Looks like the weather is going to be great this weekend - so cross those fingers and let’s all do a no-rain dance to make that happen! The list is long this week so let’s get to it.


Remember, this is just a summary of events - I cannot fit them all in a newsletter! 👉 View the full event calendar here!
And please note that I MANUALLY curate these. NO AI, no employee - just me trying to find things I think would appeal to a wide variety of people. Sometimes I may not find anything in a county, no matter how hard I try! But I promise - I try!
Atlantic County
View all Atlantic County events ➜
Soar and Shore Festival - 5/29-5/31 | Atlantic City
Save the date for breathtaking performances and non-stop high-flying entertainment! Cost: Visit Event Website >
5th Annual Richland Vintage & Toy Fest - 5/30 | Richland
Vintage, retro toys, antiques, pop culture, art and more. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Bergen County
View all Bergen County events ➜
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival - 5/21-6/7 | Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Enjoy food, rides, and carnival games while supporting L.E.A.D, a nonprofit that helps protect communities from drugs, violence and more. Additional dates and cities are also scheduled. Cost: $5, rides additional Visit Event Website >
Every Day is Earth Day - 5/30 | Ridgefield Park
A fun family event featuring live animals, demos, environmental exhibits, music and more. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Burlington County
View all Burlington County events ➜
New Jersey Renaissance Fair - through 6/14 | Burlington County Fairgrounds
Transport yourself back in time to the 1500s with this top ranking Ren Fair experience. Cost: $25+ Visit Event Website >
Camden County
View all Camden County events ➜
WaltFEST & Laurel Springs Day - 5/30 | Whitman Stafford Farmhouse
Enjoy community and history at the WaltFest Festival to celebrate the birth of Walt Whitman. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
AWA 5K Run & Doggie Fun Day - 5/30 | Cooper River Park, Pennsauken
Live entertainment, local vendors, children’s activities, food &drink from local favorites, and more to fundraise for AWA. Sign up for the 5K too! Cost: Free event, fee for 5K Visit Event Website >
Cape May County
View all Cape May County events ➜
Cape May Music Festival - 5/9-6/21
Enjoy music styles like jazz, classical and chamber being performed across Cape May. Runs through June 21, 2026. Cost: Varies Visit Event Website >
Art & Authors on Dune - 5/30 | Avalon
Skilled fine artists and local authors along Dune Drive. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Cape May Restaurant Week - 5/31-6/7 | Cape May
Enjoy an appetizer, entree, and dessert for one fixed price. Reserve a table at your favorite spot or try someplace new. Cost: Visit Event Website >
Cumberland County
View all Cumberland County events ➜
WheatonARTS Day - 5/30 | Millville
Explore, experience, create, and celebrate across WheatonArts’ 45-acre campus. Try your hand at a variety of free and fee based activities. Cost: Varies Visit Event Website >
Essex County
View all Essex County events ➜
Montclair Lantern Festival - 5/30 | Edgewood Memorial Park, Montclair
Share in the AAPI community with thousands of lanterns set to illuminate the pathways of the park. Food trucks, activities, music. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Montclair Vintage Crawl & Record Fair - 5/30 | Lackawanna Station, Montclair
Retro clothing to antique furniture, vinyl records, and more. Cost: Visit Event Website >
Under Cover Music Fest - 5/30 | South Orange
Eight cover bands, food, drinks, beer garden, kids zone and more. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Gloucester County
View all Gloucester County events ➜
Harrison Township Wellness Day - 5/30 | Mullica Hill
A fun festival focused on healthy living with food, music, activities, vendors and giveaways. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Horsepower For Heroes Car Show - 5/30 | Franklinville
Classic cars, great food, and giving back to those who served with all proceeds benefitting SpectraCare Foundation Cost: Free for spectators Visit Event Website >
Hudson County
View all Hudson County events ➜
Jersey City Jazz Festival - 5/26-5/31 | Jersey City
Over 300 musicians across various locations throughout the city. Food, festivities, and plenty of jazz. Cost: Most events are free Visit Event Website >
Hunterdon County
View all Hunterdon County events ➜
Bulls and Beer Rodeo - 5/30 | La Finca NJ, Whitehouse Station
Enjoy a rode with bullriding, music, food and more to support the Readington PBA 317. Cost: $40, under 10 free Visit Event Website >
Lambertville Spring Fest - 5/30-5/31 | Lambertville Station, Lambertville
Enjoy vendors, music, food and beer garden along the river. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Mercer County
View all Mercer County events ➜
ArtWalk - 5/30 | Princeton Junction
One-mile walk, arts and fitness activities, live music, healthy food options, and a festival atmosphere Cost: $1+ Visit Event Website >
Middlesex County
View all Middlesex County events ➜
NJ Horror Con & Film Fest - 5/29-5/31 | Delta Hotels Woodbridge, Iselin
See Horror films in the indie scene and mingle with big names in horror. Cost: $35+, under 7 free Visit Event Website >
St. Demetrios Greek Festival - 5/29-5/31 | Perth Amboy
Enjoy a celebration of Greek culture and food, live music, dancing, shopping and fun at the annual Greek Festival by the Bay. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
New Jersey Jerk Festival - 5/30 | Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Cranbury
Celebration of Caribbean flavor, culture, and artistry. Authentic jerk cuisine, live performances, vendors and more. Cost: Various Visit Event Website >
Monmouth County
View all Monmouth County events ➜
Mer May - 5/30 | Asbury Park
An all-day event featuring all things mer. Dress to impress & see artists, vendors, Mer-Book Fair and things mer themed. Cost: $10+ Visit Event Website >
Allaire Ducky Derby - 5/30-5/31 | Farmingdale
10 ducky races per day with prizes! Glitter tattoos, storytelling, scavenger hunt and the village will be open with demonstrations. Cost: $10, under 4 free Visit Event Website >
Annual Highlands Seaport Craft Show - 5/31 | Highlands
A collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans with live music . Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Monmouth Film Festival - 5/29-5/31 | Bell Works, Holmdel
A celebration of independent cinema featuring panels, workshops, networking and more. Cost: $40+ Visit Event Website >
Morris County
View all Morris County events
Brookstock Music Festival - 5/30 | Brookside Community Club, Mendham
Get ready to rock with great bands, find amazing art vendors and enjoy the food trucks! Cost: $15 online/$20 at door, under 12 free Visit Event Website >
Spring Chester Craft Show - 5/30-5/31 | Chester
Explore 175 exceptional crafters and makers showcasing their talents in the heart of historic Chester. Cost: $6 Visit Event Website >
Ocean County
View all Ocean County events
Funky Flea Market - 5/30 | St. Francis Community Center, Long Beach
Thrifting, art, crafts, vintage finds, and more at St. Francis Community Center. Cost: $3 Visit Event Website >
Dog Royalty Day at Seaside Heights - 5/31 | Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Enjoy the dog days of summer with your fur friends. Event is geared on building awareness for dogs in need. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
BBQ, Beer & Boots - 5/31 | Point Pleasant
A backyard-style BBQ and beer festival with a country twist, right in the heart of downtown. Cost: $10, under 5 free Visit Event Website >
Salem County
View all Salem County events
Spanish-American War Living History Weekend - 5/30 | Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville
Learn about the summer of 1898 as experienced at Fort Mott and abroad with reenactors. Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Somerset County
View all Somerset County events ➜
Bridgewater Carnival and Touch-a-Truck - 5/31 | Bridgewater Commons
A classic carnival with a touch a truck addition to make it a family fun event. Cost: Free, $10 for arts and crafts Visit Event Website >
South Bound Brook Food Truck & Music Fest - 5/30 | Memorial Park
Food trucks, music, family fun and tricky tray to benefit the South Bound Brook Fire Company. Bring non-perishable food to support food pantry. Cost: $5, under 5 free Visit Event Website >
Sussex County
View all Sussex County events ➜
Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest - 5/29-5/31 | Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
The best Music and Food that Louisiana and New Orleans has to offer. Cost: $45+ Visit Event Website >
Warren County
View all Warren County events ➜
Alpha Town-wide Yard Sale - 5/30-5/31 | Alpha
Two-day town-wide yard sale across Alpha, NJ Cost: Free Visit Event Website >
Support Wander Jersey
Wander Jersey is a labor of love — independent, ad-free, and run by one person (hi, I'm Jill). If you've found value in the guides, stories, or recommendations here, a small contribution helps keep the site and newsletter alive and growing.
No pressure, but it genuinely makes a difference.
Thank you for being here. ❤️
FEATURED PLACE
Mid Atlantic Air Museums
OK - so this is not in NJ, it is in Reading, PA. But I would not be doing my job if I did not call out the WWII event that happens here every June. I have attended twice and could easily go every year and never see everything they offer.
From June 5-7, 2026 you can experience what WWII was like through reenactments, flight experiences, flea markets and so much more. Now is the time to start your planning if you want to go - it could easily be a 3 day trip for those that really love this type of interactive history. And this is really a great event for the whole family to enjoy.
See more about my day there!

Plan Ahead
Ocean City Flower Show in Ocean City from 6/5-6/7
NJ Bookstore Crawl across New Jersey from 6/6-6/7
Hot Air Balloon Festival at Warren County Community College from 6/6-6/7
NJ Airshow at Greenwood Lake Airport in West Milford from 6/19-6/21
Monster Trucks at NJ Motorsports Park in Millville from 6/20-6/21
Battle of Monmouth Reenactment in Manalapan from 6/20-6/21
FEATURED HOME
Waterfront view without the 7-figure price tag!
Imagine sitting on your deck, with a front seat view of Indian Lake while drinking that morning coffee. This 3B/2B home offers that and so much more. Home features a modern vibe with lots of new updates, private balcony, and all the amenities you need to create a zen space both indoors and out.
Located at 12 E. Shore Road, Denville and listed for $745,000,

Addison Real Estate/Zillow
In The News
A summer without NJ peaches is a real possibility this year.
Over 50 tall ships are sailing into NY/NJ waterways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
NJ enjoying rare tropical water colors along its shores.
What did you think of this edition?
Do you have feedback, questions, or a story you want me to share? Just reply to this email—I read every message, and your input helps make this newsletter better.
