Parisa Burton 
As warmer weather approaches, Essex County has a full lineup of street fairs, cultural festivals, music events, and community celebrations to enjoy. From May through September, weekends are filled with cultural parades, live performances, art shows, and community gatherings that highlight the county’s diverse culture and community spirit. Read on for a guide to spring and summer festivals happening in Essex County, NJ for 2026.
Photo Credit: @jazz_housekids/@montclairjazzfest
May
Montclair Literary Festival | Various venues in Montclair
May 2-11th, Various Times
Montclair’s 10th Annual Literary Festival, running May 2–11th, will feature a lineup of literary events throughout the week. Most events are free, and proceeds from ticketed events benefit Succeed2gether, a Montclair-based organization that works to address educational barriers for low-income families in Montclair + Essex County. All events will be held in person at various venues across Montclair, including Montclair State University, the Montclair Public Library, and the First Congregational Church.
Walnut Street Fair | Walnut Street, Montclair
May 3rd, 11AM-4PM
The Walnut Street Fair will take place on May 3rd from 11AM–4PM, offering a full day of food, music, shopping, and community connection on Walnut Street. The event will feature over 250 vendors, food trucks, live music, and fun activities for kids.
Read More: Outdoor Spring Escapes in Essex County
Cinco De Mayo | Spiotta Park, 20-32 Village Plaza, South Orange
May 5th, 4-10PM
Cinco de Mayo at Spiotta Park is bringing a festive evening to South Orange on May 5th from 4PM to 10PM. Guests can enjoy music, dancing, and authentic Mexican antojitos from Jus’tacos, all part of the Downtown on Display series to celebrate local businesses.
Food Truck + Music Festival | St. Thomas the Apostle School, 50 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield
May 15th, 4PM-10PM
Food Truck Fri-Yay is coming to Bloomfield with the Bloomfield Food Truck & Music Fest, featuring 17 food trucks serving everything from tacos and empanadas to mac and cheese and desserts. The event includes live music from Mr. Lovejoy, beer, sangria, and a margarita garden, plus kids’ activities like face painting, pony rides, and inflatables. Hosted at St. Thomas the Apostle School, attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to support the local food pantry. Admission is $5, free for kids under 5, with free parking nearby.
Holi – the Festival of Colors | Memorial Park Amphitheatre, 580 Valley Street, Maplewood
May 9th, 1-3PM
HoliFestNJ is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in Maplewood with a festival of colors, hosted by SOMA Cross Cultural Works and the Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture. The event features music, dancing, and the playful throwing of vibrant colored powder, inviting the community to come together in the spirit of unity and spring. Family-friendly ticket options are available, and each ticket includes a set amount of color powder. Light colored clothing is recommended.
Montclair Porchfest | Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
May 16th, 11am-5pm
Montclair Porchfest 2026 is a free, walkable music festival where local bands and musicians perform on front porches throughout town, transforming them into personal stages. The event will feature 240 bands and end at Lackawanna Station at 5PM. Attendees are encouraged to use the Downtown Montclair App for the full schedule, map, and specific locations. This year’s partner, the Recording Academy, will bring Grammy-winning artists from its New York and Philadelphia chapters to Montclair.
39th Annual Rose Squared Art Show | Verona Park, Porcello Lane, Verona
May 16-17th, 10AM-5PM
The 39th Annual Rose Squared Art Show will take place at Verona Park at 10AM-5PM on May 16-17, rain or shine, bringing a curated showcase of fine arts and crafts to one of Essex County’s most scenic outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore a wide range of handmade work, including jewelry, ceramics, wood, glass, painting, photography, and more in a relaxed, walkable setting just off Bloomfield Avenue in Verona.
Shalom Festival 2026 | 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
May 24th, 12:30-3:30PM
Sponsored by Maplewood and South Orange, the Shalom Festival is a family-friendly, community-wide celebration of Jewish culture, heritage, and life. The event features great food, music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities to connect, with entertainment by DJ Jimmy and renowned Jewish Dancers from New York.
Bloomfield Memorial Day Parade | 452 Broad Street, Bloomfield
May 25th, 8AM
The Bloomfield Cruisers are working with the Township of Bloomfield to help organize classic car owners for the annual Memorial Day Parade honoring veterans. Participants should meet at 8AM sharp for staging near Warren Street and Essex Avenue by Gencarelli’s Bakery, with entry via Essex Avenue only and no driving on Broad Street. The parade begins at 9AM, and late arrivals may not be included in the caravan. A second parade in nearby Glen Ridge follows later in the morning.
Maplewood Street Fair & Craft Show | Springfield Avenue + Rutgers Street, Maplewood
May 27th, 11AM-5PM
The Maplewood Street Fair + Craft show begins on May 27th at 11AM at Springfield Avenue + Rutgers Street in Maplewood. The event welcomes local artists, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free and there is an expected turnout of 20,000 attendees.
AAPI Montclair Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity | Edgemont Park, 274 Valley Road, Montclair
May 30th, 6PM-9PM
Montclair’s Lantern Festival, hosted by AAPI, a grassroots nonprofit organization founded to combat anti-Asian hate, promote unity, and celebrate cultural diversity, returns for its sixth annual celebration at Edgemont Park. The park will be lit with more than a thousand lanterns honoring those who have helped light the way forward, along with food trucks, art installations, live music, and speakers.
June
Montclair African‑American Heritage Parade + Festival | Montclair
June 6th, 10:30AM-6PM | Glenfield Middle School, 25 Maple Avenue, Montclair + Nishuane Park, 48 High Street, Montclair
Montclair’s 36th African American Heritage Parade + Festival returns on June 6 at Nishuane Park. The parade will kick off at Glenfield Middle School at 10:30AM, followed by the festival at Nishuane Park from 1–6PM. The afternoon celebration will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, art, and activities for kids.
PBA Food Truck Festival + Fireworks | Lurker Park, 631 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover
June 6th, 2-9PM
East Hanover Policeman’s Benevolent Association Food Truck Festival and Fireworks takes place on June 6th at Lurker Park. The event features 15 food trucks, live music starting at 6PM, and a fireworks show at 9PM. Beer and wine will also be available beginning at 2PM, making it a full day of food, music, and summer celebration.
Morris Township Pride Fest 2026 | 35 Woodland Avenue, Morristown
June 7th, 11AM
Morristown Pride 2026 returns with the theme “Shine with Pride: Illuminating Resilience,” celebrating strength, visibility, and the light the community brings to the world. More details are coming soon.
Montclair Pride | Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
June 13th, 12PM-6PM
Montclair Pride marks its fifth year this June as a powerful expression of community and belonging. Produced by Out Montclair, the event brings together thousands of participants from across New Jersey to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities. The celebration will take place on Saturday, June 13, kicking off at Lackawanna Station, and will feature performers, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and artists in support of Out Montclair’s year-round programming, along with live music, food trucks, and entertainment throughout the day.
July
Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival | 580 Valley Street, Maplewood
July 11-12th, Time TBA
Maplewoodstock returns for its 2026 festival, tentatively set for July 11–12th, continuing its free music and arts celebration into its third decade. The festival will also bring back its art gallery, featuring an open call for emerging artists to submit work interpreting the theme “Independence” in any creative direction, with submissions open through June 5th.
See More: A Guide to Spring + Summer Festivals at the Jersey Shore for 2026
Portugal Day Festival | Peter Francisco Park, 20 Ferry Street, Newark
June 12th, 7PM-11:30PM, June 13, 12PM-11:30PM, June 14 9AM-10:30PM
Newark’s 28th Annual Portugal Day Festival will take place June 12-14th at Peter Francisco Park in the Ironbound district. It will be a celebration of Portuguese culture, history, language, and a celebration of all the Portuguese immigrants that began to settle in the Ironbound District in 1900. The event attracts thousands of participants each year for a festive parade along Ferry Street and live performances that recognize Portuguese heritage.
Newark-Essex Pride | Lincoln Park, Broad Street and Clinton Avenue, Newark
July 18th, 10:30AM-6PM
Newark Pride parade + festival will take place July 18th, celebrating the 21st Annual Newark LGBTQ+ Pride Festival. Hosted by Newark Pride, the event highlights community, advocacy, and empowerment. Festivities include a parade stepping off at 12PM from Lincoln Park, followed by the Festival in the Park at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center from 1PM to 6PM. Additional details, including the theme and after-party, will be announced.
August
Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree | Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Aug 15th, 12-8PM
The Montclair Jazz Festival brings together performances by internationally renowned musicians, Jazz House teaching artists, and Jazz House alumni in downtown Montclair from 12PM–8PM on August 15. The event will also feature food vendors, artisan crafts, and exhibits for the entire community to enjoy.
September
Greek Fest | 80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland
September 18th, 4PM-12AM, September 19th, 12PM-12AM, Sunday, 12PM-7PM
The 14th Annual Roseland Greek Fest, hosted by Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, will return this September with authentic Greek cuisine like gyros, souvlaki, grilled octopus, pastitsio, and baklava, plus live music and family-friendly fun. The festival runs Friday, September 18th from 4PM to midnight, Saturday, September 19th from 12PM to midnight, and Sunday, September 20th from 12PM to 7PM, with free parking, a shuttle, and online ordering available for pickup.
Oktoberfest 2026 | Horseshoe Tavern, 36 Speedwell Ave, Morristown
September 26th, 4PM-10PM
Morristown Oktoberfest 2026 is bringing a high-energy bar crawl to town on Saturday, September 26th starting at 4PM, with access to multiple bars and venues throughout the night. Ticket holders can enjoy entry to 4+ spots, drink specials, a digital crawl map, and an official wristband for exclusive perks. The event is 21+ and encourages guests to plan ahead, arrive on time, and drink responsibly while celebrating a night of Oktoberfest-themed fun across Morristown.
Dominican Grand Parade & Festival | Newark (Address TBA)
September 27th, 1PM
The Dominican Parade & Cultural Festival of Essex County is happening on Sunday, September 27 in Newark. The festival brings together thousands to celebrate Dominican culture and community pride. The day will feature floats, live music, traditional dance, food, and local businesses.
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