Hello March, hello new season—it’s the start of sunnier days ahead and a bunch of FREE things to do with the fam all month long. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at one of the St. Patrick’s Day parades and events around the state, get ready to welcome the Easter Bunny at Bunny Bash with New York Fries in Edison, or have 3.14 times the fun where Einstein lived participating in pie contests, watching a physics show and seeing a movie at Pi Day in Princeton. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/ carminesalvatore)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2 at 1 PM
Ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Head to the parade for a fun-filled day with pipe bands, Irish bands, step dancers, and lots of other examples of Irish traditions.
Cost: Free
Fairgrounds Plaza, 500 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Bunny Bash with New York Fries
March 2 at 11 AM
Welcome the Easter Bunny with this festive party at Menlo Park Mall. Then, stop by the Dining Pavilion for crafts and New York Fries.
Cost: Free
55 Parsonage Rd., Edison, NJ 08837
Downtown Irish Festival
March 2 at 12 PM
Everyone is Irish for St. Patrick’s Day, and this is the ideal event to get a head start on your celebration. The street will be filled with vendors, handcrafters, and live entertainment. Parking is free for the event.
Cost: Free
Downtown Toms River, Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Celebrate the Music of Ireland
March 2 at 2 PM
Listen to the beautiful music from Ireland presented by The Cook College Ramblers. There will be lots of songs, dances, and the chance for you to sing along. Make sure you wear your green.
Cost: Free
Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2 at 1 PM
The 45th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM. Wear green to cheer on the dancers, musicians, and marching bands.
Cost: Free
The parade starts in the Holy Family Parking Lot
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 2, 16, and 30 at 11 AM
Visit the outdoor kitchen to discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Casting Shadows: Everything You Need To Learn About The Eclipse
March 3 at 10 AM
In April, many parts of North America will experience a total solar eclipse, with New Jersey seeing a partial eclipse, which won’t happen again until 2045. Learn about this extraordinary event with an interactive and educational experience perfect for the whole family.
Cost: Free
The Paterson Museum, 2 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07501
Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 3
Erin Go Bragh—it’s the 51st anniversary of this fun parade. Filled with thousands of marchers, live bands, and festive floats, this is a great way to gather the family for an early St. Patty’s Day event.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Bergenfield High School Flea & Collectible Market
March 3 at 9 AM
With around 50 exhibitors selling items, such as arts and crafts, collectibles, handbags, sports collectibles, and more, there is something for everyone to browse.
Cost: Free
Bergenfield High School, 80 South Prospect Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 3 at 1 PM
This impressive procession will feature string bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, Irish music bands, community groups, and more. Be sure to check out the before and after festivities, including restaurants with Irish cuisine.
Cost: Free
Baynes Ave. and Johnson Blvd., Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 3 at 1 PM
Bring your Irish pride to Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, this parade will take off at Woodland Avenue and end at Ames Avenue.
Cost: Free
Downtown Rutherford, starting at Woodland Avenue
The Casual Birder at Crosswicks Creek Park
March 5 at 9 AM
Take a walk through Crosswicks Creek Park with a Park System Naturalist and look for all the birds you can find. A limited number of binoculars will be available. Meet in the parking lot of Province Line Road.
Cost: Free
Crosswicks Creek Park – County Route 537, Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 4:30 PM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, knife skills, and more. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Brigantine Shake the Shamrock and St. Paddy’s Day Parade
March 8 through 16
The island will host St. Patrick events, including a Pot Of Gold contest, a Leprechaun Chase on March 10, and special green-themed activities all week. Then, on March 16, everyone is welcome to march in the Brigantine parade. Line up is at 11:30 AM, and the parade starts at 1 PM.
Cost: Free
331 8th Ave., Brigantine, NJ 08203
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM
Get your green ready for the 36th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and piper bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201
Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 9 from 10 AM
It’s time for spring on the farm, where you can listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist at work, and learn about veterinary instruments and techniques.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Day Children’s Party
March 9 at 12 PM
Enjoy delicious treats and groove to some lively Irish music at the Red Mill Museum Village, where The Rotary Club of North Hunterdon and Clinton Sunrise Rotary are hosting a fun-filled party for kids of all ages. Bring your little ones and let them enjoy a day packed with exciting Irish crafts, activities, games, and entertainment by Dr. D Entertainment.
Cost: Free
56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 12 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the largest and most celebrated in Morris County. Watch bagpipers, bands, officers, and Irish dancing, marching up South Street to Morristown Green and ending at Atno Avenue. This parade is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Band and a 40′ long American flag, and celebrate post-parade at a party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard starting at J-Street, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 9
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The rain date will be March 23.
Cost: Free
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM
Wear green and catch the lineup, starting on Morris Avenue and Jeanette Avenue. There will be food trucks and live entertainment.
Cost: Free
Scheduled to step off from Morris and Jeanette Avenues, Union, NJ 07083
Pi Day Princeton
March 9 and 14
Celebrate Pi Day in the town where Einstein lived. This event includes a pie eating contest and movie screening, a pie flight contest, a physics show, and a pie sampling experience.
Cost: Most events are free
Downtown Princeton or Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton, NJ 08542
West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 12:15 PM
The parade will step off at Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange. There will be a mass at St. Joseph’s Church in West Orange before the parade beginning at 9:00 AM. Complimentary shuttle buses are provided for marchers and spectators to the starting location of the parade at Town Hall.
Cost: Free
North on Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park, where you can enjoy local participation from veterans, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, dance schools, high school marching bands, regional pipe and drum groups, national and international award-winning mummers, and many more. The parade route will take off at 4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Line on the Pines 2024
March 10 at 11 AM
This annual gathering features artists, authors, and other artisans passionate about the Pines. This event is perfect for bringing the fam and learning about the NJ Pine Barrens.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 1 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and if you want to get dressed for the occasion, check out their online parade store. Enter their essay contest, poster contest (for kids), and Irish Soda Bread contest for prizes the week before.
Cost: Free
Step off at Allen Street and River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 1:30 PM
The parade will take place on Main Street. This year’s parade will be the 50th Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 10 at 1:30 PM
Rated “The Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Parade Across The US” by Forbes Magazine, this parade is one to remember. Wear green and line up along Main Street to watch floats, bands, and lots of Irish cheer go by.
Cost: Free
Line up along Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 42nd annual parade celebrating Irish Heritage will march down Washington Avenue in Bergenfield with traditional bagpipers, dancers, and musicians. If you can’t make it, you can watch the parade online.
Cost: Free
Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Hackettstown Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 3:30 PM
Over 14,000 people line the streets of Hackettstown for this event each year. The kickoff for the Hackettstown parade is at 3:30 PM. Dress up your dog for the best-dressed pooch and watch numerous floats that make their way through the town—your whole family will have a great time at this St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: Free
Corner of Washington and Grand Avenues on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 15 at 1 PM
Wear your green and join the 87th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, where the bagpipes, Irish dancers, marchers, and more come out to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Newark.
Cost: Free
From the Prudential Center on Mulberry Street past Gateway Center, NJPAC, Military Park, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, the Newark Museum, and Washington Park, Newark, NJ 07102
Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Concert and Parade
March 15 and March 23 at 1 PM
This parade will kick off at 1 PM on Skyline Drive. On March 15, they will have their St. Patrick’s Day Concert at Ringwood Public Library.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from Skyline Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Sea Isle City’s 2024 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16 at 2 PM
Bring your best green outfit and Irish pride to Sea Isle City’s 2024 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This event will include a costume contest at 2 PM and a parade at 3:30 PM.
Cost: Free
120 63rd Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as marching bands, animals, and decorated floats go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
North Wildwood St Patrick’s Parade
March 16 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Irish at this festive parade featuring the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Pipe Brigade, Emerald Society, Miss North Wildwood, and more.
Cost: Free
From North Wildwood City Hall, proceed west on 9th Avenue to Central Avenue and end at 1st & Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Celebrate Spring: A Shopping Extravaganza
March 16 at 10 AM
Get ready for spring to return to our state with this fun shopping event. You will find gifts for Easter, Mother’s Day, and more, with over 50 vendors in attendance.
Cost: Free
Saint Jude’s Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm
March 16 at 10 AM
Come out to the farm to learn about the differences between draft, saddle, and carriage horses, and then take a ride on a fully harnessed workhorse. Afterward, help farmers with barn chores, including bedding stalls, filling water troughs, and making feed.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Makers Day
March 16 at 11 AM
Have you ever created crafts using potatoes? Spend the day making potato stamps, potato batteries to power a lightbulb, and potatoes to create Play-Doh.
Cost: Free
23 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
March 16 at 1 PM
If you have ever wanted to listen to the melodies from the 1890s, then grab the fam and come take in the sounds for the afternoon.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 16 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to get free art lessons. This series of six free children’s art classes will occur every Saturday in the spring with a professional artist at the Noyes Arts Garage. These classes will begin on March 16 and run until April 20.
NJ 08401
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 16 at 9:30 AM
Join us in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking class for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun and interactive course, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies.
Cost: Free
Online OR Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave. Newark, NJ 07112
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 16 at 11 AM
Join in-person or virtually for this mommy & me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
March 17 at 1 PM
This parade will step off from 5th and Broadway at 1 PM sharp. The procession will make its way north to 39th Street, turn west, and then proceed to the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg Park on Avenue C.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002
Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17 at 12:30 PM
Downtown Freehold kicks off St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with contests, live music, food, and drinks.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marchers, including floats, scouts, bagpipers, and marching bands, will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon.
Cost: Free
The parade starts on South Pine Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879
Toddler Snack Time
March 18 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Bring your little ones, ages 2 to 4, for a hands-on cooking class with our registered dietitian featuring a fun and healthy snack.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Sawmilling and Tree Planting at Howell Living History Farm
March 23 at 10 AM
Spring on the farm means upgrading the horse stalls with barn beams, siding, and floorboards after a cold winter. Visitors can help roll logs with logging tools, make pegs for the barn framing, cut firewood for the kitchen stove, or plant replacement trees in the farm’s woodlot.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
Annual Keyport Fire Department St. Patrick’s Parade
March 23 at 1 PM
Live music, floats, entertainment, and participating organizations throughout the community will come together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey. The 2nd Annual Battle of the Pipe Bands will take place after the parade.
Cost: Free
Perry and Main Streets, Keyport, NJ 07735
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 23 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your family will enjoy nearly 100 marching units, including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats. This parade will take off at Waterwitch Avenue and extend along Bay Avenue.
Cost: Free
The parade will run along Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
Kids Cooking Class (in-person)
March 23 at 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll have fun making healthy, seasonal
recipes. Open to kids aged 4-10 years old. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any allergies before attending.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Story Time at Historic Walnford
March 24 at 11 AM
Bring your favorite blanket or towel to sit on and a snack while you listen to a story in front of the hearth in the Waln House. Perfect for ages preschool through second grade.
Cost: Free
Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Allentown, NJ 08501
Henhouse Visits
March 30 at 10 AM
Come step inside a working henhouse where the chickens are busy laying their eggs. You can help a farmer make their feed before reaching into a nest box and taking out an egg to bring home. Make sure you stop and visit the 50 new baby chicks in the brooder coop.
Cost: Free
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
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