This weekend, go back in time to 1500s England at the 10th Annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Bordentown, weigh in on who’s spicing it up just right at the NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook-Off in Toms River, or stroll through Mayfest and celebrate spring in downtown Smithville. You have a lot to choose from around New Jersey to make this one a fun weekend with the fam.
featured image via @njrenfaire
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are some of our favorite things to do this weekend around New Jersey:
10th Annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 18-19, 25-26, & June 1-2
Step back in time to 1500s England at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. This fair allows you to mingle amidst the magic, dress up in elaborate costumes, take a sword fighting lesson, and hunt for treasure. Watch dozens of shows and demonstrations, knight jousting matches, magic shows, fire-eating dancers, and feast on ancient delicacies like Dragon Legs.
Liberty Lake
Bordentown, NJ
Cost: Adults $25, Kids $10(5-12),Family Four Pack $60
NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook-Off
May 19, 11AM – 5PM
Fire up your taste buds for a fun weekend in downtown Toms River. You can sample dozens of mouth-watering chilis and salsas and cast your vote for the best. While you’re there, check out festival food trucks, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Your littles will love the inflatables, face painting, sand art, games, and rides all day.
Washington Street, downtown
Toms River, NJ
Cost: free
Jersey Shore Festival
May 16-18
The Jersey Shore Festival is the premiere emerging artists festival on the east coast – you’ll love dancing and singing along with your family. Catch live performances all weekend and stick around on Saturday for the food truck park, vendor village, and BMX stunt shows your kiddos will go nuts over. The best part – it’s happening in Seaside Heights, just steps away from the boardwalk rides, games, ice cream, pizza, and prizes. Talk about a fun family day!
Seaside Heights Beach & Boardwalk
Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: free
Hackettstown Maifest 2019
May 18, 12PM-8PM
Celebrate the traditional German arrival of spring at Maifest in Hackettstown. Shop local business and craft vendors, enjoy live music, chow down on German food favorites and lots of other choices, play games, and compete in contests. The Kinderplatz (children’s place) is where you’ll want to head after you’ve gotten your traditional German lager.
Between Main at Grand Avenue and Valentine Street
Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: free
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Eaglemania at NJPAC
May 18, 8PM
If you’re a classic rock lover and know the words to “Hotel California” or “Take It Easy” by heart, this is a don’t miss performance! And whether you’re a super fan or a not, Eaglemania will be a rocking good time. You’ll be so impressed by this band’s ability to emulate the immortal look and sound of The Eagles that you’ll feel like you’re in another decade. That five-part harmony will live on forever.
Victoria Theater, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark, NJ
Cost: $39.50-$49.50
Mayfest in Historic Smithville
May 18-19, 10AM-5PM
Smithville is the place to be this weekend to celebrate the arrival of spring! Mayfest features over 100 crafters, an international food court, live music, and tons of kids activities. Go for a ride on the carousel or train, have a funnel cake, or hop in a paddle boat on enjoy some time on the lake.
Historic Smithville
Galloway Township, NJ
Cost: free
Cheesefest! 2019
May 19, 2PM-5PM
Say cheese at this festival dedicated to all of that ooey gooey deliciousness. If you and your fam are cheese lovers, Cheesefest will be a blast. Sponsored by Schuman Cheese, you can taste it, pair it, and meet the animals that help make the incredible food. Listen to live music, play games, and snack on all the cheese. After you’ve had your fill of cheddar and brie, if you’re still hungry you can head into downtown Montclair for a yummy dinner.
Montclair History Center’s Crane House and Historic YWCA
Montclair, NJ
Cost: Adults $15, Kids $5
Bayonne Food Truck Fest
May 18, 12PM-7PM
This family-friendly food truck fest in Bayonne is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you smiling all Saturday long. Check out over 30 food vendors, listen to live music, and stop by the beer and wine garden. The event features kids rides, face painting, and more.
24th St. and Avenue E
Bayonne, NJ
Cost: free
Asian American Heritage Festival
May 19, 11AM – 8PM
Celebrate the rich culture, tastes, sights, and sounds of Asia at the Asian American Heritage Festival. This day of culture features eclectic cuisine, Bollywood celebrities, free medical checkups, diverse merchandise, and tons of kids activities including inflatable houses and dance performances from the top Asian dance schools.
NJ Convention & Exposition Center
Edison, NJ
Cost: $3
JC Health and Fitness Fair
May 18, 10AM-1PM
Take a fitness class and meet local fitness professionals to help you build your workout routine. At 11AM, there will be a workshop for new moms, The Do’s and Don’ts of PostPartum Fitness. Stick around to check out all the places you can workout in Jersey City! Watch free demos, enter raffles, and win prizes.
City Hall Plaza
Jersey City, NJ
Cost: free
Color Me Belmar
May 18, 8:30AM-11:30AM
Have some fun with the family, get splashed in color, and celebrate creating possibilities for people with disabilities. Take a 1 mile walk on the Belmar Boardwalk or lace up for the 3K Color Run. Kiddos can also run the Junior 500 Yard Dash, where they’ll love being coated by the color stations on Belmar beach. The event features kids activities, a dance and karate expo, a DJ-fueled dance party, and special surprises like the Color Explosion Dance Party.
Belmar Boardwalk
Belmar, NJ
Cost: 1-mile walk $15, Family $50, Color Run Child $15, Junior Dash $10
Maplewood Street Fair and Craft Show
May 19, 11AM-5PM
There’s nothing like a stroll through Maplewood’s cute downtown on a spring day. Head to this street fair to check out local vendors, artists and crafters, food trucks, kids rides and games, live music, a DJ, and dance and martial arts performances. While you’re downtown, check out the bookstores, vintage shops, coffee shops, and great restaurants.
Springfield Avenue and Indiana Street
Maplewood, NJ
Cost: free
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
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