May means summer is on the horizon, but while you’re counting down the days, we’ve got lots of spring things to do for FREE this month. Watch giant inflatable kites take flight and participate in family fun games at Wildwood International Kite Festival in Wildwood, celebrate the start of a new strawberry season with live music and everything berry-related at Stella Farms Strawberry Festival in Berlin, and join in on an eco-friendly fair with wellness vendors, live performances, and children’s activities at Glen Ridge Art and Eco Fair in Glen Ridge. And if you’re looking for more fun events before the season ends, check out our Spring Things To Do In NJ Bucket List. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/Bastiaan Slabbers)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Ocean City Spring Block Party
May 6 at 9 AM
Bring your crew to this spring celebration, spanning several blocks in Ocean City. There will be 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and fun for the whole family.
5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226
Galloway Art Festival
May 6 at 10 AM
Join in as the community comes together to enjoy music, dance, and visual arts at the Galloway Art Festival. Follow a master schedule of performances led by the Absegami Performing Arts, and enjoy interactive activities as well.
Village Greene, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ 08205
Ocean Grove Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show
May 6 at 10 AM
Spring is here with an arts and crafts show perfect for the whole family. This free event features crafts, arts, music, and food. Enjoy Joy Wymer and band at 11 AM and Chuck Lambert Blues at 1 PM.
Auditorium Square Park. Main Avenue to Pilgrim Pathway
ECO Fair
May 6 at 10 AM
WheatonArts presents the 16th annual ECO Fair, a free family fun event inspired by natural and artful living. This campus-wide event will feature local gardening clubs, handmade works of New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, nature trail tours, eco-friendly activities for families, and much more.
WheatonArts, 1000 Village Dr, Millville, NJ 08332
Mom-A-Rama Free Festival at Monmouth Mall
May 6 at 11 AM
This indoor, family-friendly day of fun will include local pop-up shops, 120+ local vendors, free swag bags for the first 100 moms, a Kentucky Derby hat contest, door prizes, Kid’s Zone with face paint, and much more.
Monmouth Mall, 180 New Jersey 35 Eatontown, NJ 07724
2nd Annual Bordentown Porchfest
May 6 at 12 PM
Bordentown City’s 2nd Annual Porchfest is a family-friendly event featuring musicians of all genres and styles playing free shows on porches throughout the city. Stroll from patio to porch and relax on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live, local talent. A PorchFest guide listing host porches and performance schedules will be available before the event.
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Farmingdale Fairy Faire & Fairy Trail Lighting
May 6 at 1 PM
This magical event will feature a beautifully curated array of metaphysical and fairy theme vendors for all to enjoy. A bubble show will begin at 2:00 PM on Main Street next to Connie’s. There will be kids’ crafts, games, and activities at the community center and a scavenger hunt, ending with The Fairy Trail Lighting at 7 PM. You can bring your family to admire fairy creations made and contributed by artists of all ages, near and far.
11 Asbury Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Annual Azalea Festival
May 7 at 10 AM and May 13 at 10 AM
After 4 years, the Annual Azalea Festival is back. Spend the day among the bright blooms with local craft vendors, food, and gorgeous azalea shrubs. The rain dates will be on May 8 and May 14.
Sayen Gardens, 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton, NJ 08690
The Monmouth Moms’ 2nd Annual Springtime Festival
May 7 at 11 AM
Enjoy a day full of fun at The Monmouth Moms’ 2nd Annual Springtime Festival. This event will feature 75+ vendors, food for sale, Mommy and Me activities, a character picture station, face painting, and lots of new activities added. Gift bags will be given out to the first 250 attendees. Registration is required.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Springfield Food Truck Festival
May 7 at 11 AM
Celebrate a day in the sun with food trucks, craft vendors, and live music at Springfield Food Truck Festival. Bring blankets and chairs; pop-up tents are permitted.
Cost: Free. $5 at the door. Kids under 5 are free.
Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Rd. Springfield, NJ 07081
Spring Street Fair and Earth Day Celebration
May 7 at 11:30 AM
Head to this lively festival where you can celebrate Earth Day and spring with vendors, games, live music, and more.
Main Street Highland Avenue, Raritan Ave. from 2nd to 5th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Stella Farms Strawberry Festival
May 13 at 9 AM
Celebrate the start of the growing season and enjoy all things strawberries at the Stella Farms Strawberry Festival. This event will also feature live music, food and drinks, pony rides, a petting zoo, and other fun activities for your children.
Stella Farms, 459 Berlin New Freedom Rd, Berlin, NJ 08009
Creative Arts Festival
May 13 at 10 AM
The whole family will enjoy perusing artists at this juried arts festival. Works will be displayed in all mediums, including pottery, jewelry, photography, and painting. There will be live music and food vendors.
Cost: Admission and parking are free
Thompson Park -805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall
May 13 at 10 AM
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day in MHHM’s historic garden. The garden will have special presentations, nature scavenger hunts, and art activities. Then at 11:00 AM, see The Raptor Trust’s Bringing Up Birdie. This event is rain or shine.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Holland Ridge Farms Mother’s Day Pop-Up Market
May 13 at 11 AM
Pick up gifts for all of the special moms in your life, from one-of-a-kind handmade items to treats from local food purveyors. This event will feature plenty of fun for the whole family, including a petting zoo, kid’s activities, food trucks, and more.
Holland Ridge Farms, 86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Vendor & Food Truck Festival
May 13 at 12 PM
Come check out this all-inclusive park for a day full of fun, food, and vendors for the whole family. The rain date is May 14.
RWJBarnabas Field Of Dreams, 1505 N Bay Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753
Mother’s Day Expo: Indoor Shopping Experience
May 13 at 1 PM
This indoor shopping experience includes 20 + vendors, kids’ crafts, freebies for moms, and more.
267 Madison Avenue, New Milford, 07646
Career Carnival for Kids
May 13 at 2 PM
Kids in elementary and middle school can explore exciting careers with hands-on activities, demos, games, and giveaways. Meet professionals from Business and Finance, Education, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Law and Public Safety, Technology, and more.
Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Outside Macy’s – Lower Level, Mount Hope Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
May 13-14 at 12 PM
Spend Mother’s Day weekend perusing local makers, arts and crafts, and music experiences in both locations. There will be Mother’s Day photos and photo stations, fresh flower bouquets, kids’ workshops, and face painting.
Whitechapel Projects, 15 2nd Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740 – (732) 963-9218
Grand Arcade at Asbury Park Convention Hall, Grand Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Monmouth County’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
May 13 at 5 PM
Learn about local health agencies that help youth around Monmouth County while interacting with various animals at the Allaire Community Farm petting zoo. There will also be giveaways, food, and beverages. The rain date is May 20.
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719
Mother’s Day at Terhune Orchards
May 14 at 2 PM
Create a memorable Mother’s Day experience at Terhune Orchards. Enjoy the general store, cafe, fire pits, strolling the vineyard, and musician Just Jeff in The Winery.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
Mother’s Day Walk
May 14 at 11 AM
Take the special woman in your life on a guided walk with a TNC Environmental Educator. This is the perfect opportunity for a pretty photo op with the family. All ages are welcome.
Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Mayfest Smithville
May 20-21 at 10 AM
Head to Historic Smithville for children’s activities like the carousel and train rides, crafters and vendors, an international food court, and live entertainment.
Historic Smithville and the Village Green, Smithville, NJ 08060
Woodbridge Street Fair and Craft Show
May 20 at 11 AM
Bring your crew out to see live music, DJ, dancing, delicious foods, and performances. There will also be children’s rides and games.
Woodbridge Township downtown, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Captain Kidd Pirate Day
May 20 at 11 AM
Ahoy, mates—kids can dress in their pirate best for the Annual Captain Kidd Pirate Day parade and a treasure hunt at 19th and the beach. Kids can walk in the parade, receive a treasure chest, and enter a raffle and costume contest.
Parade, 26th, and the Boardwalk., Wildwood, NJ 08260
Keansburg 5th Annual Food Truck Festival
May 20 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family out to Keansburg’s 5th Annual Food Truck Festival. Your kids will enjoy face painting, a bounce house, and more. This event will also feature No Limit Entertainment from 2 PM – 5 PM and the Muddy Dog Band from 5 PM – 7 PM.
1 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Maplewood Street Fair & Craft Show
May 21 at 11 AM
Come enjoy the outdoors in Maplewood with live music, a DJ, dancing, food, performances, and more. There will also be children’s rides and games.
Maplewood downtown, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Walnford Day
May 21 at 11 AM
Bring the fam to experience colonial life. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, historical demonstrations, and bluegrass music, and you can explore the 1773 Waln family home.
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Made in Ocean County
May 20 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
Glen Ridge Art and Eco Fair
May 20 at 10 AM
Celebrate the arts and the environment at this eco-friendly fair. This event will include arts and crafts, wellness vendors, live performances, eco demonstrations, and children’s activities.
200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028
Walt Fest Laural Springs Day
May 20 at 11 AM
This art and history festival will feature historical reenactors, visual arts, food, and a trolley. The event will be at two sites.
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
Woodbridge Street Fair & Craft Show
May 20 at 11 AM
Bring your family to enjoy artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides, and live music. This event will feature children’s rides, games, and more.
Cost: Free admission for Spectators
Downtown Woodbridge, NJ Main St and Amboy Ave Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Wildwood International Kite Festival
May 26-29, 12 PM on Friday
Kick-off this weekend-long event 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 lndoor Kite exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cost: Free to spectators
Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 27-29 at 9 AM
There will be family fun, vendors, crafters, music, and food. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday at 10 AM.
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Collingswood May Fair
May 27 at 10 AM
All ages can enjoy the 41st annual May Fair with art, music, and activities. There will be a KidZone with carnival games, rides, and kid-friendly crafters.
678 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
22nd Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 29 at 10 AM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 21st Annual Seaport Craft Show with handmade crafts from over 60 crafters and artisans. Art, jewelry, and unique gifts will be available. Don’t miss the live entertainment at 11 AM.
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
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.
