49 FREE Things To Do In March

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New month, new season—spring is on the horizon (hello, March 20), and so are a lot of fun, free events happening all month. Check out where Einstein lived and have 3.14 times the family fun at Pi Day in Princeton, watch Irish dancers and marchers at the many St. Patrick’s Day Parades happening in Morristown, Nutley, Burlington, and Asbury, or celebrate the first signs of spring during the 2nd Annual Daffodil Days in Allentown. And if you want more to do before the temps warm up, add these winter activities in New Jersey to your bucket list. Featured Photo Credit: (istock/Ultima_Gaina)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)

Read Across America Story Time & Treat
March 3 at 10 AM
Celebrate the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss at the Hammonton Family Success Center. Your kids will enjoy story time, treats, props, and The Cat in The Hat himself.
Hammonton Family Success Center 310 Bellevue Avenue Hammonton, NJ 08037

Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 4 from 10 AM
It’s time for a spring checkup on the farm—listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist, and learn about veterinary instruments and techniques.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Craft & Maker Fair at Rockaway Mall
March 4 at 10 AM
Bring the family out to shop for handmade, unique & one-of-a-kind items, including jewelry, personalized items, accessories, seasonal home decor, pet products, sweet treats, and more—located inside the main upper-level concourse at Rockaway Townsquare mall.
Rockaway Townsquare 301 Mount Hope Avenue Rockaway, NJ 07866

Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 4 at 11 AM

Discover recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens from the 1890s and taste what’s cooking up on the farm.
Historic Longstreet Farm44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Irish Festival in Toms River
March 4 at 12 PM
Bring your whole clan to this Irish-themed festival where local businesses, breweries, restaurants, and more will be out to celebrate with a day of food, fun, and music. Washington Street will be closed between Main Street and Robbins Street.
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753

NJ Camp Fairs at Menlo Park Mall
March 4 at 12 PM
Not sure what your summer will look like? Check out these free resources of summer camp options at Central Jersey’s biggest camp fair. 
Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Road (Centercourt) Edison, NJ 08837

2023 Millburn Lunar New Year Festival
March 5 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in downtown Milburn at a street fair with food, live music, and cultural performances. There will be hands-on activities for the whole family, including carnival games with free prizes, scavenger hunts with special gifts, bouncing houses, trackless train rides, dragon dances, and martial arts demonstrations.
Millburn Ave, between Main St. and Spring Street.

Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 4 at 1 PM
The 44th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM, and after the parade marches by, join the parade goers at a family-friendly post-parade party at the Parks and Rec at 44 Park Ave. There will be food, live music, and lots of St. Patrick-themed fun. 
Cost: Free, parade party $30 at the door for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. 
The parade starts in Holy Family Parking Lot

Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 4 at 1 PM 

This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey parade steps off at 1 PM with music, Irish dancers, food, and more for the whole family.
High and Washington Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060

Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 at 12:30 AM
Everyone is a little Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719

Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 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, too, including the Irish Person of the Year and the restaurants with Irish cuisine.
Baynes Ave. and Johnson Blvd., Gloucester City, NJ 08030

Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 5 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.
Downtown Rutherford starting at Woodland Avenue

Read Across America & Movie Night
March 6 at 5 PM
Bring the kids out to celebrate Read Across America and enjoy a fun movie night. You will watch the classic film The Cat in the Hat and participate in a free book giveaway. This event is open to all families living in Atlantic County, NJ. Pre-Registration is required. 
Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Grover Cleveland Birthplace Tour
March 8 at 10 AM
Tour Grover Cleveland’s birthplace. See the home that the Cleveland family lived in from 1834 to 1840. You’ll learn about his life in Caldwell, family artifacts, and exhibits related to Grover Cleveland’s time as President.
207 Bloomfield Avenue Caldwell, NJ 07006

Newark St. Patrick’s Parade
March 10 at 1 PM
Wear your green and join in 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.
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

North Wildwood St Patrick’s Parade
March 11 
Come celebrate the Irish and maybe see a leprechaun at this festive parade featuring the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Pipe Brigade, Miss North Wildwood, and more.
9th and Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

Pi Day Princeton
March 11 and 14 at 9 AM
Celebrate Pi Day in the town where Einstein lived. This event includes a preteen Einstein look-a-like and pi recitation contest, an expert memorization speaker, and a pie sampling experience.
Most events are free and located in downtown Princeton or Princeton Shopping Center. Arrive early to guarantee participation. 

Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm
March 11 at 10 AM
Spend the day learning 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. 
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 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, Irish dancing, and marching starting on South Street to Morristown Green. The parade will continue along Washington Street and end at Morristown High School.
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where Klee’s Bar and Grill will be the official home of the 2022 parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Band and a 40′ long American flag, as There will also be a post-parade party at the Hershey Motel.
The Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ

The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 11 at 12:30 PM
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The opening ceremony will take place at 12:30 P.M. at the Nottingham Fire House on Mercer Street, and the parade will kick off at precisely 1:00 P.M. 
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, N. J. 08690

Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 1 PM
Come watch this parade, starting on Morris Avenue and Stuyvesant Avenue, with a Kid’s Zone of fun activities and games on Stuyvesant Avenue. Then at 1 PM sharp, the parade begins from Commerce and Jeanette Avenues and ends at Roosevelt Avenue.
Scheduled to step off from Commerce and Morris Avenues

St. Patrick’s Day Dance Exhibition
March 11 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family to enjoy Irish Step dancing, singing, and live music at the METC Education annex. This exhibition will give your kids a chance to learn a little dance.
23 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940

Career Carnival for Kids
March 11 at 2 PM
Give your kids the opportunity to learn about different careers at this fun, family-friendly career carnival. You will meet career guides from other businesses, organizations, and schools while enjoying hands-on activities, games, and giveaways.
Showboat Resort Atlantic City, 801 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401

West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 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 Our Lady of Lourdes 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.
Corner of Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

10th Annual Freehold Borough Art Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 12:30 PM
Downtown Freehold Irish Week kicks off with the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a marching group check-in at 11 AM, and the parade begins at 1 PM. The parade will end at Elk’s Lodge.
McLean Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park. 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, clowns, roller girls, live bands on floats, and much more. The parade route will take off at 5th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

asburystpatsparade@gmail.com

Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1 PM
This parade route starts on Allen Street and River Road and ends at Carton Street and Forrest Avenue. Anticipate the parade lasting one and a half hours.
It kicks off on Allen Street and River Road

Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 1:30 PM
The parade will start at Woodbridge High School and end at Woodbridge Town Hall, featuring marching bands, Irish music, and more. 
Cost: Free
1 Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 12 at 1:30 PM
Remember to wear green and line up along Main Street for the 30th Annual Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade. You will enjoy bagpipe bands, step dancers, marching bands, civic groups, youth groups, emergency services apparatus, and much more.
Line up along Main Street

Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 40th annual parade will take place down Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. This event will bring out Irish traditions that the county celebrates.
Cost: Free
Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621

2023 Hunterdon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Clinton
March 12 at 3 PM
Your family will enjoy pipe and drum bands, Irish Step dancers, and more at Hunterdon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Clinton. This parade’s pre-parade activities start at 2 pm with Irish step dancers on Main St.
Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809

Sea Isle City’s 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 11 at 3:30 PM
Bring your best green outfit and Irish pride to Sea Isle City’s 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This event will include a costume contest beginning at 2 PM, followed by the parade beginning at 3:30 PM.
120 63rd Street, Sea Isle CityNJ 08243

Hackettstown 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12 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.
Corner of Washington and Grand Avenues on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

The Casual Birder at Crosswicks Creek Park
March 14 at 9 AM

Take a walk through Crosswicks Creek Park and be on the lookout for birds. A limited number of binoculars will be available for this event. Meet in the parking lot of Province Line Road.
Crosswicks Creek Park – County Route 537, Upper Freehold, NJ 08514

Bookworm Day
March 15 at 10 AM
Bring out your inner bookworm at this fun family event, where everyone will make bookmarks and pick up free books. There will be kids’ and adult books available.
622-624 S. New York Road Galloway, NJ 08205

Sawmilling and Tree Planting at Howell Living History Farm
March 18 from 10 AM
Spring on the farm means upgrading the horse stalls and planting trees lost to a harsh 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. And helpers will receive a small tree tubling to take home and plant. 
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as first responders, marching bands, dance troupes, and decorated floats go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 am. 
Spring Street Newton, NJ 07860

St. Patrick’s Celebration!
March 18-19 at 11:30 AM
Celebrate like the Irish at Laurita Winery. Enjoy Irish vendors, performances from The Devrin Academy of Irish Dance, and live music.
85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 18 at 1 PM

Come out to the farm for the day and enjoy accordion music with 1890s tunes.
Historic Longstreet Farm44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s 19th 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.
Parade will run along Bay Avenue.

Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 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.
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway

South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marchers will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon.  The parade will end on Broadway at the reviewing stage.

Lambing at Howell Living History Farm
March 25 from 10 AM 
Kids will love hearing about the flock of period Romney-Suffolk sheep and might even see a lamb born. You will also see how horses shed their winter coats, and farmers work in the fields.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Allentown’s 2nd Annual Daffodil Days
March 25 – April 2 at 11 AM
Take in the beauty of 5,000 daffodils planted by volunteers all across Allentown. This family-friendly festival features a parade at noon followed by more than 30 activities and boutique shop specials. Enjoy free crafts and fun with the Future Farmers of America & Allentown Garden Club. 
Main St Allentown, NJ 08501

SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 25 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 25 and run until April 29.
2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Annual Keyport Fire Department St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 25 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.
2 W. Front Street, Keyport, NJ 07735

Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 25 at 1 PM

This parade will kick off at 1 PM at the T.D. Bank North access road on Skyline Drive. A family celebration will take place at St. Catherine’s Parish Center immediately following the parade. Enjoy performances by the McLoughlin Step Dancers, pipe bands, and a DJ.
Stepping off from Skyline Drive

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About Author

Venessa is a first-time mom to a baby boy and a writer who loves to document her journey through journaling scrapbooking, and make-shift baby photoshoots. Before writing for NJMOM, she worked passionately as an English language arts teacher for over seven years. At NJMOM, she's searching for the best places to have fun with her family in New Jersey and loves giving other moms the scoop on what's happening in the Garden State. When she’s not writing or reading literary fiction, she enjoys vacationing with her family, jogging, and cooking up new recipes.

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