New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do
Updated: May 28, 2026
Planning your weekend in the Garden State?
Whether you’re searching for family-friendly festivals, trending food events, or the best indoor performances, we’ve curated the definitive guide to New Jersey events for May 29, 30, 31, 2026.
From the Jersey Shore to the Skylands, our selection prioritizes top-rated public gatherings and seasonal highlights to help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
What’s Happening in NJ This Weekend?
Outdoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Soak Up the Season: New Jersey’s Must-See Seasonal Outdoor Events
Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival
Friday, May 29 thru Sunday, May 31, 2026
Exchange Place,
Alliance Plaza,
Jersey City, NJ
This event is a celebration of community featuring live Jazz music, performed by over 200 Jazz muscians with a wide range of musical styles featuring some of the best talent in the NYC-tristate area.
Cost: Free
Jefferson Township Fireman's Carnival
Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30, 2026
Jefferson Township Intermediate School, 1000 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge, NJ
A
traditional family friendly carnival with amusement rides, midway games, food vendors, and nightly excitement throughout the four-day event. Fireworksshow on Saturday night, May 30th.
Cost: Admission Free. Additional cost for rides "Pay One Price" ride wristbands $45 per wristband at the fair $40 per wristband if purchased online by May 26. Food, games, vendors, and raffle are an additional cost.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
May 29 until June 7, 2026
Westfield Garden State Plaza,
One Garden State Plaza,
Paramus, NJ
This event features
good food, rides, and entertainment, hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) 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.
Cost:
Admission is $5; additional price for ride tickets.
AWA Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day
May 30, 2026: 9 am – 2 pm
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill, NJ
t’s a day full of fun activities for the whole family, including your furry best friends! We’ll have live entertainment, local small business vendors, children’s activities, food and drink from local favorites, and more. You can enter the 5k run or walk the distance with your pup and enjoy the morning. Or you can take part in our shorter Wag n' Walk, focused on fun for all. Be sure to dress up your pet (and yourself) for a chance to win in the costume contest.
Cost: Free; Registration fee for 5K & Rescue Ramble only
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 30-31, June 6-7, 13-14, 2026
Burlington County Fairgrounds,
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd.,
Columbus, NJ
The grounds are transformed into a lively medieval village filled with costumed performers, artisan vendors, and interactive entertainment. Expect jousting tournaments, comedy shows, live music, themed food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with knights, rogues, and royalty.
Cost: $33.36 (Adult Flex), $28.19 (Adult Fixed ), $12.66
(Child FLEX Day Age 5-12)
Under Cover Music Fest
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Sloan Street Parking Lot,
12 Sloan Street,
South Orange, NJ
This event fatures a full day of epic cover band performances. Enjoy eight cover bands, plus local food vendors, a kids zone, and a beer garden.
Cost: Free
Waretown Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, May 30, 2026: 6pm - 9:30pm (Rescheduled rain date)
Waretown Bayfront Park & Pier, at the end of Bryant Road, Waretown, NJ
DJ, Food Trucks, and Fireworks on the Bay at dusk.
Bring your chairs.
Cost: Free
Annual Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 31, 2026:10am - 5pm (rescheduled from May 24th)
Huddy Park,
301 Shore Dr.,
Highlands, NJ
This event features a juries show with more than 60 crafters and artisans displaying their works, along with live entertainment.
Cost: Free
Indoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Step inside for some of the best things to do in NJ, including live music and thrilling indoor attractions at New Jersey’s top venues.
West Side Story
May 28 until June 28, 2026
Paper Mill Playhouse,
22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
West Side Story reimagines Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York, where young lovers Tony and Maria dare to dream of a future together as rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks clash for control of the streets.
Cost: $100-$190
Doug Church, Elvis Tribute Artist
May 29, 30, 2026
Broadway theatre,
43 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ
Doug Church, known as "The Legendary Voice," with the timeless voice of Elvis Presley. Praised by those who knew Elvis personally, Doug's voice captures the true spirit of The King. Whether performing with full symphony orchestras or high-energy backing tracks, his shows leave audiences spellbound.
Cost: $40
Mrs. Christie
May 29, 30, 31, 2026
McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ
A sharp, engaging portrait of Agatha Christie at a pivotal moment in her life, blending mystery, wit, and emotional depth. The production invites audiences into the legendary writer's private world as she confronts fame, reinvention, and the shadows of her own past
Cost: $51 to $87
New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival
May 29, 30, 31, 2026
NJ Expo Center,
97 Sunfield Ave.,
Edison, NJ
This fan-favorite convention brings together celebrity guests, filmmakers, vendors, and horror enthusiasts for an immersive experience packed with screenings, Q&A panels, autograph sessions, photo ops, and a massive vendor floor.
Cost:
$35.00-$169.20
Family Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Make fresh memories with these easygoing, family-friendly events. Extend the fun by visiting regional coastal destinations, where families can catch community festivities alongside theater shows.
Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour
Now until June 21, 2026
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
This event brings the charm of the beloved game to life, inviting visitors to explore colorful aquatic displays inspired by fan favorite characters and creatures. This experience transforms American Dream Wayd into a whimsical underwater world, blending real marine life with playful themed décor for a family friendly outing that feels both nostalgic and new.
Cost: $33 to $42
MPAC's 12th Annual Spring Production: Frozen
May 29, 30, 31, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center,
100 South Street Morristown, NJ
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney's Frozen includes all the film's beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. Recommended for ages 6+
Cost: $35-$57
Sound & Movement Experience
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Nimbus Arts Center, 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ
It's a fun in-person session filled with music, rhythm, and dance that gets those tiny feet moving and creativity flowing. Perfect for curious kiddos who love to explore noise and motion in a playful setting.
Ages 2 to 5
Cost: $40
Food and Drink Events in New Jersey This Weekend
Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution
May 30, 2026: 1 PM – 5 PM (VIP entry at 12:00 PM)
The War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr, Trenton, NJ
Join in for a day of local pours, historic vibes, and community spirit.
Cost:
VIP Experience: $45 Early access thru 5/29/26. General Admission: $35/Advance. $45/Day Of. GA Early Bird: $17.76 thru 4/30/26. Designated Driver: $10. Available at the Door. Cash Only
BBQ Beer & Boots
Sunday, May 31 2026:12 pm to 4 pm
710 Arnold Ave,
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
This family friendly outdoor cookout features live Country Music, local BBQ, Cold Brews, cornhole, prizes, and more.
Cost: $10 per person,
Kids under 5 enter free.
Cape May Restaurant Week (Spring)
Sunday, May 31 thru Monday, June 7, 2026
Features eight days of fixed price dining at many of Cape May's top restaurants. Diners can enjoy a three course meal—typically an appetizer, entrée, and dessert—for one set cost, making it an inviting way to sample new spots or revisit favorites.
Cost:
An affordable price, set by prticipating restaurants
Top Fun, Educational & Adventurous Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend
Ready for NJ events this weekend?
New Jersey is packed with fresh options for couples, families, kids, solo plans, and anyone chasing a little adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About
the Best Weekend Events, Festivals, and Things to Do in New Jersey
When is the best time to find weekend events in New Jersey?
Spring through fall usually brings the widest mix of outdoor festivals, food events, shore activities, street fairs, and family outings. Summer is the busiest, especially near the coast, while fall often feels easier to manage because the weather stays pleasant and crowds can thin out a bit. Winter still has things to do, but more plans shift indoors, especially for families and food-focused weekends.
What kinds of weekend activities are popular in New Jersey?
New Jersey weekends often center on food, outdoor fun, live entertainment, family attractions, and seasonal festivals. You can usually find a mix of downtown events, park-based activities, waterfront outings, farm visits, and kid-friendly attractions, depending on the region. Because the state is compact, it's also easy to pair two plans in one day, such as a morning hike and an evening food or arts event.
Which part of New Jersey is best for a weekend trip?
That depends on the kind of weekend you want. The shore works well for beach time, boardwalk energy, and warm-weather events, while North Jersey often suits visitors who want quick access from New York City, mountain views, and busy town centers. Central and South Jersey can be great for farm markets, open space, family attractions, and a slower pace, so the best choice comes down to whether you want action, scenery, or room to spread out.
How can visitors plan a smooth weekend around New Jersey events and festivals?
Start by checking the weather, drive times, and parking details before you leave, because weekend traffic can shift fast, especially near beach towns and popular downtowns. If you're hoping to do more than one activity, keep your plans close together by region so you spend less time in the car. It also helps to book tickets early when an event uses timed entry, and pack for changing conditions, since a cool morning can turn into a hot afternoon.
Are New Jersey weekend events good for families with kids?
Many of them are, especially during spring, summer, and fall when towns and parks host family-focused programming. Parents usually have the easiest time with events that offer open space, simple parking, food options, and nearby restrooms, so it's worth checking those basics before heading out. For younger kids, earlier time slots tend to be the least stressful, while older kids often enjoy weekends that mix outdoor activity with food, rides, or hands-on experiences.
What's the best way to avoid crowds at popular New Jersey weekend spots?
Go early, arrive before peak lunch hours, and choose one main destination instead of bouncing between several busy areas. Saturdays usually feel more packed than Sundays in many event-heavy spots, especially in warm weather. If you're flexible, smaller downtowns and inland areas often give you a more relaxed day while still offering plenty to do.
Is New Jersey a good choice for a last-minute weekend trip?
It often is, because the state packs beaches, small towns, parks, food destinations, and family attractions into a short distance. That means you can build a full weekend without long travel days, especially if you're coming from nearby cities or neighboring states. Still, last-minute trips go better when you check parking, reservations, and traffic first, because the most popular areas fill up fast.
