As luck would have it, March has lots of fun things to do with the family to usher in spring. And the best part is – they’re all FREE. Dress in green and bring your Irish pride to one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades and events up and down the parkway, get artistic and enjoy art lessons each weekend at SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes in Atlantic City, or head to Stockton University for a day with artists, makers, and kid activities at Line on the Pines in Galloway. And for more spring fun, check out everything on our seasonal bucket list. (Featured photo credit: iStock/Canadapanda)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Opening Weekend of Lambert Castle
March 1 at 10 AM
It’s an exciting time – Lambert Castle is reopening to the public after an extensive, multi-year restoration. On this special opening weekend, there will be free open house days to view period furnishings, grand architecture, and stunning views. Take a step inside and celebrate the return of this beloved historic site.
3 Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07503
Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
Bring your Irish pride to Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, this parade is one of the year’s most popular events.
Cost: Free
Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Irish Festival in Toms River
March 1 at 12 PM
Head to this Irish-themed festival where local businesses, vendors, and handcrafters will be out to celebrate with a day of food, fun, and music. Washington Street will be closed between Main Street and Robbins Street.
Cost: Free
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 12:30 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
This impressive procession will feature string bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, Irish music bands, community groups, and more. Be sure to check out the before-and-after festivities.
Cost: Free
Johnson Blvd. and Francis Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
The 46th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM, go north up Franklin Ave, and end on Chestnut Street with the Review Stand in front of John Walker Middle School.
Cost: Free
The parade starts at Harrison and Evergreen Street
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 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
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey, the parade begins at 1 PM with music, Irish dancers, and pipe bands. Stick around for the after-party.
Cost: Free
High Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
Get your green gear ready for the 37th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and pipe bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 7 and 21 at 11 AM
Visit the outdoor kitchen to discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to get free art lessons. This series of children’s art classes will take place every Saturday in the spring at the Noyes Arts Garage, led by a professional artist. These classes will begin on March 7 and run until April 11.
NJ 08401
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
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 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
Line on the Pines 2026
March 8 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. The theme for this year is Safety in the NJ Pine Barrens.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 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 8 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
Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 13
Wear your green and join the 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, 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
North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13
Celebrate Irish pride and maybe see a leprechaun at this festive parade featuring the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Pipe Brigade, and Miss North Wildwood.
Cost: Free
Begins at North Wildwood City Hall and it will proceed west on 9th Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
The Cook College Ramblers: An Irish Celebration
March 14 at 2 PM
Listen to the beautiful music from Ireland presented by The Cook College Ramblers. There will be lots of songs, dances, and opportunities to sing along. Make sure you wear your green.
Cost: Free
Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 14 at 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
Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 at 12 PM
Wear your green to this parade, starting on Morris Avenue and Jeanette Avenue. Parade activities begin at 9 AM with a mass, and at noon, Union Center has a Grandstand program.
Cost: Free
Scheduled to step off from Morris and Jeanette Avenues, Union, NJ 07083
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 14
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
Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 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 more at this annual event.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Sea Isle City’s 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 at 1 PM
Bring your best green outfit and Irish pride to Sea Isle City’s 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This event will include a best-dressed contest at 2 PM, followed by the parade at 3:30 PM.
Cost: Free
120 63rd Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 12:30 PM
Downtown Freehold kicks off St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, best-dressed contests (for Fido, too!), Irish food specialties, and live music.
Cost: Free for the parade; some events have a cover charge.
Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 43rd annual parade celebrating Irish Heritage will march down South Washington Avenue and West Englewood Avenue in Bergenfield. Stay after the parade for some music and fun.
Cost: Free
South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 15 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marchers, including floats, scouts, bagpipers, and marching bands, will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon.
Cost: Free
The parade starts on South Pine Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879
Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 15 at 1:30 PM
Remember to wear green and line up along Main Street for the annual Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade. It was rated “The Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Parade Across The US” by Forbes Magazine.
Cost: Free
Line up along Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 21 at 1 PM
This parade will kick off at 1 PM on Saturday, March 21, on the corner of Fieldstone Drive and Skyline Drive.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from Skyline Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
March 21 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
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 21 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey. Your family will enjoy bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats.
Cost: Free
The parade will run along Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm
March 21 at 10 AM
Come out to the farm to learn about the differences between draft, saddle, and carriage horses, and then take a ride on a fully harnessed workhorse (rides 11 AM-3 PM). Afterward, help farmers with barn chores, including bedding stalls, filling water troughs, and making feed.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
March 22 at 1 PM
This parade will step off from 5th and Broadway at 1 PM sharp. The procession will make its way north to 39th Street, turn west, and then proceed to the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg Park on Avenue C.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002
Bergenfield High School Flea & Collectible Market
March 22 at 9 AM
With around 50 exhibitors selling arts and crafts, collectibles, handbags, sports collectibles, and more, there is something for everyone to browse.
Cost: Free
Bergenfield High School, 80 South Prospect Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Sawmilling and Tree Planting at Howell Living History Farm
March 28 at 10 AM
Spring on the farm means upgrading the horse stalls with barn beams, siding, and floorboards after a cold winter. Visitors can help roll logs with logging tools, make pegs for the barn framing, cut firewood for the kitchen stove, or plant replacement trees in the farm’s woodlot.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
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