The Best Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey (May 2026)

Here are some of this month’s biggest festivals to look forward to:

• Fantasy festivals like Fantasy AdventureFest in Historic Smithville, the Fairy & Pirate Festival in Mt. Olive and the Fairy Trail Festival in Millburn;
• High-flying kite festivals in Princeton and Wildwood;
• Springtime flower festivals – azaleas in Hamilton and cherry blossoms in Margate; and
• Mother’s Day markets, like the mega Asbury Park Spring Bazaar

NORTH

Fairy Trail Festival
Locust Grove, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn
May 2
The festival includes fairy house building, storytelling, a scavenger hunting, music and dancing.

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.

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.

Union County Celtic Festival
Deutscher Club of Clark
May 2
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.

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.

Bayonne Food Truck Fest
19th to 22nd Street Ave E., Bayonne
May 9
There will be 30+ food trucks, drinks, bands and face painting.

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.

Spring Blossom Festival
Riamede Farm, Chester
May 10
Tour the historic apple orchard on the hayride. Each pink and white bloom you see could eventually become an apple. There will be live acoustic music, a variety of food trucks and craft beer, 40 craft booths, apple cider donuts for sale at the farm store, and garden plants for sale. Pick peas and flowers in the fields, and sign up your kid to make a painted pot with a plant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
May 20-25
There will be 15 rides and 8 food vendors, plus nonstop games and entertainment, over six days of fun.

Corpus Christi Parish Carnival
Corpus Christi Parish, Chatham
May 28-30
There will be rides, carnival games with prizes, a children’s play area, food, a tricky tray basket raffle and the annual 50/50 raffle.

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.

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.

Rose Squared Spring Craft Show
Municipal Field, Chester
May 30-31
The event showcases 175 crafters and makers who created handcrafted works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.

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

New Jersey Fable Festival
Paranormal Books, Asbury Park
May 1-2
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Picklepalooza
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
May 16-17
There will be wine for the adults, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks selling lots of pickle-themed dishes, and vineyard tours.

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.

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.

New Jersey Jerk Fest
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
May 24
Caribbean Food Heaven features some of the best Caribbean chefs serving jerk chicken, pork, fish, goat, oxtail, veggies and lobster. Enjoy live Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats music. There will be a Game Zone for kids, a marketplace, community organizations and special guest performances.

Strawberry Festival
Snyders Farm, Somerset
May 30-31
Pick fresh strawberries from the farm while listening to live music, shopping in the marketplace, playing on the wagon ride or tractors, making a craft, and tasting honey and ice cream.

Strawberry Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
May 30-31, June 6-7
There will be lots of fresh berries, live music, wagon rides, visits with the animals, time to play on the tractors and playhouses, pony rides, games like the duck race and bean bag toss, and a farm-wide scavenger hunt. NJ Bubble Parties and Snakes ‘n Scales will put on shows. Order strawberry treats like ice cream, slushies and strawberry rhubarb pie. The Wine Orchard will serve Terhune’s award-winning wines.

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 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.

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.

Spring Block Party
Ocean City
May 2
There will be over 350 people selling food and crafts while live musicians play.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mother’s Day Picnic & Craft Fair
Valenzano Winery’s Event Grounds, Shamong
May 10
You’ll get a free wine tasting and a souvenir glass to take home. The whole family can come for the marketplace, food trucks and live music.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
May 23-24, May 29 (School Day), May 30-31
June 6-7, June 13-14
Come to the Shire of New Crossford (aka the fairgrounds) for jousting events, stage shows, live music, fire breathing stunts, knights, bubble magicians and acrobatics.

Soar & Shore Airshow
Atlantic City
May 29-31
Line up along the beach to watch professional and military pilots demo their planes’ aerial manuevers.

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.

Ocean City Pride Fest
Ocean City Sports & Civic Center, Ocean City
May 30
We Belong CMC Annual Pride Fest is a community-centered celebration of identity, inclusion and connection. The day begins with a Pride Walk, followed by a festival.

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.

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.

Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.

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Read More:
Our Mega Guide to The Best Festivals in New Jersey
The Best Free Things to Do in New Jersey in May 2026