NJIB’s Guide to 45+ Free New Jersey May Events 2024

May in New Jersey is not just about blooming flowers and warmer weather; it’s also a time when communities come together to enjoy many free events. From outdoor concerts and art festivals to nature hikes and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dime. Whether you’re a local looking for some budget-friendly fun or a visitor eager to experience the Garden State’s charm, May in New Jersey promises a calendar full of exciting and cost-free activities for all ages.

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.

Free New Jersey May Events:

Ocean City Spring Block Party
May 4, 9 am – 5 pm
Ocean City’s annual street fair features over 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and more.
From 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ

AWA Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day
May 4, 9 am – 2 pm
Animal Welfare Association’s signature event, the Paws & Feet 5k Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day is an annual fundraising event celebrating the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets It’s a day full of fun activities for the whole family, including your furry best friends! We’ll have live entertainment, local small business vendors, children’s activities, food and drink from local favorites, and more. Proceeds from the event go directly to funding AWA’s lifesaving programs, which touch tens of thousands in our community each year.
2140 Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees, NJ
Cost: Free; Registration fee for 5K & Rescue Ramble only

Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair 2024
May 4, 10 am – 5 pm
The 4th Annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair is returning on May 4th, 2024, from 10am-5pm! This is a FREE event in Downtown Washington Borough, NJ and 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 from the UK is Victor and the Bully! The day features sideshow acts, dozens of artisan vendors, street performers, free activities throughout the town, and lots of local specials. But wait, there’s more! A Halo Called Fred will be performing at Buttzville Brewing Company from 6pm-9pm for the official steampunk afterparty! Come dressed for the occasion or come as you are! Free parking, rain or shine.
Veterans Park, Washington, NJ

Princeton Art Bazaar
May 4, 10 am – 4 pm
It’s a full day of community + creativity, and you’re invited. Shop the region’s most exciting vendors working in ceramics, textiles, printmaking, wood, glass, leather, jewelry, self-care, vintage, and more. Plus open art studios, a beer garden, and more.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ

Wheaton Arts ECO Fair
May 4, 10 am – 4 pm
The 17th annual ECO Fair at WheatonArts is a FREE Family Day event inspired by natural and artful living, produced in partnership with the Authority of Cumberland County! ECO Fair features local gardening clubs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners with various plants and herbs for sale, handmade works of New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, an African drumming workshop & performance with the Sankofa Ensemble, eco-friendly activities for families, live music, and more. This year, CU Maurice River hosts speaker Robin A. Jess with a presentation on capturing moments through botanical art and illustration.
Wheaton Arts, 1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ

The Monmouth Moms’ 2024 Spring Festival
May 4, 11 am – 3 pm
The Monmouth Moms Events are Back and Better Than Ever! Come with the family and ENJOY a day full of fun! You’ll find local vendors (perfect for Mother’s Day gifts!), food for sale, Mommy + Me activities, Character Picture Station, Entertainment (lots of NEW activities added!), and more!
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ

Print Day in May
May 4, 12 pm – 4 pm
Experiment with various forms of printmaking at “Print Day in May” on Saturday, May 6. Create original prints and see artists at work.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue Atlantic City, NJ

Bayonne Food Truck Fest
May 4, 12 pm – 7 pm
The City of Bayonne is proud to present the Bayonne Food Truck Fest, a community celebration of food, music, and fun for the whole family. The festival will feature 30 food vendors, sand art, kids’ rides, a beer garden, and live music. Admission is free for everyone, so bring the whole family and enjoy a day of trying food from the best food trucks in Jersey as well as fun activities.
Ave E 22-24th St, Bayonne, NJ

AAPI Food & Music Festival
May 4, 12 pm – 4 pm
Union Twp will host its 1st Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Food & Music Festival to celebrate their local AAPI community on Saturday, May 6th from 12pm to 4pm on Stuyvesant Avenue.
Stuyvesant Avenue, Union Twp, NJ

9th Annual – A Day of Wine, Romance, and More!
May 4 & 5, 12 pm – 5 pm
The largest book signing event of its kind in New Jersey! Over 45 local authors representing a wide range of genres will be on hand for this unique event. Grab a glass of Brook Hollow’s excellent wine and take a stroll. Meet the actual authors and peruse their books. Whether you’re looking for your next book boyfriend, a heart-racing thriller, or something for your child or grandchild, you’ll find it here! Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day with the authors.
Wine tastings are optional.
Brook Hollow Winery, 594 Highway 94, Columbia, NJ

Springfest Craft Show & Antique Corner
May 5, 10 am – 5 pm
A Don’t Miss Exciting Shopping Event held in picturesque Veterans Park. One hundred & twenty exhibitors will be set up on the grass along the paths with an array of hand crafted items, art & gifts. The Antique & Collectible corner is where you will find treasures from the past. Festival foods will be available as well as home made pretzels, pickles, kettle korn, sweets, & Italian ice. Free Admission and is held rain or shine. Sponsored by Westwood Recreation and organized by P.J.’s Promotions. use 318 3rd Ave for your GPS
Veterans Park , Park Ave, Westwood, NJ

Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace
May 5, 10 am – 4 pm. Rain Date May 12
Eat, drink, shop, browse, and support local small businesses and makers! Walk the streets of Maplewood Village to browse and shop local makers as well as our fabulous local merchants. Take a break from the shopping to have a nosh at one of the many delicious eateries in the Village.
Handmade artisans will exhibit their work on the busy streets of Maplewood Ave., Highland Pl., and Baker St. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
122 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Westfield Spring Fling
May 5, 10 am – 5 pm
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

Spring Main Street Pops Artisan Market
May 5, 11 am – 4 pm
Main Street Pops Artisan Market attracts a diverse selection of artists & makers offering their handmade creations such as art, photography, jewelry, fashion, home and lifestyle accessories, artisanal food, pet products, and much more! This bustling market always features live music and a variety of vendors with new offerings each month.
Under 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken, NJ

Hooray for May – Free Family Arts Day
May 5, 1 pm – 4 pm
“Hooray for May” free family art day returns to The Center for Contemporary Art on Sunday, May 5 from 1-4pm. “Hooray for May” brings local families from the community together for a fun and interactive day of making art and enjoying music and dance performances. Hands-on art activities for kids and parents alike will take place in The Center’s three art studios, outside in Pluckemin Park and its outdoor pavilion. Members of the community are invited to visit the three art exhibitions in The Center’s galleries. Families will be treated to live performances from Wharton Arts New Jersey Youth Chorus, and dance performances from the Tiruchitrambalam School of Dance and the Natya Mayuri Dance Ensemble. Refreshment stations will be provided and Neapolitan wood fired pizza will be available from the Va Fa Napoli Pizza Truck.
The Center for Contemporary Art, 2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster, NJ

Brews & Cruise Car Show
May 9, 5 pm – 8 pm
Cruise into the start of a new season during Haddon Township’s second annual Brews & Cruise Car Show on Thursday, May 9 from 5-8 p.m. along West Park Boulevard & Crystal Lake Avenue. This free family fun event has something for every gearhead or casual admirer – restored vehicles from every decade, motorcycles, a beer garden, bands, food vendors, and games. Prizes will be awarded to the top contenders in each category. The Brews & Cruise Car Show is sponsored by Brewers Towne Tavern. All proceeds from the show’s registration will go to LEAD – Haddon Township’s Law Enforcement Against Drugs initiative. The Brews & Cruise Car Show is FREE and open to the public.
Crystal Lake Ave, Haddon Township, NJ

Merchantville Art Walk
May 10, 6 pm – 9 pm
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

Creative Arts & Music Festival
May 11, 10 am – 4 pm
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 11, 10 am – 4 pm
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 11, 11 am – 2 pm
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

Spring Festival at Muddy Paws Farm
May 11, 10 am – 3 pm
Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback received for the annual Muddy Paws Farm Fall Festival, they have added a Spring Festival to the 2024 calendar. Last year’s event hosted 80+ unique crafters, vendors and food trucks, and had over 2100 guests in attendance.
17 Retreat Rd, Southampton Township, NJ

Spring Bazaar
May 11 & 12, 12 pm – 5 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar in Asbury Park. 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.
Grand Arcade of Asbury Park Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ

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

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

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

Hackettstown International Day and Maifest
May 18, 12 pm – 5 pm
Come support your local artists, 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 artist’s work! Celebrate with Maypole dancers from the 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

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

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

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

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

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!
Smithville Village, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony
May 24, 12 pm
It’s time to get your feet sandy! Come join us to officially start the summer season on the beach next to the Wildwoods Convention Center at 12:00 noon. A large, ornate key will be used to ‘unlock’ the ocean, along with tourism and city officials, dignitaries, guest speakers and the island’s second grade students! This event is FREE to attend. For more information call 609.729.9000
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ

Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 24, 2024 – May 27
On the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities following the Unlocking of the Ocean include opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9:00 p.m. 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, team flying, as well as family games from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. FREE to spectators! Visit SkyFestivals.com
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ

Collingswood May Fair
May 25, 10 am – 5 pm
Collingswood, New Jersey will be bursting with art, music and activities for all ages on Saturday, May 27. What began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit” now encompasses more than a mile of the business district along Haddon Avenu. 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

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 25 & 26, 9 am – 7 pm
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.
Bradley Beach Boardwalk, Bradley Beach, NJ

Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
Mat 25 & 26
Boardwalk Craft Show on the Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue, rain or shine! Artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts & more… Saturday from 9 am. – 5 pm. & Sunday from 9 am – 3 pm
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ

23rd Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 26, 10 am – 5 pm
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 23rd Annual Seaport Craft Show, Sunday, May 26th, 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 music from 12PM- 4PM. There will be huge variety of unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show. This is a rain or shine event.
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free

Long Branch – Art in the Park
May 26, 10 am – 5 pm rain or shine
This annual show features local artists of the local art scene here in Monmouth County, NJ. Participants in this event include: Photography, Jewelry, Paintings, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Ceramic and Paintings.
West End Park (Brighton Avenue), Long Branch, NJ

11th Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival
May 29 – June 2
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.
Jersey City, NJ

Haddon Square Summer Market
May 31, 5 pm – 9 pm
The Summer Maker’s Market is an open-air market featuring a curated selection of local and regional artisans and makers and their handmade creations. The Market will take place at Haddon Square in the heart of Haddon Township’s thriving downtown, where shoppers will find local makers, live music, and samplings. Art, jewelry, accessories, homewares, clothing, beauty products and delicious gourmet treats will be for sale as part of the market.
51 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ