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The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
4/28/24 - By Laurie Rein

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we've rounded up fun things to do in New Jersey all month long!

The Garden State is in full bloom this May, and our calendar is loaded with springtime fun. As warmer weather arrives, it's time to get outdoors and soak in the sun at sights at festivals like Wildwoods International Kite Festival. Meanwhile, local festivals take it to the streets in Ocean Grove and Lake Hopatcong.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

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Best Things to Do in May in New Jersey

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Various Gloucester County parks–FREE
Select dates beginning Friday, May 3, 2024
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Bring the whole family to this all-day party that takes place right on the field. The spring festival features more than 20 food trucks, upwards of 100 craft beers, music, games, sports on the big screen, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove–FREE
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Get a jump-start on summer with an early trip to the Jersey Shore. Ocean Grove holds this annual celebration with vendors, artisans, music, and more.  READ MORE

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater–FREE
Sunday, May 5, 2024
(New date due to weather) Bring family and friends to this free carnival with no-fee admission to rides, inflatables, carnival games and DJ music. Plus, enjoy a petting zoo, crafts tent, face painting, food trucks and more. READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival in Lincroft

Lincroft–FREE
Saturday, May 11, 2024
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

Azalea Festival at Sayen Gardens

Hamilton–FREE
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sayen Botanical Gardens welcome you to this magnificent display of more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendron. Enjoy the landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery. READ MORE

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival

Medford–FREE
Monday, May 13-Saturday, May 18, 2024
Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this six-day carnival. Bring your appetite for a huge selection of food, and be sure to enter the raffles. A MegaPass is available and covers unlimited rides for the run of the festival. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19, 2024
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

37th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar

Belmar–FREE
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, 2024
Head over to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from area restaurants, enjoy live music, and visit the children's activity area for special games and entertainment. READ MORE

Fairy and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park

Budd Lake–FREE
Saturday, May 18, 2024
The wee folk and swashbuckling buccaneers are back at Turkey Brook Park, turning it into a magical wonderland of games, rides, entertainment, and activities. Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Celebrate New Jersey’s largest lake during this day-long festival. Connect with community groups, crafters, and food vendors while enjoying activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Columbus

Southampton
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 18-Sunday, June 9, 2024
The Italian Renaissance takes over Burlington County Fairgrounds for four weekends, featuring cast members entertaining visitors as they walk through the castle gates. Look out for a jousting tournament, aerial acrobatics, circus performers, fire dancers, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days in Berkeley

Berkeley–FREE
Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19, 2024
This two-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, crab races and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

Maplewood MayFest

Maplewood–FREE
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Enjoy a fun day in Maplewood at this fair, featuring artists, vendors, activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
Friday, May 24-Monday, May 27, 2024
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

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