NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Events May 16 – 18, 2025
Embrace Spring this weekend in New Jersey! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to May 16 – 18, 2025 is your go-to source for the best events happening across the Garden State! Whether you’re searching for lively festivals, captivating performances, family-friendly fun, or seasonal activities, our guide has you covered. From local craft fairs and art exhibits to outdoor adventures and winter celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore new experiences, create unforgettable memories, and stay connected with the local community with New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s expertly curated event lineup.
BONUS! See NJIB at Bell Works Fresh in Holmdel on Wednesday, May 14th, LSC After Dark: Murder in Paradise on Thursday, May 15th and the Cranford Spring Street Fest on Sunday, May 18th.
Check out our Event Guide for more events throughout the year. To submit your event, click here.
For more New Jersey Events and Adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.
New Jersey Events Mother’s Day Weekend, 2025:
Featured Events!
Love & Laughter Family Fest
May 17, 1 pm – 6 pm
Families, friends, and furry companions are invited to gather for a heartwarming day of games, laughter, and giving back at the upcoming Love & Laughter Family Fest on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Hosted by the Anthony Legacy of Love (ALL) Foundation, this free-admission event promises an afternoon packed with activities while raising awareness for autoimmune diseases and supporting college scholarships for local students.
Jim Saxton Community Center, 3811 South Bolling Boulevard, North Hanover, NJ
Cost: Free
Cranford Spring Street Fest
May 18, 11 am – 5 pm
Step into a world of vibrant crafts, tantalizing tastes, and endless entertainment! Get ready to stroll through a kaleidoscope of crafts, flavors, and rhythms, where every corner holds a new adventure. This is a street-fair style event featuring 100+ artisans and Cranford Businesses along North Union Ave and Alden St. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Food Trucks and Live Music will be in the Fire Department parking lot next to the gazebo.
308 Union Ave N, Cranford, NJ
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase
May 14, 5 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy a taste of mouth-watering food samplings and decadent dessert bites from dozens of the Wildwoods’ finest restaurants and specialty shops. All proceeds benefit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation and scholarships for area high school students. An auction of fantastic prizes will be held.
3320 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $40
LSC After Dark: Murder in Paradise
May 15, 6 pm – 10 pm
Welcome to your tropical dream, but wait…These scientists are trying to murder me! On May 15, #LSCAfterDark and the Murder Mystery Co. bring you Murder in Paradise! Brush up on your detective skills, throw on your Hawaiian shirt, and meet us on the dance floor.
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $22 in advance, $25 at the door
Annual Greek Festival
May 15 – 18
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 15 – 18
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
Denville Fairy Trail Walk
May 16 & 17
Enjoy an evening of wonderment and fairy dust! This year the event has expanded to two nights, but will once again feature fairy houses along the path at Muriel Hepner, face painting, Queen Faerie Ella and more.
Muriel Hepner Park, Denville, NJ
Cost: Tickets will be $5 each (kids 5 and under are free)
New Jersey Seafood Festival
May 16 – 18
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
Farm to Fleece: Sheep Shearing & Fiber Arts Day
May 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Farm to Fleece: Sheep Shearing & Fiber Arts Day allows you to meet the animals that live on the farm, including Jersey cows, chickens, and, of course, sheep. While the lambs won’t be getting their first “haircut” until next season, you can still enjoy the sheep shearing and wool dyeing demonstrations. These showcase the process of turning raw wool into beautiful yarn, illustrating how fiber arts have been used for generations. In addition to the fiber arts demonstrations, take a step back in time with a visit to the 1915 farmhouse. Tour the historic building and see the exhibit “Driving into the 20th Century,” featuring a 1922 Ford Model T car that once cruised around Morris County. You can even try out the climb-on Model T truck simulator to experience what it was like to drive one.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $10
Steel Mill Street Fair
May 17, 10 am – 4 pm
Formally known as the Bordentown Street Fair, this event will feature over 250 Booths filled with crafters, vendors, artisan specialty foods, local community organizations/non-profits, food trucks, and local musicians/entertainers performing all day. Plenty of free parking; the event is next to the NJ Transit River Line Roebling Train Station. Rain Date: May 18
Roebling Museum, 100 2nd Avenue In Roebling, Florence Twp, NJ
Cost: Free
Lake Hopatcong Block Party
May 17, 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
Woodbridge Street Fair
May 17, 11 am – 5 pm
Come on down to Woodbridge for the Annual Woodbridge Street Fair & Craft Show and enjoy a day of family fun with original arts & crafts, artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides, live music, DJ performances and more. Admission is free!
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ
Cost: Free
Taco Palooza
May 17, 11 am – 7 pm
Hold on to your Sombreros and get ready to shake your Maracas! Join this festival dedicated to celebrating all things taco! NJ Food Trucks, Restaurants, Chefs and Variety of Beer, Sangria & Margaritas …. Kids activities, Vendors and great LIVE Music…Peoples Choice Awards for Top Traditional Taco , Trendsetter Taco & Loco Taco. Come Hungry and Thirsty. Bring chairs, blankets & pop ups.
Mennen Arena Field, 161 E. Hanover Rd, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Under 5 are free
Maifest Celebration
May 17, 12 pm – 9 pm
A day filled with award-winning German beers, delectable food, and live entertainment. The renowned Silver Starlight Orchestra will set the stage with traditional German and Big Band music starting at 1:00 PM. There will also be a remarkable selection of food trucks, including Latin Fuego, Drea’s Tapas, Eddie Dee’s, and Brakes and Briskets. Local artisans, crafters, and businesses will be present throughout the day, adding a special touch to the festivities. As the sun sets, stay for a memorable evening with Diamond Eye Jack, performing a tribute to the Grateful Dead.
937 US Highway 202 S, Neshanic Station, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Keansburg Food Truck Festival
May 17, 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 17, 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
MayFest
May 17 & 18, 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
Cost: Free
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 17 & 18, 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 17 & 18, 11 am – 7 pm
The Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival is 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 – $25
World Food Extravaganza
May 17 & 18, 11 am – 7 pm
A two-day celebration of global flavors, music, and entertainment! The event features over 20 food vendors offering authentic dishes from around the world, bringing an EPCOT-style experience to New Jersey. On Saturday, May 17, attendees can enjoy country music from the Brian Dean Moore Band and more, while Sunday, May 18, will feature an exciting lineup, including the Super Stars of UWA Elite Pro Wrestling. A selection of international beer, wine, and hard seltzers will be available. Tickets are $10 online or $20 for a two-day pass, with door prices at $15 per day or $25 for the weekend. Children under 10 enter for free, and parking is also free. Proudly sponsored by New Jersey 101.5 and 94.5 WPST, this event promises a weekend of great food, music, and fun for the whole family.
Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
Cost: $15 per person per day $25 for a 2-day pass All children under 12 are free
Ocean Fun Days
May 17 & 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 & NJ Sea Grant Consortium, Sandy Hook, NJ
Cost: Free
Rose Squared Art Show Verona Park
May 17 & 18; 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
Laurita Winery’s Baconfest
May 17 & 18, Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm
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.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ
Tickets: $13 in advance and $15 at the door
Riverview Beach Park Wine Festival
May 17 & 18, 12 pm – 5 pm
Picture this, a warm spring afternoon, a gentle breeze off the Delaware River, live music filling the air, and a glass of your favorite locally made New Jersey wine in hand. That’s what awaits you at the Riverview Beach Park Wine Festival on May 17 and May 18, 2025, from noon to 5 PM each day. With New Jersey wineries, delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and local craft vendors, this festival is the perfect way to taste, toast, and enjoy the season. New Jersey wineries will be pouring a variety of wines and there’s something for everyone—from light and fruity to bold and dry. Come sample some of the new summer offerings and talk with the winemakers. Purchase wine by the bottle to enjoy with friends & family at the festival or take home to sip all summer long.
Riverview Beach Park, 5 N. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of. Under 21 and DD are free.
The Hermitage Museum Vintage & Antique Fair
May 18, 9 am – 4 pm
The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. present an outdoor Antique & Vintage Fair on the scenic grounds of the Hermitage Museum. Expect around 60 exhibitors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items, estate jewelry, coins, stamps, comics, sports memorabilia, furniture, dolls, and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and walk-through museum tours. From 11 AM to 3 PM, certified appraiser Jon Feltz will offer on-site appraisals for $10 per item. Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots.
335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Cost: $5
Clark’s “Rock the Block” Street Fair
May 18, 10 am – 5 pm
Clark will be transformed into a marketplace of vendors, crafters and retail establishments. Come enjoy the culinary delights of the local food vendors. The day will be filled with entertainment and a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables.
Downtown Clark, NJ
Cost: Free
Kenilworth Street Fair with Classic Cars Too!
May 18, 10 am – 4 pm
Kenilworth’s annual Boulevard Block Party takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM, closing the streets from 14th to 23rd for a day of shopping, food, and entertainment. Over 100 exhibitors will showcase jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more, alongside a special crafters’ section with unique handmade items. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and martial arts demos, plus a kid’s zone packed with bounce rides, face painting, and games. Savor delicious carnival favorites and gourmet food truck fare. Don’t miss the classic and custom car show in front of Harding School, with registration open until 1 PM.
525 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ
Cost: Free Admission
Maplewood “MayFest” Street Fair
May 18, 11 am – 5 pm
Enjoy a fun day in Maplewood at this fair, featuring artists, vendors, kids activities, and live entertainment.
Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
Cost: Free
Freehold Porch Festival
May 18, 12 am – 6 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
