If you’ve been thinking about ways to give back, why not sign up for a charity event this May, where the whole family can get in on the action? Take a run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Highland Park at the 15th Annual Highland Park NJ 5K Road Race & Kids Races, take a hike and explore beautiful Sussex County at the Hopatcong Charity Hike in Andover, or enjoy a day of crafters and vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s entertainment, a tricky tray, and more at Maverick’s Legacy 3rd Annual Spring Festival in Augusta. Want to know more about NJ charities that will put you in the giving spirit? Find one near you with our charity guide. (Featured photo credit: iStock/FatCamera)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Paws & Feet 5k Run/ Walk & Doggie Fun Day
May 4 at 9 AM The
Animal Welfare Association’s signature event, the Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day, is an annual fundraising event that celebrates the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. It’s a day full of fun activities for the whole family, including the furry ones. There will be live entertainment, local small business vendors, children’s activities, food and drink from local favorites, and more.
Cost: Registration prices vary
Cooper River Park, N Park Dr, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109
15th Annual Highland Park NJ 5K Road Race & Kids Races
May 4 at 9 AM
Come take a run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Highland Park, all for a great cause. Race proceeds will benefit the Highland Park Public Schools PTOs. All participants are welcome in the race, including strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Kids’ races begin at 10 AM and participants receive a t-shirt and refreshments.
212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ
Cost: $10 – $28
Maverick’s Legacy 3rd Annual Spring Festival
May 10 at 11 AM
Celebrate the legacy of Maverick, a child who left the world way too soon, at this lively spring festival with crafters and vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s entertainment, a tricky tray, and more. Proceeds go to the Maverick’s Legacy Foundation, a non-profit that strives to reduce preventable choking deaths and injuries.
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Hopatcong Charity Hike
May 10 at 7 AM
Lace up your hiking shoes and gather the family for this event, which will take you on a hike through the area’s natural beauty. Then, enjoy lunch and a souvenir gift courtesy of the Hudson Farm Club. Upon completing the hike, you will receive $1 for every year of your age, which you can donate to any participating organization of your choice.
Cost: Free to participate
Hudson Farms, 270 Stanhope Sparta Road, Andover, NJ 07821
Walk4Friends 2025
May 18 at 12 PM
Walk4Friends is a fun-filled family event that brings together the entire community for a fantastic cause. Show your support for The Friendship Circle by walking together to create awareness, solidarity, and support for children with special needs, teen volunteers, and their families. The event features a PMX Show, rides, moon bounces, Art Center, Open-Air Market, and food for sale.
Vonage Campus, 23 Main Street, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: registration is free and online, walk-up fee $10, $36 per family
Muscular Dystrophy Association Yoga Charity Event and Market
May 18 at 8 AM
Bring the family to this powerful event and participate in 108 sun salutations to honor those affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, before heading to the market, which will feature specialty vendors. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to support critical research, medical care, and advocacy for those living with these neuromuscular diseases.
Cost: Registration fee
Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
The Dog Market
May 31 at 11 AM
Bring your furry friends to the first annual Dog Market at Van Saun Park, sponsored by Indigo Pups, a non-profit organization that advocates for and provides resources for homeless dogs and dog owners alike. Shop a wide variety of local vendors, watch demos, participate in crafts and contests, find an adorable rescue pup to adopt, and enjoy a fun-filled day with your four-legged family members. There will be dog-themed vendors, a cutest dog contest, 360 photos, a dog training demo, and more.
Cost: Free to attend
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
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