It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and we’re thinking about brunch and ways to spend the day that don’t involve ubering the kids or catching up on laundry. Beyond some way overdue pampering, there are plenty of fun ways to spend the weekend. Watch an LPGA tourney right here in NJ at the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, watch an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performance at NJPAC, visit a winery during Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend, head to The Good Festival at Garden State Plaza in Paramus for a dose of fun and sustainable fashion and more this weekend. Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!
WEEKEND
LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup
Upper Montclair Country Club, Clifton
Wednesday – Sunday
See the top LPGA athletes including Rose Zhang, Nelly Korda and more compete on the course.
Carnival at Palisades Center
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Wednesday – Sunday
Campy’s Blue Star Amusements will offer rides, games and food. Admission is free, but ticketed wristbands are needed for the rides.
Common Ground
TADA! Youth Theater, New York, NY
Thursday – Saturday
Members of the Resident Youth Ensemble will perform this newly commissioned musical for ages 11 and up. It deals with immigration crackdowns, family separation and the perception vs. reality of the American dream.
Camp Jam in the Pines Music Festival
Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown
Thursday – Sunday
Set up your tent and rock out to four days of funk, roots, bluegrass, pop, blues, ska, country, reggae and folk music under the stars. There will be family-friendly giant games, craft vendors, food vendors, a Majik Mike performance, Dani’s puppets, lawn games, the Emerging Artist Showcase, a Champagne party for adults and jamming around the bonfire.
Spring Kustom Rod and Muscle Car Show
26th Street and Oak Avenue, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
All makes and models of cars that are over 15 years old will be stationed along the boardwalk for two days – foreign, domestic, hot rods, Sunday cruisers, low riders, antiques, classics, and more. The top 40 cars from the show will be on display in Downtown Wildwood at Byrne Plaza on Saturday night.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Friday – Sunday
This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Mother-Child Weekend
YMCA of The Pines, Medford
Friday – Sunday
This weekend of mom and child bonding includes outdoor activities like kayaking, archery, nature programs and arts and crafts.
Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend
Throughout New Jersey
Friday – Sunday
There are more than 60 wineries and vineyards across the state, and many will have specials this weekend including brunch and lunch, tasting flights, food trucks and flower bars.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
NJPAC, Newark
Friday – Sunday
This Mother’s Day Weekend tradition is a mixed repertory program that will include “Revelations,” showcasing African-American cultural heritage through spirituals, song sermons, gospel and holy blues.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
American Repertory Ballet presents a one-act ballet version of Shakespeare’s classic story with fairies, elves, mischief, romance, joy and love.
Spring Bazaar
Grand Arcade and Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
Plan a day of shopping with Mom. Stroll along the boardwalk area to shop for locally-made goodies.
The Secret Garden
Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Princeton Youth Ballet members will tell the story of a young girl’s journey through loss, renewal and growth from the beloved book.
Mean Girls
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
The stage play is an adaptation of the 2004 movie, which was remade this year, about the agonizing life of high school.
Lilac Garden Splendor Weekend
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
See beautiful, sweet-scented flowers that are in peak bloom this time of year, and ask members of NJBG’s Lilac Team about the garden.
FRIDAY
Community Resource and Family Fun Day
Raymour & Flanigan, Rockaway
This event is focused on raising community awareness of the Mental Health Association and the resources available to provide mental health support. The event will include art therapy craft activities, the Morris County Hope One van, MHA’s Mental Health Players, Rockaway Township police and fire departments members, food trucks, and snacks.
Star Talks and Sky Observing Events
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
The free sky-observing event at the planetarium includes a sky talk, and then taking a convoy up to the observatory at Washington Crossing (about a 20-minute drive) for star observations with members of the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton.
Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling Comedy Show
American Hotel, Freehold
The former head writer for Howard Stern comes to Freehold for a one-night comedy show.
Constellations and Their Myths
Hoffman Park, Hampton
With a slight crescent moon, the sky should be quite dark, so you can look up and learn about the myths and stories told about the nighttime sky.
Freestyle Friday Dance Party
Palms Plaza Catering
Global Entertainment DJs will be spinning your favorite freestyle music. There will be hot and cold hors d’oeuvres included.
Sweets & Sparkles Mother’s Day Pop-Up
MarketFair, Princeton
Visit Sinfully Sweets by Amanda for cookies and Eternal Permanent Jewelry for customizable jewelry, and then shop at the other retailers in the mall.
SATURDAY
Westfield Good Festival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
The mall’s inaugural sustainability event includes a project where you can donate jeans and have them turned into a masterpiece, fashion info from Berkeley College students, eco-friendly products from stores in the mall, a community art project, and music from American Idol finalist Sam Woolf and kindie rock band Rolie Polie.
Mommy and Me Flower Crowns and Tea Party
Sutherland Arts Studio and Gallery, Voorhees Twp.
Make your own matching flower crowns and enjoy a nice tea party together with free hot and iced tea and snacks. All family members are welcome.
A Tour of Notable Homes
Westfield
Go on a self-guided tour of distinguished Westfield residences that were constructed in a wide range of styles and designs. Proceeds benefit the New Jersey Festival Orchestra’s music, outreach and music therapy programs.
Sheep Shearing & Herding
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
There will be sheep shearing, wool spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day. Look for the border collies herding sheep in the round pasture. Get info about sheep care, fleece cleaning, and wool use—plus working dog whistle commands, puppy training, and more. Kids can make a sheep pin to wear during the fun.
Spring for Conservation Family Day
Bayonet Farm, Holmdel
Family Day features a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, hayrides, arts and crafts, the Nature on the Move van, a visit to the Historic Harding House, nature tours throughout Bayonet Farm, live music by The Black Ties, BBQ food, craft beer and wine, and ice cream.
Spring Music Festival
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
The day of fine wine and food; Blues, Americana and country rock music; winery tours, vineyard walks, barrel and library tastings includes a craft market, basketmaking, and a flowerpot painting craft for kids.
Brew By The Bay
The Seafarer, Highlands
Aside from sampling at least seven different beers, there will be live music, fire pits and food available for an additional fee.
May Blooms Sip & Shop Spectacular Vendor Fair
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
While you taste some beer, choose your last-minute Mother’s Day gift from vendors selling crystal jewelry, clothing, shoes, body butter, candles, wax melts, acrylic paintings, faux flowers and journals.
Bike Rodeo
Lawrence High School, Lawrence Twp.
Lawrence police officers will guide young ones on their bikes through a variety of safe and adventurous paths. Kids will get a free helmet while supplies last. There will be free helmet fittings, plus free bike repairs. There will be recycling opportunities, a firetruck display, an electric car show, and food trucks.
Azalea Festival
Sayen Gardens, Hamilton Twp.
Sayen Gardens features a magnificent display of over 250,000 flowering bulbs, including dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendrons. Throughout the festival, you can tour the Sayen House, visit crafters and vendors, grab a bite to eat from food trucks and more.
CinnaMama’s Day
Mav’s Top Buns, Middletown
There will be pop-ups from local vendors to celebrate Mother’s Day, including Divine Coffee, Potent Potables, bijoux x spice, and Flower Spot – along with incredibly massive and sweet cinnamon buns. There will be bouquet making, a mobile coffee cart, permanent jewelry and mixed drinks – plus giveaways.
The Red Bank Record Riot
Broad and Mechanic Streets, Red Bank
Record dealers from all over the region set up a booth and sell records from every genre.
Jackie Schiffer’s Broadway Boombox
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
This is a kid-friendly musical theater experience that features the music of Broadway.
Harlem Nights Roaring ’20s
Freehold Twp. Firehouse, Freehold
Get dressed to the 9s for this Roaring ’20s party.
Branchburg Food Truck & Music Festival
White Oak Park, Somerville
The Food Trucks are rolling into Branchburg!
The park will be filled with 20 food trucks, stages for musicians, kids’ activities, a bungee trampoline, a rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, a knockerball area, mini golf, inflatable hatchet throwing, sand art, spin art and three animatronic dinosaurs.
May Blooms Sip & Shop Spectacular Vendor Fair
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
Grab a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, from handmade crafts to artisanal foods, jewelry, home decor, and more. Plus, sip on drinks from Garden State Distillery.
Opening Day
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Every Saturday here is Family Fun Day, with activities like face painting, a bounce house, pony rides and more. Look toward the track after each race to catch a T-shirt launched by a jockey. And don’t forget to place your bets on your favorite horse.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater
You can’t miss the bright pink truck, which will be selling new goodies and limited edition collectibles like a 50th anniversary iridescent tote, pins, patches, a ringer tee and a 3-piece cookie set; plus fan faves like the ceramic sprinkle mug, thermals, plush, rainbow tote, lunchbox, enamel pin sets, macarons and a Madeleine cookie set.
Princeton Storytelling Circle: Sowing Seeds
Updike Farmstead, Princeton
Circle storytellers will share farm stories about the challenges and fun of growing food. The program is geared for ages 4 and older.
High Tide Makers + Artisan Market
Carousel Promenade, Pier Village, Long Branch
The open-air market will offer unique creations from local makers and artisans; shop while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean.
Hungarian Folk Dance Show & Party
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
Come for a night of traditional Hungarian music and dancing.
Spring 2024 Concert: A Night at the Movies
Woodbridge Community Choir, Woodbridge
Sing along to music from some of the most popular movie soundtracks, including The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, and Harry Potter. After, you can have some snacks with members of the choir.
SUNDAY
Mother’s Day Market + Brunch
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
Bring mom and the grandkids for brunch and drinks, a flower bouquet bar, a spring photo wall, a candle-making workshop, a glitter hair bar, music and kids’ activities.
Mother’s Day at Casino Pier
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Moms ride free at the Ride Pier with a paying child.
Spring Artisan Exhibition: A Mother’s Day Special
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal Village, Princeton
Ansa Butt and Ranna Matteen will celebrate craftmanship, showcase local talent and small businesses, offer free entertainment and workshops, and present raffles. Guest speaker is Marie Renee Thadal of Itiah Angels.
Mother’s Day at The Pier
Pier Village, Long Branch
Treat mom, or yourself, to a relaxing mini-vacay. There will be brunch options at the beachside restaurants, yin yoga and yoga nidra, a Mother & Child Sunset Soiree, bracelet making, family bowling and arcade games.
Mother’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
Moms receive free admission to the fun house, aquarium, mini golf, rides and adventure lookout as long as they’re with one child who has a paid ticket.
Second Sunday Concert Series
Van Vleck House & Garden, Montclair
New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players will perform classical music on the lawn.
Mother’s Day Open Swim
Five Star Swim School: Edison, Princeton, Cherry Hill, Galloway, Deptford, East Hanover, Eatontown
Moms swim free with their paying children age 3 and older.
Mother’s Day Jewelry Making Party
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Kids and moms can work on two projects, either a necklace, bracelet, earrings or a keychain.
Sunday Morning Fitness Hike
Schiff Nature Preserve, Mendham
Kick off Mother’s Day with a brisk 5-mile hike over varied terrain travels across Schiff Nature Preserve. This is an adult hike but babies and toddlers are allowed if parents carry them in a toddler carrier. Leashed dogs are welcome.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Trivia Night
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
May 10 and June 6
Test your knowledge of general topics, entertainment, history, geography, sports and music.
Anime Night
Yestercades Locations in NJ
Fridays, May 10 (Somerville), June 7 (Red Bank), July 5 (Westfield), August 2 (Metuchen)
Yestercades partnered with Anime NYC convention to host the official meet-ups. Dress up in your Instagram-worthy cosplays. There will be music and arcade games.
Kids Farm Class: All About Goats!
Haxton Homestead, Stockton
May 11 and 17
Kids ages 4-12 will meet the goats, take a tour of the farm and make a craft. They will learn about the history of goats, the roles of goats on the farm, and how goats are milked.
Spring Wildflower Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
May 11 and 25
Check out the many spring bloomers in the woodlands of the Wildflower Garden.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, May 12 through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Kiwanis Karnival
East Northfield Road, Livingston
May 14-18
This five-day carnival features rides for all ages, festival food and treats, carnival games and prizes.
NY/NJ Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show
NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison
May 15-19
This show and sale features mineral specimens, fossils, meteorites, gemstones, artisan jewelry, amber, turquoise, emeralds, beads, findings, gold, silver, crystals, cabochons, science gifts, metaphysical, interior decor, petrified wood, craftsman jewelry boxes, tools and more.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through May 18
During a quiet morning at the sanctuary, you will walk the trails with an NJ Audubon staff member or Associate Naturalist. The group will look for birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians out in nature.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through May 18
Join this nature-based yoga class in person or virtually to spend 75 minutes unwinding from the workweek.
Best of the Nest Birdhouse Competition & Display
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through May 19
Members of the public will build birdhouses for this contest, which will display the boxes all around the village. You can vote on your favorites.
Maifest
Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City
Through May 26
Think Oktoberfest, but in May. There will be live music in the garden on Saturdays.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
Pickleball Smash-It
Tanger Outlets, Atlantic City
Through May 30
A new 6,235-square-foot facility is opening next to Dollar Tree and you get to try it out for free. There will be two indoor, tournament-quality courts with luxury couches, free Wi-Fi and the ability to control music from players’ own phones. You also will have the ability to capture recordings of previous plays or livestream any match to share across social media.
World War II Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 2
Celebrate the lives and memories of our veterans and fallen heroes through a World War II exhibit featuring military as well as civilian paraphernalia. Some of these items include weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
Through June 6
A series of 10 28-foot LED sculptures crafted from sturdy steel will line Hoboken’s waterfront. When the sun sets, the area along Sinatra Drive and around the Ninth Street and Congress Light Rail Station will be illuminated with light and motion from these gigantic pieces of art.
Yoga Flow on the River
Historic Portland Place, Locust (Middletown)
Saturdays, through June 15
Practice yoga sun salutations and deep stretches along the Navesink River.
Micah Williams: Portrait Artist Exhibit
Cornelius Low House, Piscataway
Through June 30
Learn about Middlesex and Monmouth County residents from the 19th Century through the portraits of artist Micah Williams. Adults can work with pastels to create their own portraits, and kids can contribute to the Student Gallery.
150 Years of Washington Association of New Jersey
The Morristown & Morris Twp. Library, Morristown
Through August 31
The self-guided walking exhibit has original photography, artifacts, pins and medals, and commemorative plates dating back to Revolutionary War time. WANJ was founded in March 1874 to preserve the Jacob Ford Mansion, where General George Washington and his troops stayed during the winter.
Apollo: When We Went to The Moon
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Through September 2
Climb aboard a lunar rover model, leave your footprints on the Moon and learn about the Space Race through this exhibit at the sea, air and space museum. Starting April 4, you can check out the Concorde super jet that recently underwent renovations and returned to the museum.
Delsea Drive-In 2024 Season
Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre, Vineland
Fridays – Sundays, through September 3
Watch two movies back-to-back while sitting in your car, just like they did in the ’50s.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
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.
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