May Events: Our Top Picks To Plan Your
Day Out in New Jersey
Discover New Jersey's Best May Events: Uncover The Month's Top seasonal attractions, popular events, and hidden gems
The New Jersey May events calendar is packed with exciting things to do in NJ.
May is also the month for the unofficial beginning of summer when visitors will flock by the thousands to the Jersey shore to hit the beaches and the boardwalk amusement parks.
Hot Air Balloon Mass Launches, Full Flight & Tethered Rides, Food Trucks, Entertainment, Kids Activities and more.
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
North Jersey 2023 May
Festivals and Themed Events
Midnight Market Foodie FestMay 5, 2023: 6:30 pm - 12:00 am
227 Coles Street,
Jersey City, NJ
This adults 21+ event features International Food Vendors, Small Bites for Maximum Foodie Enjoyment, Everything is $8 or less. Each vendor has $5 options along with DJ and Dancing all night, Free Games & Activities, Multiple Cash Bars, an Outdoor Event- Partially Covered
Skylands Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Saturday May 6th, 2023; from 12-7pm (Rain or shine)
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Place
Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 383-7644
Website
Cost: Admission: $5 (kids under 38″ FREE) Drink Tokens: $5 Sampler Mug: (w/6x 4oz drinks) $10 Kids Drink Bat: $10 / Beer Bat: $20 Rides + Food are additional costs
Free parking
This event has entertainment for all ages. Spend a special day enjoying the outdoors with delicious food, deserts, specialty drinks and much more. The delicious options include 20+ Food Trucks, 100+ Craft Beers, Live Music & Performances, Carnival Games, Bounces Axe Throwing, & more
Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival
Sunday, May 7, 2023, 11am to 6pm
Washington Street
Observer Highway to 7th Street
Contact:
Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs
201-420-2207
Website
Admission is free
Featuring over 300 artists, sculptors, photographers and crafts people with 3 stages of live performance. More than a music festival, there will be; Fine artists displaying oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, etc
Children’s activities with rides, games, creative activities, face painting, sand art, balloons, live performances and much, much more. Crafters displaying and selling handmade: pottery, metalwork, wood items, furniture, blown & fused glass, quilts, household items made from recycled materials, batik clothing, hand painted furniture, candles, jewelry, dried florals, soaps & lotions and other unique handcrafted items. And of course what's a Hoboken festival without food. There will be great food throughout the fair. Hoboken restaurants will set up street cafes offering an eclectic variety of international foods such as: Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun and Italian.
Annual Westfield Spring Fling
Sunday, May 7, 2023; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine.
Downtown
Central Avenue running from East Broad Street to North Avenue and will include the parking lot across from the Post Office
Westfield, NJ
Website
This fun filled family event will feature diverse live entertainment, food vendors, merchandise vendors, a Kids Zone with rides and a multitude of activities to entertain kids throughout the day. Valenica Music and the New Jersey Workshop of the Arts will perform music and entertainment.
Anita Baker - The Songstress Wednesday • May 10, 2023 • 7:00 PM Prudential Center, Newark, NJ - Ticketmaster. You also can find seats on secondary market sites like StubHub and SeatGeek
Hot 97 Summer Jam, May 13, 2023 MetLife Stadium Newark, NJ - Seat Geek Tickets
Enjoy two stages of the hottest artists in music, iconic sets from HOT 97's legendary DJs, and the biggest surprises at the greatest Hip Hop event of the year.
Mother's Day Brunch Cruise - NY Harbor
Sunday, May 14, 2023;
Board: 12:00pm | Cruise: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Departing from Lincoln Harbor Marina
1500 Harbor Blvd
Weehawken, NJ
Website/Booking
This Mother's Day, create family memories that will be treasured forever with an amazing New Jersey Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise on the East and Hudson River. While onboard, treat the mom in your life to a special day with our holiday buffet, classic cocktails, and New York's most incredible views. Celebrate with dining and dancing from our climate-controlled interior, or soak in the picturesque backdrop from our outdoor decks. Their Signature cruises are perfect for all ages!
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
Saturday, May 20, 2023; 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mennen Arena Field
161 Hanover Ave
Morris Plains, NJ
Tickets
Cost: $20, $60, &
$90
This festival fetures 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!
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Thursday, May 25 thru Monday May 29. Wednesday May 31 thru Sunday, June 4. 2023
Westfield Garden State Plaza
One Garden State Plaza
Paramus, NJ
Website
609.259.2500
Admission is $5; additional price for ride tickets.
This event features
good food, rides, and entertainment, hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.)
Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) is a non profit (501C3) organization, supported by dedicated police officers, committed to protecting our youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug related crimes, peer to peer/cyber bullying and violence.
Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour - MetLife Stadium - East Rutherford, NJ May 26, 27. 28. 2023 - Ticketmaster, You also can find seats on secondary market sites like StubHub and SeatGeek.
She described the tour as "a journey through the musical eras of her career". It marks her first concert tour in five years.
Anuel AA: Legends Never Die World Tour Sat • May 27, 2023 • 8:00 PM Prudential Center, Newark, NJ - Ticketmaster
You also can find seats on secondary market sites like SeatGeek and StubHub.
Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, known professionally as Anuel AA, is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer. His music often contains samples and interpolations of songs that were popular during his youth. In December 2021, Anuel became the first Latin artist to collaborate with UFC to promote a sports conceptual album, which features his admiration for influential cultural figures, including sports icons.
Central Jersey 2023 May
Festivals and Themed Events
Allaire Spring Craft ShowMay 6, 2023; 10am - 4pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
Allaire State Park
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Farmingdale, NJ
Tickets
Admission is $5 per person 6 years old and up.
This event features over 120 crafters, Allaire artisans, crafters, exhibits, historic demonstrations, and more to kick off our Craft Show season in style! Local artists will be demonstrating and selling their works. Paintings, pottery, textiles and more! We will have craft demonstrations at the Carpenter, Blacksmith, and Tinsmith shops! General Store, Bakery, a Food Truck will be on site.
All proceeds of the day to benefit the educational programming at the Historic Village at Allaire!
2nd Annual Central NJ Empanada Fest
Saturday, May 6, 2023; 11am - 7pm
Brunswick Square Mall
East Brunswick,NJ
Tickets
Cost: Advance tickets $6.50 for 6 years and up! Tickets are $8 at the door, All children 5 and under are free!
This fest features 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, there will be 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! Yes, food, rock, and wrestling all for one pric
Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl
May 6, 2023: 12pm - 5pm (rain or shine)
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr
Highlands, NJ 07732
Website
732-291-4713
[email protected]
Event Cost: $30.00 and includes a Margarita Contest with eight restaurants competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands!
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!
Check-in is at Huddy Park, located on Bay and Waterwitch Ave. (301 Shore Drive - GPS) between 11AM and 12:30PM. You will be given a wrist band and map of the participating business locations.
You may register the day of the event.
Spring for the Arts - Art and Music Festival
Saturday May 6, 2023: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Weeden Park, Lawrenceville Elementary School, and Surrounding Main Street Area
Lawrenceville, NJ
Website
This family event features over 130 artists, crafters and vendors. Live Music, Local Food and the chance to gather safely as a community. Pack a blanket for the concert, and come shop, eat and socialize your way through Lawrenceville!
BBQ Jamfest!
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (rain date May 21st)
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach
710 Arnold Ave
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-899-2424
Website
Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate
An outdoor cookout with family and friends! The event features Live Music, Cornhole, Prizes, and more.
Annual Azalea Festival
Saturday, May 13th, 2023: 10am-4pm (Rain Date: Sunday, May 14th, 2023: 10am-4pm)
Sayen Park Botanical Garden
155 Hughes Drive
Hamilton Square
Hamilton Township, NJ
(609) 890-3874
Website
Held only on Mother's Day weekend each year. This event takes place in the historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens, a sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Enjoy seeing over 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendron, In addition to touring the grounds' collection of beautifully landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery, attendees can enjoy crafters, food, music, entertainment, and more.
BayFest Keyport
Saturday, May 13th, 2023:12:00 pm
70 West Front Street
keyport, NJ
Website/tickets
Cost: Free event. Tickets for the optional Chili & Chowder tasting are available online at $25.
This event features a fun filled day by the bay with a downtown treasure hunt, interactive pirate show, mini pirate cruises on the Keyport Princess, chili & chowder tasting, and music by the Moroccan Sheepherders!
Brew By the Bay
Saturday, May 13th, 2023; 12pm - 5pm (May 14th Rain date)
Seafarer
1 Atlantic St.
Highlands, NJ 07732
Web Site/Tickets
Contact: 732-291-4713
[email protected]
Event Cost: $40.00 - tickets 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
The tasting takes place on the picturesque waterfront; Each participating brewery will bring two styles of beer each. There will be live music, fire pits and food is available
Thompson Park's Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, May 13, 2023@ 10:00am - 4:00 pm
Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ
732-842-4000
Website
Cost: Free
This family event feaures fine artists and artisans peddling mixed media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. Plus, enjoy live music by some of the best local musicians. Food vendors, artist demonstrations, and free activities happen throughout the day.
Mother's Day Brunch at Hopewell Valley Vineyards
May 14th, 2023; Brunch starts at 11:00am
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Road
Pennington, NJ
609-737-4465
Website/Tickets
Cost:$38.95/adult + gratuity & tax ($46.74 + tax) $13.95/child 10 and under + gratuity & tax ($16.74 + tax) Children under 2 are complimentaryy
Come celebrate mom at their beautiful winery with a delicious brunch.
Menu features our ricotta pancakes, breakfast pizzas and much more. Wine, mimosas and bellinis available for purchase.
BRUNCH MENU: Artisan Cheeseboard Spinach Strawberry Salad Ricotta Pancakes with berry preserves Variety of breakfast pizzas baked in our wood-burning oven Breakfast potatoes Breakfast sausage Fruit Salad Variety of baked goodies Panna Cotta Coffee & Tea.
New Jersey Seafood Festival
Friday May 19th, Saturday May 20th, Sunday May 21st, 2023;
Silver Lake Park 5th and Ocean Ave
Belmar, NJ
Website
Admission: Free
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.
Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 20, 21, 2023; 11AM - 5PM (This event is rain or shine)
Bradley Park
101-199 5th Ave (Across the street from Convention Hall)
Asbury Park, NJ
Tickets
Cost: $15 – $30. Kids 13 and under are free.
This two-day celebration 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!
Walnford Day
Sunday, May 21, 2023: from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Historic Walnford
Walnford Road
Upper Freehold, NJ
Website
609-259-6275
Free Event
This family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to explore this historic site and see its 19th century gristmill in action, tour the elegant Waln family home, and go on a horse-drawn wagon ride. Demonstrations for the day include blacksmithing, loom weaving, basket weaving, 18th century music, and more.
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 27, 28, 2023; from 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
Website
The festival includes crafters, food, live music, and Family Fun
Parade on Saturday, May 27th at 10am
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 27 - 29, 2023; 11am-5pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Ave.
Oceanport, NJ 07757
732-747-4449
Website
Parking: Free
Cost: General Admission just $6. Children 12 and under are FREE.
This event features Food Trucks, Live music 12-4pm all three days on two stages. Saturday music by Kickin Nash. FREE Family Fun Day events – including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house, will take place from 12-4pm in the picnic area on Saturday and Sunday --- and horce racing.
22nd Annual Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 28, 2023: 10am - 5pm
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr.
Highlands, NJ
Website
732-291-4713
Admission is free
Come experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans.
Live entertainment from 11AM - 3PM.
Shop till you drop for unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show.
South Jersey 2023 May
Festivals and Themed Events
Bamboozle Festival May 5-7, 2023 (Canceled)
Bader Field
Atlantic City, NJ
Tickets
Returning to the New Jersey Shore in 2023, since the last event was held in Asbury Park in 2012. The Bamboozle Festival entertained over 500,000 fans during its reign, from 2002 - 2012.
This years event features a "festival" - beyond music, with an event that offers a diverse entertainment program, amusement rides, wrestling, gaming and dance competitions, plus soooo much more. While it does away from high priced headliners, it presents an impressive, diverse line-up of musical performers.
Exit 0 Jazz Festival
May 5 - 7, 2023: 11am-6pm each Festival day
Convention Hall, Rotary Park Stage, Carney's
Cape May, NJ
Website-lineup-schedule-tickets
International touring artists perform onmultiple venues hosting many genres of music during the evening. You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed.
Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
May 5, 2023; 8-10PM
Cape May Point State Park
215 Lighthouse Ave.
Cape May Point, NJ
Website
Purchase tickets from the Lighthouse Keeper the evening of the event.
Climb the 199 steps to the Watch Gallery at the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, to enjoy the grand vista of the evening sky and the full moon from atop this majestic beacon at nighttime.
Ocean City Spring Block Party
Saturday, May 6, 2023; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
From 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ
Website
1-800-BeachNJ
This event features over 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and more.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 20-21, 27-28, & June 3-4, 2023: 10AM to 6PM, Rain or Shine
Burlington Faigrounds
1990 Columbus Jobstown Rd
Columbus, NJ
Tickets
A Renaissance Faire is a unique and magical phenomenon with this event featuring the English Renaissance version. There are six formal stages of entertainment with shows for the young and young-in-spirit, but truth be told, the entire Village of Crossford is a stage – and the show begins upon entering the castle gates! If you thought you would just sit through some droll rendition of a 16th century tale at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, you are mistaken! Colorful characters, charming artists and playful scenes are all center stage during this year's all-outdoor Faire. Walk through the gates and discover what many of us already know – the live interaction at this Faire is part of the fun! Outdoor improvisational theatre surrounds you throughout the magical shire of Crossford. There are dozens of scheduled shows, as well many that 'pop up' right before your eyes on the village paths. Be prepared to burst into laughter and gaze in awe during your stay at our shire!
The event also features over 30 Merchants, Vendors and Crafters make up Crossford's Artisan Village.
Power in the Pines Air Show
May 20 & 21, 2023 10:30 a.m- 5:30 p.m
Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst
Wrightstown, NJ
Website
(609) 754-3938
Cost: Free, open to the public
This popular air show will feature The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration team, some great old school planes such as the P-51 Mustangs, and many More!
In the past, this event attracted more than 200,000 attendees.
Cape May Music Festival
May 25 – June 22, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate & Episcopal Church of the Advent, and other venues
Cape May, NJ
Website/Tickets
Features eight weeks and 15 musical performances of classical, chamber, jazz, brass band and Americana music.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday, May 26, thru Monday, May 29, 2023
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue
and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood, NJ
Website
732.822.4884
FREE to spectators.
This four day experience begins on Friday with the official Unlocking of the Beach ceremony all the way through Monday with the World Indoor Kite Competition and Performance. Young or old, single or family, girl or boy, everyone will find something that amazes them at this all-inclusive Kite Festival
Adjacent Music Festival Saturday & Sunday May 27, 28, 2023 Atlantic City, NJ
This two-day Memorial Day Weekend festival of more than 40 bands, features pop-punk and emo fans, with juggernauts Blink-182 and Paramore as headliners. Including performers Coheed and Cambria, Jimmy Eat World, Japanese Breakfast, Turnstile, The Starting Line, IDLES, PUP, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Beach Bunny, Motion City Soundtrack, Mannequin Pussy, The Linda Lindas, Drug Church, Electric Callboy, Hot Milk, Jeff Rosenstock, I Am The Avalanche, Knocked Loose, Loveless, Meet Me @ The Altar, Neil Rubenstein, Oxymorrons, Pinkshift, Phantom Planet, Royal & The Serpent, Scowl, Siiickbrain, Waterparks and Zulu.
42nd Annual May Fair
Saturday, May 27, 2023;10am to 5pm. (Rain date is May 29, 2022)
Business district along Haddon Avenue
Collingswood, NJ
Website
This event features Multiple stages of live music featuring blues, rock, folk and more. There will also be 200+ artists and crafters, a children's "KidZone" with carnival games, rides and children-friendly crafters, and an antique & classic auto show. Visitors will also find several Food Courts complimenting the downtown restaurants and cafés.
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 27, 28, 2023! Rain or shine. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On the Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Website
609.522.0378
The Boardwalk Craft Show is a must-see for any fan of handmade products, featuring Artisans, Handmade Craft Items, Boutique Items, Gifts & More…
Peter Pan and the Pirates at the Historic Smithville Fantasy Adventure Fest
May 27, May 28, 2023
Historic Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Galloway, NJ 08205
Website
Free admission
Peter Pan and the Pirates includes actors from the Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company along with many children of all ages from the community. In between shows will be the Suzanne Cloud Jazz Trio performing many songs from the Broadway show Peter Pan. In addition there will be The Fairy by the Well, a magical fairy tale that follows the story of a whimsical fairy and her wondrous adventures, an immersive and delightful experience.
The historic Towne of Smithville will be bustling with activity during the festival. Its 60 charming specialty shops, the award-winning historic Smithville Inn restaurant, the Smithville Train and The Smithville Carousel, two timeless attractions that evoke romance, adventure and playful fun, will also be open and running both days for children and adults to ride and share an unforgettable experience
Upcoming Ticketed Events
Memorial Day Events
