Can you believe it will be May this Sunday? Springtime events in the Garden State are in full swing, so get out there with the fam for some of these fun events including Kite Day, the Lobster Run and Rutgers Day. And don’t miss your last chance of the season to pick some gorgeous tulips at Holland Ridge Farms!
All Weekend
Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Bring your own kite or choose a ready-made kite from the wide selection in the farm store. Or better yet, make a “guaranteed to fly” kite. Whichever you choose, test fly your kite in our wide-open 10-acre pasture with all the farm animals looking on.
Hairspray
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
The newly renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents this Tony Award-winning musical comedy for four performances. The cast will be led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Edna Turnblad and Niki Metcalfas Tracy Turnblad.
U-Pick Tulips
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Now- Sunday
Come and get stunning photos and videos amongst the 8 million tulips. You can pick as many as you like for $1 per stem. This is the last weekend to reserve tickets so don’t miss out!
Hawthorne Art in the Park
Passaic County Arts Center- Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne
Saturday – Sunday
Come check out nearly 50 vendors selling their artwork and handcrafted goods. Don’t miss amazing food vendors, drink vendors, live music and public art projects.
Friday
Adult Hearth Cooking Class
Crane House and Historic YWCA, Montclair
Try your hand cooking on a hearth the way your ancestors did at the Montclair History Center. You’ll learn how to manage the fire, use a “spider,” and bake in a Dutch oven. The class will work together to cook a meal using historic “receipts” (aka recipes) and enjoy time around the hearth fire.
How Charming! Jewelry Making for Teens & Adults
Whole World Arts, Princeton
Learn how easy it is to create your own jewelry. Using wire and jewelry pliers, you’ll make individual bead charms, then use two of these charms to make a pair of earrings. You can make two or more pairs at the first class. At the second part of the workshop, you’ll build on your knowledge from the first class to make more charms to use on your bracelet and necklace. You will make enough charms to make a bracelet and necklace, and you may decide to make a matching set.
Duel of the Decades: 80s vs. 90s
The Wellmont Theater, Montclair
Two of the greatest cultural eras go head-to-head in the ultimate battle. A fun and unique evening of pop culture, this show is an interactive live music competition! Are you Team 80’s or Team 90’s? Using your mobile device, cast your vote to determine the winner.
Eighth Blackbird featuring the Rowan University Wind Ensemble
Pfleeger Concert Hall, Glassboro
Four-time Grammy-winning contemporary ensemble Eighth Blackbird has redefined the chamber music genre to something else entirely. This remarkable band commands the most ground-breaking music of their generation with a singular pedigree of extraordinary virtuosity and dynamic performance aesthetic.
Saturday
Galloway Art Festival
Historic Smithville, Galloway
The Galloway Arts Festival will feature music, dance and visual arts over the course of the day throughout the Smithville Village. Guests will be able to follow a master schedule of performances, led by the Absegami performing arts, and enjoy some interactive activities as well. Join us as the community comes together to celebrate the arts in the forms of jazz, choir, brass bands, theater, dance, drumming and more.
Broadway at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Paramus
Westfield Garden State Plaza is hosting a free 15-week series every Saturday through June 25 that features performances from hit Broadway shows for children in partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center. Come out and see memorable scenes and songs from your favorite Broadway shows and modern movies — this weekend it’s “Alladin.”
Annual Lobster Run in Asbury Park
The Langosta Lounge., Asbury Park
Come cheer on the runners or participate in the Littoral Society’s 7th Annual Lobster Run. This 5K walk/run features a buffet brunch from the Langosta Lounge, included in registration.
Collingswood Green Day Event
Zane School Parking Lot, Collingswood
Join for the annual green resources event. Whether you are an eco-friendly expert or just getting started on your own green initiatives, the Collingswood Green Day provides opportunities and resources to support you on your journey to sustainable living.
Allaire Spring Craft Show
The Historic Village at Allaire, Farmingdale
Over 80 crafters, Allaire artisans, floral exhibits, historic demonstrations and more will kick off the Craft Show. Local artists will be demonstrating their work including paintings, pottery, textiles and more. There will also be craft demonstrations at the Carpenter, Blacksmith and Tinsmith shops. The General Store, Bakery and Food Truck – Pilsen Gourmet will be open throughout the day.
2022 Bayfest
Bay Avenue, Somers Point
This free event is sponsored in part by the Somers Point Bayfest Committee. Bayfest is the largest outdoor festival in Somers Point and features numerous live music stages, hundreds of crafters, a wide assortment of food vendors, antique boats, children’s activities and more.
Go Green with Hope
Hope Township School, Hope
This environmentally themed fair has something for every age: Free tree seedlings from NJ Forestry, Project Medicine Drop drug take-back, Electronics Waste Collection for Abilities of NW Jersey, crafts, vendors and raffles.
Boonton Vendor Show
Boonton Station 1904 Restaurant and Bar, Boonton
This event features a diverse selection of crafters and vendors. Shop local for unique gifts and food and have some fun at the historic train station.
New Jersey Folk Festival
Eagleton Institute of Politics, Douglass Campus (the Great Lawn), New Brunswick
This annual multicultural event attracts over 10,000 people to Rutgers University, New Brunswick every April. In addition to its celebration of NJ folk music and artists, the festival has a different cultural theme each year.
Rutgers Day
Busch Campus in Piscataway and the Cook/Douglass Campuses in New Brunswick
Enjoy exhibits, interactive activities, demonstrations and performances offered by faculty staff, and students. This event is free and open to the public.
Central NJ Empanada Festival
1034 Millstone River Road, Hillsborough Twp.
Vote for the best empanada in Central Jersey while you enjoy food vendors, live music and more. There will be bounce houses and Grand Prix remote controlled cars for the kids.
Chester Food Truck and Music Fest
134 Main St., Chester
Join us for a delicious day of food, beer, music and fun. There will be 20 gourmet food trucks, live music from three bands, beer, kids’ activities, axe throwing, inflatables and more. This event is a benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad & The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry.
Bordentown Porchfest
Bordentown
Bordentown PorchFest 2022 is a family-friendly event featuring musicians of all genres and styles, from classical to punk, from jazz to folk, playing free shows on porches throughout the city. Attendees are invited to stroll from porch to porch and relax on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live, local talent.
The Mighty T-Rex at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Level 1, Paramus
Join the fun and reserve your space for a meet and greet and photo op with The Mighty T-Rex! Be sure to bring your own camera. Reserve your space as the meet and greet is limited to the first 50 guests.
The Wild and Scenic Earth Day Film Festival and Outdoor Earth Day Celebration
70 Jackson Plaza, Hoboken
Main Street Pops and The Hoboken Business Alliance present this all-day, in person, outdoor community event that will include a free “Inspiring Adventure” film screening and lots of dynamic activities for all ages.
B- The Underwater Bubble show
MPAC, Morristown
Explore the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia as you go on an imaginary journey through the deep blue sea and explore a world inhabited by incredible creatures. This lavish production features dancers, acrobats, original music and fantastic bubble effects to create a dreamlike underwater atmosphere.
Sunday
Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace
The Woodland, Maplewood
Marketspace Vendor Events is partnering with Maplewood Village Alliance and The Township of Maplewood on a new collaborative event in the heart of downtown Maplewood. Handmade artisans will exhibit their work both indoors at The Woodland as well as outdoors on the busy streets of Maplewood Ave., Highland Pl., and Baker St. Admission is free, family friendly and open to the public.
NJYS Percussion Ensemble and Percussion Quartet Concert
New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Providence
This free concert conducted by Colleen Bernstein will feature works by Walker, Slawson and more.
Bridgewater Spring Carnival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Free admission to this fun event includes rides, inflatables and carnival games. There will be food trucks and pony rides for an additional fee.
Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival
Washington Street bet. Observer Hwy. & 7th St., Hoboken
This amazing festival features over 300 artists, crafters, food vendors and more. There will be activities for children, and two stages with live music.
Handmade Hopewell
Seminary Ave., Hopewell Borough
Come check out this Makers Street Fair for the whole family. There will be a large variety of artists on hand with everything from glass products to quilts to other special handmade items.
Somerset County 4-H Spring Carnival 2022
Ted Blum 4-H Center, Bridgewater Twp.
Join for the Somerset County 4-H Spring Carnival. Admission is free and food will be sold separately. Play games, win prizes, make crafts and see magic and animals. There will be face painting and even more fun for the kids.
Spring Fling Westfield
Downtown Westfield between North Ave and Broad Street, Westfield
Center Street between Broad Street and North Avenue will become a marketplace of crafters selling handmade jewelry, photography, dog treats and an array of delicious festival foods. The festival will feature a Kids Zone with rides and activities. The stage will feature local bands. Don’t miss out on this great community event.
Cranford Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Cranford
Come on out for this fun street fair featuring artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides and live music.
Springfield Food Truck Festival
Springfield Community Pool, Springfield
Come and celebrate a day in the sun with fabulous food trucks, arts and great live music. Bring blankets and chairs or pop-up tents. It will be a family-friendly fun time for all.
May Day Festival: Celebrate Spring in the Outdoors
Camp Sacy “Sacajawea,”Newfield
Celebrate the magic of spring at the 2nd annual May Day Festival. Participants will earn their outdoor arts badge through traditional May Day activities such as making traditional flower crowns, dancing around the Maypole and creating works of art with Blank Canvas Splattered.
Ongoing
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Grab a glass of one of Terhune’s award-winning wines, sit back, relax and enjoy live music from local artists each week. Styles range from Jazz and Blues to Folk and Rock. Music is from 1 pm-4 pm.
Ready to head outdoors with the fam? Check out one of these beautiful gardens.
