Essex County is rich with opportunities for outdoor activity, with an entire park system comprising over 6,000 acres of open space that spans everything from neighborhood parks to undeveloped reservations. Dating back nearly 130 years, the Essex County Park System is one of the most historical aspects of the county, providing beautiful parks and facilities for community members to play, explore, and engage with nature. Read on for a breakdown of the Essex County Park Systems in Northern New Jersey.
History
In 1895, the first county park system in the US was established here in our home base of Essex County. Governor Werts of New Jersey signed the paperwork to create the Essex County Park Commission and then snagged sixty acres from the City of Newark to make Branch Brook Park the first county park in the nation.
When the Commission got things rolling, the group hired the experts at Bogart and Barrett to start planning the parks, but a few years later, the Olmsted Brothers took over and made their mark. Known for their top-notch work, they designed all the parks and reservations of the Essex County System.
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The Olmsted parks of Essex County are meticulously designed and constructed. Think excavated lakes, carefully arranged mounds, and even imported trees and plants. It’s like these parks are nature’s art exhibit. They’ve got winding roads, natural waterways, open fields, and scenic overlooks. Plus, sunken roadways keep traffic out of sight, and the lush border mounds make it seem like nature goes on forever. There is even a parkway system that links up all these green spaces.
Despite facing social and fiscal challenges over the years, a voter referendum in 1998 led to the establishment of an Open Space Trust Fund exclusively for parks. With additional grant funding and capital investments, the park system has seen over $100 million in improvements since 1995.
Today, the mature landscape brings the grand Olmsted designs to life, making Frederick Law Olmsted and his sons celebrated icons. Public interest in history and historic preservation has never been higher, and Essex County takes great pride in recognizing and promoting the historic significance of its parks.
The Parks
With 24 parks and five reservations in the system, there’s something for everyone. Verona Park is one of our favorites in the area, which spans 54 acres with a lake running through it. It’s a welcoming spot for family fun with weeping willow trees, winding paths, and lots to do and explore. Within the park, visitors can find a 13-acre lake for boating and fishing, a boathouse that’s open in the summer with a snack bar and boat rentals, a picturesque ornamental bridge, tennis courts, playgrounds, bocce courts, and a gazebo that houses concerts in the park’s center.
Another popular gem is Brookdale Park, which spans Montclair and Bloomfield across 121 acres. This park has a variety of activities, from strolls along the prettiest of trails to engaging in sports on the lush lawns and fields. Visitors can also enjoy the archery range, playground, stadium with a grandstand, and dog park. Additionally, the park is home to the Essex County Rose Garden, which has been blooming since 1959 and features a stunning array of over 100 rose species.
At 360 acres, Branch Brook Park is the largest park in the Essex County Parks System. The park, whose borders move in and out to form an L shape, is approximately a quarter-mile wide and four miles long. It’s best known for its cherry blossom trees as it boasts the largest collection in the US, with a festival that takes place in the spring.
Other small parks scatter the county, such as Anderson Park in Upper Montclair, which features a half-mile walking path loop and a center meadow often used for picnicking, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and other activities. Grover Cleveland Park in Caldwell and Essex Fells is another popular spot with tennis courts, a playground, a lake, walking paths, picnic tables, and a baseball field.
For adventurers, Eagle Rock Reservation is located between West Orange, Montclair, and Verona and consists of hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross the woodland. Several routes take hikers to the famous 9/11 memorial and lookout point across from the NYC skyline.
There’s also South Mountain Reservation, the largest of the Park System’s reservations, which is located in central portions of Maplewood, Millburn, and West Orange. Both reservations contain segments of the Lenape Trail, a unique urban/suburban trail connecting 18 parks and 11 municipalities in Essex County.
The Essex County Park System is constantly growing and improving. In the last few years, they’ve added new local treasures like Cedar Grove Park, Riverfront Park, Kip’s Castle Park, and Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.
Activities + Events
The Department also runs Turtle Back Zoo, Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain Recreation Complex, the Essex County Environmental Center, and three golf courses. The Division of Cultural Affairs has programs for seniors, children, and families. The parks host fun events throughout the year, like the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Summer Concert Series, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
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The famous Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park attracts tens of thousands annually to see over 5,000 trees in full bloom — arguably better than the collection in Washington, DC. The Free Summer Concerts series features everything from jazz to classical music — something for every music lover. Plus, TripAdvisor.com named Turtle Back Zoo the best in New Jersey, making it a must-visit. And if that’s not enough, Olympic figure skaters train at the ice arena, thrill seekers scale a Treetop Adventure Course, and art lovers gather at Riker Hill Art Park.
To stay updated on all the happenings at the parks, check out the Essex County Park Instagram page.
42 Spring Festivals in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for 2025
Despite what non-residents may say, true New Jerseyans know that the nickname "Dirty Jersey" is far from accurate —especially when considering the state's abundance of lush greenery that springs to life every March. Within the next few months, Northern New Jersey will celebrate all that the spring season brings with over 40 festivals, some with themes that surround the beauty of the Garden State. Keep reading for a list of spring festivals in March, April, and May in Montclair and beyond for 2025.
March
Garden State Film Festival | 25 North Avenue West, Cranford
March 27th-March 30th
The annual Garden State Film Festival takes place throughout six different locations in New Jersey this year, one of them being at the Cranford Theater. This event will include multiple screenings from the 2025 GSFF winners, some of which include Fragments of Solace, the feature screenplay winner, Purgatorio, the short screenplay winner, and more. In addition, there will be workshops, panel discussions, and a filmmaker Q + A after each film block. Tickets for this festival range from $30 to $105, with each ticket granting different features. See the ticket options here.
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Jersey City Pizza Fest | Jersey City
March 29th | 1PM - 5PM
To kick off the beginning of spring, the first-ever Jersey City Pizza Fest will happen on Saturday, March 29th. Presented by Jersey City Happy Hours, this pizza festival will function similarly to a bar crawl, featuring local favorites like &Pizza, Carmine’s Pizza Factory, Helen’s Pizza, Luna Restaurant, Pizzeria Las Americas, Porta, and more. Attendees will receive a half slice of pizza from every participating location. Check-in spots will be at Carmine’s Pizza Factory, located at 366 8th Street, and Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co., located at 199 Warren Street. Participants will receive their check-in location after purchasing tickets, which can be found on the Jersey City Pizza Fest website.
April
The Foodie Fest | Garden Street, Hoboken
April 5th | 2PM - 7PM
Hoboken resident and Vice President of What Hoboken Sounds Like, founded The Foodie Fest, a "powerful platform for Autism Awareness and Acceptance, promoting inclusion, understanding, and community spirit," according to Eventbrite. This festival, which includes plenty of food, a book drive, and music from What Hoboken Sounds Like's official DJ, DJBRIPEE, will take over Garden Street on April 5th from 2PM to 7PM.
Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival | Hoboken
April 5th
Presented by Hoboken Happy Hours, the Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival will return for its sixth year as a food crawl on Saturday, April 5th. The lineup of Hoboken restaurants highlighting their best mac + cheese dishes includes Antique at 112, Byrd, Empanadas Cafe, GTK, The Hoboken Biergarten, and more. The check-in locations will be at UH Hoboken at 306 Sinatra Drive and The Hoboken Biergarten at 1422 Grand Street. Attendees will receive their check-in location after purchasing tickets. Find ticket details and the full list of participating restaurants here.
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park | Lake Street + Park Avenue, Newark
April 5th - April 13th
There's no better place to see the best of the Garden State, i.e., cherry blossoms, than Branch Brook Park in Newark. Self-proclaimed as "New Jersey's pinkest park," as per its website, this location will host the 2025 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from April 5th to April 13th during various times. This week-long event will include a bike race, 10k run, 1-mile fun run + walk, family day, and Bloomfest, which acts as a festival in its own. Bloomfest will feature Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more. See the full schedule of events here.
Spring 2025 Sparta Special Olympics Vendor + Craft Fair | 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta
April 12th | 10AM - 3PM
To support the Sparta Special Olympics and Special Olympics NJ of Morris + Sussex, this vendor + craft fair will highlight over 60 vendors and food trucks. This event will occur on April 12th from 10AM to 3PM in the cafeteria of Spara High School (rain or shine). Tickets are not required as it's free to enter. For more details, see this Facebook post.
Latin Food Fiesta at Westfield Garden State Plaza | 1 Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus
April 13th | 12PM to 7PM
Head to the Latin Food Fiesta in the Nordstrom Parking lot at the Westfield Garden State Plaza on April 13th for a day filled with Latin flavors. From 12PM to 7PM, participants can explore the world of Hispanic cuisine, as businesses like Latin Bites, El Fogon del Quijote, Gustosa Desserts, These Freakin Empanadas, Speedy Tacos, Antojitos De mi Tierra, and more will be in attendance. There will also be live musical performances and a family-friendly kid zone. Children under 10 can enter for free, and tickets are priced at $7 at the door. See this Facebook post for more.
Daffodil Day Festival at Reeves-Reed Arboretum | 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
April 13th | 11AM - 3PM
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is embracing the Garden State nickname with its Daffodil Day Festival, "a decades-old tradition in Summit," as per its website. With over 50,0000 flower bulbs in bloom each year, the Arboretum holds the title for the largest daffodil collection in New Jersey. On April 13th, festival attendees can immerse themselves in the beauty of the daffodils, as well as enjoy spring-themed games + crafts, a story trail, music, food, market vendors, an art exhibit, and the Rhinebeck-based goat farm, Green Goats. Due to the popularity of the festival, the arboretum recommends registering early. Registration is open to members of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum now, and non-members can register on Tuesday, March 18th, at 9AM. Tickets for non-members cost $15, and children under three can attend for free. Visit the website for all the details.
Randolph Food Truck + Music Festival at County College of Morris | 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
April 26th | 11AM - 7PM
There's no better duo than food trucks and live music, and this festival has them both. Participants can expect over 15 gourmet food trucks, local bands, vendors, a margarita + sangria garden, and kid activities like a bungee trampoline, rock wall, bounce house, slide, inflatable hatchet throwing, face painting, and sand art. Those interested in going should also bring non-perishable food items, as the Randolph Food Truck + Music Festival will also feature a food drive to support the Randolph Rescue Squad. This event in Randolph will occur on April 26th in Lot 1 of CCM. Tickets for this event cost $5, and children under five enter for free. See this Facebook post for the schedule and menu of margarita + sangria garden drinks.
Hawthorne Art in the Park Festival at Goffle Brook Park | 788 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne
April 26th - April 27th | 11AM - 5PM
Hawthorne's annual Art in the Park is "a vibrant two-day celebration of creativity and community," according to the festival's website. At this free event, Northern New Jersey families can look forward to live music, art activities, including painting, parasol making, and wood crafts, vendors, food trucks serving BBQ, Latin, and Asian Fusion dishes, a beer garden, and park tours at Goffle Brook Park. On display at the John W. Rea House will also be various exhibits from the Passaic County Arts Center. This festival will occur on April 26th and April 27th from 11AM to 5PM. See all the information here.
Earth Day Celebration + Music Festival at Monroe Center Plaza | 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken
April 27th | 11AM - 4PM
Presented by The Hoboken Business Alliance and hosted by Main Street Pops, the annual Earth Day Celebration + Music Festival is back for the new year. On April 27th, Hoboken will celebrate Earth and all its glory with live music from local bands, eco-friendly activities, food trucks, farm animals, fitness demos, and sustainable vendors. The festival will take place at the Monroe Center Plaza on Jackson Street. See Main Street Pops' website for more.
HabibiFest NJ at The Woodland | 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
April 27th
HabibiFest is an Arab culture festival, and it's coming to The Woodland in Maplewood. This event, which is free to attend, will highlight local artists and vendors, including Yasser Darwish, who specializes in Tanoura + Saidi Dance performances, Dalouna Events, a Dabka group, educator Learn Levantine Arabic, who will sell books and novelty items that help children learn Levantine Arabic, and Chashni Cafe, a Montclair and Chatham-based Pakistani eatery bringing sweets, drinks, and halal smash burgers to the scene. New vendors are announced on the festival's Instagram every week. See here for more information and future details.
Hoboken Mutzfest | 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken
April 27th | 1PM - 5PM
Hoboken Mutzfest, a cheesy excuse to indulge in the Italian classic, will be held on Sunday, April 27th, under the 14th Street Viaduct. Aside from a whole lot of mozz, this festival will feature local vendors, live music from Rostafa, a Sinatra sing-along, a cannoli-eating contest, a mozzarella stick-eating contest, and more. So far, participating restaurants include Dolce + Salato, Lisa’s Deli, M+P Biancamano, Tony Boloney’s, Vito’s + Son Italian Deli, and Vinnie’s Mootz. All proceeds from this festival will benefit the Hoboken Bike Camp and the Hoboken Family Alliance. Tickets for the event are priced at $50 and can be found here.
Paramus Food Truck Festival at Paramus Park | 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
April 27th | 11AM - 7PM
Local foodies are in for a treat because the Paramus Food Truck Festival returns to Bergen County for another year. On April 27th, attendees can taste the creations of 23 different food trucks, including Angry Archies, Chick Wings + Things, Hold My Knots, Johnny Zeppoli, Rolling Pita, Sandwich Freak, Senor Tacos, and much more. There will also be live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, knockerball, bungee trampoline, zip line, mini golf, inflatables, face painting, sand art, artisan vendors, and a beer, sangria, and margarita bar. Attendees are encouraged to bring their appetites, friends, family, lawn chairs, dogs, and blankets. The festival will also feature a food donation to benefit the Paramus Food Pantry, so those attending should bring non-perishable canned or boxed food items. Tickets to the Paramus Food Truck Festival are $5 at the door, and children under five can enter for free. For more details, see here.
Spring Festival at Rockaway Township Public Library | 61 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway
April 27th | 12PM - 4PM
Rockaway Township Public Library's annual spring festival will take place on April 27th, with the rain date being May 4th. This family-friendly event will feature live music, a meet and greet with Bluey + Sonic, farm animals, a gaming truck, a rock wall, a live magic show, and two mobile escape rooms. More attractions are announced daily, so locals are encouraged to check out the library's Facebook page to stay in the know.
Vintage + Antique Fair at Wallisch Homestead | 65 Lincoln Avenue, West Milford
April 27th | 10AM - 5PM
JC Promotions has hosted a vintage + antique fair in Ringwood in previous years, and because of its success, the company will bring its fair to West Milford on April 27th. This fair will be held in the historic Wallisch Homestead, "a nonprofit group whose mission is to act as stewards in the preservation and adaptive reuse of the homestead buildings and grounds," according to JC Promotions' website. Attendees can expect around 60 exhibitors selling antiques, collectibles, estate jewelry, coins, stamps, comics, sports memorabilia, furniture, dolls, and more, as well as the certified appraiser, Jon Feltz of RZM Fine Arts + Antiques Inc. There will also be a wide variety of food trucks and bands playing live music. More information about the food and music options will be announced closer to the date. Those interested in attending can enter for free, but there will be a $5 parking fee. See more information here.
May
Dark Force Fest at Sheraton Parsippany Hotel | 199 Smith Road, Parsippany-Troy Hills
May 2nd - May 4th | 5PM + 9PM
The Dark Force Fest will take over the entirety of the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel from May 2nd to May 4th. Local goths can enjoy music from over 35 industrial, metal, and alternative bands, including The Birthday Massacre, God Module, Razed In Black, Gencab, and Amelia Arsenic. There will also be various panels, presentations, activities, and over 100 vendors selling food, merchandise, and more. Tickets range from $30 to $230 and can be purchased here. See the three-day band schedule at this link.
New Jersey Wine + Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort | 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg
May 2nd - May 4th
The New Jersey Wine + Food Festival is a showcase where "food and wine connoisseurs [can] meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers," according to the festival's website. Each day will feature a series of events, including a Kentucky Derby party, grand wine tasting, Sunday brunch, cabaret + cocktails, and a chef's garden dinner with guest of honor Francis Mallmann. Over 30 chefs will participate and guests can select from 200 different wines and spirits to taste. Ticket prices vary depending on the selected events. See the full list and how to purchase tickets here.
Asian American + Pacific Islander Food and Music Festival | Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
May 3rd | 1PM - 5PM
In honor of Asian + Pacific American Heritage Month, the Township of Union will host the third annual Asian American + Pacific Islander Food and Music Festival on May 3rd from 1PM to 5PM, with the rain date of May 10th. The entirety of Stuyvesant Avenue will be blocked off for this festival, so attendees can expect a long list of attending artists and food and table vendors. Details regarding the musical lineup and participating businesses have yet to be posted, so check back at this link for future announcements.
Bayonne Food Truck Festival | 19th-22nd Street Avenue East, Bayonne
May 3rd | 1PM - 5PM
Bayonne will hold a free food truck festival on May 3rd from 1PM to 5PM between 19th and 22nd Streets. The musical lineup includes bands like The Nerds and The Suyat Band. Plus, more than 30 diverse food vendors will be available for Hudson County residents to try, as well as a beverage garden. For the kiddos, there will be rides, face painting, and more. Furry friends can join in on the fun too because this festival is pet-friendly.
Secaucus 14th Annual Green Festival at The Xchange at Secaucus Junction | 4000 Riverside Station Boulevard, Secaucus
May 3rd | 11AM - 3PM
Secaucus is going green this spring. Like every other year, the 14th Annual Green Festival, which celebrates eco-friendly businesses and supports sustainable practices, will be held on the first Saturday in May. While information regarding activities, exhibits, musical lineup, and vendors have not been announced yet, in years past, the festival has included hourly presentations, fun activities, music, river eco-cruises, and more. Details should be posted as the date gets closer. See this link to stay updated.
Tenafly Spring Fling at Huyler Park | Piermont Avenue + West Railroad Avenue, Tenafly
May 4th | 12PM - 5PM
The Tenafly Chamber of Commerce and the Tenafly Downtown Committee at Tenafly’s Spring Fling will present a wellness-themed, family-friendly festival. Hosted by Main Street Pops, this community event will include over 60 Bergen County vendors, live performances, interactive fitness demos, face painting, arts + crafts, planting projects, animal encounters, and more. The Tenafly Spring Fling will be held at Huyler Park. Information about tickets has yet to be announced, so check out Main Street Pops' website for future details.
Walnut Street Fair | Walnut Street, Montclair
May 4th | 11AM - 4PM
Presented by the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Montclair's beloved Walnut Street Fair is back for 2025. It will take place on Walnut Street, from Grove Street to Forest Street, on May 4th. The highlights of this free fair consist of over 300 local food + drink and artisan vendors, including a wide variety of Montclair-based businesses, two stages of musical performances, a Family Fun Zone, and a beer garden. Specifics have yet to be posted, but visit the Walnut Street Fair on Facebook and Instagram for future details.
Vet Fest at Dave Waks Memorial Park | 39 Barbour Pond Road, Wayne
May 4th | 12PM - 7PM
To benefit Community Hope for Veterans, a nonprofit organization supporting homeless veterans, as per the festival's website, this event will showcase 10 gourmet food trucks, six bands, bounce houses for kids, and a beer and wine garden. The featured bands include Frontiers, Best Of The Eagles, Yacht Rock Gold Experience, Classic Skynyrd LIVE, and 80's Revolution. Some of the participating food trucks are Angry Archies, Brick Oven Pizza, Cas'Pierogi Kielbasa Food Truck, Jersey Rollz, Kona Ice, and Latin Bites. For the full list of food trucks, visit the Vet Fest website. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and can be purchased here.
Spring Fling Street Fair | Downtown Westfield
May 4th | 10AM - 5PM
Hosted by the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Westfield Police Department, the Spring Fling Street Fair will take place on May 4th in the downtown area of the town. This fair promises a kid's zone, which features carnival rides, face painting, henna art, and boardwalk-style games, as well as realistic dinosaur attractions "utilizing animatronics and puppetry to [interact] with attendees," as per its website. There will be live music, food vendors, and a beer garden available for all visitors. Learn more about this fair here.
Livingston Kiwanis Karnival | East Northfield Road, Livingston
May 13th - May 17th | 6PM - 10PM + 6PM - 11PM + 3PM - 11PM
Livingston's free Kiwanis Karnival will take over all of East Northfield Road from May 13th to May 17th. This festival will support Kiwanis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the "health and nutrition, education and literacy, and...leadership development" of today's youth, as per its mission statement. Visitors can expect rides and boardwalk-style games. Note that the festival will be closed to the general public on Saturday, May 17th from 11AM to 1PM and will only be open for individuals with disabilities and their families. No registration is required to attend, as this family-friendly gathering is free. See more here.
Franklin Lakes Lions Club Carnival at Parsons Pond Park | Parsons Pond Road, Franklin Lakes
May 14th - May 18th
This carnival, hosted by The Franklin Lakes Lions Club Foundation, a "charitable organization of men and women dedicated to raising funds to support organizations that provide services to the blind, handicapped and the less fortunate," according to its website, will take place from May 14th to May 18th at Parsons Pond Park. There will be food options, games, and rides for all to enjoy. All proceeds from the event will go to associations like Lions Eye Research, Pets for Vets, St. Joseph School for the Blind, Center for Food Action, and 29 other organizations. Ticket pricing has not been revealed yet, so visit this link closer to the dates.
St. George Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church | 1101 River Road, Piscataway
May 15th - May 18th | 4PM - 9PM + 11AM - 11PM + 11AM - 12PM + 12PM - 8PM
St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host a Greek festival from May 15th to May 18th, boasting live music, Bouzoukia, Greek folk dancing, singing, Church tours, arts + crafts, and gift shops. This festival is free to attend, but the church is asking for donations, as well as volunteers to help prep the endless amount of food. To donate and sign up for volunteering, visit the church's website.
Bloomfield Food Truck + Music Festival at St. Thomas the Apostle School | 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield
May 16th | 4PM - 10PM
Just Jersey Fest is bringing endless food options and a musical performance to the community of Bloomfield. On May 16th, in the parking lot of St. Thomas the Apostle, expect 16 food trucks, live music from the band After Party, a beer, sangria, and margarita garden, face painting, pony rides, sand art, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Some of the participating food trucks include Angry Archies, Chick Wings N Things, Chow Wow, Cubita Truck, Empanada Guy, G'Day Gourmet, Lomo Truck, and Mozzarella God. Those interested in attending should also bring non-perishable boxed and canned foods to support the local food pantry. Admission is $5 at the door and children under five enter for free. See this Facebook post for more.
Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair | Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
May 17th | 10AM - 4PM
Glen Ridge's biggest festival of the year will highlight the local art and entertainment scene in Northern New Jersey. From student artists to performers to local businesses, there will be plenty of eco-friendly vendors to shop from. The Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair will take place along Ridgewood Avenue on May 17th from 10AM to 4PM. For more information, see here.
Porchfest Montclair | Montclair
May 17th | 12PM - 5PM
The first-ever Montclair Porchfest will take place on Saturday, May 17th from 12PM to 5PM. A few of the musicians participating include Vintage 135, Camino Sound, BREAKTIME, Jacqueline Ellis, and Jason Didner. Organizers will have a map of bands + artists and locations for locals to plan their day. After the bands finish, there will be a main stage with a final act on Bloomfield Avenue from 7PM-10PM.
Pushing Up The Daisies Festival at The Historic Jersey City + Harsimus Cemetery | 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
May 17th | 2PM - 9PM
Anthony “Dancing Tony” Susco will present the 13th Annual Pushing Up the Daisies Festival to benefit the preservation of The Historic Jersey City + Harsimus Cemetery, the oldest established cemetery in New Jersey, on May 17th. There will be performances by artists like 3 Dollars, a Hoboken-based emo-punk group; Starberries, an indie alternative rock band from West New York; and Jersey City's very own Yo Kinky, among many others. While rocking out for a good cause, attendees can enjoy eats from Cals' Hots Dogs. Ticket costs are unknown as of this writing, but for future updates, see this link.
Randolph Arts in the Park at Veterans Community Park | 100 Calais Road, Randolph
May 17th | 11AM - 5PM
Randolph's Arts in the Park is an annual celebration of local artists. From 11AM to 5PM at Veterans Community Park, guests can explore a variety of art tents, origami workshops, vendors, live music, food trucks, and more. The rain date for this festival is May 18th, and there is no cost to attend. See this link for all the details.
Sparta Taco Palooza at Mennen Arena Field | 181 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown
May 17th | 11AM - 7PM
In celebration of all things tacos, Morris County locals can sample culinary creations from 12 different food vendors, including Carinderia on Wheels, Chow Wow, Cousins Maine Lobster, Just Fork It, and Rolling Pita. Highlights of the Sparta Taco Palooza also include a beer, sangria, and margarita garden, live music by Str8Up and Rosewood, vendors, and dessert vendors like House of Cupcakes, Cold Stone Creamery, and Johnny Zeppoli. While parents indulge in various taco dishes, kids can enjoy a bungee trampoline, rock wall, miniature golf, bounce house, slide, knockerball, face painting, sand art, petting zoo, and pony rides. Tickets cost $5 for adults if pre-purchased and $7 at the door. Children under five can enter for free. See this website for more.
Verona Park at Verona Park | 475 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
May 17th - May 18th
Showcasing fine art and crafts, Verona Park is a festival geared toward local creatives. This will occur at the fifth largest park in Essex County, as per the festival's website, for two days in May, rain or shine. Some of the featured art from artists like Karen Acciani, Patrick Antonelle, Sarah Bloom, among many others, will include ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative + wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D and 3D mixed media, and photography. There will also be apothecary vendors and artisanal foods.
The Hermitage Museum Vintage + Antique Fair | 335 North Franklin Turnpike, HoHoKus
May 18th | 9AM - 4PM
Collectors of vintage and antique treasures can check out this fair on May 18th in HoHoKus. Held at the historic Hermitage Museum, Bergen County attendees can expect a large marketplace with around 60 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items, estate jewelry, coins, stamps, comics, sports memorabilia, furniture, and dolls. The fair will also include a wide selection of food trucks and performances, but specific details have yet to be shared. To attend this fair, guests will need to purchase a $5 ticket at the door. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Hermitage Museum. Check out this link for all the information.
Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival | Washington Street, Hoboken
May 18th | 11AM - 6PM
One of Mile Square's most anticipated events of the year, the Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival, will take place on Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Street on Sunday, May 18th. The free event will feature displays and sales by 300+ artists, crafters, food vendors, kids’ activities, and local businesses, including artwork, food, clothing, jewelry, flowers, furniture + home decor, and more. The City of Hoboken also recently announced that Grammy-nominated musician Brenda K. Starr, who is best known for her hit pop ballad “I Still Believe," will headline the musical portion of the event.
Mayfest |
May 18th | 11AM - 5PM
Covering over 7 blocks in Maplewood, Mayfest, a free annual street fair that typically features vendors, live music, and plenty of kids' activities, is returning for 2025. This year, Essex County residents can shop from more than 150 vendors, enjoy children's activities like bounce houses and train rides, try a variety of food options, and jam out to music from local bands and DJs. See more details here.
Jersey City Jazz Festival at Exchange Place Plaza | Jersey City
May 30th - May 31st
Jersey City Jazz Fest is one of the largest jazz festivals in the Tri-State area, with over 15,000 people typically in attendance. This treasured celebration is continuing its yearly tradition from May 30th to May 31st. In addition to local vendors to shop from, more than 200 musicians will be performing for the residents of Chilltown at three different stages at Exchange Place Plaza. Information regarding tickets has yet to be announced, but in previous years, a large majority of the programming was free to the public. See this link to stay in the loop.
NJ Greekfest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield
May 30th - June 1st
Locals can taste the culinary works of Greece in Westfield from May 30th to June 1st. Located at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, guests can enjoy kids' activities, Greek dancing and music, fresh loukomades and baked goods, and a large selection of Greek food. There is even a whole menu for attendees to choose from, which includes spanakopita, tyropitas, meze platters, homemade baked pasitiso, and slow-roasted lamb shank, among many others. See the full menu here.
A Taste of Greece Greece at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian | 353 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly
May 31st - June 2nd | 12PM - 11PM + 12PM - 12AM + 12PM - 6PM
The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian invites all to its three-day annual festival, set for May 31st through June 2nd. As a celebration of Greek culture, this event will highlight traditional Greek food, pastries, music, specialty boutiques, dancing, and more. This festival is free to attend. See the church's website for more information.
See More: 40 Annual Events That All Hoboken + Jersey City Residents Should Know About
West Milford Food Truck + Music Festival at Wallisch Homestead | 65 Lincoln Avenue, West Milford
May 31st | 11AM - 7PM
In the countryside of West Milford, Northern New Jerseyans will find 18 gourmet food trucks, live music, a beer, sangria, and margarita bar, pony rides, a petting zoo, vendors, and more this coming May. This food truck + music festival will be held at Wallisch Homestead and will benefit the Highlander Education Foundation, which "[provides] funding for the West Milford, NJ Public School system," according to its website. The music lineup includes Jennifer Quinn Duo, Country Fresh, and Mr LoveJoy. Admission costs $5, and children under five are free. See all the details, including the music schedule, here.
