With March here, it feels like we’ve turned a corner (spring anyone?) and are ready to get out and about at one of the family-friendly events this weekend. Round up your crew and wear your green to all the festivites at one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades happening across the state, check out what’s happening in the Pine Barrens with artists, authors and kids activities at Line The Pines 2025 in Galloway, or strike out for a good cause at the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake in Neptune, Hazlet and Toms River. And for more March fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo credit: iStock/BraunS)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Patio Party
March 14-16
It’s that time of year again for Sinner’s Seafood & Steakhouse’s O’Sinner’s St. Patrick’s Day Weekend from March 14th to March 16th. You won’t want to miss out on authentic Irish fare and (live) music, face painting, drink specials, games, prizes, and HUGE giveaways. There will be fun for the whole family all weekend long.
Friday, March 14th: 4PM-Close: Irish Dancers & Bag Pipe Performers
Saturday, March 15th: 12PM-Close: Celtic Rebels Band 2-5 PM, Face Painter 4-6 PM, Irish Dancers & Bag Pipe Performers
Sunday, March 16th: 12PM-Close: Murphy’s Lawyer Band 2-6 PM, Face Painter 2-4 PM, Irish Dancers & Bag Pipe Performers
Sinner’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Brigantine Shake the Shamrock and St. Paddy’s Day Parade
March 7-9
The island will host St. Patrick events, including Pot Of Gold Cards, a Leprechaun Chase on March 7, and special green-themed activities all week. Then, on March 15, everyone is welcome to march in the Brigantine parade, which starts at 1 PM.
Cost: Free
Brigantine, NJ 08203
Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake
March 7-9
Lace up those shoes and get to the lanes: This annual family-friendly event is about having fun to help kids and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern NJ. Make a team and raise funds with friends and family—your money supports their one-on-one mentoring programs.
Neptune City- Friday, March 7 @ Shore Lanes from 6-8 PM
Hazlet– Saturday, March 8 @ Bowlero Hazlet from 1-3 PM
Toms River– Sunday, March 9 @ Playdrome from 1-3 PM
Cost: Varies per fundraising goal
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1 PM
Get your green gear ready for the 37th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and piper bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as marching bands, animals, and firetrucks go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Pipe Band and a 40′ long American flag, and celebrate post-parade at a party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard starting at J-Street, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 8
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The parade begins at the Nottingham Firehouse.
Cost: Free
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 8 from 10 AM
It’s time for spring on the farm, where you can listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist at work, and learn about veterinary instruments and techniques.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
March 8 at 1 PM
If you have ever wanted to listen to the melodies from the 1890s, then grab the fam and come take in the sounds for the afternoon.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 8 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to get free art lessons. This series of six free children’s art classes will occur every Saturday in the spring with a professional artist at the Noyes Arts Garage. These classes will begin on March 8 and run until April 12.
NJ 08401
Shamrock and St. Patrick’s Weekends
March 8-9
Want the luck of the Irish for the weekend? Head to this extravaganza, where there will be live Irish music, dancers, vendors, homemade Irish food, and more.
Cost: $13 online or $15 at the door
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Hackettstown Grand Marshal Reception and Parade
March 9
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade featuring Irish dance groups, bands, and a pet Irish costume contest.
Cost: Free
The parade takes place on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park, where you can enjoy local participation from veterans, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, dance schools, high school marching bands, and regional pipe and drum groups. The parade route will take off at 4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and if you want to enter their essay contest, poster contest (for kids), Irish Soda Bread contest, or the Lucky the Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt (for kids), check their website for deadlines.
Cost: Free
Step off at Allen Street and River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1:30 PM
For over 50 years, the Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey has been honoring Irish culture and is one of the largest parades in the state. The parade begins at Woodbridge High School at 1:30 PM and ends at Town Hall on Main Street.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Line on the Pines 2025
March 9 at 11 AM
This annual gathering features artists, authors, and other artisans passionate about the Pines. This event is perfect for bringing the fam and will have a kids’ zone with crafts, activities, and hands-on displays.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205
Dive In – Family Swim Event
March 9 at 4:30 PM
Enjoy some time with the family at the pool, followed by pizza and drinks. Pool floats will be provided, but you can bring your own, too.
Cost: Free
Five Star Swim School, 27 Main Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
New Egypt Comic Book & Toy Show
March 9 at 10 AM
Have a little one in your family who loves comic books and collectible toys? Take a trip down to South Jersey for this event, featuring dealers from all over the state with exciting collectibles and comics. Door prizes will also be given out randomly throughout the day.
Cost: $5 per person, and kids 12 and under are free
105 Lakewood Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724