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Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
5/24/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and times.

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Keep your eye on the sky at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Keep your eye on the sky at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Memorial Day Weekend With Kids

Woodbridge Center Carnival

Woodbridge
Wednesday, May 22-Monday, May 27
Have six days of festive fun at the Woodbridge Center Carnival. Enjoy rides, games and carnival food.  READ MORE

Paramus L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival

Paramus
Select dates from Thursday, May 23-Sunday, June 9
Westfield Garden State Plaza hosts this 15-day carnival, which benefits the Paramus L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program. The fun includes rides, games, food, and entertainment.  READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood – FREE
Friday, May 24-Monday, May 27
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

Keyport Music and Food Truck FEASTival

Keyport
Saturday, May 25
Food trucks, live music, children's activities and more make a great start to Memorial Day weekend at the Keyport waterfront. READ MORE

Collingswood Annual May Fair

Collingswood – FREE
Saturday, May 25
This festival is loaded with fun like carnival rides, a kids' zone, 200 vendors, a car show, food, live music, and more.  READ MORE

Taylor Made Band–A Taylor Swift Tribute Show

Belmar
Saturday, May 25
Ready for it? Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Taylor Made, a live acoustic trio playing all the hits of Taylor Swift. A Taylor Swift impersonator also makes an appearance at this Jersey Shore event. READ MORE

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival

Bradley Beach – FREE
Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26
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

AdventureFest at Historic Smithville

Galloway–FREE
Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26
The Wizard of Oz 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

Runaway Rapids Season Opening

Keansburg
Saturday, May 25-Monday, May 27
Cool off Memorial Day weekend when Runaway Rapids opens for the season. Relax on the Lazy River, take a plunge on the Mega Bunga Falls, or enjoy one of the many other wet attractions.  READ MORE

NJ Jerk Fest 2024 in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Sunday, May 26
Bring your appetite to Boyd Park for a day filled with delicious Caribbean cuisine, live music, and good vibes. Indulge in spicy jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk fish, jerk goat, jerk oxtail and jerk ice cream. READ MORE

Freehold Memorial Day Parade

Freehold–FREE
Monday, May 27
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–FREE
Monday, May 27
A tradition of over 100 years, this parade features floats, veterans and military groups, bands, antique vehicles, youth sports organizations, fire trucks, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Memorial Day Ceremony

Holmdel–FREE
Monday, May 27
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation hosts the annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those that lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. READ MORE

Fort Lee VFW Memorial Day Parade

Fort Lee–FREE
Monday, May 27
Fort Lee's annual parade commences at the Jack Alter Community Center, then heads down Center Avenue, Main Street and Anderson Avenue. Stop by the Community Center after the parade for a special ceremony and refreshments.  READ MORE

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