Get ready—your May lineup just got better with lots of family-friendly festivals, fairs, and things to do this weekend. Fill up on lobster, shrimp, and fresh fish at the New Jersey Seafood Fest in Belmar, learn how to Bollywood dance at the South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farms in Gibbstown, or climb aboard a fire truck at the 16th Annual Junior League of Bergen County’s Touch-A-Truck event in Paramus. And if you want to fill up that spring calendar, don’t miss our guide to free things to do in NJ in May. (feature photo credit: iStock/DnHolm)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
New Jersey Seafood Fest in Belmar
May 20 at 4 PM, May 21 at 11 AM, and May 22 at 11 AM
Got a family that loves seafood? Enjoy lobster, shrimp, clams, and more at the 35th annual New Jersey Seafood Festival. There will be food trucks, live music, children’s activities, and fun for the whole family.
Belmar Mall Parking Lot, Belmar, NJ 07719
Dinner & Dancing in the Park: Kids night
May 20 at 5 PM
Bring your family to enjoy a night of food and live music. Kids will have a ball dancing to the music and enjoying Mr. C’s Water Ice, $5 Fresh Burgers, and much more. Don’t forget your chair and blanket.
Memorial Park, 46 Memorial Ave, Gibbstown, NJ 08027
South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farms
May 21 at 9:30 AM
Register and check-in to experience Visual and Performing Arts Workshops such as Bollywood Dance, Printmaking, and Watercolor Mandalas. There will also be ongoing drop-in activities like the Art of Henna and Pixel Art Self Portraits. Pre-registration is highly recommended.
Cost: Free
457 Shirley Rd., Elmer, NJ 08318
Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair
May 21 at 10 AM
The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair returns with an all-day street fair and art show along Ridgewood Avenue. It will feature arts, crafts, wellness vendors, and fair-trade, organic and eco-smart products for sale, including native plants. There will be live entertainment and food concessions—the rain date is May 22.
Cost: Free
Gr. Highschool/ Train Station/ Ridgewood Ave., 200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028
Lake Hopatcong Block Party
May 21 at 10 AM
Celebrate Lake Hopatcong by bringing visitors together with businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters, and food vendors for a community day featuring activities, raffles, giveaways, and a children’s scavenger hunt.
Cost: Free and free parking on-site, a $10 donation is appreciated
260 Lakeside Blvd., Landing, NJ 07850
Made in Ocean County
May 21 at 10 AM
Shop the best in Ocean County and find jewelry, gifts, soaps, lotions, candles, and more. There will also be food trucks at this event.
933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
May Craft & Antique Show
May 21 at 10 AM
Find rare and unique items at this monthly outdoor market with local vendors and live music. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
118 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054
Allaire Music Fest
May 21 at 11 AM
Hear local bands perform Bluegrass and Folk music on multiple stages throughout the day. The kids will love the new interactive instrument and music session called “An Intro to Music and Instruments.” There will also be crafters, and you can tour the village too.
Cost: Children $5 ages 4-12, adults $10, the day of price is $7 for children ages 4-12 and adults are $15
4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Celebrate Armed Forces Day at iPlay America
May 21 at 11 AM
Celebrate National Armed Forces Day with lots of games and rides (active and retired military members can have a day of free fun when they show their ID). There will also be a fundraiser for the troops from 12 PM-2 PM, and 50% of ride sales and 30% of the food bill will go to the cause.
Cost: Free for active and retired military; prices vary depending on the games and rides
110 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Fest
May 21 at 11 AM
Looking for something spicy to do? It’s an interactive “you be the judge.” chili cook-off with the opportunity to explore the festival’s hot sauce and artist village, vendors, compete in pepper eating contests, and even watch professionals play with fire.
Cost: $25 per person for judges, $15 for those not having chili, and 12 and under are free
114 S. New York, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Franklin Food Truck Festival
May 21 at 11 AM
Food trucks, including everything from empanada to cupcakes to Latin food, will be on hand at this lively festival. There will be an airsoft shooting range, extreme grand Prix racing, boardwalk-style games, bounce houses, face painters, Henna by Dana, craft vendors, and music.
Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for children 4-13 at the door, $6 for adults, and $4 for children if you purchase online in advance. Children 3 and under are always free.
Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873
Laurel Springs’ WaltFest
May 21 at 11 AM
This art and history festival spread among two locations celebrates the birth of Walt Whitman and gives you a chance to see where he once lived. Plan to meet Walt (there will be historical reenactors) and listen to him read poems. There will also be visual arts, food, and a trolley.
Whitman Stafford Farmhouse, Stone Road and East Maple Avenue, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
Crystal Spring Park, W. Elma, and Lakeview Avenue, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
Randolph Township’s Arts in the Park
May 21 at 11 AM
It’s an art festival with food trucks, live performances, and demos for the whole family. ArtWorks and the Randolph Library will have activities for the kids.
Cost: Free
100 Calais Road, Randolph, NJ 07869
The 2nd Annual Hammonton Arts and Musical Festival
May 21 at 12 PM
This celebratory festival will have live music, art vendors, live demonstrations, skill shares, and representatives from local arts organizations—the rain date is May 22.
Cost: Free
Horton St. between Bellevue and Orchard, Hammonton, NJ 08037
2022 World Diversity Day Children’s Festival
May 21 at 1 PM
All families are welcome to this free celebration. There will be multi-cultural and bilingual storytelling, live music, cultural dancing, flag making, folk singing, and face painting.
Lake Topanemus Park, Robertsville Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
43rd Bordentown Street Fair
May 21-22 at 10 AM
Bring out the whole family for a street fair with shopping, food, entertainment, free parking, and fun. This event is weather permitting.
Cost: Free
Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Bringing Back the Magic Food Truck Fair Laurita
May 21-22 at 11 AM
Head to a fun-filled day among the vines, where there will be live music, food, and wine for the adults. Each visitor will be given a unique souvenir Laurita wine glass. Kids can get their faces painted and watch fireworks on Saturday night.
Cost: $12 online and $14 at the door; 20 and under are free
19/85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Warren Court Art Walk
May 21-22 at 11 AM
Twenty-two artists will be on one block with paintings, ceramics, textiles, sculptures, printmaking, and more. Don’t miss the food too.
Cost: Free
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, between South Orange Avenue and University Court
Color Fun Run 2022
May 22 at 8 AM
Help raise money for a former student recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer at this colorful run that’s fun with color powder explosions combined with fitness. The first 400 people to sign up will receive a free t-shirt at the event’s start.
Cost: $25 before the event and $30 at the event
Horseshoe Lake, 72 Eyland Ave., Roxbury Township, NJ 07876
Sunday Farmer’s Market at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Starting Sunday, May 22 through November 20 at 9 AM
Kick-off this seasonal farmer’s market with food trucks, a car show, music, kids activities, and farm-fresh produce. What’s more, you’ll receive a complimentary reusable tote bag while supplies last.
Cost: Free
Parking lot between Macy’s and Rt 17, Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
16th Annual Junior League of Bergen County Touch-a-Truck
May 22 at 10 AM
It’s the 16th Annual Touch-a-Truck event where kids of any age will enjoy climbing on all types of vehicles, beeping horns, and getting to know hometown heroes. Off the trucks, kids will enjoy jumping in the bounce houses, getting their faces painted, and entering the fun bus.
Cost: Tickets purchased at the door will be $30 for a family of 4 and $10 for an individual; children under 2 are free.
Garden State Plaza, parking lot near Nordstrom, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Glen Rock Street Fair and Craft Show
May 22 at 11 AM
It’s a day of family fun with arts and crafts, shopping, and lots of kid’s rides to keep littles entertained. The whole family will have a ball listening to live music, dancing, eating delicious food, watching performances, and playing games.
Cost: Free
Glen Rock downtown, Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Great Swamp Music Festival
May 22 at 12 PM
Rain or shine, get ready to grab your blankets and chairs and listen to music outdoors. There will be food, vendors, a comedian, and more.
Cost: At the gate, adults are $35, students $25 and 13
and under are free
Giralda Farms Preserve, Madison Avenue, Chatham Township, NJ 07940
Ongoing Events
Broadway at the Garden State Plaza
Now-June 25 at 11 AM and 1 PM
See the best of Broadway for kids every Saturday, featuring songs and scenes from hit Broadway shows. This event is free for everyone and will highlight memorable scenes from your favorite Broadway shows like Aladdin, Wicked and Lion King, performed in a partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center.
Cost: Free, a limited number of VIP tickets will be sold for each event for $10 and include an AMC kids movie theater ticket, a kids meal at Chick Fil A, a LEGO toy, and more.
Level 2, Macy’s Court Area, nearest Shake Shack, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
XC Summer Series
April 27-August 31 on Wednesdays at 6 PM
Learn how to run cross country with a weekly series of 5K events on Wednesday nights from April 27 until August 31, 2022. There are a total of 15 races in the series. The course is open to all ages and abilities, and walkers are welcome.
Cost: $8-$10 per race or $50-$85 per series
Central Ave and North Cottage Road, Parsippany, NJ US 07954
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Run
Every Saturday at 9 AM
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or cheer on participants at this fun event. This run is free, but make sure to register before attending.
Cost: Free
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
