New Jersey Foodie, Beer and Wine Events for May 2023
Spring has arrived in New Jersey and with it comes a plethora of festivals celebrating food, wine, and beer. From the much-awaited food truck festivals and restaurant weeks to exciting beer runs and wine festivals, May 2023 promises to offer a lot of fun and entertainment options.
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.
Featured Events!!
Jersey City Brew Fest
May 5, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
The Jersey City Craft Brew Fest is back and better than ever! The highly anticipated event is set to take place on Friday, May 5th, 2023, from 6:30-10:00 pm at the Liberty State Park-Train/Ferry Terminal. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring over 100 styles of beer from emerging and renowned breweries around the corner and across the globe. Get 40% off tickets with code NJIB. Get tickets here.
Liberty State Park-Train/Ferry Terminal, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $15 – $65
Bayonne Food Truck Fest
May 6, 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 event is scheduled for May 6, 2023, from 12 pm – 7 pm at 22 – 24th Streets & Avenue E Bayonne, NJ. More details on the event can be found here.
The festival will feature 30 food vendors, sand art, kids’ rides, a beer garden, and live music from the Suyat Band and Who Brought the Dog.
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.
Visitors can look forward to sampling a wide range of delicious food from food trucks such as Mozzarepas, El Chilango, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Chavas, Taste of Poland, The Little Sicilian, Twisted Steak, Memphis Seoul, Cold Stone Creamery, Angry Archies, The Steak Truck, Athens Delite, House of Cupcakes, Trade Winds, Just Delicious Kettle Corn, Mac Truck, Hormans Pickles, Carnival Concessions, Latin Bites, La Coqueta, La Belle Crepe, El Cubano Express, Jersey Johnnies, Carinderia Mexi-Filipino Fusion, and Tbarks.
Ave E 22-24th St, Bayonne, NJ
Cost: Free
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
May 20, 12PM – 5PM
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, use code NEWJERSEYISNTBORING for $20 off tickets
Cinco de Mayo: Margs and Tacos
May 4 – 6
Are you ready to fiesta like there’s no mañana? Then head on over to Renault Winery for our Cinco de Mayo: Margs & Tacos event! Get your taste buds dancing with three guided pairings of the most delicious and refreshing margaritas, perfectly matched with mouthwatering street tacos.
Renault Winery Resort 72 N Bremen Avenue Egg Harbor City, NJ
Cost: $30
Chester Food Truck and Music Fest
May 6, 11 am – 7 pm
Food! Beer! Music! Fun! It’s a fun filled family day. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pups, pop ups and blankets.
Municipal Field, 134 Main St, Chester, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Untap Spring
May 6, 11 am – 6 pm
Breweries include: Death of the Fox Brewing Company, Striped Lion Distilling, Axe & Arrow, Brewing Farmers & Bankers Brewing, Core 3 Brewery Armageddon Brewing, & Swedesboro Brewing.
Memorial Park, Greenwich Township, NJ
Cost: $10 – Includes festival admission and souvenir beer glass
2nd Annual Central NJ Empanada Fest featuring UWA Elite Wrestling
May 6, 11 am – 7 pm
Time to decide on who makes the best empanada in Central NJ! Come to the Brunswick Square Mall on Saturday, May 6th as we celebrate the Empanada. The event will be highlighting local gourmet food vendors and their unique twists on empanadas as well as many other food trucks serving BBQ, all American, Asian and more.In addition to all the food, you can also expect live music from Naughty Humphrey and Grand Theft Audio, Fun activities for kids and adults include Bungee Trampoline, Bounce house, Air soft shooting gallery, face painter, henna tattoo, and sand art. As a special attraction, your ticket will include a 90-min professional wrestling show from UWA Elite Wrestling
Brunswick Square Mall 755 Rt 18 East Brunswick
Cost. Fast Pass tickets are on sale now for $6.50 for 6 years and up. $8 at the door, 5 and under are free.
Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl
May 6, 12 pm – 5 pm
Participants will sample eight delicious 6oz. Margaritas and then vote for their favorite! The fee includes discounted food and drink specials at local eateries and pubs, specials at many of our fine retail establishments and even some surprise samplings! Live Mariachi music will be playing at the participating restaurants to add an authentic Mexican flair to the event!
Huddy Park, 301 Shore Dr, Highlands, NJ
Cost: $30
Skylands Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
May 6, 12 pm – 7 pm (Rain or shine)
This event has entertainment for all ages. Spend a special day enjoying the outdoors, with delicious options including 20+ food truck vendors, desserts, specialty drinks & more. 100+ craft beers, live music, and games.
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $5, Children 38 Tall and Shorter are Free
AAPI Food & Music Festival
May 6, 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
Cost: Free
Down & Derby Wine Festival
May 6, 2 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the fun on Saturday, May 6th on Veterans Island at Cooper River Park to sample delicious wines from South Jersey’s leading wine producers while immersing yourself in Derby themed fashion and festivities at The Annual Down & Derby Wine Festival presented By Visit South Jersey And Camden County.
Veterans Island, Cooper River Park, 5300 North Park Dr, Pennsauken, NJ
Cost: $15 – $75
2023 Meadowlands Racetrack Beer Fest
May 6, 5PM – 9PM
Tickets on sale for Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s 7th Annual Beer Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023
Hours: (event is rain or shine, tickets will print time 5:00-9:00pm – (please note that VIP doors open at 4:00pm)
* VIP: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
* GA: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Festival Highlights (subject to change):
* Beers from around the US
* DJ
* Live horse racing – beginning 6:20pm
* The Kentucky Derby Simulcast
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – The Backyard, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: $15 – $65
Springfield Food Truck Festival
May 7, 11 am – 6 pm
Come and celebrate a day in the sun with fabulous food trucks, arts, and great live music!
Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Rd, Springfield, NJ
Cost: $5
BBQ Jamfest
May 7, 12 pm – 4pm
An outdoor cookout with family and friends! The event features Live Music, Cornhole, and Prizes.
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, 710 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
VetFest Music and Food Truck Festival
May 7, 12 pm – 7 pm
The festival will feature New Jersey’s top bands and over a dozen local food trucks, all in support of Community Hope. There will also be Two Bounce houses for the kids (free with entry) and a Beer Garden. Proceeds from this event will benefit Community Hope’s Veterans Programs to end veteran homelessness.
Dave Waks Memorial Park, 39 Barbour Pond Rd, Wayne, NJ
Cost: $10 – $45
Garden State Plaza Spring Food and Music Festival
May 7, 12 pm – 7 pm
After a long winter, it’s time to celebrate being outside with a fun family festival. Join 12+ food vendors, live music, games, and activities for all ages. In addition to activities include Airsoft shooting range, bounce house, bungee trampoline, face painters, Henna by Dana, and more.
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ
Cost: $6 for everyone 6 and over
Wildwood Restaurant Showcase
May 10, 5 pm – 8pm
Enjoy a sampling of mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts from dozens of the Wildwoods’ finest restaurants and specialty shops. Held at the Bolero Resort & Conference Center, 3320 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood. 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
Blue Water Grille at The Bolero Resort, 3320 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $35
Garden State Wine Growers Mother’s Day Weekend Wine Trail
May 12 – 14
Starting May 12th thru the 14th, celebrate with Mom while discovering all that Garden State wine country has to offer. A journey on the Mother’s Day Wine Trail promises to honor the extraordinary ladies in your life. What to expect on the Garden State Wine Growers Association Mother’s Day Wine Trail:
– Gorgeous vineyards with outdoor seating and live entertainment
– Special Mother’s Day drinks and tastings with commentary by expert sommeliers
– Food trucks, fire pits, market umbrellas, flowers, and Mother’s Day wine glasses
– Candle making and succulent planting
– Brunch, lunch, specialty desserts and wine flights
Partipating Wineries in NJ
Cost: Varies per event
Bloom Market Festival
May 13, 10 am – 3 pm
Come and celebrate the special ladies in your life this Mother’s Day weekend at Renault. The theme “Bloom where you are planted” will be reflected throughout this two-day event. Shop a wide array of curated Makers who will be sharing their handmade goods while enjoying live music, photo opportunities, a moment for dedication, and dining options. Saturday will also provide interactive activities and projects for kids and their moms to enjoy together.
Renault Winery Resort 72 N Bremen Avenue Egg Harbor City, NJ
Cost: Free
Branchburg Food Truck and Music Fest
May 13, 11 am – 7 pm, Rain Date May 21
Food! Beer! Music! Fun! It’s a fun filled family day. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pups, pop ups and blankets.
White Oak Park, 235 Baird Rd, Branchburg, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Vendor & Food Truck Festival
May 13, 12 pm – 5 pm (Rain date: Sunday, May 14)
Join in for a day full of fun, food, and vendors for the whole family.
RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams, 1505 N. Bay Ave, Toms River, NJ
Cost: Free admission and the event is open to the public.
Brew By the Bay
May 13, 12 pm – 6 pm (May 15th Rain date)
The tasting takes place on the picturesque waterfront; tickets are $35.00 and include seven 4oz. tastings and a pint of craft beer and a commemorative pilsner cup (for the first 300 registered). Additional tastings can be purchased at the event for $3. Participating breweries include Belford Brewing Co., Jughandle Brewing Co., Jersey Cyclone Brewing Co., Toms River Brewing, Yale Terrace Brewery, Last Wave Brewing Co., South 40 Brewing Co., Icarus Brewing, Ross Brewing Co., Carton Brewing, Ghost Hawk Brewing Co., Bradley Brew Project, and Battle River Brewing, to name a few. Each participating brewery will bring two styles of beer. There will be live music, fire pits, and delicious Local Smoke cuisine.
Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., Highlands, NJ
Cost: $35
Manville PBA Food & Music Festival
May 13, 12 pm – 7 pm
MegaBite Events has joined forces with the Manville PBA for the first big food and music fest of 2023 on May 13th at the Rustic Mall starting at noon! yes… Its a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend! 12+ food vendors, Live music from Naughty Humphrey and Grand Theft Audio NJ, Craft vendors, Bounce House village, Bungee Trampoline, air shot shooting range, henna tattoo, and so much more….
Rustic Mall, Main Street Manville NJ
Cost: $6 for everyone 6 and over
Central NJ Spring Beer Festival
May 13, 3 pm – 7 pm
Enjoy draft beer from the following NJ breweries: Buttzville, Conclave, Descendants, Flounder, Glenbrook, Highrail, Jersey Cyclone, Jersey Girl, Oakflower, Opportunity, Sunken Silo, and Burnt Mills Cidery. Live music on the beach!
Sunset Lake, 1350 Coriell Drive Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: $10 – $65
49th Annual Greek Festival
May 18 – 21
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 Seafood Festival
May 19 – 21
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
Keansburg Food Truck Festival
May 20, 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
Cost: Free
Rhythm & Brews
May 20, 3PM – 9PM
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
2023 Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
May 20 & 21, 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. All welcome!
Bradley Park, 101-199 5th Ave Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $15 – $30, kids 13 and under are free
Verona Food Truck and Music Fest
May 21, 11 am – 7 pm
100th Anniversary Celebration! It’s a fun-filled family day. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pups, pop ups and blankets.
Our Lady of the Lake Parish Lot, Montrose Ave, Verona, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Saddle Brook Food Truck Extravaganza at St. Philips
May 27, 11 am – 7 pm
JC’s Food Truck Fest and Vendor Pop-Up will be held on May 27, hosting a variety of the best food trucks from the New Jersey area. Outdoor seating will be available, in addition to vendors selling a variety of items, live music, a kids’ zone, and a beer & wine garden!
488 Saddle River Rd, Saddle Brook, NJ
Cost: $5
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 27 – 29
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
2nd Annual Bernardsville Car Show & Food Truck Fest
May 29, 11 am – 3 pm
Cars of all years, makes, and models are welcome. Food trucks, hospitality tent, Power Wheels Parade, Giveaways, and More!
Bernards High School, 25 Olcott Ave, Bernardsville, NJ
Cost: Free, $15 for cars to register. Free for veterans.
