Experience the Best of New Jersey: May Events and Festivals
New Jersey's Best May Events & Festivals
Ready to explore New Jersey like never before?
May is an exciting time in the Garden State, as it marks the transition to warmer weather and the start of summer activities.
What's Special About New Jersey in the month of May?
With jubilant seasonal attractions to well-loved events and hidden treasures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
May in New Jersey is filled with blooming gardens, outdoor festivals, and cultural celebrations.
The weather is perfect for exploring the state's diverse offerings, from its scenic parks to its bustling boardwalks. highlights. Be sure to keep reading for a comprehensive guide to making the most out of May in New Jersey.
North Jersey 2024 May Festivals and Themed Events
Area 57 - Flying Objects & Other Funl
May 4th, 2024; 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
(rain date May 5)
Warren Community College
475 Route 57
Washington, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Event Cost: Free for Students/Veterans, $4 seniors, $7 adults.
This event --- Area 57--- will feature Warren Community College's nationally highly rated Uncrewed Systems Program consisting of piloting, design and development, and the maintenance and repair of drones, in addition AI and Robotics. The event will also hot air balloons, combat and FRC robots.
Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair 2024
Saturday, May 4th, 2024; 10am - 5pm
Downtown Washington Borough
44 E. Washington Ave
Washington, NJ
Event Cost: Free
This event features a full day of live music, streets lined with vendors, fabulous costumes, street performers, local specials, activities and so much more! Music lineup includes Crash Gordon & Debra Dynamite, Frenchy and the Punk and all the way from the UK is Victor and the Bully!
New Jersey Wine and Food Festival
May 3 - 5, 2024
Crystal Springs Resort
1 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ
The event fatures a meet and mingle gathering with some of the world's finest chefs and winemakers while sampling tasty food and wine.
Skylands Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, May 4th, 2024; from 12-7pm (Rain or shine)
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Place
Augusta, NJ 07822
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Admission:Admission: $5 (kids under 38" free, $5 Drink Tokens: $5 Sampler Mug: (w/6x 4oz drinks) $10 Kids Drink Bat: $10 / Beer Bat: $20 Rides + Food are additional costs
Free parking
This event features entertainment for all ages in addition to food, deserts, specialty drinks and much more. The delicious options include 20+ Food Trucks, 100+ Craft Beers, live music, carnival games and more.
Annual Westfield Spring Fling
Sunday, May 5, 2024; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine.
Downtown
Central Avenue running from East Broad Street to North Avenue and will include the parking lot across from the Post Office
Westfield, NJ
This fun filled family event will feature
diverse live entertainment, food vendors, merchandise vendors, a Kids Zone with rides and a multitude of activities to entertain kids throughout the day. Valenica Music and the New Jersey Workshop of the Arts will perform music and entertainment.
Mother's Day Brunch Cruise - NY Harbor (Also offers Dinner Cruise)
Sunday, May 12, 2024;
Board: 12:00pm | Cruise: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Departing from Lincoln Harbor Marina
1500 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This Mother's Day celebtration will feature a cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers with stunning views of the NYC skyline while enjoying a holiday buffet, classic cocktails, dining and dancing,
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
Saturday, May 18, 2024; 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mennen Arena Field
161 Hanover Ave
Morris Plains, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: $20, $60, &
$90
This festival held outdoors and under tents with live music, features a sampling of a variety of NJ beers with restaurants, gourmet food trucks & chefs serving BBQ & Bacon creations, all available for purchase. In addition, there will be chefs culinary skills judged by a panel of celebrity judges.
Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival
Sunday, May 19, 2024, 11am to 6pm
Washington Street
Observer Highway to 7th Street
Admission is free
This annual family event features over 300 artists, sculptors, photographers and crafts people with 3 stages of live performance. More than a music festival, there will be; Fine artists displaying oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, with children's activities. There will be great food throughout the fair. Hoboken restaurants will set up street cafes offering an eclectic variety of international foods such as: Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun and Italian.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Thursday, May 23 - Monday, May 27, Wednesday, May 29 - Sunday, June 2, & Wednesday, June 5 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Westfield Garden State Plaza
One Garden State Plaza
Paramus, NJ
Admission is $5; additional price for ride tickets.
This event features
good food, rides, and entertainment, hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.)
Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) is a non profit (501C3) organization, supported by dedicated police officers, committed to protecting our youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug related crimes, peer to peer/cyber bullying and violence.
11th Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival
May 29 - June 2, 2024
Jersey City, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event features live Jazz music performed at multiple Jersey City venues including, White Eagle Hall, Nimbus Arts Center, The Statuary, Moore's Place, Hyatt House, The Canopy, and more!Free admission. The festival is also a celebration of community.
Central Jersey 2024 May Festivals and Themed Events
Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl
May 4, 2024: 12pm - 5pm (rain or shine)
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr
Highlands, NJ 07732
Event Cost: $40.00 and includes a Margarita Contest with eight restaurants competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands!
This event features live Mariachi music playing at the participating restaurants with attendees sampling Margaritas and casting their vote for their favorite.
BBQ Jamfest!
Sunday, May 5, 2024; 12:00 pm -ظآ 4:00 pm (rain date May 21st)
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach
710 Arnold Ave
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate
This family friendly outdoor cookout features live Music, cornhole, prizes, and more.
Brew By the Bay Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, May 11th, 2024; 12pm - 5pm (May 12th Rain date)
Seafarer
1 Atlantic St.
Highlands, NJ 07732
Event Cost: $40.00
This event features a craft beer tasting set on the picturesque waterfront with live music, fire pits and food is available for purchase.
Annual Azalea Festival
Saturday, May 11th, 2024: 10am-4pm (Rain Date: Sunday, May 12th)
Sayen Park Botanical Garden
155 Hughes Drive
Hamilton Square
Hamilton Township, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event on held Mother's Day weekend, occurs in the historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens, a sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and history buffs. The gardens feature over 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendrons, In addition to touring the grounds attendees will get to enjoy crafters, food, music, entertainment, and more.
Thompson Park's Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, May 11, 2024;@ 10:00am - 4:00 pm
Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ
Cost: Free
This event is a juried art festival, open to artists of all mediums. In addition to the art vendors, the day will be filled with art demonstrations, live music, and food vendors.
New Jersey Seafood Festival
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 17, 18, 19, 2024
Silver Lake Park 5th and Ocean Ave
Belmar, NJ
Admission: Free
This popular family-friendly Jersey Shore event features seafood feast with gumbo, lobster rolls, and jambalaya, coconut shrimp, crab legs, conch fritters, and more.
Live music will also entertain the attendees by a lineup of popular area musicians.
Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 18, 19, 2024; 11AM - 5PM (This event is rain or shine)
Bradley Park
101-199 5th Ave (Across the street from Convention Hall)
Asbury Park, NJ
Cost:
$15 - $35. Kids 13 and under are free.
This two-day celebration features tasty vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, as well as vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and good times.
Freehold Porch Festival
Sunday, May 19, 2024: 11:30am - 5pm
Downtown Freehold, NJ
Free Event: Maps of Entertainment Locations and Times will be distributed at the Downtown Freehold Gazebo 10E Main Street.
This event features
a day of music & fun throughout Freehold Borough. Many of of the poular local entertainers will be participating in the Event!
Ocean Fun Days
May 19, 2024; 11am - 3pm
NJ Sea Grant Consortium
Sandy Hook, NJ
Free Event
This free family friendly event features eco tours, children's activities, games and more. In addition, there will be interactive workshops with marine scientists and researchers to learn about our amazing coastline and ways you can help protect the environment.
Walnford Day
Sunday, May 19, 2024: from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Historic Walnford
Walnford Road
Upper Freehold, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Free Event
This family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to explore this historic site and see its 19th century gristmill in action, tour the elegant Waln family home, and go on a horse-drawn wagon ride. Demonstrations for the day include blacksmithing, loom weaving, basket weaving, 18th century music, and more.
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 25, 26, 2024; from 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
The festival includes crafters, food, live music,
and Family Fun, long the promenade with entertanment both Days.
Parade on Saturday, at 10am and runs along Ocean Ave.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 25 - 27, 2024; 11am-5pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Ave.
Oceanport, NJ 07757
Visit their site to learn more
Parking: Free
Cost: Free Parking, General Admission just $6. Children 12 and under are Free.
This Memorial Day weekend festival features over 30 mouth-watering food trucks. Live music on all three days will be performed on two stages. The activities also include clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house.
Annual Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 26, 2024: 10am - 5pm
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr.
Highlands, NJ
Admission is free
This event features a juries show with more than 60 crafters and artisans displaying their works, along with live entertainment.
Long Branch - Art in the Park
May 26, 2024; 10am - 5pm, rain or shine
West End Park (Brighton Avenue)
Long Branch, NJ
Admission is free
This event features up to 50 Juried Artists!
New Jersey Jerk Fest
Sunday, May 26, 2024; 1pm - 8pm
Boyd Park
New Brunswick, NJ
Cost:
Tickets: $10-$20
Visit their site to learn more
This event features Caribbean cuisine, live music, and good vibes
It's a celebration of all things "jerk." from spicy jerk chicken to flavorful jerk pork, Jerk Fish, Jerk Goat, Jerk Oxtail & Jerk Ice Cream there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
There will be food trucks, food and beverage vendors, crafts, merchandise for sale, live music, kids' activities, and more.
South Jersey 2024 May Festivals and Themed Events
Ocean City Spring Block Party
Saturday, May 4, 2024; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
From 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event features over 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and more.
Jeeps and Cinco de Mayo Food Truck Festival
Saturday, Sunday, May 4, 5, 2024 Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road
Tickets: $13 in advance and $15 at the door Read More: 12 fun New Jersey events to attend in May
Visit their site to learn more
This family event features a pair of wines with the many food offerings available from onsite food trucks! Wine and dine while listening to top live musical artists all weekend. There will be live bands, face painting, vineyard wagon tours, and fireworks at dusk.
New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Spring Festival
Thursday, May 16 – Sunday, May 19, 2024
Nature Center of Cape May
1600 Delaware Ave
Cape May, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This event begins with a Kick-off Party at the Nature Center of Cape May, a short distance from the hotel. There will be live music, a food truck and beer and wine available for a reasonable donation. Starting early morning Friday, there will be birding field trips, boat rides and more, led by our amazing local naturalists. The Saturday evening keynote presentation will take place at the local high school's spacious and modern auditorium. They will provide refreshments and you'll enjoy the bird-inspired music composed by the Consonance Collective and performed by The BlackBox Ensemble. Something a little different this year! Note: A block of rooms are available at the Grand Hotel
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Saturdays & Sundays, May 18-19, 25-26, 2024; 10am-6pm.
Burlington County Fairgrounds
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd
Columbus, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Event Cost: $10-$30
This magical family friendly renaissance festival features a jousting contest, human chess match, sword fighting, fire breathing, aerialists, comedy, artisans, live music and a full day of interactive entertainment.
Ocean Fun Days
May 18, 2024; 11am - 3pm
Island Beach State Park
Visit their site to learn more
Free Event
This free family friendly event features eco tours, children's activities, games and more. In addition, there will be interactive workshops with marine scientists and researchers to learn about our amazing coastline and ways you can help protect the environment.
Steel Mill Street Fair
Saturday, May 18, 2024: 10 am – 5 pm, (rain date of Sunday, May 19th)
Roebling Museum
100 2nd Avenue
Roebling, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Admission: Free
This family event features a day of outdoor fun with food, entertainment, shopping, & more.
A portion of the proceeds from the Street Fair go towards local High School business scholarships.
Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
May 23, 2024
Cape May Point State Park
215 Lighthouse Ave.
Cape May Point, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Purchase tickets from the Lighthouse Keeper the evening of the event.
Climb the 199 steps to the Watch Gallery at the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, to enjoy the grand vista of the evening sky and the full moon from atop this majestic beacon at nighttime.
Ocean City Memorial Beach Challenge
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Ocean City Music Pier
825 Boardwalk
Ocean City, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This annual event features a family day of competition and comradery, and the honoring of those who have served and support the heroes still in the fight.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday, May 24, thru Monday, May 27, 2024
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue
and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood, NJ
Free to spectators.
This event featues an all-inclusive Kite Festival world kite competition, for all ages.
Fantasy AdventureFest
May 25 & 26, 2024
Historic Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Galloway, NJ 08205
Visit their site to learn more
Free admission
This event features Riddlesbrood's Wizard of Oz," magical outdoor spectacle. It's a fantastical journey along the yellow brick road, reimagined with a playful and family-friendly flair.
Wildwood Weekend Boardwalk Craft Shows
Weekend, May 25 & 26, 2024 Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
On the Boardwalk
at Rio Grande Avenue
Wildwood, NJ
This craft show features artisans showcasing handmade crafts, boutiques, gifts & More.
Cape May Music Festival
Sunday, May 26 – Sunday, June 23, 2024
Rotary Park, Convention Hall, Episcopal Church of the Advent, and other venues
Cape May, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Features musical performances of classical, chamber, jazz, brass band and Americana music.
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