Woo hoo—it’s the unofficial start of summer, and we’re here for all the summery things to do this weekend with the fam. Enjoy vendors, crafters, music, and more at Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival in Bradley Beach, check out the many Memorial Day Parades happening all across New Jersey, including in Morris Plains, Union, and Princeton, and watch giant inflatable kites take flight and participate in family games at Wildwood International Kite Festival in Wildwood. If you’re looking for more seasonal things to try, check out everything spring on our bucket list. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/EAGiven)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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, the team fly, and participate in family games. Monday features the World lndoor Kite exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cost: Free to spectators; some events cost a fee
Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade
May 27 at 9:30 AM
Celebrate Memorial Day at the largest parade in Morris County, consisting of 100 units representing local and county organizations with 16 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.
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
2023 Memorial Day Parade – Lawrence Township
May 27 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.
Princeton Memorial Day
May 27 at 10 AM
Come out to honor and remember Princeton residents who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service. There will be an initial observance on the steps of the First Congregational Church, followed by a parade to Woodland Cemetery. Veterans and their families are invited to a reception at the First Congregational Church.
Cost: Free
Parade proceeds to Woodland Cemetery
Nature Explorers – Spring 2023
April 22 at 10 AM
Watch your budding naturalist ‘go wild’ experiencing woodland adventures at Lorimer Sanctuary. Children will use all of their senses to safely explore and discover the wonders of nature with a combination of storytelling, exploration, and arts and crafts.
Cost: $6 – $8
Lorrimer Sanctuary, 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Haying – Howell Living History Farm
May 27 at 10 AM
Learn how to make hay the old-fashioned way. Watch the farmers cutting, tedding, and raking loose hay to store in the barn for the horses. A children’s craft program will be available for a small material fee.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
Sussex County Food Truck, Music & Craft Festival
May 27 at 11 AM
Jumpstart your Memorial Day weekend with gourmet food, beer, music, crafts, and fun. This event will feature 20 gourmet food trucks, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, 9-hole miniature golf, a great selection of vendors, and much more.
Cost: $5; under 5 is free. Please bring an item for the food pantry
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd Augusta, NJ 07822
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
May 27 at 11 AM
Discover recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens from the 1890s and taste what’s cooking up on the farm.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Green Valley Farms Rodeo
May 27 at 11:30 AM
Enjoy a live rodeo at Green Valley Farms. Gates open at 11:30 AM, the Kids Rodeo starts at 12:30 PM, and the Pro Rodeo begins at 2 PM.
Cost: $18 for adults ages 13+, $14 for 12 and under, Veterans with ID and five and under are free.
997 Route 23 North, Wantage, NJ 07461
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27 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.
Cost: Free
35 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
May 27 -28
Watch the 19th-century historic Gristmill in action. Each free demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Thompson Park Canoe Rentals
May 27 – 28
Rent Canoes on Marlu Lake in Thompson Park, Lincroft. All equipment will be provided. Open to ages 3 and up, under 18 with an adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 PM.
Cost: $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Five Star Swim School Open House – Galloway
May 27 at 4 PM
Bring your family, have fun, and enjoy a tour at the Five Star Swim School Open House in Galloway. Spend the hour having a ball during Free Open Swim, where there will be a lifeguard on duty and pool toys available. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, a tour of the location, and special offers too. Walk-in customers are welcome.
Cost: Free
Five Star Swim School Galloway, NJ, 323 S Pitney Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205
Collingswood 41st Annual May Fair
May 28 at 10 AM
This fair began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit,” and it now encompasses more than a mile of the business district along Haddon Avenue. There will be over 200 makers, and children can let loose in the “KidZone” with carnival games, rides, and kid-friendly crafters.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir
May 27 – 29
Join 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir narrated by Park System Naturalists and get the opportunity to view local wildlife. Call to confirm the schedule, as tours are both weather and water-level-dependent.
Cost: $6 per adult and $4 per child, age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour only.
311 Windeler Road, Howell 07731
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
May 27 – 29
Come and tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
Cost: Free
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 28-29 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
Asbury Fresh 2023 Farmers and Makers Market
May 28 at 10 AM
Returning for the 11th year, head out to Asbury Fresh 2023 Farmers and Makers Market in a new location, Liberty Square Park. Shop from vendors, picnic for the day, and enjoy specialty markets and activities all season long.
Cost: Free
Library Square Park, Grand Ave. & Asbury Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712
21st Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 28 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 performance by Dave McCarthy at noon.
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
Oakland Memorial Day Parade
May 28 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.
NJ Jerk Fest 2023
May 28 at 2 PM
Taste everything ‘Jerk’ at the largest Caribbean Festival in New Jersey. Spend the day tasting spicy specialties at food trucks, listening to live performances, shopping vendors, and more. This event will also include a bouncy house and other kids’ activities for a fee.
Cost: 0 – $25 for a kids’ zone pass.
Boyd Park 575 NJ 18 New Brunswick, NJ 08904
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 27-29 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 of the festival. 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
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
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 27-28
Take a step back into the 16th century, and the kids can explore Nipper’s Nook, where 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
LEAD Carnival
May 25-29
Head out to this lively festival, including carnival rides and a show with the amazing Anastasini Circus. Children must be 36″ to ride most rides.
Cost: $5 and up
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Union Memorial Day Parade and Encampment
May 28 at 1 PM and May 29 at 10 AM
Bring out the kids to get a taste of real history. There will be a pre-Memorial Day Revolutionary War Encampment featuring American and British Crown Forces and historical demonstrations on May 28 at 1 PM. Then on May 29, there will be a parade for all ages, and don’t miss the recreation of the Revolutionary War Battle at Veterans Honor Roll and Memorial Park.
Cost: Free
Several locations listed above in Union, NJ 07083
Sunday Farmer’s Market
May 27 – 29 at 9 AM
Bring your appetite, family, and friends to enjoy Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Sunday Farmer’s Market. This event features 25+ unique local vendors. A combination of vendors and food trucks will attend each week.
Cost: Free
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
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