May 19-21 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
Mayfest offers an abundance of family fun! There will be more than 100 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, children's activities, nonprofit organizations and live entertainment. All of this is in addition to our 60+ shops, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, 7 eateries, and antique arcades that are located at the Village year round! 10 am - 5 pm.
Date: May 20th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Historic Smithville
615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205
CAMDEN COUNTY
Devil's Creek 1 Year Birthday Party at the Brewery 12 noon to 10pm, FREE TO ATTEND! We’ll be tapping our exclusive Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beers: Jolly Quad, Cordially Yours, and 1888. A new barrel-aged beer will be tapped every 2 hours, starting at 12:00pm! Pours are $9/10 oz. BARREL-AGED BOTTLES on sale. There will be a VERY limited supply of 750mls for sale. 1 bottle total (of any style) per person/household. Sale starts at 2:30pm. $27 per bottle. BLACK DRAGON KOLSCH - THE BATTLESHIP BEER
will be released at the party! Kolsch aged on rum barrel chips, a tribute to the Navy and one of NJ"s most historical vessels! BIRTHDAY CAKE BEER & SNO-CONE BEER We will be serving our DELICIOUS BIRTHDAY CAKE BEER plus a surprise beer that you help make on Saturday! MASON JARS & NEW TEES We'll be filling our Anniversary Mason Jars w/beer for $10 (incl. glass!) plus we'll be selling brand-new swag including tees & hats.
Date: Saturday, May 20th, 2017
Location: Devil's Creek Brewery
1 Powell Ln, Collingswood, NJ 08108
The 7th Annual Handcrafted at Perkins Center is an award-winning beer and food tasting event and is Perkins Center's largest affair in support of arts and education. The evening of artistry features tastings of over two dozen craft micro brews and spirits, artist made beer steins and growlers, gourmet food cart fare, live music and an auction.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: Perkins Center
30 Irvin Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
CAPE MAY COUNTY
Join The Wetlands Institute and the Delaware Bay Shorebird Initiative for a festival that celebrates an amazing spectacle of nature – the shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning season. Children and guests of all ages can enjoy guided shorebird walks along our local beaches and salt marshes, guided viewings of shorebird and horseshoe crab interactions along the Delaware Bay, naturalist-led horseshoe crab walks, opportunities to attend shorebird tagging with the International Shorebird Research Team, live horseshoe crab demonstrations, and hands-on education and conservation-based activities. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Date: May 20th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Come out and join us for our 3rd Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair and Farmers Market! We will have local health agencies and organizations provide services, resources & information on how to get healthy & stay healthy! We encourage you to make positive lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. These screenings are a first step to helping you identify some of your health risks. Screenings will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to sponsor this community event or be a vendor, please contact Millville Chiropractic Center by phone or email.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: Cumberland County Community Church
1800 E. Broad St., Millville, NJ 08332
ESSEX
Kick off the summer months at Claremont Distillery for Red, White & Booze bash. Claremont is New Jersey's fastest growing craft distillery. Join Claremont in celebrating outdoors as the distillery cracks open their first barrel aged whiskey. Enjoy a complimentary "Welcome!" cocktail at the door, listen to live bands, and try out some food from one of the food trucks that will be on site. The cost to attend is $10 in advance or $15 at the door for those over 21.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: Claremont Distillery
25 Commerce Rd., Unit K, Fairfield, NJ 07004
While many exhibitors travel from as far as Maine and Florida to participate in the annual event, top New Jersey talent graces the park as it once again is transformed into a craft boutique and art gallery with 140 juried fine artists, photographers and fine crafters who satisfy every taste. Co-sponsored by Essex County Department Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Rose Squared Productions, Inc, the show is located on the corner of Lakeside and Bloomfield Ave. and can be reached by taking Rt. 280 to Exit 7 (Pleasant Valley Way), right on Pleasant Valley Way to the end. The park is on the corner. 10 am - 5 pm. Rain or shine.
Date: May 20th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Verona Park
Bloomfield Ave. & Lakeside, Verona, NJ 07044
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 20th, 2017
Location: Liberty State Park
Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305
MERCER COUNTY
We're excited to present the 2nd annual Watershed Trail Run and Festival. The 10K and 5K help support the efforts of Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association's mission to protect and restore clean water and a healthy environment in central New Jersey. Whether you are a competitive runner or an avid walker, this event has something for you. The is designed to tour the different types of habitat we feature on the Watershed Reserve with views of meadow and forest. The path nears our pond ecosystem, parallels our wetlands, and runs straight through the Honey Brook Organic Farm. Family and friends can cheer you on from our victory village, tour our new Watershed Center, and listen to live music by our race day band. The festival will also have family activities, food and beer and wine available.
Date: May 21st, 2017
Location: The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, NJ 08534
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Come to experience the freshest and finest catch in Belmar. Stay and divulge in a spectacular array of creative dishes, all showcasing the wonders of the sea. Enjoy unique craft vendors, wine and craft beer tent, kid's activities and live music! FREE.
Date: May 19th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Silver Lake Park
5th & Ocean Aves., Belmar, NJ 07719
Join us for a culture-filled festival celebrating the Bayshore's finest antique dealers, artists, crafters, and musicians. Artists, artisans and dealers from near and far gather to sell their wares and perform their works in downtown Keyport on Waterfront Park & West Front St. Rain Date: May 21.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: West Front St., Keyport, NJ 07735
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 20th, 2017
Location: Lewis Morris Park
270 Mendham Rd., Morristown, NJ 07876
OCEAN COUNTY
We're excited to announce the Jersey Shore Festival will be coming back to Seaside Heights! The 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! Want to take a break from the music? The Jersey Shore Festival welcomes local businesses, artists, and non-profits to showcase and sell their products for festival attendees right on the Seaside Heights boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday from noon - 7 pm. In addition to the music and Vendor Village, there will be Food Trucks, Pros vs Heroes Charity Flag Football (ex-NFL players), NFL Play60 Clinics, free Monster Truck Rides on the beach, Motocross, BMX, yoga, surfing and stand up paddle lessons, and a Poker Run - just to name a few.
Date: May 19th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Townwide
Beach & Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Come sample some of the areas best chili & salsa and vote for your favorite! Free admission. Tasting kit to sample chili $7. Live entertainment, beer & wine garden, food vendors, merchandise vendors, handcrafters, rides for the kids. Free parking day of event. 11 am - 5 pm. For more information visit our website.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: Downtown Toms River
Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Offshore Powerboat Racing has been part of Point Pleasant Beach's history since 1969 with the Benihana Offshore Grand Prix. The race is back, come experience the excitement of Offshore Powerboat Racing. The boats will be on display Friday and Saturday in conjunction with the Point Pleasant Beach Rotary Festival. The race is on Sunday starting at noon. Watch the race from the beaches of Point Pleasant Beach. The entire event is FREE.
Date: May 18th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
The Governor's Annual Surf Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for families and friends to get outdoors and enjoy the sport of surf fishing! Appreciation of our marine resources through surf fishing will hopefully build a strong advocacy for marine resource conservation. Entry to the park is free to individuals who register for the surf fishing tournament. The Governor has been invited to present the prizes during a special awards ceremony. The individual catching the largest fish will receive the "Governor's Trophy" and have their name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Schedule: Fishing 6:30 am – 1 pm, Raffle Drawing 1:30 pm – 2 pm, Awards Ceremony 2 pm. Registration Fee: Ages 18 and older: $15 (day of $20), Ages 13-17: $5, Ages 12 and under: FREE.
Date: May 21st, 2017
Location: Island Beach State Park
Rt. 35 S. & 24th Ave., Seaside Park, NJ 08752
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 20th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Salem County
94 Market St., Salem, NJ 08079
SUSSEX COUNTY
Family friendly and popular outdoor festival on the beautiful and scenic grounds of historic Lusscroft Farm, part of High Point State Park. The Festival features two full days of live musical performances from local bands, a plant sale, garden tours, plant walks, pony rides, carriage rides, vendors and crafters, food, and more! New this year - the Lusscroft Farm Photography Contest entries will be on display and some available for purchase in the Bunkhouse, and the Main Barn will be open for attendees to admire the pop-up art gallery and shop for bargains and treasures in the lower level. Limited tours of the Manor House too! Suggested donation of $7 for adults, kids under 18 are free. Festival Hours are 10 am - Dusk. Proceeds go to restoration of the buildings and grounds of Lusscroft Farm. Presented by the non-profit Heritage & Agriculture Association, in cooperation with the NJ DEP/Division of Parks and Forestry, working together to restore Lusscroft Farm.
Date: May 20th, 2017 - May 21st, 2017
Location: Lusscroft Farm
50 Neilson Road & 4-H Trail, Wantage, NJ 07461
UNION COUNTY
Non-stop live music and entertainment along with family fun attractions. Over 150 exhibitors, kiddie rides and climbing wall, kids games, face painters, amusements, temp tattoos, and more. A special section with craft exhibitors and artists. Visit Kenilworth Fire Dept. and their fire trucks. Also our terrific Car Show in the area of Harding Elementary School on the Blvd. Fabulous festival foods, everything from shishkabobs, kettle corn, pulled pork, sausage sandwiches to ice cream, zeppoles, funnel cakes, and Italian ices. Come eat, shop and play! Open to the public from 10 am - 4 pm. Rain or Shine.
Date: May 21st, 2017
Location: Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
WARREN COUNTY
Sci-Fi Fantasy day has become one of the borough's favorite events, with "characters" converging on Washington to celebrate sci-fi adventures with games, music, cos-play, and activities for all ages.
Date: May 20th, 2017
Location: 47 E. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882
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