May 20-22 events: The best things to do this weekend in NJ
Looking for something to do this weekend? Big Joe’s got you covered. Check out our complete list of great events and fun things do right here in the great Garden State!
ATLANTIC COUNTY
Can you solve the Hollywood Who Done It? While you enjoy your three-course dinner, see if you can figure out the murder mystery at the Hammy awards, a hilarious spoof of Hollywood award shows hosted at Renault Winery.
Date: May 20th, 2016
Location: Renault Winery
72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
BERGEN COUNTY
Experience history in one of the storied places where it was made! Pinkster is celebrated with a Maypole Dance at 1:30 pm & 3 pm with a participation session at the end of each performance. Ridley and Anne Enslow are featured on fiddle and hammered dulcimer. Naturally dyed eggs for Pinkster in the Out Kitchen. Pinkster cake, strawberries & cream, doughnuts and lemonade will be served in the restored 18th century tavern in the Campbell-Christie House. Throughout the day members of the 3rd New Jersey will be doing demonstrations. Spinning demonstration in the Demarest House Museum by Michelle Greene..Garden tours.
Date: May 22nd, 2016
Location: Historic New Bridge Landing
1201-1209 Main St., River Edge, NJ 07661
Go the Distance for Autism is a series of rides which meet the needs of cyclists at all levels. The rides include a challenging 62.5 mile metric century, as well as 25, 10 and 3 mile routes which can accommodate varying ages and ability levels. Post-ride, participants and attendees enjoy a Family Fun Festival with catered lunch, music, bounce houses and vendor pavilion. Walk-ins are welcome!
Date: May 22nd, 2016
Location: Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652
BURLINGTON COUNTY
On both days, from 10 am - 4 pm, most of Farnsworth Avenue and its major side streets are transformed into a giant food, fun and festivities extravaganza for the whole family. The one and only 39th Annual Bordentown Street Fair – the flagship event for the Northern Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce – brings over 10,000 people to visit Historic Bordentown City, NJ! An eclectic array of boutique shop merchants from historical downtown Bordentown set up shop on the streets for two full days of fun and festivities. Gourmet local restaurants prepare amazing food, local non-profits hold fund raisers, children flock to the Kids' Corner, and local groups provide free entertainment. For many, the best part of the Fair is the HUGE selection of amazing fine arts crafters who travel from near and far to be a part of what always becomes a wonderfully uplifting day of commerce, networking, seeing old friends, and making new ones.
Date: May 21st, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505
CAPE MAY COUNTY
Cape May is the place to be for spring birding and our festival has something for everyone. Beginner, novice and expert birders always attend and our local flora and fauna do not disappoint. This year's festival falls at the peak of horseshoe crab spawning season and the time when shorebirds flock our beaches in search of nutrient-rich horseshoe crab eggs. It is a must-see phenomenon unique to New Jersey's Delaware Bayshore that everyone, birder or not, should witness at least once in their lives. We even have a full moon on Saturday, which creates a magical viewing opportunity. Check website for registration information.
Date: May 20th, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: Various sites in Cape May and Cumberland Counties
New Jersey Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Rt. 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
The Wetlands Institute is pleased to announce our 4th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival, a weekend packed with conservation-based, hands-on, interactive activities for all ages. Join us for a festival that celebrates an amazing spectacle of nature – the shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning season. Guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of conservation-based activities including guided shorebird viewings; horseshoe crab workshops; participating in horseshoe crab spawning surveys and reTURN the Favor walks; aquarium teaching tank and aquaculture tours; naturalist-led Salt Marsh Trail walks; and more! Supported in part by a Grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
Date: May 21st, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
ESSEX
Essex County Family Garden Party is a free community event sponsored by Essex County Parks with entertainment, crafts, face painting, booths from local organizations such as the Essex County Environmental Center and Master Gardeners, and various food trucks. A student art exhibit will also be featured. 11 am - 3 pm. Rain date: May 22. The garden and all events are free and open to the public. A suggested donation is requested during Bloom Season to fund operating costs.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
HUDSON COUNTY
With a spectacular view of Lady Liberty herself and the Hudson River skyline, it will be time for family fun and with the Liberty Lightning 9K (8am), great competition, while allowing us to honor and reflect upon the young people serving this great nation. Along with military displays and demonstrations represented by every branch of our nations armed forces, there will be music, food, and vendors. Displays include Helicopters, a V-22 Osprey, and Armored vehicles, and many active military hardware to see up close and personal. Military Demonstrations, and performances by the 63rd Army Band and The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and Drum and Bugle Corps. Music performance by Ayla Gentiletti, as well as the Miss NJ USA Ladies....and so much more Before the Festival begins, a special presentation of the national colors will be done by the Special Forces Association Parachute Team.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Liberty State Park
Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305
HUNTERDON COUNTY
Join us for this unique pet-friendly, family-friendly day out. We have over 40 wonderful vendors selling their goods and services for adults, children and pets alike. Petting zoo, face painting, rescue groups, groomer, Raffle baskets and more! Come and enjoy the music of Sun Dog Country, while enjoying great food, wine and friends in this beautiful setting! Join us at 1 pm for a "Blessing of the Pets" Canine Good Citizen Testing will be held, spaces are limited please RSVP The winery will also be holding a wine tasting on site for an additional fee per person. Must be over 21 years old to participate in the wine tasting. $5 per person; children under 12 and pets are free. Pre-register, pay online and get a free raffle ticket for a $50 Gift Card!
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Old York Cellars
80 Old York Rd., Ringoes, NJ 08551
MERCER COUNTY
Bring your family and friends to Working Dog Winery for the sixth annual Chesterfest Wine Festival, immediately following the Hair of the Dog 5K. Come and enjoy award-winning wines, food trucks, great music by the Pennington Station Band, complimentary tasting glass, and of course endless fun! $10 admission if you are not running in the 5K. Remember to bring a lawn chair and blanket.
Date: May 22nd, 2016
Location: Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Rd., Hightstown, NJ 08520
Join us for a special wine and chocolate tasting event with Tony Brokenborough of Carol's Creative Chocolatez. Tony will lead tasters through the history of chocolate from the time of Columbus to the present day. Afterwards, enjoy an extended tasting of 8-10 high quality, single origin and Belgian chocolates which have been expertly paired with Terhune Orchards wines. This event will not disappoint…and everyone will be sure to leave with a better appreciation of chocolate and wine, and how they work together. The event takes place in Terhune Orchard's historic tasting barn. Registration includes a souvenir glass and 10% off day-of bottle purchase. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door as space allows. To reserve, purchase tickets online at or call. Tickets are non-refundable.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Our market offers something for everyone! A wide variety of brand name vendors such as Origami Owl, Touchstone Crystal, Scentsy, Avon, Home Décor, and many more brand consultants. Hand crafted jewelry, scarves, hats, and custom holiday decors, candy, local artists and crafts. Gently used items from mom's attic, dad's garage, and the kid's closets and toy bins are available and priced to sell. Plenty of parking! Walking distance from the Dunellen Train Station. Crossroad Washington Avenue. Look for the tank! Food and beverages available all day! Interested in being a Vendors – contact us Fleamarket119@yahoo.com Proceeds benefit Post 119's Veterans programs, community service assistance, college scholarships and the post's scouting program.
Date: May 21st, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: American Legion Post 119
137 New Market Rd., Dunellen, NJ 08812
MONMOUTH COUNTY
HappyFest is the obstacle course for "the rest of us." It is for every single age, every single ability. Every obstacle will have an alternative option that is for whoever chooses, and the option is wheelchair accessible. Grandparents can cross the finish line with parents and grandchildren - TOGETHER. Co-workers, neighbors, friends can all do this course. It's about fitness, inclusion & FUN! The course is 1.2 miles. After, the fun continues at our festival with live music, food, pop up fitness classes and interactive booths. REGISTER NOW. Questions?
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Old Bridge Raceway Park
230 Pension Rd., Englishtown, NJ 07726
Taste of Manasquan is from Noon - 4 pm. Join us in sampling small bites at participating restaurants and discover what makes Manasquan so delicious!
Date: May 22nd, 2016
Location: Various Locations
Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736
MORRIS COUNTY
The Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown is New Jersey's first festival, featuring only New Jersey Craft Beer, coupled with New Jersey restaurants, gourmet food trucks & Chefs, offering a delectable array of mouth watering BBQ & Bacon creations, all available for purchase. There will be a competition to showcase their culinary skills, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the best of the best, along with People's Choice awards for Best Dish & Best Beer. Over 20 New Jersey Breweries will be in attendance, each bringing 3 styles of Beer. One of these styles will be either a rare Beer or a Brew created specifically for this event. The event will take place outdoors and under tents, with some fantastic music by The Nerds! This is destined to become a New Jersey classic.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Lewis Morris Park
270 Mendham Rd., Morristown, NJ 07876
Jamie Oliver’s worldwide Food Revolution Day comes to Fosterfields to celebrate all-natural, fresh foods, and encourage food awareness, healthy decision making, and the benefits of cooking from scratch. ‘Know Your Food’ and grow your knowledge about where it comes from. Join in the activities: identify seeds, play games, make a healthy-themed craft, and don’t forget to meet the animals of Fosterfields.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
73 Kahdena Rd., Morris Twp., NJ 07960
OCEAN COUNTY
The Jersey Shore Festival is a free admission music and arts festival that kicks off the summer festival season and proves that summer really does start sooner at the Jersey Shore. With performances by over 350 artists from around the world, the Jersey Shore Festival is the premier emerging artist festival in New Jersey!
Date: May 20th, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: Seaside Boardwalk
Sheridan - Sampson Ave., Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
SALEM COUNTY
This year features more than 40 artists in a wide variety of media. This increasingly popular event offers visitors an opportunity to see the spaces where local art is created while exploring Salem County's beautiful countryside. As in prior years, local restaurants and cafes are also a part of the event. Free.
Date: May 21st, 2016 - May 22nd, 2016
Location: Salem County
94 Market St., Salem, NJ 08079
UNION COUNTY
The annual 15 mile bicycle ride is open to all skill levels, and takes its participants on a tour of the states's fourth largest city, which was founded in 1664. This year's theme is "Bikes and Bites" and shares the great diversity and flavors of Elizabeth's dining sector. The ride will feature the most well known, historical and singular places to eat that attract thousands of visitors from the New York tristate metropolitan area. Participants to the Annual Tour are drawn from many points within Union County and beyond to continue to experience all the greatness that Elizabeth has to offer. Hosts to include: Elizabeth Mayor Bollwage, the City of Elizabeth, Groundwork Elizabeth, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders HEART grant, the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth Development Company, Elizabeth's Special Improvement Districts, and local stakeholders.
Date: May 22nd, 2016
Location: Elizabeth City Hall
50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
WARREN COUNTY
Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead is proud to host the fourth annual Warren County Preservation Day. The event is free and open for the public to enjoy the settlement buildings, historic tours, Delaware River boat launch and hiking. Exhibitors of history, local farming, forestry, outdoor exploration, nature, wildlife, culture (and more!) will be on hand to provide information, demonstrations, displays and activities. Live musical performances will be provided all day by various artists. Come visit this historic site, settled in 1795 by James and Adam Ramsay! 10 am - 4 pm, rain or shine.
Date: May 21st, 2016
Location: Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead
140 Rt. 46, Knowlton, NJ 07832
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