What's Happening May 2026

Spring filled sunny days start in May and they are ideal for family friendly outdoor festivals. The New Jersey area offers plenty of things to do, ranging from Street Fairs to Spring Flings to Ocean Days. Go take the kids and enjoy! 

The NJ Renaissance Faire

On Weekends May 23-24, 30-31, & June 6-7, 13-14, 2026 comes the most interactive Faire in all the lands. The NJ Renaissance Faire is a one of a kind attraction with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Come see jugglers, acrobats, sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, fire breathers, shows, and more! Admission fee. Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ.

Livingston Kiwanis Karnival

Tues-Sat, May 12-16, 2026. FREE Admission to the Livingston Kiwanis Karnival. Bring the family to enjoy rides, games, and fun! Fee for rides. E. Northfield Rd in Livingston NJ. 

Woodbridge Street Fair

Sat, May 16, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Classic street fair with food, entertainment, and plenty of arts & crafts. Downtown Woodbridge NJ, Main St.

Ocean Fun Days

Sat, May 16, 2026, 11AM-3PM at Island Beach State Park (GSP Exit 82) and Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-3PM at NJ Sea Grant Consortium in Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117). FREE Admission and FREE Parking. Also Free Eco-Tours available. Explore the shore with the family on these 2 Ocean Fun days. Participate in children outdoor fun relating to the coastal environment - crabs races, coastal crafts, exhibits, food vendors and plenty of fun! OceanFunDays.org

Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival

Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-6PM. FREE family fun. Plenty of artists and crafters at this Hoboken Spring Arts festival. Kids activities, live music, local businesses, and food vendors. Exciting musical acts. Washington St, Hoboken, NJ.

Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show

Sun, May 17, 2026, 10AM-4PM. Classic car show with custom, classic, street rod, and muscle cars. Street fair with food, kids activities, live entertainment & performers, karate demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors, and more! The Boulevard in downtown Kenilworth.

Mayfest Street Fair in Maplewood

Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Classic Mayfest Street Fair featuring artists, crafters, live music, kids activities, food, and fun! Springfield Ave in Maplewood, NJ. 

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Fri-Mon, May 22-25, 2026. FREE to spectators. North America Kite Festival featuring kite makers from around the world! Festivities follow with the opening of the kite sales tent and the Friday night 9 p.m. Illuminated Kite Fly. Kite flying on the beach Saturday and Sunday, as well as kite demos, team flying and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. 

Free Entrance Day National Parks

Mon, May 25, 2026. FREE Admission to all National Parks run by the National Park Service on Memorial Day. nps.gov

Bridgewater Spring Carnival and Touch-A-Truck

Sun, May 31, 2026, 11AM-3PM, outdoors at Bridgewater Commons, rain or shine. FREE Admission. Rides, games, and inflatables. Climb into real trucks. Food, music, and fun! Fee for arts & crafts, ace painting and glitter tattoos. Presented by the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC) in partnership with Township of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Commons, and RWJBarnabas Health. 

Go the Distance for Autism

Sun, May 31, 2026. Bike event & 5K fun run. Helping Children & Families with Autism. Ride, walk, or run Go the Distance for Autism. Held at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield NJ.

See NJ Kids for more events.