Hey, hey, it’s Memorial Day weekend (cue the applause), so whether you’re heading North or to the Shore, there’s a ton of fun this three-day weekend to kick off the (unofficial) start of summer. Bring the family for a weekend of inflatable kites and more at the Wildwood International Kite Festival in Wildwood, celebrate the beginning of summer with face painting, friendship bracelets, and delicious food at the Spring Into Summer Festival in Clermont, or remember those who served and honor our veterans at one of the Memorial Day Parades across the state. Heading to the Shore? Get your beach badges and find the places to sink your toes in the sand with our Jersey Shore guide. (featured photo credit: istock/EAGiven)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Five Star Swim School Memorial Day Open Swim
May 25-26
Five Star Swim School is honored to invite veterans, active service members, and their families to enjoy a free open swim. They are also happy to offer 10% off the first payment if sign up for classes from May 25 to May 30. Bring your loved ones and make a splash in the heated saltwater pool. It’s their way of saying thank you for your service!
Cost: Free
Cherry Hill – May 25 at 1 PM, 5 Esterbrook Ln, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Deptford, May 25 and 26 at 1 PM, 1500 Almonesson Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096
East Hanover, May 25 at 3 PM, 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
Eatontown, May 26 at 3 PM, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown NJ 07724
Edison, May 26 at 3 PM, 1655 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820
Galloway, May 26 at 2 PM, 323 S Pitney Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205
Princeton, May 26 at 3 PM, 127 Main St., Princeton, NJ 08540
2024 Spring Family Fun Day
May 24 at 4 PM
Everyone in your crew will enjoy this, which will be a day full of fun with vendors, face painting, balloon sculptures, and an antique car show.
Cost: Free
Patterson Family Barn, 636 Adelphia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
May 24-26
Garden State Plaza hosts this carnival, which benefits the LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program. Enjoy a day full of food, rides, and entertainment.
Cost: $5 and up
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Woodbridge Center Carnival
May 24-26
Did someone say carnival season? Bring the whole family to this fun event and enjoy rides, food, and fun.
Cost: $5 per person
Woodbridge Center, 250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Wildwood International Kite Festival
May 24-27, 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 fly, and participate in family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cost: Free to spectators
Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Antique & Vintage Show
May 25 at 8 AM
Bring the whole family to check out the antiques and vintage items at Allaire State Park. There will also be food from the Allaire Bakery, a food truck, and time to explore the park. The rain date is Sunday, May 26.
Cost: $5 per person aged 11 and up
Allaire State Park, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Moonlight Walk
May 25 at 7 PM
Come for a moonlight walk and spend time with the fam outdoors. Since the trails can be bumpy and sandy, make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and a hiking stick for potholes.
Cost: $10 per person suggested donation
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 96 W. White Bogs Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Food Truck Festival
May 25 at 11 AM
Who’s ready for a food truck festival? Head to the waterfront and enjoy a fun festival filled with the entire family.
Cost: $5 per person
Keyport Waterfront, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Memorial Day Weekend Farmers Market
May 25 at 9 AM
Spend Memorial Day weekend at this fun Farmers Market, which features food trucks, sweets, homemade crafts, plants, and more.
Cost: Free
Tractor Supply Company, 6501 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
3rd Annual Touch-a-Truck
May 25 at 4 PM
If you have a little one who loves trucks, you have to bring them to this event where they can hop on a local fire, EMS, police, tow truck, and more in one spot.
Cost: Free
Mansfield Township Elementary School, 200 Mansfield Road East, Columbus, NJ 08022
Memorial Day Parade
May 25 at 10 AM
Head to the annual Memorial Day parade and honor all those who lost their lives for our country. The parade begins at 10 AM, and there will be a short ceremony at Monument Hall at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Princeton Monument Hall, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
Spring into Summer Festival
May 25 at 10 AM
Who’s ready for summer? At this celebration, there will be friendship bracelet making, face painting, permanent jewelry making, shopping, delicious food, and more.
Cost: Free
Woodland Village, 1943 N. Route 9, Clermont, NJ 08210
Summer Concert Series
May 25 at 3 PM
Get ready for the summer months with the first concert in this 2024 series featuring Malachy. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on.
Cost: Free
Mt. Arlington Memorial Park, Mountainside Avenue & North Glen Avenue, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
43rd Annual Collingswood May Fair
May 25 at 10 AM
This annual event will have lots of family fun, including blocks of attractions, artists and crafters, carnival games, rides, and children-friendly crafters. There will also be live music and food.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade
May 25 at 9 AM
Celebrate Memorial Day at the largest parade in Morris County, consisting of 100 units representing local and county organizations with 15 bands. Highlights will be an appearance by the Future Marines of RSS Northwest and the Mega Robot, with much more entertainment for the whole family.
Cost: Free
The parade kicks off near the intersection of Glenbrook Road and Mountain Way.
2024 Memorial Day Parade – Lawrence Township
May 25 at 10 AM
This parade will honor the men and women who lost their lives in military service. The Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Department, Lawrence Township EMS, and Lawrence Township Public Works Department will participate in the parade. The parade will end at Veterans Park, where a ceremony will take place featuring music from the Lawrence Township Community Band, a cannon salute, and wreath-laying.
Cost: Free
The parade kicks off at Lawrence High School and proceeds to Veterans Park.
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25 at 12 PM
Come salute brave veterans and fallen heroes at Washington Township’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. This ceremony will take place rain or shine at Rock Spring Park’s War Memorial Site. The keynote speaker will be LTC Bill Caroll PhD, retired U.S. Army.
Cost: Free
35 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Berry Bash Festival
May 25-26 at 10 AM
Enjoy some time with the fam during the strawberry peak season at this festival. The festival will feature live music, wine, scenic hayride tours, delicious food, and the chance to pick your own succulent strawberries.
Cost: Ticket prices TBA
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 25-26
It’s the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to spend it than with the family at the beach? There will be vendors, a parade, food, and music all weekend.
Cost: Free
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 25-26
Take a step back into the 16th century, and the kids can explore Nipper’s Nook. There will be plenty of things to do to fire the imagination, including pinatas, water balloon games, building your own magic wands, and the new gaming cart of wonder.
Cost: $25 and up. $10 for Child Flex Day Pass (Ages 5 to 12).
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Spring AdventureFest
May 25-26
Bring the entire family and enjoy a free outdoor production of “Riddlesbrood’s Wizard of Oz” in Historic Smithville. This is such a fun show where everything is interactive, and you will be taken on a fantastical journey down the yellow brick road.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Absecon, NJ 08201
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 25-26 at 9 AM
If you love handmade crafts and the shore, then this event is for you along the boardwalk overlooking the ocean. This show will be held rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 25-27 at 11 AM
Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival. Enjoy 40 mouth-watering food trucks and sample everything from lobster lolls to mac and cheese to fried Oreos. This event will feature live music on each day. Free activities for the kids include clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Park Race Track, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
23rd Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 26 at 10 AM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 23rd Annual Seaport Craft Show featuring handmade crafts from over 60 crafters and artisans. Art, jewelry, and unique gifts will be available. Don’t miss the live entertainment at 12 PM.
Cost: Free
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
NJ Jerk Fest 2024
May 26 at 1 PM
Looking for something different to do? Head to this festival, where you will find vibes, music, and delicious jerk chicken right off the grill. There will also be kids’ activities and shopping.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Oakland Memorial Day Parade
May 26 at 1 PM
Bring the whole family out for a lively parade featuring the Indian Hills High School Marching Band, the Oakland Police Department, the Oakland Fire Department, the Oakland First Aid Squad, Essex Shillelagh Pipes and Drums, military vehicles, antique cars, and much more.
Cost: Free
The parade route is from Dogwood Drive to Oak Street, along Ramapo Valley Road
Farmingdale’s 51st Memorial Day Parade 2024
May 27 at 1 PM
Grab the fam and head to this annual parade that is sure to delight everyone. Enjoy the patriotic setting of the town with music, dancing, classic cars, horse drawn carriages, and more.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
May 27 at 11 AM
This is a great way to honor all those who lost their lives serving our country with a parade followed by a wreath tossing ceremony and salute.
Cost: Free
American Legion, 210 Espanong Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Cliffside Park Memorial Day Celebration
May 27 at 11 AM
Everyone is welcome to attend this patriotic event with the fam. There will be a parade followed by a memorial service and free refreshments.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, Palisade Avenue, NJ 07010
ONGOING EVENT
Five Star Swim School Play and Swim Moms Group
Now-May 30
Moms, Dads, Caregivers, Babies, and Kids are welcome to the Play & Swim Moms Group at Five Star Swim School, where parents/caregivers can bring their children to have fun and socialize. Homeschooler groups are welcome. Thursdays – from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The pool is open for swimming from 10 AM to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers swim for free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Five Star Swim School Play and Swim Moms Group
Now-May 30
Moms, Dads, Caregivers, Babies, and Kids are welcome to the Play & Swim Moms Group at Five Star Swim School. This is a place where parents/caregivers can bring their children to have fun and socialize. Homeschooler groups are welcome. Tuesdays: from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The pool is open for swimming from 10 AM to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers swim for free
Five Star Swim School, 5 Esterbrook Ln, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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