April 2026 in New Jersey: The Best Festivals, Events, and Weekend Ideas

Guide to New Jersey April Events & Festivals
iPlay America

April in New Jersey feels like someone finally cracked open a window after a long winter. The air’s still cool, but the calendar heats up fast, flower festivals, food truck lineups, street fairs, night markets, and plenty of live music (some of it totally free).

This guide is organized two ways: first, a weekend-by-weekend scan so you can choose fast, then a set of mini-itinerary ideas that make a regular weekend feel like a trip. Easter Sunday lands on April 5, 2026, so you’ll also see Easter-friendly options early in the month.

The best April 2026 festivals and events in New Jersey, sorted by weekend

April weekends can be busy in NJ, which is great until you’re stuck deciding at 9:30 a.m. with everyone asking, “So what are we doing?” Use these weekend clusters like a menu.

A few quick realities to keep things smooth: parking fills early in walkable downtowns, farms can get muddy after rain, and some events sell timed tickets. If you can, buy tickets ahead and screenshot them. If the forecast looks rough, pick a downtown event with easy indoor backup nearby.

April 4, 5: Easter weekend ideas

Delaware River Railroad Easter Bunny Train Ride and egg hunt in Phillipsburg: April 4, 5 2026
If your family loves a plan that runs like clockwork, this one hits the mark. You get the excitement of a real train ride, plus a stop for an egg hunt near the historic Lime Kilns, and time for Bunny photos. It feels like an outing, not just a quick dash through grass.
This is a popular activity for train-obsessed kids, grandparents who want a seated activity, and families who want the whole experience wrapped into one ticket.
Book ahead, then arrive early so you're not sprinting from the parking lot with baskets bouncing. For official details and schedules as they're posted, check Delaware River Railroad's Easter Bunny Train page.

NYC Harbor Easter Brunch Cruise: an Easter backdrop you simply can't recreate on land: April 5th

This special holiday sailing departing Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, blends delicious dining, skyline sightseeing, and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike. The cruise typically lasts 2–3 hours, gliding along the Hudson and East Rivers with sweeping views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

Guests enjoy front row views of New York Harbor's most iconic landmarks—an Easter backdrop you simply can't recreate on land. Instead of the usual crowded restaurants, guests enjoy a peaceful, spacious dining room with panoramic windows and outdoor decks—ideal for springtime sightseeing.
This activity is popular with families with kids, couples, and for groups & friends. Check Citi Experiences for details

Jenkinson's Boardwalk Easter Parade in Point Pleasant Beach for kids who love to dress up: April 5

This popular Jersey Shore Easter parade features prizes awarded for each of the categories: children: 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10 years old, Float Multiples, and Bonnet. A popular activity for kids who like costumes and attention, plus families who want the boardwalk vibe before summer crowds.
Bring safety pins (bonnets and ears slip), a light jacket, and a camera-ready attitude. Also, set a meetup spot with older kids, because boardwalk crowds can move like a tide. Visit the Jenkinsons Easter Parade listing for details.

Cape May County Park and Zoo Easter EggstravaganZoo for animal lovers and busy kids: April 3, 4, 5

If your kids love animals, this one solves a common Easter problem: the egg hunt ends fast, then you're left wondering what's next. Here, the zoo itself is the main attraction, while Easter activities add an extra layer of fun. it's designed as a fuller experience, often including themed games (like Bunny hide-and-seek), photo times, and active challenges that keep kids engaged. A popular activity for animal lovers, kids who like obstacle-style activities, and parents who'd rather not plan multiple separate stops. For details, use the official listing for Cape May County Zoo's Easter EggstravaganZoo 2026.

April 11, 12: Weekend ideas, punk rock, English Renaissance

New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market, in Edison - Spring Fling: April 11,12
This event brings together hundreds of artists and DIY sellers from over 30 states, making each gathering a vibrant showcase of creativity and talent. Attendees can enjoy the region's most delicious food trucks, meet incredible celebrity guests, experience on-site tattooing, and explore classic pop-up arcades and art galleries. With live music, DJs, and an abundance of fun, this event promises excitement and entertainment for everyone—more than you can shake a faux hawk at! Scan the Punk Rock Festival for details. The Renaissance Faire, in Smithville: April 11,12. The Historic Village of Smithville will be transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance. Fun for the whole family including comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knights, jesters and so much more. Check the Smithville website for details.

April 17 to 19: Weekend ideas, Night markets and live music weekend (Bridgeton, Rahway, Asbury Park, Atlantic City)

This weekend is all about choosing your vibe, casual community events, then a bigger nightlife option if you want it.

On Friday, Dragon Flight Night Market II in Bridgeton is a fun, family-friendly way to spend an evening, vendor browsing, food, and that lively night-market energy. Scan Dragon Flight Night Market II website for details

Also on April 17, Rahway Taste of Spring is built for people who want to sample bites and feel like they’re part of the downtown buzz. Scan Rahway Taste of Spring website for details.
Asbury Park Spring Disco + Night Market features a spring disco dance party and night market with dancing, unique street foods, shopping bazaar, photo moments, and fun experiences. Visit Asbury Park Spring Disco Night Market for Details.
Then there’s Atlantic City. Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival runs April 17 to 19, giving you an excuse to make a whole weekend out of live sets and the boardwalk. For context on the festival, see coverage on Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival Facebook page. If you’re deciding based on budget, Bridgeton, Rahway, and Asbury Park tend to feel more low-cost and drop-in, while Atlantic City can add hotel, parking, and ticket costs.

April 18 to 19: Weekend ideas, Flowers day trips (Newark, Cream Ridge)

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, Typically the 2nd and 3rd week of April. Branch Brook Park
The second largest Cherry Blossom display in the United States with the National Cherry Blossom display in Washington, DC being the largest and usually occurs about two weeks earlier. This is a week long festival with many events including a 10K race, trolley bus tours, and family Day with Japanese cultural activities, including demonstrations on origami, bonsai, ikebana, and martial arts. Visit the Branch Brook Park site for details.
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge - U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular Typically, they open middle of April.

This annual family oriented festival features acres of tulips from mid April to Early May --- a great photo opportunity. The farm also has food trucks, a bakery, a ton of farm animals, a gift shop and merch store. Come pick flowers, take photos, and make memories! Visit the Holland Ridge Farms site for details.

April 24 to 26: The biggest pick-and-choose weekend (street fairs, Earth Day, porch fests, and a Beer run)

If April has a “main event” weekend, this is it. The trick is not trying to do everything. Pick one daytime fair, one food stop, and one evening plan, and call it a win.

Start with smaller-town strolling at Allentown Spring Stroll (April 24). Saturday, April 25, is stacked: Princeton Porchfest (free live music across town), Rutgers Day in New Brunswick .The Beer Run in The Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township.

Sunday, April 26 keeps the momentum with Red Bank Spring Street Fair and Craft Show, plus more Earth Day energy like te ACUA Earth Day Festival ein Egg Harbor Township.

Weekend itineraries that feel like a mini vacation (without leaving New Jersey)

A good NJ weekend can feel like a short trip if you give it a “home base,” keep driving simple, and book only what really needs it (usually brunch, hotels, and timed farm tickets).

Here are five easy plans tied to April 2026 events, with realistic pacing.

Family-friendly shore weekend in Ocean City for Easter (April 4 to 5)

Base in Ocean City, keep the schedule light. Do a boardwalk walk and snack run on Saturday, then a beach walk and photos Sunday morning. If you’re doing Easter brunch, reserve it. On Sunday @1pm take in The Great Egg Hunt. Parking is easier if you arrive early and stick to one area.

Rain backup: drive a short distance for an indoor treat (arcade time, shopping, or a long lunch), then swing back for a quick sunset walk if the sky clears.

Atlantic City music and boardwalk weekend (April 11 to 12)

Plan around The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival and build the rest like a simple boardwalk getaway. Morning: coffee and a walk, afternoon: outlets or a long lunch, night: live music.

Book ahead if you want a hotel close to where you’ll spend your evenings, it cuts down on rideshares and stress. Keep a budget buffer for parking and resort fees, and check show times before you head out for dinner.

South Jersey spring blooms and sips weekend (April 18 to 19)

Base in Swedesboro or Hammonton so you’re not zig-zagging. Start at the Tulip Festival at Dalton Farms early for better light and fewer crowds.
Afterward, head toward Hammonton for the Annual winery Spring Festival at White Horse Winery, for some sips, food trucks, live music, and outdoor games.

To keep it affordable, pack a simple picnic, water, and snacks, then buy one “special” thing on-site (like flowers or a glass of wine) instead of going big on everything.

Wildwood vibrant cultural Irish experience! (April 25 to 26)

Take in Feis at the Beach, an Irish dance competition, Saturday. Admission is free. End the evening at Wildwood's Honky Tonk Saloon, its the only country music honky tonk bar in Wildwood. Book ahead at a "Doo Wop" motel. Rates are budget friendly this time of the year.

Quick picks by interest: choose your perfect April day in NJ

Match your mood to a plan, then confirm the details and go.

If you are going for food and drink

Go early for shorter lines, bring water, and check age rules for tastings.

If you want arts, crafts, and small-town strolling

Spring Vendor Pop Up & Craft Fair, Fanwood (April 12). Expect good food, great music, and 60+ exhibitors. Features gourmet food trucks, and live music by Richie G throughout the day.

North Bergen Saturday Monthly Flea & Collectible Market (April 18). Expect upmarket, new merchandise, vintage & collectibles & arts & crafts.

Art Goes To Town, Medford (April 25) Expect some of the finest artists and makers in the region for a juried fine arts and craft fair set within the charming Village at Taunton Forge.

Bring a weather-friendly tote, and plan how you’ll carry fragile items home.

If you want music without a big-ticket concert

  • Princeton Porchfest (Apr 25) for free sets all over town.
  • Earth Day Celebration and Music Festival (Hoboken, Apr 25) for music plus community booths.
  • Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival (Atlantic City, Apr 17 to 19) if you want a full weekend of shows.

Pick a few must-see sets, take breaks, and bring ear protection for kids.

If you want flowers and spring photos

  • Reeves-Reed Arboretum Daffodil Day (Summit, Apr 12) for a breathtaking display of 50,000+ daffodils in full bloom, creating a sea of golden hues in their cherished Daffodil Bowl.
  • Tulip Festival (Swedesboro, Apr 18 to 19) for big, bold photo backdrops.
  • Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival (Newark, Apr 19) for that quick “spring in the city” feel.

Morning light flatters everyone, and shoes that can get dirty save your mood.

If you want Earth Day and nature vibes

Bring a refillable bottle, use public transit if it works for you, and recycle on-site when it’s offered.

Before you go: simple planning tips for April weather, crowds, and costs

April in NJ can feel like three seasons in one weekend. Plan for comfort first, then you can actually enjoy the event you drove to.

What to pack for New Jersey in April

Go with layers: a T-shirt plus sweater, then a light jacket. Add a light rain jacket or small umbrella, comfy shoes, sunscreen (yes, even in April), and a portable charger. Farms can be muddy after rain, and shore towns can be windy even when it’s sunny.

Weather-wise, expect cool days around the upper 50s to low 60s and colder nights, especially up north.

How to confirm details fast (and avoid wasted trips)

Check the official event page the night before and again that morning for start times, tickets, parking rules, and rain plans. Set a quick calendar reminder with the address and parking notes. Keep one easy backup nearby (a museum, mall, or cafe) so a surprise shower doesn’t ruin the whole day.

Final Thoughts

April 2026 is packed across New Jersey, food festivals, flower weekends, night markets, street fairs, Porchfest music, and Earth Day celebrations. The simplest way to plan is to choose a theme (flowers, food, music, or family), confirm the details, and keep your schedule light.

Where are you headed this April, and what town are you starting from? Share your home base and the vibe you want, and it’s easy to narrow it to a weekend that fits.