sustainable Highland Park’s Earth Day Fest.
Tenafly Spring Fling
Huyler Park, Tenafly
This year’s theme is wellness, and activities include a jump rope contest, hula hoop contest, pickleball, yoga, Pilates and a dance off; in addition to vendors, slime making, fairy hair extensions and a spinning twister ride.
The Grand Falloons: Earth Science Circus
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
There will be magical disappearing garbage, juggling, costumes, pop quizzes, plate spinning, audience participation, and musical duets about recycling.
ONGOING
Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens
Wildfair, Chester Twp.
May 1-31
Wildfair is a nearly 9,500-square-foot fieldstone and tile-roofed neo-Colonial country estate house that’s over 220 years old. As a fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center, 36 interior designers have decorated the house and landscaping for you to see. Each ticket comes with a tour of the estate and meet-and-greets with the designers.
Self-Guided Tours of Sawmill & Packing House
Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Wednesdays – Saturdays in May
The Sawmill & Packing House will be open for self-guided tours on most Wednesdays through Saturdays during May; or join a guided tour of the historic cranberry packing house on Saturday, May 3.
Storytime on the Green
Palmer Square, Princeton
Saturdays in May
Bring the family to sing, dance and explore the world of books with JaZams’ Jeff Trainor and special guest readers. Geared toward infants to 8-year-olds.
Sunday Fundays
Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Sundays in May
The programs include Neat Nifty Nature on May 4, where you will meet Milo the therapy dog and then go for a short hike; Shell-ebrate Turtles on May 18; and a sunset hike from Veterans Rock on May 25.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
XScape Theatres Howell 14, Howell
May 2-11
L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence, will hold its carnival with food, rides and entertainment for kids.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Fridays – Saturdays May 2 – June 28
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
May 4, June 22, September 7, October 19, November 2 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
Summer Market Pop-ups: July 13 and August 10 at Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
Holiday Markets: December 7, 14 and 21 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Bank of America Golf With Us
Throughout New Jersey
Through May 24
This new initiative for young golfers ages 6 to 18 lets you register for free (registration ends May 24) and then pay only $5 at 30 different golf courses around the state for an entire year after registration.
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.
Best of the Nest Birdhouse Competition & Display
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through June 8
Area residents created dozens of beautiful birdhouses that will be on display in the Visitors Center.
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.
Hoboken Tern Parade
Throughout Hoboken
Through June 30
Thirty businesses in Hoboken will display a decoy statue of the Common Tern, which is Hoboken’s official honorary bird. Activities throughout the next few months include library storytime, an Earth Day celebration, bird walks, scavenger hunts and a special RigaTERNi pizza.
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 10
As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, take the kids to see a collection of 16 flags that flew during the Revolutionary War.
Picnic in the Park
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through the summer season
You can order a curated picnic lunch that you can eat with the family in the Acer Courtyard (where the peacocks hang out) or anywhere within the 42-acre sculpture garden.
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.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents. From July 25 to August 2, a slate of birthday celebrations will be announced. July 30 is the “C…is For Celebrate!” fireworks show.
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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