New Jersey March 2026 Events: The Best Festivals, Events, and Weekend Ideas
March in New Jersey heralds the spring season, feeling like the state is stretching after a long winter. You’ll get cool days, surprise sunny afternoons, and the kind of rain that makes trails muddy for a day or two. That’s not a problem, it’s a planning prompt.
Use this guide like a simple weekend formula: pick one main event, add one good food stop, then earn it with one outdoor hour (a boardwalk walk, an easy park loop, or a farm stroll). St. Patrick’s Day lands on March 17, 2026, and the weeks around it are packed with community celebrations of parades and pub energy.
One more thing before you drive across the state: dates, times, and ticket rules can change. Always confirm details on official event pages.
Best March 2026 weekends in New Jersey (by date, with quick pick ideas)
March 6 to 8: Food, blues, and a big start to the month
If you want to start March with a bang, this is your weekend. The Shore wakes up early with
Taste Atlantic City. A month-long culinary celebration happening in March 2026.
Wildwood Blues, Brews and Country Fest (March 6 to 8, Wildwood)
Expect live music and a fun, boots-on-the-boardwalk vibe that works for groups and couples. Go for this if you like a weekend that feels like a mini trip, even if you only drive a couple hours.
7th Annual Haddenfield Restaurant Week: Tuesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 8, 2026.
MAAC Basketball Tournament: March 5 -10, 2026 Atlantic City NJ at Boardwalk Hall.
March 13 to 15: Irish weekend plus markets and night shopping
This weekend is built for people who like choices. You’ve got Irish celebrations, night markets, and a Shore shopping vibe that feels like a warmup for summer.
Start with the Irish pick: Downtown Irish Festival (March 14, Toms River)
It’s a good fit for friends and families, especially if you like street-fair energy without needing a full-day commitment. Pair it with a windy but satisfying boardwalk walk nearby (layers matter at the Shore in March), then duck in somewhere warm for a late lunch.
If you want something different, go for Viking Invasion Night Market I (March 13, 14, Bridgeton). Night markets are great when you want a looser plan, you can graze, people-watch, and keep the night moving. This one works well as a date night if you’d rather stroll than sit through a long meal. For a daytime detour with shopping and snack breaks, Night markets are great when you want a looser plan, you can graze, people-watch, and keep the night moving. This one works well as a date night if you’d rather stroll than sit through a long meal.
For a daytime detour with shopping and snack breaks, Market Madness (March 14, Ocean City) brings that off-season boardwalk charm. It’s quieter than summer, which is the point. You can actually walk, browse, and grab something warm without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Jersey City Winter Restaurant Fest: Saturday, March 14th - Saturday, March 28th, 2026
A simple “pick one” plan:
- Choose one main event (Irish festival or a market).
- Add a 30 to 60-minute outdoor loop (boardwalk or park).
- Finish with a warm sit-down meal (this weekend is better when you don’t rush).
March 21 to 23: craft fairs, and a slower weekend that still feels special
This is the weekend for people who want a calmer pace but still want something to circle on the calendar. It’s also a strong weekend for splitting plans by who’s coming with you. Those seeking arts and culture can check out Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown NJ for performances that fit the vibe. For an indoor alternative, the Home and Garden Show offers browsing inspiration without weather worries.
Jersey City is a good choice if you want an urban night out and easy add-ons like a long waterfront walk before the fest. Carteret works well if you’re coming from Central Jersey and want something that feels like the first “spring” event of the year.
For a family-friendly daytime plan, Sparta Special Olympics Vendor and Craft Fair: Spring (March 21, Sparta) gives you browsing, handmade goods, and a relaxed vibe that won’t wipe you out. It’s the kind of outing that pairs well with a simple hike afterward, think short loops and “mud-tolerant shoes” if it rained.
If you like niche events and a more intimate night,
THE PROWLER 45th anniversary screening at The Inn of Cape May (March 21). It’s a specific kind of fun, perfect for horror fans and couples who want something memorable that isn’t another bar.
Family vs adults split that works:
- Family plan: Sparta craft fair, then a short park walk, then an early dinner.
- Adults plan: brewery or wine event, then a late bite somewhere walkable, then call a ride home.
March 27 to 29: big food festival weekend and nightlife
Late March is when New Jersey starts acting like spring, at least on a good day. This weekend stacks food events and flowers, so you can go full sensory: smells, colors, photos, and a little chaos.
If you want the biggest, most snackable plan,
Dream Asia Food Festival (March 27 to 29, East Rutherford)
is the move, coinciding with the end of the Lunar New Year period. Food festivals are basically cardio with benefits, you’re on your feet, doing loops, chasing the next bite. Go for this if you like trying lots of things in small amounts and don’t mind a crowd. Since it's late March, also look for an Easter festival to extend the fun.
For a focused food mission,
Jersey City Pizza Fest (March 28, Jersey City)
is an easy yes. It’s built for groups, and it’s a fun excuse to explore a neighborhood on foot before you eat.
For South Jersey nightlife options, check out
The Hook at Caesars, Atlantic City
A bold, high energy variety show that pays homage to the Boardwalk's golden age of entertainment while pushing it into a new, mischievous, and delightfully chaotic era. It's packed with sizzling acrobatics, off the rails comedy, and unforgettable moments that feel equal parts glamorous, daring, and unpredictable.
St. Patrick’s Day season in NJ: the parades and parties worth the trip
In New Jersey, St. Patrick’s Day is less a single day and more a season. Many parades happen before March 17, and they’re perfect for groups because there’s no complicated schedule. You show up, claim a spot, and let the bands come to you.
Parades to put on your calendar, with what makes each one different
Hackettstown NJ St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, March 8, 3:30 p.m.)
is a standout for pure community energy. The festivities often spill over onto Main Street with Irish bands, dancers, bagpipes, and lots of local groups.
For a Shore-style parade day,
Atlantic City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Saturday, March 7, 1:00 p.m.)
a highlight for Atlantic City NJ during the month, runs along the boardwalk, which makes it easy to add a long walk and keep kids moving.
If you like big-city parade scale,
Newark’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Friday, March 13, typically early afternoon)
is one of the long-running options in the state.
Morristown’s Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Saturday, March 14, noon) is also known for strong turnout and lots of bagpipers.
You may also see early-March parade listings for places like the popular Belmar - Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 1, 2026), often paired with festival-style add-ons.
Because these dates can shift, confirm on the official event pages or a current schedule roundup like this: full St. Patrick’s Day events schedule.
Smart parade-day tips: parking, crowds, and how to make it fun (not stressful)
St. Patrick’s Day community celebrations have a strong local impact and go best when you treat them like a short hike with snacks. You’re outside, you’re standing, and you’re moving in small bursts.
- Park once and walk: Choose a spot that’s a 10 to 20-minute walk out, then stroll in.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and a small snack, even if you plan to eat later.
- Plan a 30 to 60-minute loop after the parade ends so you don’t get stuck in the first wave of traffic.
- Pick a meet-up spot (a specific corner, storefront, or landmark) in case you split up.
- Build in a warm-up stop, like a coffee shop or diner, so the day has a cozy finish.
- Check road closures and the parade route the night before, not in the car.
Drink and Food festivals in March 2026 that make an awesome weekend centerpiece
Beer, wine festivals: where to go and what to expect
March’s Food, beer and wine calendar clusters nicely for festivals, which is great if you’re trying to keep driving time short.
Red, White and Brew Fest (Trenton, March 7) anchor the first big tasting weekend.
Mid-month, Brewsology Beer Fest (Jersey City, March 14) adds the museum twist.
Later, Jersey City Craft Beer Fest (March 21) and Uncork Spring! (Carteret, March 21) keep the momentum going, with craft brews shining in Morristown and Jersey City.
Most of these follow the same rhythm: check-in, sample lines, vendor tables, and a few moments where you’re happy you ate beforehand.
Quick tips that save your night:
- Bring ID and review the bag policy if there is one.
- Plan your ride home before your first pour.
If you want to see other beer events announced across the year, this running list is useful for future weekends too: NJ beer festivals announced for 2026.
Bring everyone: chocolate, pizza, and global street food festivals
Not every March outing needs to be a 21+ ticket. Some of the most fun weekends are built around food everyone can share.
The Chocolate Expo (Edison, March 7 to 8, at the NJ Convention and Expo Center)
is a strong pick for families, couples, and anyone with a sweet tooth. Go earlier in the day if you can, you’ll get shorter lines and more room to browse.
Dream Asia Food Festival (East Rutherford, March 27 to 29) is a late-month highlight if you want global street-food energy. It’s loud, busy, and snack-forward, in a good way.
Jersey City Pizza Fest (March 28) is simpler and more focused, and a great excuse to make a full day out of walking and eating. Check for a Food Truck Festival too, a common March occurrence.
If you’re bringing kids (or you just like an organized approach), set a small tasting budget. It keeps the day fun and avoids the “how did we spend that much on snacks?” moment.
Outdoor and active weekend ideas for early spring in New Jersey
Simple March movement ideas: boardwalk walks, park hikes, and a “one-hour outdoor rule”
If you want weekends that feel full without feeling packed, use a simple rule: get outside for one hour before your main event. It boosts your mood, makes the drive feel worth it, and helps you enjoy the food and crowds later.
Here are easy, statewide ideas that don’t require perfect weather:
Maple Sugaring Demo & Festival until March 7th, 2026 at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham, NJ
13th Annual Highlands Guinness Run, March 7, 2026, Off the Hook, Highlands, NJ
Sugar Shack Maple Sugaring Demonstration, March 2026, Manalapan, NJ
Take a boardwalk walk (Wildwood, Atlantic City NJ, Ocean City) and turn around when your hands get cold.
- Do a local loop trail in a county park, aiming for 2 to 4 miles.
- Bike a paved multi-use path if it’s dry enough and not icy.
- Walk a waterfront route in a downtown area, then reward yourself with coffee.
- Save kayaking for days with safe temps and calm wind, and only if you’re already experienced.
Final Thoughts
The New Jersey March 2026 events set up like a three-act weekend season: parades and brews early in the month, Irish celebrations around March 17, then big food festivals and tulips as spring starts to show. For those seeking wellness events, the Holistic Expo, DoubleTree by Hilton, Cherry Hill is a great final suggestion to round out your month. Pick one weekend, choose one main event, and build the rest of the day around a simple outdoor hour and a good meal.Confirm tickets and start times before you drive, then make a Plan A and a rain-friendly Plan B. The best March weekends aren’t perfect, they’re just well-planned enough that you can enjoy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy in New Jersey during March?Answer
March in New Jersey offers a mix of winter and early spring activities. Popular options include:
- Cherry Blossom Trails: Some trees may start blooming late in March, particularly in Branch Brook Park in Newark.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Trails like the Delaware Water Gap and Ramapo Valley County Reservation are great for exploring before the summer crowds.
- Beach Strolls: While it’s too chilly for swimming, destinations like Cape May and Point Pleasant Beach are ideal for peaceful walks.
Question
What are some family-friendly activities in March?Answer
Families can enjoy:
- Indoor Amusement Parks: Venues like iPlay America in Freehold offer fun indoor activities.
- Aquariums and Zoos: Turtle Back Zoo and Adventure Aquarium are great year-round destinations.
Question
What are the popular cultural or historical attractions?Answer
March is a great time to explore New Jersey’s rich history and culture:
- Princeton University Art Museum: A perfect spot for art enthusiasts.
- Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Tours: Early spring is less crowded for these iconic experiences.
- Revolutionary War Sites: Visit Morristown National Historical Park for a step back in time.
Question
What’s the weather like in March?Answer
Average highs range from 45°F to 55°F.
It can be unpredictable, with some late-season snow or early spring rain. Pack layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable.Question
Are there any specific culinary experiences in March?Answer
Yes, New Jersey’s food scene thrives year-round:
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Many restaurants highlight early spring produce.
- Seasonal Menus: Look for dishes featuring ramps, mushrooms, and maple syrup.
- Seafood: Coastal towns like Point Pleasant and Atlantic City are famous for fresh seafood.
