With spring on the brain and daylight savings this Sunday, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your green and get a little bit Irish at Morris County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Morristown, see toy trains and even buy your own at the Greenberg’s Toy and Train Show in Edison or take a magical pony ride at Lil Acre Rescued Animal Farm in Old Bridge. And if you are looking for more to fill your calendar, check out FREE Things To Do in March.
Featured Photo Credit: Morris County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 11 at 12 PM
Wear your green and join in the festivities at the 87th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where the bagpipes, Irish dancers, marchers, and more come out to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Newark.
Cost: Free
From the Prudential Center on Mulberry Street past Gateway Center, NJPAC, Military Park, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, the Newark Museum, and Washington Park, Newark, NJ 07102
Spring Craft Fair Morristown
March 11 from 4 PM-8 PM, March 12 from 10 AM-6 PM, and March 13 from 10 AM-5 PM
Find something for every age and budget at the Spring Craft Fair in Morristown. There will be jewelry, handicrafts, sculptural works, fine art painting, and more. Parking is free with a shuttle service to the entrance.
Cost: $10 cash or check only; under 16 is free.
Morristown Armory – 430 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Pi Day Princeton
March 12 at 9 AM
Celebrate Pi Day in the town where Einstein lived on Facebook and Instagram to have a day’s worth of irrational online fun, including previous years’ contests, tours, video lectures, and more. And host your own pie-eating contest at home and post it on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #princetonpiday2022.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 12 from 10 AM-4 PM
It’s time for a spring checkup on the farm—listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist, and learn all about veterinary instruments and techniques.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 12 at 11 AM
Kids ages 2-4 can learn kitchen basics with an adult helper on this virtual program.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 12 at 11 AM
Discover recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens from the 1890s and get a taste of what’s cooking up on the farm.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
St. Patrick’s Day at Allaire Village
March 12 at 11 AM
A period-dressed interpreter will host a 90-minute guided tour of the village, including Ireland’s history and culture. Kids will love watching traditional Irish cooking, folklore, and music demonstrations.
Cost: Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance
The Historic Village at Allaire – 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall, NJ 07727
(732) 919-3500
Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 12 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the largest and most celebrated in Morris County. Watch bagpipers, bands, officers, Irish dancing, and marching starting on South Street to the Morristown Green. The parade will continue along Washington Street and end at Morristown High School.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Morris Family Concerts: A Day of Irish Culture
March 12 at 2:30 PM
Bring your whole clan to this interactive children’s concert following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Morristown, where they can meet the Irish dance performers and learn some steps, see how the bagpipe works, and do other Irish-themed activities. Later, check out traditional music at a concert by Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones. Want to keep the fun going? Celebrate everything Irish the next day at The National Dance Company of Ireland: Rhythm of the Dance.
Cost: Children’s show tickets $5; concert tickets $45-$65; tickets are sold separately.
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 539-8008
North Wildwood St Patrick’s Parade (the parade will take place inside the North Wildwood Recreation Center)
March 12 at 12 PM
Come out to celebrate the Irish and maybe see a leprechaun at this festive parade which will feature the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Pipe Brigade, Miss North Wildwood, and more.
Cost: Free
9th and Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-2955
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade (tentatively rescheduled for April 2)
March 12 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where Klee’s Bar and Grill will be the official home of the 2022 parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Band and a 40′ long American flag as There will also be a post-parade party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ
(732) 793-5000
Union County 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (postponed)
March 12 at 12 PM
Come out to watch this parade, starting on Morris Avenue and Stuyvesant Avenue with a Kid’s Zone of fun activities and games on Stuyvesant Avenue. Then at 1 PM sharp, the parade begins from Commerce and Jeanette Avenues and ends at Roosevelt Avenue.
Cost: Free
Corner of Commerce and Jeanette Avenues on Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century
March 12 at 1 PM
Get ready to dance to popular turn-of-the-century 19th-century ballads. The event will be inside the farmhouse at Historic Longstreet Farm.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Nature on the Move
March 12 at 3 PM
Colorful nature is on the move at the Clayton Park Activity Center. A Park Naturalist will host a 45-60 minute hands-on interactive program.
Cost: Free
Clayton Park Activity Center – 161 Emley’s Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08526
(609) 259-5794
Greenberg’s Train and Toy Show
March 12-13 from 10 AM-4 PM
See over 120+ exhibitors from across the country, operating model train displays, free workshops and demonstrations, and 450+ tables of trains for sale. There is also a free test track to test run your trains at the show. Don’t miss the door prize giveaways and more.
Cost: On-site admission is $11 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday; 11 and under are free
New Jersey Expo Center – 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
Shamrock Celebration at Laurita Winery
March 12-13 at 11:30 AM
Bring the whole family out to celebrate the Irish with authentic Irish tunes, food, and fun at Laurita Winery. There will be live music, Irish dancers, and a few Irish vendors too. No reservations are needed.
Cost: Free admission
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
(609) 752-0200
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Farm
March 12-13 at 12 PM
Bring your littles for a magical “unicorn” pony ride to make their St. Patrick’s Day out of this world. Enjoy a tasty s’more with green Leprechaun punch, and if you’re lucky, you’ll win a basket as part of a holiday gift raffle.
Cost: $15 per person
10 Lil Acre Rescued Animal Farm – 116 Texas Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
(732) 646-0698
Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge Maple Sugaring
March 12-13, times vary
Take part in a 60-minute outdoor program at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the Environmental Center. See how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods from the past and today, and see the boiling process used to make maple syrup.
Cost: $6 per student/senior or $7 per adult
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 722-1200 x5002
The Chocolate Expo
March 13 at 10 AM
Get ready to indulge at The Chocolate Expo in Edison with chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, craft sodas, and drinks for adults. There will be entertainment and fun for all ages. DJ Chef, a winner from Cutthroat Kitchen, will conduct demos and spin tunes.
Cost: On-site admission is $30/adult and $20/child (ages 2-12) or online for $20/adult and $15/child (ages 2-12)
New Jersey Expo Center – 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Terhune Orchards
March 13 at 12 PM
It will be a lucky day with Irish tunes, snacks, fire pits, s’mores, hot cocoa, and hot mulled wine. The farm store will also have Irish soda bread and shamrock cookie kits.
Cost: Free; prices vary for kits
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NU 08540
(609) 924-2310
Horse-Drawn Plowing Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 13 at 12 PM
The staff of Longstreet Farm will share what steps are needed to make sure there is a good harvest. And if you are lucky (with a farmer’s help), you might even be able to get a chance to help plow the farm. This event is weather dependent.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 12:15 PM
The parade will step off Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange. Complimentary shuttle buses are provided for marchers and spectators to the starting location of the parade at Town Hall.
Cost: Free
Corner of Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
10th Annual Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 1 PM
Downtown Freehold Irish Week kicks off with the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a marching group check-in at 11 AM, and the parade begins at 1 PM. The parade will end at Elk’s Lodge.
McLean Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Cost: Free
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 1 PM
The fourth annual Asbury Park parade will get you in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with dance performances, marching bands, an animal rescue group, classic cars, traditional Irish music, and more. Bring your furry, four-legged pals, too– especially if you dress them up in cute costumes!
Cost: Free
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
asburystpatsparade@gmail.com
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 1:30 PM
The parade will start at Woodbridge High School and end at Woodbridge Town Hall. This year’s parade will be the 49th Woodbridge American Irish Association’s parade.
Cost: Free
1 Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 40th annual parade will take place down Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. This event will bring out Irish traditions that the county celebrates.
Cost: Free
Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Hackettstown 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 at 3:30 PM
Over 14,000 people line the streets of Hackettstown for this event each year. The kickoff for the Hackettstown parade is at 3:30 PM. Dress up your dog for the best-dressed pooch and watch numerous floats that make their way through the town—your whole family will have a great time at this St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: Free
Corner of Washington and Grand Avenues on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Maple Sugaring At The Tenafly Nature Center
March 13 and 20 with a variety of session times
Identify a maple tree, learn about the history of maple sugaring and see how the technology has changed at this program for all ages.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, member $8, member family $30, non-member $10
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 568-6093
His Excellency and His Majesty: George Washington and George III
Now-March 20 at 2:30 PM
Compare the lives of George Washington and King George. Discover these two men’s lives, legacy, and leadership during this tour of George Washington’s winter headquarters.
Cost: Admission is free
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites – 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-1015
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Every weekend until March 12
Learn all about identifying and tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and making real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. You can even bring home the freshly made syrup for pancakes. Make sure to bundle up since you’ll be outside the whole time.
Cost: $5 per person—this program is for ages five and up, and pre-registration is required.
Great Swamp Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, NJ 07928
(973) 635-6629
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Every Thursday-Sunday through March 13
Catch the last weekend of seeing the magical mermaids and a world of underwater adventure. Real-life mermaids go deep under the sea and swim among 15,000 animals in a spectacular show that’s not to be missed.
Cost: $18.99-$44.99
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
(844) 474-3474
Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market – Grow It Green
Now-March 27 (except December 26) at 9:30 AM
The Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market features more than 20 farmers and local food vendors to develop a local food system that patrons can eat locally and seasonally. There will be freshly grown produce, farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and fresh seafood, baked goods, farm eggs, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Edelman Planetarium Family Show
Sundays until March 27 at 2 PM
Families with younger kids can enjoy the planetarium for shorter family shows with themes that change monthly. March kicks off “The Little Star That Could,” a laser show that combines solar system facts in an easy-to-follow and entertaining story.
Cost: $2 per person
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
