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Discover deep-sea secrets at Island Beach State Park's Ocean Fun Days festival. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
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5/5/23 - By Laurie Rein

Hooray for May! Bring on the outdoor festivals, and the Memorial Day celebrations. And if you're budgeting for summer vacations and camp, no need to skimp on the May fun. These 50+ (!) activities and events are all FREE to attend.

Street fair season is in full swing this month. Check out food vendors, crafts, and live music at neighborhood fairs around the state, including Westfield, Maplewood, and Lake Hopatcong, among many others. Or head down to the Jersey Shore for admission-free, beachy extravaganzas like the Ocean City Spring Block Party, the New Jersey Seafood Festival, Ocean Fun Days, and the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.

Top off the month with FREE Memorial Day parades in Freehold and Glassboro, plus the Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar and Guide to New Jersey Parks and Playgrounds. 

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Learn about the great outdoors from a naturalist on Cattus Island nature walks. Photo courtesy of Ocean County Parks
Learn about the great outdoors from a naturalist on Cattus Island nature walks. Photo courtesy of Ocean County Parks

Ongoing Free Things To Do in May 2023

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Swing by the library on Mondays with the little ones for books, songs, and activities. READ MORE

CATSS: Take & Make Tuesdays

Summit
Every Tuesday
Grab a craft every Tuesday from Summit Free Public Library. Create the craft at the library or take it home. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Bookscape Babies

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Brick

Brick
Every Wednesday
Head over to Barnes & Noble every Wednesday for children's stories and fun. READ MORE

KIDS! Atlantic Highlands Indoor Baby Storytime

Atlantic Highlands
Every Wednesday
Bring the babies to Atlantic Highlands library for stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplay. No registration required. READ MORE

Tiger Tales

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Terhune Orchards Winery Weekend Music Series

Princeton
Every Saturday and Sunday
Gather with friends and family at the winery for wine, relaxing music and light fare. Fire pits are available all weekend. Kids can enjoy light fare like chips and salsa, while adults can sample a variety of wines. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover

Beechwood
Every Saturday
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks

Beechwood
Every Saturday and Sunday
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE
The Azalea Festival at Sayen Botanical Gardens takes place in May. Photo courtesy of the garden
The Azalea Festival at Sayen Botanical Gardens takes place in May. Photo courtesy of the garden

Free Things To Do in May 2023

Ocean City Spring Block Party

Ocean City
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Head to the Jersey Shore for this spring street fair with more than 350 crafters, vendors, fair food, live music, and some fresh, salty air.  READ MORE

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove
Saturday, May 6, 2023
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

Free Comic Book Day 2023

various locations
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns to its usual "first Saturday in May" date. READ MORE

ECO Fair

Millville
Saturday, May 6, 2023
The 16th annual ECO Fair at WheatonArts is a free family day event inspired by natural and artful living. READ MORE

5th Annual Mom-a-Rama Extravaganza

Eatontown
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Moms of Business is hosting its 5th Annual Mom-a-Rama Extravaganza at Monmouth Mall, a family fest where you can shop for unique Mother's Day gifts. Over 100 local vendors set up pop-ups along the mall's main level. READ MORE

Praise in the Park: A Family-Friendly Music Festival

Cranbury
Saturday, May 6, 2023
The festival features Christian recording artists AlterLife, Anchored, Fitz, Lee Goldberg, and more playing both original music and top contemporary hits, plus special guest speakers and a comedian. Food trucks and lawn games are part of the fun. READ MORE

Montclair Literary Festival

Montclair
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Enjoy a full day of book talks, panel discussions, author signings, workshops, and children’s activities. The children's events, all of which are free, consist of author and illustrator visits, collage and printing hands-on demonstrations, and graphic novel workshops. READ MORE

Founders Day

Plainsboro
Saturday, May 6, 2023
All are invited to join in the fun at this annual Founders Day event.  Enjoy a variety of activities, inflatables, amusement rides, live entertainment, music, dance, magic, arts and cultural programs, exhibits, local history, food and beverages for purchase, and more.   READ MORE

Westfield Spring Fling

Westfield
Sunday, May 7, 2023
More than 300 vendors line the streets of downtown Westfield for this springtime festival, which is chock full of all-ages fun. There are yummy festival eats on offer, and children's entertainment abounds.  READ MORE

Galloway Art Festival

Galloway
Sunday, May 7, 2023
The Galloway Arts Festival features music, dance and visual arts over the course of the day throughout the Smithville Village. Guests are able to follow a master schedule of performances, led by the Absegami Performing Arts, and enjoy some interactive activities as well.  READ MORE

Car Cruise

Galloway
Fridays, May 12 and 26, 2023
Stop by The Village Greene at Historic Smithville to see some spectacular vehicles on display, or show off one of your own. The Car Cruises is a perfect hang-out for all car enthusiasts to see, show, and talk cars.  READ MORE

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

various locations
Select Fridays from May 12-September 1, 2023
Screenings are held throughout the county on select Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights through August.  READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival

Lincroft
Saturday, May 13, 2023
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

Azalea Festival

Hamilton
Saturday, May 13, 2023
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

National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall

Morristown
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day in the historic gardens on Macculloch Hall's grounds. Enjoy special presentations, scavenger hunts, and art activities. READ MORE

Chow Down in Maywood Food Truck Fest

Maywood
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Indulge in food trucks, 30+ vendors, music, crafts and a kid zone at Myron Parking Lot. Children's activities include a bounce house, face painting and games. READ MORE

Spring Bazaar 2023

Asbury Park
Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14, 2023
Celebrate Mother's Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar, featuring a shopping, arts & crafts, and music experience in two beautiful locations by the beach. Shop for fresh flower bouquets, Mother's Day photos and photo stations, music, entertainment, kids workshops, food, and more. READ MORE

LibraryCon '23

Ramsey
Saturday, May 13, 2023
LibraryCon is back for 2023 with lots of attractions and activities for all ages throughout the afternoon, including meet-and-greet with authors, the "Ghostbusters car," characters, and more. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

various locations
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Touch-a-Truck at Rockaway Townsquare

Rockaway
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Join the fun at this Touch a Truck event in the outer parking lot, featuring trucks and vehicles from local organizations like Roxbury Police Department, Morris County Sheriff's Department Hope One, New Jersey State Police and more. READ MORE

Career Carnival for Kids

Rockaway
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Career Carnival for Kids offers career discovery events to introduce elementary and middle school children to professionals in a variety of fields such as health care, STEM, public safety, and more. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 18-Sunday, May 21, 2023
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

36th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival

Belmar
Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21, 2023
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

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Landing
Saturday, May 20, 2023
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

Fairy and Pirate Festival

Budd Lake
Saturday, May 20, 2023
(New date due to weather) 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

Ocean Fun Days

Berkeley
Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21, 2023
This 2-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

South Jersey Arts Fest

Elmer
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Celebrate the arts and artists of South Jersey with live music, food and drink, craft vendors, and art-making. The day includes live music by local band Mesquite Honey on the Grove Stage, craft vendors from throughout the region and a variety of yummy eats from food trucks. READ MORE

Kids to Parks Day

various locations
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Spend the day at Ocean County's parks as part of a national movement to encourage local park exploration. The fun activities include nature exploration and scavenger hunts.  READ MORE

Bordentown Street Fair

Bordentown
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Now in its 44th year, this annual fair features diverse artisans, area merchants, live music, food, family fun, and entertainment. READ MORE

Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge
Saturday, May 20, 2023
The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair is a day of family-fun activities that promote a healthier environment and the arts. The all-day fair and art show features arts, crafts, and wellness vendors, and you will find a wide array of fair-trade, organic, and eco-smart products for sale. READ MORE

Pennington Day 2023

Pennington
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Since 1980, this lively street fair featuring local businesses, artisans, activities, music, food and non-profits, has become one of the most anticipated events in Pennington Borough and Hopewell Valley. READ MORE

National Kids to Parks Day at Plainsboro Preserve

Cranbury
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Thousands of children nationwide are invited to take part in a grassroots movement to discover America’s parks through play on May 20. Join Plainsboro Preserve for a fun-filled morning learning about animals and pollinators. Sample honey, plant some seeds, go for a hike, and much more. READ MORE

MayFest

Galloway
Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21, 2023
Historic Smithville’s famous MayFest has over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations and more. READ MORE

Maplewood MayFest

Maplewood
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Enjoy a fun day in Maplewood at this fair, featuring over artists, crafters and vendors, plus activities, local bands, a DJ and performances. READ MORE

Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show

Kenilworth
Sunday, May 21, 2023
The Boulevard becomes one big block party with vendors, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, and more. Activities for kids include bounce houses, face painting, sand art, and many others.  READ MORE

Walnford Day

Upper Freehold
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Ingenuity, technology, culture and history come together in one great event, featuring historical demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and more.  READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood
Friday, May 26-Monday, May 29, 2023
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

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival

Bradley Beach
Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 28, 2023
Bradley Beach celebrates Memorial Day all weekend long, with food vendors, rides, bounce houses, crafters, a parade, and much more. There is a DJ on both days and live performances. READ MORE

Peter Pan Adventure Fest

Galloway
Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 28, 2023
Peter Pan Adventure Fest is presented on Riddlesbrood’s portable, main stage, along with 2 other stages set up on the Village Green gazebo. A variety of vendors with fantasy and adventure themed art, artistry and collectibles add to the festivities. READ MORE

Woodland Park Street Fair

Woodland Park
Monday, May 29, 2023
Start your day with a traditional Memorial Day parade through town. Afterward, McBride Avenue is transformed into a big block party. A special kids section features rides, face painting, and more. Shop with local merchants, and enjoy live music. READ MORE

Freehold Memorial Day Parade

Freehold
Monday, May 29, 2023
Spend Memorial Day at the oldest and largest such Memorial Day parade in Western Monmouth County. More than 70 groups–including veterans, bands, fire departments, civilian, and youth organizations–participate each year. READ MORE

Glassboro Memorial Day Parade

Glassboro
Monday, May 29, 2023
The town of Glassboro shows its patriotic pride at its annual parade, featuring veteran and military groups, marching bands, mummers, motorcycles, scouts, fire trucks, patriotic floats and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Summit Free Public Library
Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Downtown Westfield
various Ocean County parks
Beach Across from Wildwood Convention Center
Bradley Beach Beachfront Promenade