27 New Jersey Festivals, Events and More Happening This Spring

Live performance at Undercover Music Fest - South Orange

27 New Jersey Festivals, Events and More Happening This Spring

Live performance at Undercover Music Fest - South Orange

Staff

The flowers have bloomed and warm weather is officially here for good. To celebrate, from now until early June, there are plenty of spring events and festivals going down in the Garden State. Check out these 27 Spring events in New Jersey!

Rhythm & Brews

This local music festival features live music, food trucks, artisans, and brews. Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer awareness. Enjoy locally made beers alongside some seriously good live music!

Date & Time: May 17, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Station Ave, Haddon Heights, NJ
Cost: Free

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this lakeside event features businesses, nonprofits, crafters, food vendors, activities, raffles, and a children’s scavenger hunt.

Date & Time: May 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Hopatcong State Park, 260 Lakeside Blvd, Landing, NJ
Cost: Free; donations welcome

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lake Hopatcong Foundation (@lakehopatcong)

Rose Squared Art Show

At this Verona Park art show, over 90 artists and artisans will showcase a variety of works including jewelry, ceramics, fiber, wood, painting, and more. The event is rain or shine. More info here.

Date & Time: May 17 & 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 475 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
Cost: Free

MayFest

Get ready for MayFest! The festival features over 100 crafters, international foods, live music, kids’ activities, and access to Smithville’s year-round attractions. Did we mention a carousel and paddle boating?

Date & Time: May 17 & 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free

Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival

NJ vegans can not miss this event. The two-day food festival features local plant-based food, fashion, products, and live music. Vegan or not, this is a must-see.

Date & Time: May 17 & 18, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Bradley Park, 101-199 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $15 – $25

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LISETTE ROTMAN 🐱🐮 Whimsical Artist (@lisetteart)

The New Jersey Renaissance Faire

Grab your tunic and get ready for the NJ RenFaire. This Renaissance Faire features jousting, fire breathing, live performances, and artisan markets.

Date & Time: May 17 – June 8 (Saturdays & Sundays), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ
Cost: $10–$30

World Food Extravaganza

Globally inspired flavors is what World Food Extravaganza is all about. Enjoy over 20 food vendors, international drinks, live music, and pro wrestling entertainment.

Date & Time: May 17 & 18, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
Cost: $15 per person/day; $25 for a two-day pass; Kids under 12 free

Cranford Spring Street Fest

If you’re feeling extra crafty this spring, then you’re in luck. The Cranford Spring Street Fest features over 100 artisans, food trucks, live music, and local business vendors.

Date & Time: May 18, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 308 Union Ave N, Cranford, NJ
Cost: Free

Freehold Porch Festival

This is one of the coolest events happening this spring. Freehold Porch Fest is a community music festival featuring performances from local musicians on porches throughout the borough. Stroll through town and enjoy!

Date & Time: May 18, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Freehold, NJ
Cost: Free

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Feast your eyes on hundreds of colorful kites flying over the shores of Wildwood. This year’s kite festival features illuminated night flights, large inflatables, kite games, and a World Indoor Kite Exhibition.

Date: May 23 – May 26
Location: 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Collingswood May Fair

This fair stretches a mile in historic Collingswood. Event goers will enjoy live music, food courts, art exhibits, and a classic car show up and down Haddon Avenue.

Date & Time: May 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 601 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
Cost: Free

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival

Food trucks are all the rage these days, so you know we had to include a food truck fest. The Jersey Shore festival will feature 35 food trucks, live music, horse racing, and family fun over Memorial Day weekend.

Date: May 24 – 26
Location: Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ
Cost: $6

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival

The Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend is packed with family fun. Experience local vendors, crafters, artists, live music and plenty of good food. Be sure to stick around for the Memorial Day Parade on Sunday!

Date: May 24 – 26
Location: Bradley Beach Boardwalk, Bradley Beach, NJ
Cost: Free

Seaport Craft Show

Jewelry, gifts and crafts, oh my! More than 60 artisans will be at this year’s Seaport Craft Show for you to peruse. This rain or shine event is perfect for those with an artsy eye.

Date & Time: May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free

Art in the Park

This annual art event showcases local artists in mediums like sculpture, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. You don’t want to miss this.

Date & Time: May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Location: West End Park, Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free

Cape May Music Festival

Includes classical, chamber, and jazz performances at scenic venues like Rotary Park and the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Check their website for dates and locations.

Date: May 25 – June 28
Location: Cape May, NJ
Cost: Varies per event

Haddon Square Summer Market

Who wouldn’t want to check out this open market featuring handmade goods, live music, gourmet food, and artisan vendors? It’s a day with a bit of something for everyone.

Date & Time: May 29, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 51 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ
Cost: Free

Jersey City Jazz Festival

One of the largest jazz festivals in the NYC area with over 300 musicians, food trucks, and music across multiple venues, the Jersey City Jazz Festival is the must-visit event for music lovers this spring.

Date: May 30 & 31
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free

The Arc of Warren County Food Truck and Music Fest

This event is aimed at raising money for the work of The Arc of Warren County with food trucks, craft beer, live music, and family activities.

Date & Time: May 31, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: $8; kids 10 and under free

Undercover Music Fest

Sometimes a good cover band is all you need. This music festival features plenty of local cover bands. food, drinks, games, and a kids’ zone. Plus, VIP tents available for purchase.

Date & Time: May 31, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 12 Sloan St, South Orange, NJ
Cost: Free

Chester Spring Craft Show

One of the top craft shows in the state, featuring over 160 crafters and vendors offering handmade gifts, antiques, art, and food. No weekend plans? This is the place to be!

Date & Time: May 31 & June 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Municipal Field, 134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
Cost: $6

Spring Shedfest Music Festival

Music festival with food trucks, craft beer, kid-friendly activities, and nature. Proceeds benefit the Raritan Headwaters, a nonprofit conservation organization protecting land and water.

Date & Time: June 1, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Rd, Bedminster, NJ
Cost: $30 in advance; $50 at the door; Kids 12 and under free

Lighthouse International Film Festival

This celebrated film festival offering screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and beachside events. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine, the premier film fest is one of Long Beach Island’s coolest happenings this year.

Date: June 4 – 8
Location: Long Beach Island, NJ
Cost: Varies

Annual Bayshore Greek Fest

If you’re a fan of Greek food, then you might want to add this one to your calendar. Bayshore Greek Fest features authentic Greek food, pastries, music, dancing, games, and cultural experiences for the whole family.

Date: June 5 – 8
Location: Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel NJ
Cost: Not listed

Hop Sauce Festival

A celebration of craft beer, small-batch hot sauces, and live music on LBI. The festival draws foodies, families, and music fans to Long Beach Island for a day of sampling, socializing, and supporting independent creators.

Date & Time: June 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 198 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ
Cost: $20 – $125

Juneteenth Arts Festival

Commemorate Juneteenth with a day of music, art, food, and community vendors. Hosted by Union Township, the festival spotlights local talent and culture in a family-friendly park setting.

Date & Time: June 14, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Rabkin Park, 1 Swanstrom Pl East, Union, NJ
Cost: Free

Glassboro CommUNITY Day

This annual gathering features a parade, free kids’ activities, live performances, and dozens of food and craft vendors. The event highlights local talent and nonprofit groups while offering free haircuts, games, and parking for all guests.

Date & Time: June 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 1 High St W, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free

The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.