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Now that the cold and heavy snow of winter is behind us, locals can finally head outdoors to enjoy the changing seasons. Across Northern New Jersey, festivals are kicking off to celebrate spring with food, music, arts, and more. From lively street fairs to foodie festivals and events highlighting the first blooms of the year, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the season. Read on for a roundup of spring festivals happening in March, April, and May 2026 across the Garden State.
Editor’s note: We have a full events calendar on our site, and it’s free! You’ll find events throughout the state. Please add your own events to share, too!
March
Sparta Special Olympics Vendor + Craft Fair | Sparta High School, 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta
March 21st | 10 AM-3 PM
With over 60+ vendors and food trucks, the vendor + craft fair offers a variety of local products in support of the Sparta Special Olympics and its mission of inclusion. Admission to the fair is free, though donations are welcome. This event is located in the cafeteria of Sparta High School.
Palestinian Cultural Fair and Concert | Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie Street, Jersey City
March 22nd | 2:30 PM-6:30 PM
The second Annual Palestinian Cultural Fair and Concert will have vendors, art exhibitions, food, crafts, henna, and a musical performance by Leila Hagezy. The events include a Tatreez embroidery workshop, a children’s story time, and a basket raffle with items donated by vendors and local Northern New Jersey businesses. Guests are encouraged to take public transit.
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24th Annual Garden State Film Festival | Multiple Locations in Cranford and Asbury Park
March 26th-29th
The annual Garden State Film Festival will be held at six venues in Asbury Park, Cranford, and Ocean Grove. Throughout the week, there will be showings of several independent films and many events, including a filmmaker breakfast and panel discussion on March 28th, and a table read of the 2026 winning screenplay Bedbuggers on March 29th. Ticket prices for film screenings range from $32.33 to $109.96, and prices and features vary by event. See ticket options here.
2nd Annual Jersey City Pizza Fest | Multiple Jersey City Restaurants
March 28th | 1 PM -5 PM
The second annual Jersey City Pizza Fest is hosted by Jersey City Happy Hours, and participating locations include &pizza, The Ashford, Carmines Pizza Factory, Helen’s Pizza, and more. The festival is like a citywide bar crawl, and the general admission ticket includes a half slice of pizza from every participating restaurant, a free treat from Bang Cookies, a free sample of Hive House Hot Honey, + more.
April
7th Annual Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival | Multiple Hoboken Restaurants
April 11th | 1-5 PM
The seventh annual Hoboken Mac and Cheese Festival is hosted by Hoboken Happy Hours, and participating restaurants include Antique at 112, Green Rock Tap + Grill, Napoli’s Brick Oven Pizza, and more. The festival will take place like a self-guided tour around Hoboken, and the general admission ticket includes a sample of mac and cheese from every participating restaurant, a cannoli from Carlo’s Bakery, a donut from Dipped N’Smashed, and more.
50th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival | Branch Brook Park, Newark
April 11th-19th
The 50th annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival will take place throughout Branch Brook Park from April 11th to April 19th. The park will host events such as races and themed fairs, and end with Bloomfest on the 19th. Throughout the month of April, visitors will also have the opportunity to join a cherry blossom informational talk and a guided walking tour. Typically, the peak of the season is in the 2nd and 3rd week of April. See the schedule of events here.
Daffodil Day Festival | Reeves Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
April 12th | 11 AM-3 PM
Reeves-Reed Arboretum will host the annual Daffodil Day Festival, where guests can view over 50,000 blooming bulbs, which is the largest collection in New Jersey. Activities include games, crafts, a story trail, music, food, market vendors, an art exhibit, and the Rhinebeck-based goat farm, the Green Goats. The festival is rain or shine, and advanced ticket registration is required, in which guests will have to select their preferred entry time slot. Members and children under the age of 3 have free admission, and the non-member ticket is $15.
Crawfish & Jazz Festival – A Taste of New Orleans | Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville Crosskeys Road, Sewell
April 18th | 11 AM-7 PM
Hosted by Crawdaddy’s Cajun and Just Jersey Fest, the Crawfish & Jazz Festival is bringing the flavors and aesthetic of New Orleans to New Jersey. The festivities include seafood and different food vendors, live jazz music, kids’ activities, and more. Children under 5 have free admission, pre-purchased tickets are $7, and ticket cost at the door is $10.
Randolph Food Truck + Music Festival at County College of Morris | County College of Morris, Lot 1, Randolph
April 25th | 11 AM-7 PM
The Randolph Food Truck and Music Festival is hosted by the County College of Morris and Just Jersey Fest. The event is in support of the Randolph Rescue Squad, and attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable canned or boxed item to donate to the food pantry. The festival will feature food trucks, live music, vendors, a beer garden, and several children’s activities. Admission is $5, and kids under the age of 5 are free.
Art in the Park Festival | Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne
April 25-26th
The Art in the Park Festival is a two-day event in Goffle Brook Park that highlights art, music, nature, and community. There will be live performances from bands and poetry readings, art activities, local artisans and vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and exhibitions at the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House and guided walking tours of the Olmsted-designed park grounds.
Paramus Food Truck Festival | Paramus Park Mall-North, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
April 26th | 11 AM -7 PM
The event will feature 20+ gourmet food trucks along with a beer, sangria, and margarita garden, plus live music and entertainment throughout the day. Guests can also expect activities like pony rides, inflatables, mini golf, and face painting, making it a fun outing for all ages.
The Foodie Fest | 4th–5th + Garden (Church Square Park), Hoboken
April 25th | 2 PM -7 PM
This outdoor event will feature a variety of food vendors serving savory bites, sweets, + local favorites in the heart of Hoboken.
Earth Day Hoboken | Monroe Center Plaza at 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken
April 26th | 11 AM-4 PM
The Earth Day Celebration & Music Festival is set to bring a full day of eco-friendly fun with live music from local bands and a lively green marketplace featuring sustainable vendors. Guests can enjoy animal encounters, free fitness demos with local studios, and hands-on up-cycled arts and crafts for all ages. Food trucks will also be on site
HabibiFest NJ | Maplewood
April 26th
HabibiFest is a celebration of Arab culture + community. The free, family-friendly festival highlights the rich traditions of the Arab world through live music and dance performances, food vendors, cultural activities, and a marketplace featuring local artists and businesses.
Annual Spring Festival at Rockaway Township Public Library | Rockaway Township
April 26th | 12 PM – 4 PM
The Annual Spring Festival at the Rockaway Township Public Library is a family-friendly community event celebrating the arrival of the new season. Guests can enjoy activities for kids, crafts, games, and seasonal fun throughout the day.
Hoboken Mutzfest | 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken
April 26th | 1 PM – 5 PM
Hoboken Mutzfest returns on Sunday, April 26th, 2026, under the 14th Street Viaduct. Ticket holders can enjoy an afternoon of mozzarella tastings from local spots, vendors, live music, and more. The beloved Hoboken event celebrates the city’s Italian roots and one of its most iconic foods.
May
New Jersey Wine + Food Festival | Crystal Springs Resort, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg
May 1st-3rd
The New Jersey Wine + Food Festival brings together chefs, winemakers, and food lovers. The event features tastings, wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, and special dining experiences throughout the festival. Guests can sample wines + gourmet dishes while learning from some of the industry’s top culinary talents.
Dark Force Fest | Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road, Parsippany
May 1st-3rd
The festival features live music performances, DJs, a vendor market, + themed events throughout the three-day experience. Attendees can expect a cool atmosphere filled with music, fashion, and community for fans of the alternative scene.
Secaucus 15th Annual Green Festival | The Xchange at Secaucus Junction, 4000 Riverside Station Boulevard
May 2nd | 1 PM – 3 PM
The event will feature eco-friendly vendors, educational displays, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about green living. Guests can also enjoy food, entertainment, and interactive experiences throughout the day.
Chester Food Truck & Music Festival | Municipal Field, 134 Main Street, Chester
May 2nd | 11 AM
This day-long event is a fundraiser for the Chester First Aid Squad and the Chester/Mendham Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to support the food pantry. There will be over a dozen food trucks plus live music, kids events, games and more.
HCCC Culinary Club Family and Friends and Food Fest | 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City
May 2nd | 4 PM – 7 PM
The HCCC Culinary Club Family + Friends Food Fest is a delightful evening that celebrates the culinary and baking & pastry skills of students. It’s a community-focused event that offers a delicious array of dishes to enjoy.
Spring Fling Street Fair | Westfield
May 3rd | 10AM – 5PM
Local vendors, artisans, and food trucks will line the streets, creating a festive atmosphere for the whole community. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and a chance to stroll and shop in the spring sunshine.
Walnut Street Fair | Montclair
May 3rd | 11AM – 4PM
This lively community event features local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Visitors can browse arts and crafts, enjoy tasty bites, and take in the festive street fair atmosphere.
46th Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair | Historic Glen Ridge
May 16th | 10AM – 4PM
The 46th Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair takes place on May 16th, celebrating creativity and sustainability in the community. The event features local artists, eco-friendly vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Wallisch Homestead Monthly Flea & Vintage Fair | 65 Lincoln Avenue, West Milford
May 17th | 9 AM – 4 PM
At this event, guests can browse a mix of vintage finds, antiques, collectibles, and cool treasures from local vendors. It’s a great outing for anyone hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces + enjoying a day wandering the flea market.
Hoboken Arts + Music Fest | Washington Street, Hoboken
May 17th | Time TBD
The annual Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival will return for 2026 on Sunday, May 17th, and locals will be able to shop over 300 artists, crafters, food vendors, and more. Vendor registration has opened for local businesses to apply to be part of the festival. We’ve covered all the details here.
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Bayonne Food Truck Festival | 19th-22nd Street Avenue East, Bayonne
May 9th | 12 PM – 7 PM
Guests can enjoy a variety of food trucks serving everything from savory bites to sweet treats, all in a lively outdoor setting. The festival is a great way to sample local flavors and spend time with friends and family.
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