NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events Memorial Day Weekend

It’s the unofficial start to Summer in New Jersey! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events Memorial Day Weekend (May 23rd – May 26th) 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 Journal Square Farmers Market on Tuesday, May 20th, Bell Works Fresh in Holmdel on Wednesday, May 21st,  Jackson Farmers Market on May 22nd, Harvest and Home on May 24th, and the 24th Annual Highlands Seaport Craft Show on May 25th.

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 Memorial Day Weekend:

Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 23 – May 26
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
Cost: Free

Collingswood May Fair
May 24, 10 am – 5 pm
What began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit” now encompasses more than a mile of the business district along Haddon Avenue. 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 adds 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
Cost: Free

Memorial Day Weekend BBQ
May 24, 12 pm – 5 pm
Who doesn’t love a good BBQ to get into the summer mindset? Makes you want a hot dog real bad! Bring out your friends and family to Bellview Winery to share a chilled carafe of their specialty sangria while you enjoy a BBQ lunch from one of their food trucks.
150 Atlantic St, Landisville, NJ
Cost: Free to attend

Freedom Fest at Needle Creek Brewery
May 24, 12 pm – 10 pm
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with cold beer, live music from Sheila & Mike (2-6 pm), food trucks, artisan shopping, demos, DIY projects, face painting, board games, a farm-themed play zone, animal feedings, fire pits and farm fun at the first-ever Freedom Fest at the newly opened Needle Creek Brewery.
91 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ
Cost: Free to attend

The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 24 & 25, 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

Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 24 & 25
Stroll along the southern end of the Wildwoods Boardwalk and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Boardwalk Crafts Shows, where creativity meets the ocean breeze! These events showcase an array of talented artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. As you explore the many booths lining the southern end of the “boards”, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious homemade treats, and more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, the Boardwalk Crafts Shows provide a delightful shopping experience with the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Wildwoods sign. Saturday from 9 am. – 5 pm. & Sunday from 9 am – 3 pm
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 24 – 26
This Memorial Day weekend, Monmouth Park’s biggest event – the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival – is back on its normal date and back to its normal size. Come enjoy 35 of the Jersey Shore’s most mouth-watering food trucks. Sample everything from lobster rolls to Mac & Cheese to fried oreos. Amazing food, great music, live horse racing, and much more
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport NJ
Cost: $6

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 24 – 26
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
Cost: Free

24th Annual Highlands Seaport Craft Show
May 25, 10 am – 5 pm
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 24th Annual Seaport Craft Show, Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave. Highlands, on Sunday, May 25th, 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 12 PM- 4 PM. There will be a huge variety of unique gifts, art, jewelry, and personal items at this Juried Show.
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave. Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free

Long Branch – Art in the Park
May 25, 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
Cost: Free

New Jersey Jerk Fest
May 25, 1 pm – 7 pm
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.
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Tickets: $15 – $60

Cape May Music Festival
May 25 – June 28
The Cape May Music Festival, celebrating its 36th year from May 25 to June 28, 2025, offers a diverse lineup of classical, chamber, and jazz performances in Cape May, NJ. Hosted by Cape May MAC, the festival features renowned ensembles like the Atlantic Brass Band, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, and New York Chamber Ensemble, along with unique events such as Bach’s Lunches, blending live music with fine dining. With performances held at scenic venues like Rotary Park and the Episcopal Church of the Advent, the festival showcases world-class musicians while enriching Cape May’s cultural scene. More details and tickets are available at capemaymac.org.
Cape May, NJ
Cost: Varies per event

Tour of Somerville
May 26
The Tour of Somerville stands as America’s longest-running bike race, tracing its origins to 1940. The flat, 4-corner criterium format race has remained a fixture in Downtown Somerville, with the iconic start/finish line on South Main Street (119 West Main St.). After the race, restaurants and shops open for the Memorial Day holiday. Outside seating is plentiful along the course. Or, host a BBQ on the back straight, an athlete’s favorite for generations. In the DSA Community Zone, there will be kids’ bounce houses, a Pop’s Bike Shop Kid’s Course, food trucks, and a vendor expo area in Turn 1.
Downtown Somerville, W Main St, Somerville, NJ
Cost: Free for spectators