It’s Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start to summer. Kick off the season with a trip to the 2019 New Jersey Renaissance Faire for jousting in Bordentown, or hit the Big Apple and Jersey City for Fleet Week concerts, helicopter landings and ship tours. For more fun this weekend, be sure to check out Memorial Day events and parades around NJ this weekend (and Monday!).
Got a bunch of five-and-unders to entertain? We’ve got perfect activities that cater just to them, plus free events for those on a budget. If you’re looking for great events in your neighborhood, check our calendar for tons more.
ALL WEEKEND
The 2019 New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Bordentown
Head to this South Jersey spot that’s been transformed into a traditional English countryside circa 1500. You’ll have your chance to watch knights jousting, meet a Queen or jester and check out sword fights, fire breathing and aerial performances. Check out artisans’ work, dig into medieval fare, sip mead and more.
$10-25
African American Heritage Parade & Festival
Newark
Celebrate the heritage and contributions of Africans and African American people at Weequahic Park with the African American Heritage Parade Organization, which aims to honor and teach at this family event.
Free
Jersey City and NYC
Come through to see the US Navy ships, watch helicopter landings, take a ship tour and more around Liberty State Park and various spots in NYC. There’ll also be live concerts, rescue demos, a music festival and family activities. Check the schedule for details.
Free
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
Monmouth
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or a real culinary expert, you’ll adore this festival with a lineup of more than 40 gourmet food trucks. The area’s best are coming to Monmouth Park Racetrack to serve up all kinds of treats from empanadas to lobster rolls to Belgian waffle sundaes.
$5/ages 13 and up, $5/parking
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Wildwood
Watch hundreds of colorful kites fly across the sky during Wildwood’s beach party. The event begins at noon with the Unlocking of the Beach ceremony. This is followed by more events throughout the weekend, including kite demos, family games and more.
Free
Land of Make Believe Opening Weekend
Hope
From waterslides and the kiddie pool’s pirate ships to the sidewinder and tilt-a-whirl, the Land of Make Believe is a summertime favorite. Kick off summer with a splash down the Black Hole, or hop on the new Scream Machine 360. LOMB’s bringing a new off road safari adventure this summer, too. Whether you’re on dry or wet rides, a day at LOMB is sure to please the kiddos.
$30.01/person online
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival
Bradley Beach
Hit the Parkway for this beachfront celebration. Make it in time for the parade (10 am), then hang out for face painting, sand art, a water slide, food, more than 180 vendors and waves. There’ll also be six live bands and a DJ.
Free
Perth Amboy
Dig into cuisine from food trucks and local eateries before hitting the free arts and crafts activities with the kiddos, plus adding to the community mural. There’ll be five bands playing Latin, rock, folk, jazz and acoustic music, and artists showcasing watercolors, acrylics, sculptures, ceramics, photography and more.
Free admission
Fit and Fun at the Carnival Family Festival
Camden
Dress the kiddos like their favorite sports star or clown (and get $1 off admission), then head to the tattoo and guessing booths for some temporary and comedic fun. Make sure the kids get their hopscotch, hula hoop and jump rope on before you leave, and there’ll be plenty of cracker jacks and animal crackers to keep them satisfied. Hop on the carousel and train and be sure to visit the Butterfly House, too.
Included with admission
Little Falls
What better way to celebrate the US of A than with America’s favorite pastime? Watch the Jackals face off against the Aigles during this long weekend series at Yogi Berra Stadium. There’ll be fireworks on the 24th and 25th, plus a weekend BBQ & Beerfest on Saturday. Veterans get ino free on Monday.
Prices vary
SATURDAY
Trenton
Remember when the Trenton Thunder renamed themselves Thunder Pork Roll? New Jerseyeans from around the Garden State gather annually to celebrate this beloved breakfast treat at Mill Hill Park. Tune in to live music, sample fare from food trucks, watch the Pork Roll Queen pageant and more.
$5/each, $15/four
Field Station: Dinosaurs Season Opening
Leonia
Come to the post-winter opening of Field Station: Dinosaurs in Overpeck County Park. See massive, animatronic, realistic dinos of all kinds in a zoo-like setting (a few even respond to sound and focus on kids) from a T. rex to NJ’s state dinosaur, the Hadrosaurus. Dig for fossils, see a 3-D movie, visit a paleo lab and prepare to be surprised.
$15.75-18.50/online, ages 2 and up; $16.95-19.75/box office, ages 2 and up
Collingswood
Shop good from more than 200 artisans and crafters while the little ones hit the KidZone, which’ll have pony rides, carnival games, amusement rides and kid-friendly crafters. There’ll also be live music, an antique and classic auto shop and plenty of food ranging from pulled pork to decadent desserts.
Call for info
SUNDAY
Hoboken
Librarians from the Hoboken Public Library will read stories and sing songs about living in the city for ages 2-5 on the first Sunday of each month at the Hoboken Fire Department. After, take a tour of the museum. Reservations not required.
Free
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