Hello, May – spring has hit its stride, and we’re kicking off the new month with lots of fun things to do with the family this weekend. Celebrate spring with live performances, interactive fitness demos, face painting, and hands-on arts & crafts at the Tenafly Spring Fling, get into the Mexican spirit with live music, a mariachi band, and fun activities for all ages at the Cince de Mayo Block Party in Hoboken, or take a run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Highland Park, all for a great cause at the 15th Annual Highland Park NJ 5K Road Race & Kids Races. And for more May fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/onebluelight)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Spring Plant Sale
May 2-4
Are you ready to get your garden growing for the season? Stroll through the stunning gardens for free and get inspired to plant this season. This plant sale is rain or shine.
Cost: Free to attend
Van Vleck Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Wild West City Opening Weekend
May 3-4
Your Western adventure awaits at Wild West City with a Spring Bonanza, where you can meet new characters, hop on a train ride, enjoy mini golf with the family, and take part in the brand new gold mine adventure. Yee-haw!
Cost: Admission starts at $32 per person
50 Lackawanna Drive Stanhope, NJ 07874
Spring Blossom Festival
May 3 at 10 AM
Celebrate the gorgeous spring blooms at this festival that has something for everyone in the family. There will be beekeeper demonstrations, live music, kids games, hayrides through the bloom orchard, food trucks, and more.
Cost: $5 in advance or $7 at the gate
Riamede Farm, 122 Oakdale Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
Ocean Grove Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show
May 3 at 10 AM
Spring is here with an arts and crafts show to kick it off. This free event features a variety of crafts, arts, music, and food. Enjoy Sharon “Pipes” Lasher & The Flashers at 11 AM and Chuck Lambert Blues at 1 PM.
Cost: Free
Auditorium Square Park. Main Avenue to Pilgrim Pathway
Spring Craft & Food Truck Festival
May 3 at 11 AM
Now that the weather is getting warmer, head outside to this spring festival. Enjoy delicious food, craft vendors, hayrides, pony rides, and more.
Cost: Free to enter, fees for the hayrides and additional activities.
Duffields Farm, 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Barnyard Bash
May 3 at 10 AM
Get ready for a Barnyard Bash filled with a sensory-friendly petting zoo, crafts, snacks, and up-close animal encounters. This free community event is happening in two locations simultaneously, but spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP.
Cost: Free
Bierman Autism Centers – Eatontown, 40 Christopher Way, Suite 103, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Bierman Autism Centers – Ramsey, 500 N. Franklin Tpke., Ramsey, NJ 07446
Elmwood Park’s Spring Festival
May 3 at 11 AM
Grab the family and head to this spring festival. At this event, you’ll find shopping, live music, arts and crafts, a kids’ zone, and a variety of delicious food options.
Cost: Free
300 Market Street, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Chester Food Truck and Music Fest
May 3 at 11 AM
Round up your crew for a fun day—there will be food trucks, kids’ activities, ax throwing, and inflatables.
Cost: $5. Kids under 5 are free; please bring an item for the food pantry
134 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Skylands Stadium Fest
May 3 at 12 PM
This festival will be a day of food, fun, and family that you won’t want to miss. Create memories while enjoying the outdoors and activities, featuring over 20 food truck vendors, desserts, and specialty drinks. Live music, carnival games, axe throwing, and more will be there.
Cost: $5. Kids under 38″ free.
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Ocean City Spring Block Party
May 3 at 9 AM
Head to this family-friendly shore town for a fun block party. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music, and more will be present. Once it is dark, take in a gorgeous fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Bird Quest 2025
May 3 at 7 AM
Spend the day on this 24th annual bird quest, perfect for novices and experienced birders. The day will consist of a morning of birding where you will identify as many bird species as you can within Gloucester County. Then, at noon, everyone will gather for lunch, t-shirts, story swapping, and door prizes.
Cost: $15 per person
Wheelabrator Wildlife, 600 Crown Point Road, Westville, NJ 08093
Mother’s Day Market at Oak Hill Farms
May 4
The whole family can enjoy a festival at Oak Hill Farms, featuring live music, a Bloom Bar, a Stack & Style bracelet bar, permanent jewelry, tastings, photo backdrops, and numerous vendors.
Cost: Prices vary
177 Stillwell Road, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733
Tenafly Spring Fling
May 4 at 12 PM
Celebrate spring at one of the first street fairs of the season. There will be over 60 local vendors, live performances, interactive fitness demos, face painting, hands-on arts & crafts, planting projects, animal encounters, and more.
Cost: Free
Tenafly Historic Railroad Station, 1 Piermont Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Spring Street Fair and Earth Day Celebration
May 4 at 9 AM
Spend the morning at the Fun Run and Kids Race, then head to this lively festival where you can celebrate Earth Day and the season of spring together.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Highland Avenue, Raritan Ave. from 2nd to 5th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Paws & Feet 5k Run/ Walk & Doggie Fun Day
May 4 at 9 AM
Spend the day with fun activities for the whole family, including your furry best friends. 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
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 10:00 AM, and participants receive a t-shirt and refreshments.
212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ
Cost: $10 – $28
Cinco de Mayo Block Party
May 4 at 12 PM
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fun-filled day featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, a mariachi band, and activities for all ages.
Cost: Free
Between River Street and Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Spring Festival
May 4 at 9 AM
Grab the fam and enjoy a day of fun together, including hay rides, face painting, vendors, food trucks, music, and more. Make sure you feed the animals while you are there.
Cost: Free
Funny Farm Rescue, 6908 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
VetFest Music & Food Truck Festival
May 4 at 12 PM
This fifth-annual festival will feature delicious food, a bounce house park for the kids, a beer and wine garden for the adults, and live music for everyone to enjoy. The rain date is May 18.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
39 Barbour Pond Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown, is back! Join every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love the padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
