30 Free New Jersey Events in May 2022

Is your favorite four-letter word FREE? Of course, it is! Good thing there’s plenty of free, fun entertainment going on in NJ all month long in May. Be sure to put these free events (which include fireworks, free movies, festivals, and more) on your calendar.

Due to the ongoing restrictions and safety regulations with Covid-19, please verify these events before attending in case of any last-minute cancellations.

For more events going on throughout the year, be sure to check out our Event Guide.

If you’d like to submit your event, click here.

For more New Jersey adventures, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring

30 Free New Jersey Events in May:

The Big Toy Show & Pop Culture Flea Market
May 1, 8AM – 4PM
The Big Kid Toy Show is here again at the New Egypt Flea Market Village. Food trucks! 100 vendors! Marketwide Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt! Canned food Drive BOTH DAYS for our local Helping Hands Food Pantry Sponsored by The Christian Fellowship Church of New Egypt http://www.cfcnewegypt.com/ – Drop off in front of Building 11 in the back row.
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ

Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace
May 1, 10AM – 4PM
Eat, drink, shop, browse, and support local small businesses and makers! Walk the streets of Maplewood Village and visit the Woodland to browse and shop local makers as well as fabulous local merchants. Take a break from the shopping to have a nosh at one of the many delicious eateries in the Village. Music all day and a dance performance from Motion Arts Studio on Maplewood Ave at 1 pm on Maplewood Ave. Handmade artisans will exhibit their work both indoors at The Woodland as well as outdoors on the busy streets of Maplewood Ave., Highland Pl., and Baker St. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ

27th Annual Westfield Spring Fling
May 1, 2022, 10AM – 5PM
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. Valencia Music and the New Jersey Workshop of the Arts will perform music and entertainment.
Downtown Central Avenue from East Broad Street to North Avenue, Westfield, NJ

Hoboken Spring Arts and Music Festival
May 1, 11AM – 6PM
Over 300 artists, crafters, food vendors, local businesses and more participating.
Washington St. bet. Observer Highway to 7th St, Hoboken, NJ

Mom-A-Rama Free Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack
May 1, 11AM – 4PM
The 4th annual MOM-A-RAMA Extravaganza is an indoor, family-friendly day of fun on Sunday, May 1 from 11-4pm in the Grandstand at the Monmouth Park Racetrack, conveniently located off Route 36 and the Garden State Parkway…AND parking is free too!
Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ

The American Revolution in Our Communities
May 4 & 25
In the lead-up to The Skirmish in Haddonfield on June 4 (annual reenactment of ambushes by the Continental militia), Camden County College and the Haddonfield Skirmish Committee have teamed up to present a free six-part lecture series on the American Revolution, with particular attention to Haddonfield’s role. It ends with an evening with George Washington during the week of The Skirmish.
242 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ

Merchantville Art Walk
May 6, 6PM – 9PM
Tour the town and take in an incredible collection of works from local artists. Local businesses teamed up with artists to show their work for one night. Live Music will take place at several places and you can freely walk around and enjoy all the beautiful spaces in Merchantville.
East Maple Ave Merchantville, NJ

Movie Under the Stars @ Smithville Historic Park
May 6, 8PM
Join this season for the Movies Under the Stars Series presented by the Burlington County Parks System.Come early, have a picnic in the park. Bring a blanket or chairs and don’t forget your favorite food or snacks. See listing for show times and locations. Inclement weather will postpone this event. Movie: Blank Panther
Crystal Lake Park – 2401 Axe Factory Rd. Bordentown, NJ

Creative Arts & Music Festival
May 7, 10AM – 4PM
The annual Creative Arts & Music Festival features a variety of fine artists and artisans with offerings such as mixed media, painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. Plus, enjoy live music by some of the best local musicians. Food vendors, artist demonstrations, and free activities will be happening throughout the day.
Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ

Annual Azalea Festival
May 7, 10AM – 4PM
Held only on Mother’s Day weekend each year. This event takes place in the historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens, a sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Enjoy seeing over 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendron, In addition to touring the grounds’ collection of beautifully landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery, attendees can enjoy crafters, food, music, entertainment, and more
Sayen Park Botanical Garden, 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Township, NJ

National Public Gardens Day
May 7, 11AM – 2PM
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day in MHHM’s historic garden! Special presentations, nature scavenger hunts, and art activities in the garden. At 1:30 pm see The Raptor Trust’s Fantastic Falcons. Rain or shine. This program is offered for free through support from The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ

Mother’s Day Spring Bazaar
May 7 & 8, 12PM – 5PM
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar in Long Branch & Asbury Park on Saturday & Sunday, May 7th & 8th, 2022, from Noon – to 5 pm. The weekend will feature shopping, arts & crafts, and music experience in two beautiful locations by the beach: Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch and Grand Arcade at Asbury Park Convention Hall. Enjoy a weekend adventure at the Jersey Shore! The Mother’s Day Weekend Spring Bazaar will feature shopping from local makers, artists, designers, crafters, and collectors; fresh flower bouquets, mother’s day photos and photo stations; music & entertainment; craft workshops; kids workshops & face painting; brunch; and delicious food & libations.
Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch & Grand Arcade of Asbury Park Convention Hall

Mullica Hill Arts and Crafts Festival
May 14, 10AM – 4PM
Come down for a day of fun, food, and vendors. Paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, and more. Children’s activities and food!
Mullica Hill Art Center, Mullica Hill, NJ

Somerdale Day
May 14, 10AM – 5PM
Join Somerdale for a community celebration at Somerdale Day on May 14. Great Food! Crafters & Community Groups! Car Show! Kids Activities including Rock and Roll Racing, gaming truck and more!
900 Kennedy Blvd Somerdale, NJ

Strawberry Festival
May 14, 12PM – 5PM
A fun-filled afternoon celebration “All Things STRAWBERRY’s”. There will be Strawberry Contest(from Cakes to Jam’s) Live Music, along with Food Trucks, and Local Business along with Vendors for Arts & Crafts.
59 South White Horse Pike, Borough of Berlin HALL, Berlin, NJ

Milltown Multicultural Festival
May 14, 12PM – 5PM
The Milltown IDEA is hosting a Multicultural Festival at the Gloria Bradford Borough Park on Saturday, May 14th, 2022, between the hours of 12pm-5pm. There will be a number of guest performances, shop vendors, and speakers representing a range of diverse groups including Native American/Indigenous, Black and African, AAPI, Latinx cultures along with members of the LBTQ+ community and other underrepresented groups. There will be a host of activities to participate in such as community roundtables, art demonstrations, and activities hosted by local organizations. Should you get hungry while attending the festival, stop by any of the multiple foods and dessert trucks/stations onsite.
Gloria Bradford Borough Park, 80 Violet Terrace, Milltown, NJ

Arts in Bloom
May 14 & 15, 10AM – 5PM
Arts in Bloom is an event where artists from all over Salem County come together to share their studios with the public for a two-day, county-wide event. “Salem County Arts in Bloom”, the free 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

Smithville Mayfest
May 14 & 15, 10AM – 5PM
Mayfest at Historical Smithville offers an abundance of family fun! There will be more than 100 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, children’s activities, nonprofit organizations and live entertainment.
615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Galloway, NJ

Walnford Day
May 15, 11AM – 5PM
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 Road, Upper Freehold, NJ

New Jersey Seafood Festival
May 20 – 22
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

Made in Ocean
May 21, 10AM – 3PM
Come and shop Ocean Counties Best of the Best. Dozens of vendors with products Made in Ocean County for sale! Art, Home Decor, Baked Goods, Jewelry, Gifts, Soaps, Lotions, Candles & More!
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ

Lake Hopatcong Block Party 2022
May 21, 10AM – 4PM
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. Find out more at https://www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org/blockparty
Hopatcong State Park, 260 Lakeside Blvd, Hopatcong, NJ

Washington BID Rock N Roll/Steampunk Fair
May 21, 10AM – 5PM
The second annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair, a day filled with live music, vendors, street performers, and oddities. HEADLINE ACT: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Also performing, Psych-A-Billy and A Halo Called Fred. Come dressed for the occasion.
44 E Washington Ave, Washington, NJ

Spring Bazaar 2022
May 21, 11AM – 4PM
Join downtown Metuchen for a very special Spring Bazaar with an artisan market on the Metuchen Town Plaza.
Metuchen Town Plaza, Metuchen, NJ

WaltFEST
May 21, 11AM – 3PM
Art and History Festival celebrating the birth of Walt Whitman along the bank of Timber Creek and Whitman Stafford Farmhouse.
315 Maple Ave Laurel Springs, NJ

2022 World Diversity Day Children’s Festival
May 21, 1PM – 4PM
Exciting performances and engaging activities await area children at the 2022 World Diversity Day Children’s Festival on Saturday, May 21st. The family-friendly outdoor event, with storytellers, sing-alongs, dancing, crafts, choirs, book giveaways, and more, will celebrate diverse cultural diversity while teaching acceptance of others. It takes place from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Lake Topanemus Park in Freehold. Explore diverse ethnicities, abilities, and identities in a fun-filled outdoor atmosphere. The festival – which is free and open to the public – will have interactive programs and activities ideal for 5 to 10-year-olds plus opportunities for adults to connect with community resources or register to vote. There is no rain date.
Lake Topanemus Park, 251 Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ

Keansburg Food Truck Festival
May 21, 2PM – 7PM
Join the fun for 4th Annual Food Truck Festival. Enjoy some food, DJ James from 2-5 and the Kickback Band 5-7! FREE face painting, balloon artist, bounce house and more.
1 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ

Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 27 – 30
Festivities begin with a Friday night social via the local kite club and the 9:00pm illuminated night kite fly. Saturday includes the silent and loud auctions (open to all) and Saturday and Sunday include the flying of large inflatable kites, sport kite demo’s, team flying, as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ

Collingswood May Fair
May 28, 10AM – 5PM
Collingswood, New Jersey will be bursting with art, music and activities for all ages on Saturday, May 28, 2022 as Collingswood Partners hosts the 41st Annual May Fair. What began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit” now encompasses more than a mile of the business district along Haddon Avenue from 10am to 5pm. Rain date is May 29, 2022. Multiple stages of live music will feature blues, rock, folk and more. A schedule will be posted closer to the actual date of the event. An antique & classic auto show add to the festival’s appeal. Visitors will also find several Food Courts complimenting the downtown restaurants and cafés. There will be everything from pulled pork to fancy desserts! May Fair also welcomes the return of the renowned Collingswood Farmers Market offering “Jersey Fresh” produce, flowers and more sold in a delightful open air atmosphere.
601 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ

21st Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 29, 10AM – 5PM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 21st Annual Seaport Craft Show, Sunday, May 29th, from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is free. Come experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans. Live entertainment from 11AM – 3PM. Shop till you drop for unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show.
Huddy Park, 301 Shore Dr. Highlands, NJ