25+ New Jersey Events May 17 – 19, 2024
From May 17 to 19, 2024, New Jersey is bustling with exciting events for all tastes. Beer and bacon enthusiasts can indulge at the Beer Bacon BBQ Showdown, while garlic lovers can savor the flavors at the Denville Garlic Fest. Seafood aficionados won’t want to miss the New Jersey Seafood Festival, offering a variety of fresh catches. Additionally, the weekend is packed with free events, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities across the state. If you’re looking for a fun weekend, New Jersey has something for everyone to enjoy.
For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.
For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
New Jersey Events May 17th – 19th:
Featured Events!
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
May 18, 12 pm – 5 pm
New Jersey’s first festival, featuring only New Jersey Beer, coupled with restaurants, gourmet food trucks & Chefs, offering a delectable array of mouth watering BBQ & Bacon creations, all available for purchase. There will be a competition to showcase their culinary skills, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the best of the best, along with People’s Choice awards for Best Dish & Best Beer. 30 New Jersey Breweries will be in attendance, each bringing 3 styles of Beer. One of these styles will be either a rare Beer or a Brew created specifically for this event. The event will take place outdoors and under tents, with some fantastic Music!
Mennen Arena Field, 161 Hanover Ave, Morris Plains, NJ
Cost: $60 – $90. Save $20 with code NEWJERSEYISNTBORING
Denville Garlic Festival
May 19, 12 pm – 6 pm
Come join Denville, New Jersey, in kicking off the summer festival season with its first annual Garlic Festival! Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast or just enjoy a hint of the “stinking rose,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore a variety of food trucks and vendors, join in on kids’ games, and experience much more at this exciting event. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Todd Johnson Field, 33 St Marys Place, Denville, NJ
Cost: $10, Bring new toothpaste, mouthwash, or a toothbrush kit to benefit the Denville Food Pantry for a $5 discount at the door
50th Annual Greek Festival
May 16 – 19
World-famous cuisine, culture, music, and hospitality. There will be fun for the entire family including carnival games, cooked and grilled food, desserts and pastries, ouzo, beer, and live Greek music and dancing.
St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church, 51 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ
Cost: Free
New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Spring Festival
May 16 – 19
Why Cape May, New Jersey? National Geographic listed Cape May, NJ as one of ten World’s Best Destinations for Bird Watching. The unique combination of diverse habitats within a condensed area attracts an amazing variety of songbirds and shorebirds to the area every spring and fall. Witnessing Spring Migration in Cape May is something every birder should experience. Included with Registration: Thursday Evening Kick-Off Party, Consonance Collective’s Bird Inspired Musical Keynote Performance, Many Expert Guided Birding Walks and Field Trips to choose from, Informative Indoor Programs, and Viewing Stations with Naturalists on site.
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave, Cape May, NJ
Cost: $60+. Kids 10 and under are free
New Jersey Seafood Festival
May 17 – 19
This popular family-friendly event offers an ultimate feast of crowd-pleasing fare — from gumbo, lobster rolls, and jambalaya, to coconut shrimp, crab legs, conch fritters, and more.
In addition to some great seafood, live music is also a big part of the Belmar Seafood Festival. The lineup of bands includes popular area musicians performing live during all three days of the festival.
Pyanoe Plaza and Pyanoe Plaza Parking lot, Belmar, NJ
Cost: Free
Screamin’ Hill Scramble 5K
May 18, 9 am
Experience a brand new 5K race at Screamin’ Hill Brewery, New Jersey’s only Farm Brewery! Participants can run for craft beer through the same grounds that grow the ingredients for these unique brews. The race concludes with live music, a food truck, and of course, craft beer, making it an ideal event for beginners and seasoned runners alike. The chip-timed race starts at 9AM, with awards for the Top 3 Overall and Age Group Winners. The course winds through groomed trails and short-cut grass, offering a cross-country style challenge. Free photos, parking, and a drink ticket for craft beer (or soda for under 21) are included for all participants. Additionally, each participant receives a quality race tee, with an option to upgrade to a tank top for $5 extra (please register by May 6 to guarantee first choice). A pint glass is also provided to commemorate the event.
Screamin’ Hill Brewery, 83 Emleys Hill Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ
Cost: $45
JC Kids Run
May 18, 10 am – 12 pm
Calling all KIDS from 1 to 13 years for the “JC Kids Run”. The Kid’s Run is back for the 8th year and it keeps getting bigger and better! Children race through the course with the biggest smiles on their faces as the community cheers them on. The excitement and joy on their faces as they cross the finish line is priceless! In addition to the kid’s run, there are a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. This event takes places at Exchange Place, along the Hudson River, with views of the Manhattan skyline. All runners will receive a medal! Donations will proceed to Embrace Kids Foundation
J. Owen Grundy Park at Exchange Place Plaza Hudson St Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $37
Steel Mill Street Fair
May 18, 10 am – 5 pm, (rain date of Sunday, May 19th)
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.
Roebling Museum, 100 2nd Avenue, Roebling, NJ
Lake Hopatcong Block Party 2024
May 18, 10 am – 4 pm
The Lake Hopatcong Block Party offers a unique Main Street-style experience in a beautiful lakeside setting. Hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this event brings visitors together with businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters, and food vendors for a community day like no other featuring activities, entertainment, raffles, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more.
Hopatcong State Park, 260 Lakeside Blvd, Landing, NJ
Cost: Free; donations welcome
Ocean Fun Days
May 18, 11 am – 3 pm
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.
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: Free
Hackettstown International Day and Maifest
May 18, 12 pm – 5 pm
Come support your local artist, crafters, shops, eateries & beer brewers during the 2024 Hackettstown Maifest & International Day celebration! This is a family friendly event with live entertainment, activities, business specials and vendors by the Marketspace. Join us during this festive celebration highlighting Hackettstown’s diverse culture with an assortment of cuisine and craft beers! Enjoy browsing an array of local artists work! Celebrate with Maypole dancers from NJ Civic Youth Ballet at Czig Meister Brewing Company. The festival will take place on Valentine and Grand Avenues. Free to enter.
200 4th Ave, Hackettstown, NJ
Cost: Free
Maple Shade Beer Fest
May 18, 1 pm – 5 pm
Maple Shade Beer Fest 2024 welcomes attendees to join the party with a variety of beer samples from New Jersey breweries and beyond. Admission includes a sampling cup to enjoy the selection of beers, along with food trucks offering delicious meals. Browse craft vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in the “Battle of the Beers” by submitting your ballot. VIP tickets provide early access at 12pm, while general admission starts at 1pm. Designated driver tickets are available for those not drinking. This rain or shine event is for adults 21 and older, promising a day of fun and great beer.
Maple Shade Municipal Lot, 41 S Maple Ave, Maple Shade, NJ
Cost: $15 – $65
Keansburg Food Truck Festival
May 18, 2 pm – 7 pm
Join the fun for 4th Annual Food Truck Festival. 2pm-5pm DJ’ing will be No limit Entertainment. 5pm-7pm will be live music from Aftermath. Beer Garden provided by Grin brewing. FREE face painting, balloon artist, bounce house and more.
1 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ
Cost: Free
Rhythm & Brews
May 18, 3 pm – 9 pm
The Rhythm returns, and the Brews too.. LOCAL Music -LOCAL Artisans -LOCAL Food and -LOCAL Brews. This kick-ass Music Festival takes place on Station Ave. in super HIP, historic downtown Haddon Heights! The 500 and 600 block of Station Ave. will be open to “FOOT TRAFFIC ONLY” for this event! A stage will be set for Music and additional music will be added in random places on the ave. The avenue will be lined with libations-Food Trucks- Live performances-and festival lovers. Cups/tickets can be purchased at the door day of. One dollar from each cup sold will go to Pediatric Cancer awareness.
Station Ave, Haddon Twp, NJ
Cost: Free
Monmouth County’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
May 18, 5 pm – 8 pm
Allaire Community Farm hosts this annual event in collaboration with Monmouth County’s Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council. Every year they bring this event to the public free of cost to help spread awareness regarding children’s mental health and local resources available to residents. Lots of local agencies will be onsite handing out information regarding their services and looking to connect families to the resources they need. Come enjoy an inclusive evening including the farm’s petting zoo, barrel train rides, tractor rides, giveaways, games, and more! Food and refreshments donated by local vendors.
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Road Wall Township, NJ
Cost: Free
Greetings From the Garden State Presents Jersey Fest
May 18, 6 pm
Greetings From the Garden State” presents an extraordinary evening celebrating New Jersey, featuring live performances by Natalie Farrell, Surfing For Daisy, Reese Van Riper, Jackson Pines, and The Vaughns. Delight in craft beers from Ghost Hawk Brewing Co., Glenbrook Brewery, Twin Elephant Brewing Co., 902 Brewing Co., Departed Soles Brewing, and Hoboken Brewing Co., alongside premium spirits from Asbury Park Distilling Co. Elevate your experience with VIP access, offering an exclusive cash bar, delectable food tastings by Chef Jamie Knott and Cellar 335, and reserved seating. Plus, the first 100 ticketed guests receive complimentary $5 scratch-off tickets from the New Jersey Lottery. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of music, community, and celebration at Jersey Fest!
White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $25 – $60
Salem County Art Tour
May 18 & 19, 10 am – 5 pm
Salem County Arts Tour is afree two-day art event spans many locations throughout Salem County, NJ (towns such as Alloway, Canton, Elmer, Elsinboro, Lower Alloways Creek, Monroeville, Pedricktown, Pennsville, Pittsgrove, Salem, and Woodstown). Guests enjoy open studio and gallery tours featuring local artists, with activities including pottery demonstrations, painting, fiber arts, puppetry, and much more. Some tours will be in-person following social distancing guidelines, and others will be virtual.
Salem County, NJ
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 18 – 19, 10 am – 6 pm.
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.
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rdm Columbus, NJ
Cost: $10-$30
Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
May 18 & 19, 11 am – 5 pm
The Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival s a two-day celebration that features yummy vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, as well as vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and good times
Bradley Park, 101-199 5th Ave Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $15 – $30
World Food Extravaganza
May 18 & 19, 11 am – 7 pm
Experience a culinary adventure at Megabite Events’ WORLD FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA at Mercer County Park on May 18th and 19th. Embark on a Culinary World Tour with over 50 vendors showcasing global flavors. Enjoy live music, featuring The NERDS, and pro wrestling action with UWA Elite. Indulge in incredible beer, wine, and hard seltzers. Families with kids can explore the MEGA Kids Zone. Save the date for this two-day extravaganza, proudly sponsored by New Jersey 101.5, 94.5 WPST, and Xfinity. Tickets range from $15 per person per day to $25 for a 2-day pass, with free entry for children under 12. Don’t miss this incredible feast for the senses!
Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
Cost: $15 per person per day $25 for a 2-day pass All children under 12 are free
Rose Squared Art Show Verona Park
May 18 & 19; 10 am – 5 pm
Rose Squared Art Shows presents more than 90 artisans at Verona Park May 18-19, 2024. This event showcases both fine art and fine craft with works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography. The event is rain or shine.
475 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
Cost: Free
MayFest
May 18 & 19, 10 am – 5 pm
Historic Smithville host’s over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations and much more! All of this is in addition to their 50 Shoppes, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, 7 eateries, and antique arcades that are located at the Village year-round!
Time 10 -5
Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
South Orange Rescue Squad’s “Sound The Siren” 5K Run / Walk and EMS Community Open House
May 19, 9 am – 12 pm
Run or walk the 5K (or a shorter 1.3 mile route), and then join kids and adults alike to tour the ambulances, equipment and EMS Headquarters and learn about Emergency Medical Services in NJ! Free Food and beverages provided plus free activities for kids. The 5K will be starting/finishing in front of the Rescue Squad which is located at 62 Sloan Street in South Orange, NJ. All proceeds go to providing free Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the residents of South Orange, Maplewood and the surrounding communities. The South Orange Rescue Squad is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization staffed by volunteers and funded solely by contributions from the community. None of its members are compensated for their work, and there is never charge a fee for their services.
62 Sloan street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Cost: 5K Run: $30 / Kids Fun Run: Free! / EMS Community Open House: Free
Kenilworth Street Fair with Classic Cars
May 19, 10 am – 4 pm
Hosted by the Borough of Kenilworth the Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic from 14th St. to 24th St. and transformed into a giant block party from 10 am-4:00 pm. This event will feature quality exhibitors, a special crafter’s section, lots of great food, kiddie rides, and kids area, live music and performances, and local merchants & civic organizations.
525 Boulevard Kenilworth NJ
Cost: Free Admission
Cranford Street Fest
May 19, 11 am – 5 pm
Experience the NEW Cranford Street Fest, a vibrant street fair with 100+ artisans and businesses along North Union Ave and Alden St. Enjoy tantalizing food trucks and live music in the Fire Department parking lot next to the gazebo. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
North Union Ave and Alden Street in Cranford, NJ
Cost: Free
Ocean Fun Days
May 19, 11 am – 3 pm
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.
NJ Sea Grant Consortium, Sandy Hook, NJ
Cost: Free
May Faire in Wonderland
May 19, 11 am – 4 pm
Hosted at the historic Smithville Mansion, once the home of inventor Hezekiah B. Smith, the event features characters from Alice in Wonderland, a Mad Hatter’s Tree Party, croquet with the Queen of Hearts, May Pole dancing, and enchanting performances. Visitors can enjoy tea parties, theatrical shows, bubble displays, face painting, and balloon art, along with tours of the mansion and grounds. The event also includes historical demonstrations, vintage bicycle displays, a baseball exhibition game, artisan market, live music, and a variety of food options, promising fun for all ages.
803 Smithville Rd Mount Holly, NJ
Cost: Free
Walnford Day
May 19, 11 am – 5 pm
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.
Historic Walnford, Walnford Rd, Upper Freehold, NJ
Cost: Free
Freehold Porch Festival
May 19, 11:30 am – 5 pm
This event features a day of music & fun throughout Freehold Borough. Many of of the poular local entertainers will be participating in the Event!
Downtown Freehold, NJ, Maps of Entertainment Locations and Times will be distributed at the Downtown Freehold Gazebo 10E Main Street.
Cost: Free
