NJIB’s Guide to 25+ New Jersey Events May 1 – 3, 2026
It’s May…can you believe it?! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events May 1 – 3, 2026 is your go-to source for the best events happening across this great state! From fun festivals and food-filled weekends to family-friendly expos, live entertainment, and unique seasonal celebrations – there’s plenty to do this weekend!
Always check the weather and the event links before you attend in case of cancellations and rescheduling.
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.
Bonus! Come see NJIB at Bell Works Fresh on Wednesday, April 29
Featured Events!
White Hill Mansion’s Paranormal Expo
May 2, 10 am – 5 pm
The 2026 Paranormal Expo promises an immersive and interactive experience for attendees of all ages. In addition to celebrity meet-and-greets, the event will include a dedicated kids’ table, educational workshops focusing on ghost hunting equipment and investigative techniques, and the rare opportunity to participate in mini-paranormal investigations of the historic White Hill Mansion itself. Guests can also look forward to exploring the expansive vendor market, featuring handcrafted items, metaphysical tools, and local artisan wares.
White Hill Mansion, 217 E Burlington St, Fieldsboro, NJ
Cost: $15 – $60
Ewing Restaurant Week
Now – May 3
Don’t think of Ewing, New Jersey as a great destination for different fare to indulge in when you eat out? You will be greatly surprised! And, this is the perfect opportunity to see what you’ve been missing. Whether it’s family night out or a special evening for two, dining in or looking for great take-out. These are a great way to try something new and different, expand your ‘go-to’ list and quickly embrace new favorites.
Ewing, NJ
Boonton Main Street Presents “Art Walk”
May 1, 5 pm – 9 pm
Set against the picturesque streets of Boonton, this immersive evening will transform Main Street into a lively hub of artistic expression and community connection. Attendees can stroll through local shops and venues showcasing a diverse array of artwork while enjoying live music, lite bites, and libations from participating businesses. The Art Walk is part of Boonton’s popular “First Friday” series, designed to support local artists, highlight small businesses, and bring the community together in a welcoming, walkable setting.
Main St, Boonton, NJ
Cost: Free
Atlantic Visiting Nurse Rummage Sale
May 1 – 3, Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2: 9:30am – 3:30pm, Sunday, May 3: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Twice a year, Atlantic Visiting Nurse holds an epic rummage sale at the Far Hills Fairgrounds. This fundraiser helps provide home health and hospice care for uninsured. It involves hundreds of volunteers and attracts thousands of bargain hunters who scour our two acres and 25 departments. This isn’t your average sale. What began as a modest fundraiser in 1923 with just a handful of tables has grown into a landmark event that raises $1.5 million every year to provide home care and hospice for people in the community. There’s truly nothing else like it in New Jersey.
Far Hills Fairgrounds, 1 Peapack Rd, Far Hills, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
NJ Wine & Food Festival
May 1 – 3
Crystal Springs Resort is proud to host New Jersey Food & Wine Fest — the king of all New Jersey wine events. The festival’s events are designed to allow food and wine connoisseurs to meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers and sample the best food and wine around.
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg, NJ
Ocean City Spring Block Party
May 2, 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
Cost: Free
Annual NOFA-NJ Mushroom Fest
May 2, 9:30 am – 4 pm
Whether you’re an advanced mycologist or an entry-level mushroom enthusiast, NOFA-NJ’s network of mushroom professionals are eager to share their knowledge in a day dedicated to FUN(gus)! Event sessions include exciting cooking demos and tastings, shiitake log inoculation, take-home grow kits, advanced technical processes, lab and grow designs, therapeutic regulation AND MORE!
808 Springwood Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $50
Fairy Trail Festival
May 2, 10 am – 2 pm
This free, festival-style day is filled with enchantment for all ages— Storytelling, Fairy house building, Face painting, Scavenger hunt…and more woodland surprises! Wings, crowns & Fairy Trail t-shirts will be available for purchase— with all proceeds supporting the South Mountain Conservancy Fairy Trail Fund. Come dressed in your most magical attire (or get outfitted at the event!)
Locust Grove, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ
Cost: Free
Made in Monmouth
May 2, 10 am – 4 pm
Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors to create useful new products that the public will want to buy and for visitors to find the best Monmouth made products to enrich their lives! Shop local by supporting local goods like kid friendly items, baked goods, art work, jewelry, pet items and more!
Brookdale Community College, in the Collins Arena & Recreation Events Center, Lincroft, NJ
Cost: Free
ECO Fair
May 2, 10 am – 4 pm
ECO Fair is a free Family Day event inspired by natural and artful living, featuring local gardening clubs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners with various native and wildlife-friendly plants, locally grown herbs and vegetables for sale, handmade works of New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, Nature Trail tours, eco-friendly activities for families, live music, and more. Enjoy a beautiful spring day by walking around the WheatonArts campus. Admission to all WheatonArts exhibits and Artist Studio demonstrations are free and open to the public for the day, part of WheatonArts’ Family Days, presented by PNC Arts Alive! Supply your zip code at the gate and receive a FREE Eco-shopping bag, courtesy of the Cumberland County Improvement Authority! One per adult, while supplies last. Children have an opportunity to design their own at the Authority booth while supplies last.
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ
Cost: Free
Kidsfest
May 2, 11 am – 2 pm
Kids Fest at the Cohanzick Zoo is a free, annual spring event featuring family-friendly entertainment. Attendees can enjoy carnival games, craft stations, face painting, and food trucks like Big John’s Pizza Queen. It is a celebration of spring, featuring educational, hands-on activities for children.
Cohanzick Zoo, 45 Mayor Aitken Drive Bridgeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Kayou MY LITTLE PONY Collect & Play Day
May 2, 11 am – 5 pm
Join for a celebration of friendship, magic, fun, and collectible cards. Whether you’re stopping by with family, meeting up with friends, or just curious about the new MY LITTLE PONY Trading Card Game, this all-ages event is the perfect way to experience the magic—no purchase required. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to: Get Ponified with playful makeup looks and colorful hair extensions, Snap & Share at a themed photo moment with fun giveaways, Learn & Play with hands-on TCG demos and guided gameplay, Discover the Cards with collectible designs to explore up close, and Collect & Shop Kayou MLP cards, booster packs, and starter decks. RSVP to reserve your spot.
A Court, Level 1 @ American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: Free
Union County Celtic Festival
May 2, 11 am – 6 pm
The festival includes entertainment, a children’s area, cultural activities, piping and drumming contests, craft vendors, dancing, food vendors, and a beer garden.
787 Featherbed Ln, Clark, NJ
Cost: Ticketed Event
Elmwood Park’s Springfest Street Fair w/Crafters Corner
May 2, 11 am – 5 pm
This event is hosted by the Borough of Elmwood Park and will be held on Market Street and the Recreation Field from 11 am-5 pm, rain or shine. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event and will be transformed into a giant block party. If you like shopping then this is the place to be. They’ll have quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie zone, great festival foods & food trucks, and so much more. Local organizations are welcome to join this community event.
300 Market Street, Elmwood Park, NJ
Cost: Free Admission
Chester Food Truck and Music Festival
May 2, 11 am – 7 pm
The Food Trucks are rolling into Chester Borough. Join for a delicious day of Food! Beer! Music! Fun! ! It’s a fun filled family day – 18 Gourmet Food Trucks, Live Music from 3 bands, beer, sangria & margarita garden, kids activities, face painting, inflatables, vendors & more. Bring your friends, family, appetite, lawn chairs, pups and blankets. The event is a Benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad & The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry.
Municipal Field, 134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Jersey Devil Fable Festival
May 2, 12 pm – 6 pm
Bring on the folklore and fables. From the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to the Black Forest of Germany, we have all been raised on the tales of the dark dark forest. Join the Asbury Park Paranormal Museum as they explore those tales, the myth and reality in a good old fashioned festival. Come dressed in you spooky and creepy Brothers Grimm best to ward of the last of the ghouls and goblins of the year.
Mattison Ave in Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: Free
Skylands Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
May 2, 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
Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo
May 2, 12 pm – 5 pm
The 5th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl will be held Saturday, May 2nd, from 12:00-5:00 PM. The fee is $45.00, including a Margarita Contest with local restaurants and establishments competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands. Participants will sample 8 delicious 6oz. Margaritas and then vote for their favorite. The fee includes discounted food and drink specials at our local eateries and pubs, specials at many fine retail establishments, and surprise samplings. Live Mariachi music will be playing at the participating restaurants to add an authentic Mexican flair to the event. Check-in is at Huddy Park from 11 AM and 12:30 PM. You will be given a wristband and a map of the participating business locations.
Huddy Park (check-in) 329 Bay Ave. Highlands, NJ
Cost: $45
NJ Empanada Festival and Car Show
May 2, 12 pm – 7 pm
Get Ready for the Ultimate Latin Food Fest – It’s the battle of the Empanada Festival Champions! All of the past winners (and a few new vendors) will be there to battle for the belt. The real winner is you….you will not find a better selection of Empanadas in NJ.
Rustic Mall, Main Street, Manville, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
AAPI Food & Music Festival
May 2, 1 pm – 5 pm
Union Twp will host its Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Food & Music Festival to celebrate its local AAPI community. The event takes place on Stuyvesant Avenue (between Morris and Axton Ave) for a festival with delicious food vendors, exciting activities, and more.
Stuyvesant Avenue, Union Twp, NJ
Cost: Free
Down & Derby Wine Festival
May 2, 2 pm – 7 pm
Sample delicious wines from South Jersey’s leading wine producers while immersing yourself in Derby themed fashion and festivities at the Fifth Annual Down And Derby Wine Festival presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Visit South Jersey. Enjoy a great day with music, food, games and of course, some of the best wines from South Jersey Wineries.
Veterans Island, Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, NJ
Cost: $35+, DD $15
Union Muster
May 2 & 3, 10 am – 4 pm
Step back in time and experience life during the Civil War era at Middlesex County’s Annual Union Muster, taking place at the East Jersey Old Town Village—Middlesex County’s premier historical site for living history. Presented by the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation in partnership with the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, this free, family-friendly event honors the legacy of the 80,000 New Jersey soldiers who served in the Civil War. Visitors will enjoy a weekend full of: Live historical reenactments with Union soldiers and civilians, Musket and artillery demonstrations, 19th-century music and performances, Children’s crafts and activities, and Savory eats and tasty treats served by Beastro.
East Jersey Old Town Village 1050 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Free
Cape May Renaissance Faire
May 2 & 3, 11 am – 6 pm
Hear ye, Hear ye! Prepare to step back in time as the Cape May Renaissance Faire announces its grand opening, and transforms the Cape May County 4-H Fairgrounds into a bustling festival, May 2 & 3, 2026. The new event promises immersive and whimsical fun, fantasy, music, crafts, food and drink; providing a unique escape for families and the young at heart. The Cape May Renaissance Faire aims to bring the rich traditions of medieval-era entertainment to the local community, blending historical flair with fantastical fun. Attendees can try their hand at archery and axe throwing, shop with various artisanal vendors, or watch the many entertaining performances on 4 stages. Patrons are encouraged to dress in clothing of the bygone area, as the mythical character they wish to be, or just come as they are.
Cape May County 4-H Fairgrounds, 355 Court House-South Dennis Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ
Cost: $10 – $20
A Day of Wine, Romance, and More!
May 2 & 3, 12 pm – 4 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
Cost: Free admission
Handmade Hopewell: A Makers Street Fair
May 3, 10 am – 4 pm
A small, but mighty unique and highly curated makers street fair. Upwards of 60 makers, artisans, and craftspeople fill Seminary Avenue of Hopewell Borough offering a wide variety of goods including textiles, home goods, paintings, ceramics and much more! Rain or Shine.
Seminary Avenue, Hopewell Borough, NJ
Cost: Free
Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair
May 3, 10 am – 5 pm
Spring Fling Street Fair in Westfield promises to deliver an array of exciting new attractions and all the favorites from years past such as a kid’s zone, including carnival rides, face painting, henna art, and boardwalk-style games. It will feature realistic dinosaur attractions, utilizing animatronics and puppetry to interacting with attendees, adding an extra layer of excitement for families.Attendees can expect an expanded lineup of live music all day. The fair will offer a range of food vendors along with a designated seating area and high-top tables in the beer garden for a more enjoyable dining experience.
Downtown Westfield, NJ
Cost: Free
Springfest Craft Show & Antique Corner
May 3, 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 handcrafted 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
Cost: Free
Walnut Street Fair
May 3, 11 am – 4 pm
Spread throughout the heart of Walnut Street in beautiful Montclair, NJ, the Walnut Street Fair features 200+ vendors and displays, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, a family fun zone with Touch-A-Truck and much more! This event is family/dog friendly. The Walnut Street Fair stretches from Forest Street all the way to Grove Street. Erie Park (next to the baseball field) will feature a huge family-fun zone with tons of kid-friendly activities and entertainment.
Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
Cost: Free
Highland Park Street Fair & Craft Show
May 3, 11 am – 5 pm
Come on down to Highland Park for the Annual Highland Park Street Fair & Craft Show and enjoy a day of family fun with original and interesting Arts & Crafts, Artists, Crafters, Vendors, Food, Games, Family Fun, live music, DJ, performances and more!
Raritan Ave and 5th Ave; Highland Park NJ
Cost: Free
