NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Events Memorial Day Weekend
It’s the unofficial first weekend of summer in NJ! New Jersey Isn’t Boring’s Guide to New Jersey Events Memorial Day Weekend 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 Highlands Seaport Craft Show on Sunday, May 24th.
Featured!
Keyport’s Stars and Stripes Food Truck and Music Festival
May 23, 11 am – 8 pm
Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend with flavors, fun and a feast for the senses at Keyport’s Stars & Stripes Food Truck & Music Festival. Featuring 18 Gourmet Food Trucks with something for everyone – from sweet treats to savory eats. This year’s festival also features a variety of vendors and a Beer/Sangria and Margarita garden for the adults, plus kids activities including face painting, sand art, inflatables, mini golf plus so much more!
Keyport Waterfront Park, Keyport, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 22 – May 25
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
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
May 22 – 25
The L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival brings family fun to the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. Enjoy food, rides, and carnival games while supporting a great cause which benefits the LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program.
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $5 and up
Antique & Vintage Show
May 23, 8 am – 2 pm
Shop and search for amazing antique and vintage finds during Allaire’s Annual Antiques Show!
Discover timeless treasures at The Historic Village at Allaire’s Antique & Vintage Show on Saturday, May 23rd, from 8 AM to 2 PM! Explore a charming marketplace filled with authentic antiques, farmhouse décor, pottery, linens, glassware, estate jewelry, and more — Plus…enjoy the beautiful historic village. Enjoy the open bakery, general store, and historic buildings.
Allaire State Park, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ
Cost: $5 per person aged 11 and up
Collingswood May Fair
May 23, 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
Berkeley Township Food Truck & Music FEASTival
May 23, 11 am – 7 pm
The Food Trucks are rolling into Veterans Park – 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, Adult Beverage Garden, and Fun for the entire family. Live Music with some incredible bands, kid activities, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, sand art, & so much more.
489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 23 & 24, 9 am – 7 pm
The festival includes crafters, food, live music, and family fun, along the promenade with entertainment both days. Parade on Saturday at 10 am, running along Ocean Ave.
Bradley Beach Boardwalk, Bradley Beach, NJ
Cost: Free
Snyder Farm’s Strawberry Festival
May 23 & 24, 9 am – 4 pm
Over two days, visitors can wander the rows of strawberry plants, handpick their own fresh fruit, and enjoy a vibrant kids’ activity area filled with crafts and interactive fun. The festival also features a “Touch a Truck” experience, perfect for young vehicle enthusiasts, plus plenty of photo opportunities to capture the day’s memories.
586 S Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 23 & 24 (9 am – 5pm Sat and 9 am – 3 pm Sun)
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.
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: Free
Berry Bash Festival
May 23 & 24, 9 am – 5 pm
The strawberry picking season has arrived, inviting visitors to enjoy the Berry Bash Festivals for a full day of farm fun perfect for families, date days, or outings with friends. Guests can pick fresh strawberries and take scenic hayrides to and from the fields until the final departure at 4:00 PM, all while enjoying live music and the views of the 325-acre family farm. Dining options include lunch favorites at the Farmhouse Grill, spring sips with Tomasello Winery under the covered patio, and handcrafted iced beverages and ice cream at The Café & Creamery, offering plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the day.
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ
Cost: Ticket prices start at $4.25
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 23-24
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire invites visitors to step back in time for a full day of mythical family fun and interactive entertainment. Running on select weekends from late May through mid-June, the outdoor festival features an entirely immersive storyline brought to life by colorful cast members, professional jousting knights, and eclectic variety acts including magicians, musicians, fire-breathers, and aerialists. Attendees can spend the day exploring a bustling merchant market filled with handcrafted artisan wares, enjoying local food court options, visiting the covered winery patio, or participating in a festival-wide live role-playing game, with the magic continuing into Saturday evenings for separate-ticketed, adult-themed after-hours shows.
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ
Cost: $25 and up. $10 for Child Flex Day Pass (Ages 5 to 12).
Adventure Fest / Alice in Wonderland
May 23 & 24, 1 pm – 5 pm
Step into a world of whimsy with a free outdoor performance of Riddlesbrood’s Alice in Wonderland during Fantasy AdventureFest at Historic Smithville. This lively, family-friendly musical brings Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic to life with playful comedy, catchy music, and interactive moments that delight audiences of all ages. Performances take place on the Village Green on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026. Showtimes are 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free, making it the perfect outing for families and friends.
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 23 – 25
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: $7
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 23 – June 14 (Sat & Sun), 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: $25+
Long Branch – Art in the Park
May 24, 10 am – 4 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, and Ceramics.
West End Park (Brighton Avenue), Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Highlands Seaport Craft Show
May 24, 10 am – 5 pm
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
A Seaside Celebration
May 24, 12 pm – 5 pm
Join for a seaside celebration filled with live music, sand sculpting, sweet treats, and family fun! FREE live music from Animal House will be taking place from 12-2PM followed by DJ entertainment with Mike Dempsey from 2-5PM.
Convention Hall Deck, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free
New Jersey Jerk Fest
May 24, 12 pm – 8 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.
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $20+
Farmingdale’s Memorial Day Parade
May 25, 11 am
The community is invited to celebrate the town’s 53rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, featuring a patriotic atmosphere filled with music, dancing, classic cars, and horse-drawn carriages. Festivities kick off at 11:00 AM with the opening of the Main Street Market’s artisan vendors, followed by an 11:30 AM Veterans Memorial ceremony at Lutz Park hosted by VFW Post 9691 and American Legion Post 178, leading up to the official parade kickoff at 2:00 PM near the Pierce Memorial Presbyterian Church reviewing stand. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early with lawn chairs, blankets, candy bags for children, and American flags to wave.
Main Street, Farmingdale, NJ
Cost: Free
