May is here and you know what that means? Only a month until the unofficial start of summer (hello, Memorial Day) and plenty of fun things to do this weekend. Grab the fam and enjoy hay rides, face painting, vendors, and feeding the animals at the Funny Farm Rescue Spring Festival in Mays Landing, stroll through all of the vendors, then take in a fireworks display at the Spring Block Party in Ocean City, or bring a picnic and admire the gorgeous blossoms at Blankets & Blooms: A Picnic in the Apple Blossoms at Ort Farms. And with spring here, make sure you don’t miss all the fun festivals happening this season. (featured photo credit: istock/Jarrod1)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Spring Plant Sale
May 3-5
Ready to prep your garden for the summer? Visit this plant sale, where you can find a variety of gorgeous plants to add to your garden. The gardens will also be open for you to explore. This plant sale is rain or shine.
Cost: Free to attend
Van Vleck Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Art Walk
May 3 at 4 PM
Come and see all of the beautiful artwork on display on Main Street. You will have the chance to meet the artists, shop their bins, stroll down the street, visit wine and cheese receptions, and lots of other fun activities.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005
Star Talk and Observation
May 3 at 7 PM
See the sky at night during a sky talk at the Planetarium before taking your car to drive up to the observatory at Washington Crossing to see the stars. Make sure you dress for the weather.
Cost: Free
New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08628
Ocean Grove Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show
May 4 at 10 AM
Spring is here with an arts and crafts show perfect for the whole family. This free event features crafts, arts, music, and food. Enjoy Sharon “Pipes” Lasher & The Flashers at 11 AM and Chuck Lambert Blues at 1 PM.
Cost: Free
Auditorium Square Park. Main Avenue to Pilgrim Pathway
Galloway Art Festival
May 4 at 12 PM
Join in as the community comes together to enjoy music, dance, and visual arts at the Galloway Art Festival. Follow a master schedule of performances led by the Absegami Performing Arts, and enjoy interactive activities as well.
Cost: Free
Village Greene, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ 08205
Maverick’s Legacy 2nd Annual Spring Festival
May 4 at 11 AM
This festival, which will feature crafters and vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s entertainment, a tricky tray, and more, is a beautiful way to spend the day. It celebrates the spring season and Maverick’s legacy.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Car Show and Vendor Fair
May 4 at 9 AM
This annual event is the perfect way to get outside and spend time with the family. Food trucks, classic cars, craft vendors, and a celebration of Vo Tech’s 50th anniversary will be on site.
Cost: Free
Vo Tech, 880 Route 45, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Ocean City Spring Block Party
May 4 at 9 AM
Head to this family-friendly shore town for a fun block party with over 400 crafters, food vendors, music, and lots of activities to celebrate spring. Once it is dark, take in a gorgeous fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Chester Food Truck and Music Fest
May 4 at 11 AM
Round up your crew for a fun day—there will be food trucks, kids’ activities, ax throwing, and inflatables.
Cost: $5. Kids under 5 are free; please bring an item for the food pantry
134 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Skylands Stadium Fest
May 4 at 12 PM
You won’t want to miss this day of food, fun, and family. Make memories while enjoying the outdoors and activities, including 20+ food truck vendors, desserts, and specialty drinks. Live music, carnival games, axe throwing, and more will be there.
Cost: $5. Kids under 38″ free.
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 0782
Tenafly Street Fair
May 4 at 11 AM
Celebrate spring at one of the first street fairs of the season. There will be artists, crafters, food, rides, and live music.
Cost: Free admission for spectators
Tenafly Historic Railroad Station, 1 Piermont Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair 2024
May 4 at 10 AM
Bring your crew to this festival filled with activities for everyone. Don’t miss out on the multiple live musical acts, kid’s activities, and plenty of vendors throughout the day.
Cost: Free
44 E. Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882
Spring Craft & Food Truck Festival
May 4 at 11 AM
Now that the weather is getting warmer, head outside and to this spring festival. There will be delicious food, crafters, hay rides, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free
Duffields Farm, 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Blankets & Blooms: A Picnic in the Apple Blossoms
May 4 at 11 AM
Grab your family and favorite picnic blanket, and head to the orchard for a unique picnic experience. The apple trees are in full bloom, and you can bask in the sun while you take in the gorgeous trees around you. General admission includes entry to the orchard, or you can upgrade and receive a personal-sized charcuterie board.
Cost: $5 for general admission
Ort Farms, 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Bird Quest 2024
May 4 at 7 AM
Spend the day on this 24th annual bird quest, perfect for novices and experienced birders. The day will consist of a morning of birding where you will identify as many bird species as you can within Gloucester County. Then, at noon, everyone will gather for lunch, t-shirts, story swapping, and door prizes.
Cost: $15 per person
Wheelabrator Wildlife, 600 Crown Point Road, Westville, NJ 08093
Jeeps & Cinco de Mayo Food Truck Festival
May 4-5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this fun event, including live bands, delicious food trucks, face painting, and more. On Saturday night, there will be a gorgeous fireworks display.
Cost: $13 in advance/$15 at the door; anyone under 21 is free
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Spring Street Fair and Earth Day Celebration
May 5 at 11:30 AM
Spend the morning at the Fun Run and Kids Race, then head to this lively festival where you can celebrate Earth Day and the season of spring together.
Cost: Free
Main Street Highland Avenue, Raritan Ave. from 2nd to 5th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Cinco de Mayo Block Party
May 5 at 11 AM
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo during a fun-filled day with delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, a mariachi band, and fun activities for all ages.
Cost: Free
Between River Street and Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Spring Festival
May 5 at 9 AM
Grab the fam and enjoy a day of fun together including hay rides, face painting, vendors, food trucks, music, and more. Make sure you feed the animals while you are there.
Cost: Free
Funny Farm Rescue, 6908 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
VetFest Music & Food Truck Festival
May 5 at 12 PM
This fifth-annual festival will feature delicious food, a bounce house park for the kids, a beer and wine garden for the adults, and live music for everyone to enjoy. The rain date is May 19.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
39 Barbour Pond Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Fiesta at the Farm
May 5 at 12 PM
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the farm with the fam. There will be crafts, games, face painting, snacks, and so much fun for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: $12 per person at the door and free for children under 2, cash only
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2687 Monmouth Rd, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Afternoon Tea at the Library
May 5 at 1 PM
Dress your best and head to the library for afternoon tea. This elegant event will include a menu of teas, sandwiches, and sweets and a presentation on the history of NJ lighthouses and keepers.
Cost: $5 per person
Pennsauken Free Public Library, 5605 N Crescent Boulevard, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
Beauty & The Beast
May 5 at 1 PM
Have someone in the family who loves the story of Beauty and the Beast? Head to this performance of the classic tale, where it will come alive on stage.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
ONGOING EVENT
Five Star Swim School Play and Swim Moms Group
Now-May 30
Moms, Dads, Caregivers, Babies, and Kids are welcome to the Play & Swim Moms Group at Five Star Swim School, where parents/caregivers can bring their children to have fun and socialize. Homeschooler groups are welcome. Thursdays – from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The pool is open for swimming from 10 AM to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers swim for free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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