Say goodbye to spring and kick off summer this weekend with a trip to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Newark, or to one of the many kid-friendly fests around NJ, like Sparta Day (hello, inflatables) or the Buffalo Watch in Flemington (pony rides galore!). For more fun this weekend, be sure to check out our complete list of fairs and festivals.
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
Woodbridge Food Truck Festival
Woodbridge
Woodbridge’s Foodstock will bring out an inflatable gaga pit, meet and greets with costume characters and inflatable rides (not to mention a food and beer garden for you) that’ll have them expending all their energy before bed.
$5/adults, free/ages 12 and under
Dunellen’s Spring Indoor & Outdoor Market
Dunellen
Looking for a Father’s Day present? Snag deals on handcrafted items, decor, clothes, jewelry and more at the American Legion Post 119 in Dunellen.
Free admission
Westfield
Opa! Dig into delicious Greek food at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, then park it for cooking demos, wine tastings and vendor booths. There’ll also be Greek dancing and a kids zone for the littles to run around in. Runs May 30-June 2.
$2
Bayonne
Give the kids a classic summer fair memory. Fill your weekend with rides, games, food, raffles and prizes. Runs from May 30-June 2.
Free admission
Oceanport
The Monmouth Park Racetrack is the place to be for fruity treats. Come for great food, games, animals and rides at this fair that raises money for the local community.
$30/bracelet on Thursday and Sunday
SATURDAY (JUNE 1)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Live in Concert
Newark
Whether you’ve got a mini Slytherin or Hufflepuff at home, hop on your Nimbus 2000 and fly to NJPAC for a screening of The Order of the Phoenix backed by a live score performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
$39-89
Point Pleasant
Think live music, vendor booths, fair food, a beer and wine tent, a children’s market and inflatables—all at the Jersey Shore.
Free admission
Sparta
Head to Station Park, where the little ones can jump on inflatables, play games and check out other amusements while you scarf down treats from more than 125 vendors, take in live entertainment and more.
Free
2nd Annual Under Cover Music Fest
South Orange
Musicians from far and wide will gather at Sloan St. to perform covers of popular songs by artists like Aretha Franklin, Prince and Radiohead. There’ll also be a beer garden, kids activities and music-themed trinkets to buy.
Free admission
Wyckoff
Make your way to the Wyckoff YMCA to dig into street food while listening to live music, hop on amusement rides with the kids and then put on your game faces for family field day fun. End the day with a stop at the beer garden to try your hand at KanJam and cornhole.
Free
Summit
Celebrate this traditional Indian festival of good triumphing over evil with an outdoor color throwing festival (colors are available for purchase). There’ll also be a Bollywood and fusion music DJ, dance workshop and Indian cuisine.
Free
Kidztown & Strawberry Festival
Helmetta
In its eighth year, this fest boats delicious strawberry treats like shortcakes, smoothies and chocolate-dipped goodies. The kids will love KidzTown, which’ll have a playground, bouncy castle, crafts, face painting and games.
Free admission
Flemington
Step onto this working buffalo farm, which’ll have two live bands, historical military units, wild west cowboys, farm fresh food, food trucks and tours of the farm. There’ll also be artists and antique dealers, plus pony rides and a fire truck display for the kiddos.
$5 parking donation
Moorestown
Celebrate with a petting zoo, face painting and inflatables for the kids, plus stick for the pie eating contest.
Call for info
SUNDAY (JUNE 2)
Hasbrouck Heights
Think music, food, vendors and a kids zone that tops it all featuring carnival games, face painting, pony rides, inflatables and petting zoo.
Free admission
Paramus
This charity event at Bergen Community College supports those on the spectrum. Visit this family festival for inflatables, face painting and games.
Free/ages 2 and under, $10/ages 3-17, $20/adults for non-bike participants
Westfield
At the Miller-Cory House Museum, it’s all about the star-spangled banner. Learn about its symbols, check out an open hearth cooking demo and other kids’ activities, plus tour the museum.
Free/ages 2 and under, $3/ages 3-12, $4/adults
FIND MORE EVENTS IN YOUR AREA
If you have any upcoming events you’d like to add to our calendar, click here!