It’s time to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring — and we couldn’t be more excited that the outdoor festival and fair season is back. From family-friendly activities and outdoor street fairs, to food festivals, giving back, + so much more, these activities will be sure to get you in the spring spirit. Plus any opportunity to get outside (after a long winter) and supporting local events are things we’re sure to sign up for. Keep reading for a list of North Jersey spring festivals and events to fill your calendar.

Whole Lotta Empanada, Food Truck + Music Festival | 20th Century Park, Garfield

April 22nd

If you love empanadas, then this one’s for you. Attendees will get to judge 15 empanada vendors all competing for the EMPY (People’s Choice Best Empanada). In addition to empanadas, guests can enjoy gourmet food trucks serving lobster rolls, seafood, Puerto Rican, Greek, Latin, Peruvian, and more. This event will feature live music from Jingo and The Ultimate Carlos Santana Tribute Band. The cost is $5, and kids under 5 are free and it is encouraged to bring an item for the food pantry too.

Castle Point Anime Convention | Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus

April 29th-30th

This student-run Japanese animation and media convention is a great activity to attend yourself or bring kids who are interested in anime. Founded in 2008, this family-friendly event provides a social space cosplay fans of all ages can enjoy.

Beer + Food Festival | Crystal Springs Resort, Sussex County

June 17th

This is an ideal event for all the beer lovers out there. Come sample over 200 craft beers, cider, and traditional brews. Also, feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring barbecue pulled pork, coal-roasted leg of lamb, beef brisket and slaw, wood-roasted chicken, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Read More: A List of Networking Events in the Montclair Area

Stirling Street Fair + Craft Show | Stirling

April 23rd

Swing by this annual free event for festival food, live music, arts and crafts, kiddie rides, and local performers.

Millburn Annual Street Fair | Millburn

April 23rd

Artisans and crafters will be taking the streets of Millburn at this annual spring festival. Guests can take advantage of live entertainment, activities for the kids, yummy street fair food, and more. This event is free to attend.

Grayrock N Roll Spring Festival | Clinton

April 29th

Head over to Grayrock Farm Sanctuary for this day-long affair that is free for all. More than 50 vendors will be selling their goodies. Children can enjoy meet-and-greets with farm animals, and food trucks will be available as well.

Rock + Roll Steampunk Fair | Washington

April 29th

Steampunk is coming to Washington Borough. Victoriana meets the Industrial Revolution on a day filled with live music, artisan vendors, street performers, and general steampunk shenanigans. This is a free event.

Brick Fest Live | Edison

April 29th- 30th

Lego enthusiasts will be joined for this 2-day convention devoted to this iconic toy. Highlights of the event include exhibits, interactive stage shows, life-sized Lego buildings, a world-record-setting brick mosaic, and merchandise.

Rock the Block Clark Street Fair | Clark

April 30th

Rock the Block debuts in Clark with a street fair and classic car show. Enjoy exhibitors, crafts, food trucks, a kid zone, classic cars, live music, and more.

Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival | Hoboken

May 7th

This festival will feature displays and sales by artists, crafters, food vendors, and local businesses — including artwork, food, clothing, jewelry, flowers, furniture + home decor, and more. There will also be a lineup of live music.

Westfield Spring Fling | Westfield

May 7th

More than 300 vendors will line the streets of downtown Westfield for this springtime festival, which is great for all-ages fun. There will be festival eats and plenty of entertainment for the kids as well.

Thompson Park’s Annual Creative Arts + Music Festival | Lincroft

May 13th

The annual Creative Arts and Music Festival features artists selling items such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more.

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival | Medford

May 15th- 20th

Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this six-day carnival. Bring your appetite for a huge selection of food, and be sure to enter the raffles. A MegaPass is available and covers unlimited rides for the run of the festival.

36th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival | Belmar

May 19th- 21st

Head down to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from local restaurants, enjoy live music, and visit the children’s activity area for special games and entertainment. This event is free to attend.

Fairy + Pirate Festival | Budd Lake

May 20th

Located at Turkey Brook Park, this is the perfect event family-friendly including a magical wonderland of games, rides, entertainment, and activities. Costumes are encouraged, and this event is free to attend.

Lake Hopatcong Block Party | Lake Hopatcong

May 20th

Celebrate New Jersey’s largest lake during this day-long festival. Connect with community groups, crafters, and food vendors while enjoying activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. This event is free to attend.

Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair | Glen Ridge

May 20th

The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair is a day of family-fun activities that promote a healthier environment and the arts. The all-day fair and art show features arts, crafts, and wellness vendors, and you will find a wide array of fair-trade, organic, and eco-smart products for sale.

Ocean Fun Days | Berkeley

May 20th-May 21st

This two-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children’s activities focused on the coastal environment. This event is free to attend.

See More: Hoboken Arts + Music Festival Announces Spring 2023 Date

Kenilworth Street Fair + Classic Car Show | Kenilworth

May 21st

The Boulevard becomes one big block party with vendors, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, and more. Activities for kids include bounce houses, face painting, sand art, and more. This event is free to attend.

Woodland Park Street Fair | Woodland Park

May 29th

Start your day with a traditional Memorial Day parade through town and continue the fun on McBride Avenue — which will be transformed into a big block party. A special kids’ section features rides, face painting, and more. Shop with local merchants, and enjoy live music.

Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival | Bradley Park

May 20th-21st

See what’s ‘sprouting up’ at this tasty two-day vegan food celebration. Guests will discover plenty of delicious vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music, and more.