May is all about Moms, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day. Here are the best festivals, events, activities and other celebrations happening in New Jersey this month that have free admission plus a few highlights:
- A Teddy Bear Clinic in Denville
- A Mother’s Day party run by other moms in Jersey City
- Sky Observing Nights at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton
- The Freehold Memorial Day Parade
- Bridgewater Spring Carnival and Touch-a-Truck
- Soar & Shore Airshow in Atlantic City
- Camden County String Band Parade in Haddon Twp.
THROUGHOUT NEW JERSEY
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
May 2-3
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.
NORTH JERSEY
Celebrate Mom: A Shopping Extravaganza
St. Jude Parish Center, Hopatcong
May 2
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.
Secaucus Green Festival
The Xchange at Secaucus Junction, Secaucus
May 2
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.
Fairy Trail Festival
Locust Grove, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn
May 2
The festival includes fairy house building, storytelling, a scavenger hunting, music and dancing.
Teddy Bear Clinic & Touch-a-Truck
Morris County School of Technology, Denville
May 2
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.
Elmwood Park Springfest Street Fair
Market Street, Elmwood Park
May 2
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.
Mother’s Day Celebration
Hamilton Park, Jersey City
May 8
JCFamilies has planned an afternoon for moms and kids with a photo corner, arts & crafts, music, performances, cookie decorating, giant bubbles, flowers for moms, a picnic, and more family activities.
Financially L.I.T. Mother’s Day Market
KIPP High School, Newark
May 9
More than 100 student CEOs and local vendors will prove Luxury Is Teachable (L.I.T.) during this massive Mother’s Day market, where kids will sell apparel, beauty products, baked goods and handmade crafts.
Bayonne Food Truck Fest
19th to 22nd Street Ave E., Bayonne
May 9
There will be 30+ food trucks, drinks, bands and face painting.
Maker Day Open House
Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Morris Plains
May 9
While visiting the museum and Log House today for free, you can watch art demos (like plein air painting), weave your own basket, check out what the crafters are selling, take a tour of the North Cottage (make sure to look for the rare green ash furniture), and pick up a handmade gift for Mother’s Day. Kids ages 4 to 8 can take a children’s tour of Adventures at Craftsman Farms or sign up for the scavenger hunt.
Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea, Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
May 16
There will be curated vendors selling everything from art to vintage finds indoors. Food trucks will be located outside.
Kiwanis Karnival
East Northfield Road, Livingston
May 12-16
There will be rides, festival food and treats, carnival games and prizes – with free admission thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Livingston.
Fairy & Pirate Festival
Turkey Brook Park, Mt. Olive
May 16
Dress up your kids in their favorite fairy or pirate costume and take them to the park for adventures: like inflatables, pony rides, DJ music, a marketplace, and pirates strolling about. Note: There is no admission fee but some activities have a fee.
Tenafly Night Market
Washington Street, Tenafly
May 16
This year’s market expanded, with more than 50 food options, a craft cocktail bar, music by Side Hustle and DJs from WFDU Radio, performances by School of Rock Cresskill, a cozy space for kits to play, and a carnival zone.
Maifest
Hackettstown
May 16
This traditional German festival celebrates the arrival of spring – and that means tons of live entertainment, activities, food and beer. The Oompah band Peter and the Wolf-gang will stroll around playing music, and you can watch traditional Maypole dancers.
Rose Squared Art Show
Verona Park, Verona
May 16-17
This event showcases both fine art and fine craft with works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Maplewood Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Maplewood
May 17
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show
Boulevard, Kenilworth
May 17
This event will feature a marketplace with a special crafter’s section, lots of food, kiddie rides and a packed kids’ area, live music and performances, karate and dance demos, and a huge classic car show.
Jersey City Jazz Festival
Exchange Place Plaza, Jersey City
May 29-31
For the first time, the Jersey City Jazz Festival will run with the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival; that means dozens of international performers singing from multiple stages over the course of the weekend. There will be a curated artisan marketplace, a wide selection of food trucks, interactive dance classes, and a Community Zone with free activities for kids. At the Jersey City Free Public Library, “Unearth a Story” activities include mad science, dino storytime, instrument making, a bucket drum class, and face painting.
STEAM Around the Square
Washington Street, Newark
May 30
This free community day is a day of games, performances and hands-on activities based all around science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity
Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair
May 30
Help illuminate the park with more than a thousand lanterns in honor of people who have helped light the way forward in the AAPI realm. There will be live music, inspiring speakers, the sharing of AAPI history, artwork creation and social justice work. The program will feature performances by Vanguard Theater Company, the UCC Pride Choir, singer Kerala Kim, Matrix Jazz, and The Mon Bros. Picnic on the lawn after getting some dinner from the food trucks on site.
Montclair Vintage Crawl & Record Fair
Lackawanna Station, Montclair
May 30-31
Vintage dealers and independent record sellers will set up inside Lackawanna Station, but you can also pick up a map and head into Montclair and browse through its vintage shops. You’ll find hand-selected clothing, accessories and vinyl records. There will be open turntables sessions set up so you can DJ live.
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
May 31
Discover unique handmade goods, new gift items, treats, and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting 50+ small businesses and talented makers in the community. A different food truck is featured each month; this month’s truck is 69th Street Pit Stop, serving up Porky Mac n cheese and Mango Tango Tacos.
CENTRAL
Face(t)s of America Exhibition
Gallery Space, Rahway
May 1 – 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.
Sheep Shearing & Herding
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
May 2
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
May 2
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.
Hopewell Township’s Cultural Festival
Woolsey Park, Titusville
May 2
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.
World Labyrinth Day
Trinity Cathedral, Trenton
May 2
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.
Free Fly Fishing Family Event
Lake Topanemus, Freehold
May 2
Try fly fishing together. All equipment is provided, but anyone over age 16 needs a New Jersey fishing license.
Founders Day
Plainsboro Municipal Grounds, Plainsboro
May 2
A parade is followed by museum tours, food, games and entertainment to celebrate this Mercer County town.
Union Muster
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
May 2-3
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.
Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
May 2-3
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.
Highland Park Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Highland Park
May 3
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
Handmade Hopewell: A Makers Street Fair
Seminary and Columbia avenues, Hopewell Borough
May 3
Discover unique goods from artists and makers, meet the people behind the work, and visit all the local shops and restaurants in the area.
First Milk Fest
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
May 3
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.
Mamas Night Market on the Farm
Needle Creek Brewing, Pennington
May 7
This free event is open to all sorts of mamas – and even non-mamas and boys, too – for a night of shopping, socializing and time at the farm (with a beer if you’d like, too).
Sky Observing Night
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville
May 8 and 15
You’ll start at the museum with an extended star talk in the planetarium, discussing what is visible in the night sky that evening, with an extra focus on deep sky objects that are observable with telescopes. If it’s a clear night, the group will drive to Washington Crossing State Park’s Simpson Observatory. You’ll use the historic telescopes to view the objects discussed at the planetarium.
Mother’s Day Carriage Rides & Barn Swallow Celebration
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
May 9
Treat mom to a horse-and-buggy ride around the farm. At 2 pm, a county naturalist will be on site to provide an up-close look at swallows, bats, owls and insects that are essential to the ecosystem where farmers raise their crops and animals.
Azalea Festival
Sayen Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Twp.
May 9
Walk through a magnificent display of over 250,000 flowering dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendrons through the walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes and gazebos.
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
May 9-10
Shop for any of the moms in your life – from your mother to dog and cat moms to grandmothers and everyone else. There will be 30+ sellers, live music and DJs, lots of food, face painting, a photo wall, a DIY hat car, and custom art from kids’ drawings.
Red Bank BroadWalk
Red Bank
May 15-31
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.
History Day
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
May 16
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.
Dog Walk on BroadWalk
Red Bank
May 16
The afternoon of pet adoptions, yappy hour specials and pet activities are for you and your furbabies. The Wag and A Pair of Shoez will perform live music.
Sippi Kids Launch Party
Livoti’s Old World Market, Freehold
May 16
Sippi Kids is a new boxed water for kids that contains 100 percent purified water in sustainable packaged, designed to entice kids to drink water because of its juice box style, fun colors and straw. You can meet the founders of Sippi Kids – who happen to be Monmouth County moms. There will be snacks and one free Sippi Kids box per child, plus crafts for the littles.
East Cherry Street Artisan Market
East Cherry Street, Rahway
May 16
As part of the larger NJ Art & Music Express taking place in Rahway, Avenel and Woodbridge, this outdoor pop-up market will have about a dozen independent makers selling handcrafted goods including jewelry, accessories, hand-poured candles and crocheted items. Watch for music performances by Rahway’s River Goddess mural, and check out the public art installations near East Cherry Street.
Woodbridge Street Fair & Craft Show
Main Street and Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge
May 16
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
Discovery Den Reopening Celebration
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
May 16
The space has be redesigned, and kids can play with fossils, puzzles, books and ActiveFloor games. There’s an interactive mural, plus a New Jersey natural history-themed arts & crafts project. Outside, there will be more games, in addition to food trucks.
Corn Planting & Gardening
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
May 16
Watch farmers in action using workhorses and a circa-1900 planter. Head back to the barnyard to help shell and grind corn for the pigs and chickens. Then make your way to the farmhouse to learn how corn is processed for baking, and sample some fresh-baked cornbread.
FBAC Porch Fest
Downtown Freehold
May 17
As you drive through the borough, look for porches, front steps, parking lots and gazebos where musicians will be playing free mini concerts.
Cranbury Colonial Fair & Historic Dedication
Cranbury-Millstone Park, Cranbury
May 17
Celebrate the 1713 East Jersey cottage with a historic plaque dedication, guest speakers, a performance of Colonial music, kids’ crafts and games, a marketplace and demos.
Spring Beekeeping & Gardening
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
May 23
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.
Turkish Fest
CJC Center, Somerset
May 23-24
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.
Highlands Seaport Craft Show
Huddy Park, Highlands
May 24
Check out handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters. There will be a huge variety of unique gifts, art, jewelry, and personal items at the Juried Show.
Freehold Memorial Parade
Main Street, Freehold Borough
May 25
Every Memorial Day, thousands of marchers give a nod to America, including veterans groups, active military, Scouts, local business owners and families.
Hog Slopping & Weighing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
May 30
Guess the weights of the Howell Farm hogs as they step onto the scales for their summer weigh-in. Learn the finer points of keeping pigs, including their history, diet and some fun facts. Help grind corn, mix feed, fill the wallow, and slop the hogs.
Xtreme Queen
Metuchen Town Plaza, Metuchen
May 30
The multi-media live “X”perience is a tribute to the legacy of Freddie Mercury, celebrating Downtown Pride with Metuchen Downtown Alliance, Atlantic Health and Outfront Metuchen.
Bridgewater Spring Carnival and Touch-a-Truck
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
May 31
Kids will climb on everything here, from giant vehicles to carnival rides. Held by the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, the event also includes face painting, crafts, food trucks, a marketplace, and interactive activities.
SOUTH
Cherry Blossom Festival
In front of Margate Community Church, Margate City
May 2
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.
Spring Block Party
Ocean City
May 2
There will be over 350 people selling food and crafts while live musicians play.
Buena Fine Crafts & Artisans Spring Festival
Landisville
May 2
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.
Kids Day Kids Markets
Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 2
Kids will run their own mini-businesses — selling products, meeting customers, and keeping their profits.
Kids Day, Scouting of America
Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 2
Boys and girls ages 6 to 20 can meet scout units, and see demos in archery, fishing, camping and Pinewood Derby Car Racing.
ECO Fair
WheatonArts, Millville
May 2
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.
Down and Derby Wine Festival
Cooper River Park, Camden
May 2
Sample wines from some of South Jersey’s best wineries. There will be live music and performances, food trucks and Kentucky Derby themes.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Washington Street, Toms River
May 2
Walk along the street for a mix of businesses, restaurants, sellers and food celebrating Mexican culture.
Dr. James Still Community Wellness Fair
Dr. James Still Historic Site Visitor Center, Medford
May 2
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.
Hammonton Arts & Music Festival
Horton Street, Hammonton
May 2
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.
Spring Forestry Festival
Forest Education Resource Center, Jackson Twp.
May 2
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.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Historic Bridgeton’s Riverfront, Bridgeton
May 3
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.
Baby Walk
Uplands Reserve / Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve, Flemington
May 8
Bring your baby (age birth to 23 months old) and take a walk with a group of other parents. You’ll learn a little nature education, and then walk at the pace of the adults.
Car Cruise
Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 8 and 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.
Mother’s Day Maker’s Market
A Maker’s Circle, Pottersville
May 8-9
Nine local artisans will sell handmade goods, including pottery, fine art, jewelry, embroidery and farm goods.
Captain Kidd Pirate Day
North Wildwood
May 16
Dress the kids as pirates, swashbucklers and scallywags and enter them into the costume contest, then let them parade down the boardwalk with other mates of the sea. After the parade, there will be a treasure hunt for the kids.
MAYfest
Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 16-17
The Village hosts over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, live music, children’s activities, non-profit organizations, and more in celebration of spring.
Beach Ball Drop
Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City
May 22
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.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
May 22-25
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.
Collingswood May Fair
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
May 23
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.
Frenchtown Farmers Market Opening Day
Sunbeam Lenape Park, Frenchtown
May 23
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.
Sun Bum’s Banana-Eating World Championship
Eastside Surf Shop, North Wildwood
May 23
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.
Riddlebrood’s Alice in Wonderland & Fantasy AdventureFest
Village Green of Historic Smithville, Galloway
May 23-24
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.
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
May 23-24
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, White & Blue Hike
Wharton State Forest, Hammonton
May 24
Join Wharton State Forest staff members on a free, moderately paced, 4-mile hike.
Complimentary Gourmet Breakfast for Veterans
The Mathis House, Toms River
May 25
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.
Glassboro Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Glassboro
May 25
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.
Soar & Shore Airshow
Atlantic City
May 29-31
Military planes and helicopters will be flying high above the shoreline, demonstrating incredible aerial acts.
Camden County String Band Parade
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
May 30
The Philadelphia Mummers string bands will march along Haddon Avenue from Crystal Lake to Haddon Square. Everyone is invited to the after-party at Haddon Square with live music from The Exceptions, along with food, drinks, and activities for everyone in the family.
South Jersey Arts Fest
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, Elmer
May 30
Parents and kids will work together on arts projects. Listen to musicians perform on the Grove Stage, such as the Bushwackers Drum Corps who will be holding open rehearsals. When you’re hungry, head to the food, beer and wine area. Note: Admission is free but parking is $20.
PENNSYLVANIA
Chestnut Hill’s Home + Garden Festival
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
May 3
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.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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