Woo-hoo—it’s the (un)official start to summer this weekend, and we’re here for it, with parades, festivals, and lots of things to do with the fam. Enjoy strawberry picking, wagon rides, a bubble barn, a kids’ activity area, kids’ crafts, and more at the Snyders Farm Strawberry Festival in Somerset, head to the beach to see wild and over-the-top kites at the Wildwood International Kite Festival, or decorate those bikes and line the sidewalks for one of the Memorial Parades up and down the state. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: Spirit of Princeton)
Wildwood International Kite Festival
May 22-25, 12 PM on Friday
Kick off this weekend-long event, which turns 40 this year, with a Friday night social and the 9:00 PM Illuminated Night Kite Fly. On Saturday and Sunday, come out to watch giant inflatable kites take flight, team flies, and participate in family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cost: Free to spectators
Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
May 22-25
Bring the whole family to a carnival to kick off the season. Enjoy a day full of food, rides, and entertainment at Garden State Plaza at this carnival, which benefits the LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program.
Cost: $5 and up
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Antique & Vintage Show
May 23 at 8 AM
Bring the whole family to Allaire State Park to check out the antiques and vintage items. There will also be food from the Allaire Bakery and a food truck, plus time to explore the park.
Cost: $5 per person aged 11 and up
Allaire State Park, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
45th Annual Collingswood May Fair
May 23 at 10 AM
This annual event will have lots of family fun, including blocks of attractions, artists and crafters, carnival games, rides, and child-friendly crafters. There will also be live music and food.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Memorial Day Parade
May 23 at 10 AM
Head to the annual Memorial Day parade and honor all those who lost their lives for our country. The parade begins at 10 AM, and there will be a short ceremony at Monument Hall at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Princeton Monument Hall, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
Memorial Day Parade/Ceremony
May 23 at 10 AM
Bring the whole family to this parade and ceremony, which is the perfect way to take in this holiday and honor the brave who have sacrificed for our country.
Howard Boulevard from Borough Hall to Memorial Park, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
2026 Memorial Day Parade – Lawrence Township
May 23 at 10 AM
This parade will honor the men and women who lost their lives in military service. The parade will end at Veterans Park, where a ceremony will take place featuring music from the Lawrence Township Community Band, a cannon salute, and wreath-laying.
Cost: Free
The parade kicks off at Lawrence High School and proceeds to Veterans Park
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 23 at 12 PM
Come salute brave veterans and fallen heroes at Washington Township’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. This ceremony will take place rain or shine at Rock Spring Park’s War Memorial Site. The keynote speaker will be First Lieutenant Timothy E. Fallon, USMC.
Cost: Free
35 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 23-24 at 9 AM
Stroll along the boards overlooking the ocean and peruse the collection of talented artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. This show will be held rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Snyders Farm Strawberry Festival
May 23-24 at 9 AM
Strawberry season is almost here, and this festival is a great way to celebrate it. There will be strawberry picking, wagon rides, a bubble barn, a kids’ activity area, kids’ crafts, a touch-a-truck, vendors, photo ops, and more.
Cost: $15 per person, cash only
586 S Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 23-24
Take a step back into the 16th century, and the kids can explore Nipper’s Nook, where there will be plenty of things to do to fire the imagination, including piñatas, water balloon games, building your own magic wands, and the new gaming cart of wonder.
Cost: $25 and up. $10 for Child Flex Day Pass (Ages 5 to 12).
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Berry Bash Festival
May 23-24 at 9 AM
Enjoy some time with the fam during the strawberry peak season at this festival. The festival will feature live music, wine, scenic hayride tours, delicious food, and the chance to pick your own succulent strawberries.
Cost: Ticket prices start at $4.25
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 23-24
It’s the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to spend it than with the family at the beach? There will be vendors, a parade, food, and music all weekend.
Cost: Free
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Spring AdventureFest
May 23-24
Bring the entire family and enjoy a free outdoor production of Riddlesbrood’s Alice in Wonderland in Historic Smithville. The interactive show is a fantastical journey featuring a choose-your-own-adventure format in which the audience uses their cell phones to decide how the brave heroes’ journey unfolds. The story changes with every performance, making it a unique experience each time you watch it.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Absecon, NJ 08201
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 23-25 at 11 AM
Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival. Enjoy 40 mouth-watering food trucks and sample everything from lobster rolls to mac and cheese to fried Oreos. This event will feature live music on each day. Free activities for the kids include clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Park Race Track, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
25th Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 24 at 10 AM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 24th Annual Seaport Craft Show featuring handmade crafts from over 60 crafters and artisans. Art, jewelry, and unique gifts will be available. Don’t miss the live entertainment at 12 PM.
Cost: Free
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
A Seaside Celebration
May 24 at 12 PM
This seaside celebration is a great way to spend the long weekend, with live music, a sand-sculpting contest, hot dogs, pizza, sweet treats, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Convention Hall Deck, Cape May, NJ 08204
NJ Jerk Fest 2026
May 24 at 12 PM
Looking for something different to do? Head to this festival, where you will find Caribbean vibes, music, and delicious jerk chicken right off the grill. There will also be kids’ activities and shopping.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Oakland Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 24 at 1 PM
Bring the whole family out for a lively parade featuring the Indian Hills High School Marching Band, the Oakland Police Department, the Oakland Fire Department, the Oakland First Aid Squad, Essex Shillelagh Pipes and Drums, military vehicles, antique cars, and much more. A commemorative ceremony will be held at Veterans Park immediately following the parade.
Cost: Free
The parade route is from Dogwood Drive to Oak Street, along Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436
Farmingdale’s 53rd Memorial Day Parade 2026
May 25 at 2 PM
Grab the fam and head to this annual parade, which is sure to delight everyone. Enjoy the town’s patriotic setting with music, dancing, classic cars, horse-drawn carriages, and more.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Somerville Memorial Day Parade 2026
May 25 at 8:15 AM
Grab the fam and head to this parade featuring military-style vehicles, veterans, townspeople, and families participating in the Family Fun Ride. Join the ceremony at 10 AM at the Somerville New Cemetery.
Cost: Free
Corner of Culver Street and East High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Hightstown’s Memorial Day Parade
May 25 at 9 AM
Round up the family and head to this parade, which will delight everyone and is a great way to spend the day together, remembering the reason for the holiday.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Summit Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 25 at 10 AM
Head to this annual parade that honors the men and women who have lost their lives in military service to our country. After the parade, there will be a ceremony featuring music from the marching band, a rifle salute, wreath-laying, and a special Taps performance. And stop by the Village Green for free hot dogs and drinks during the festivities.
Cost: Free
Deforest Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
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