The unofficial start of summer is finally here. Honor our military members who lost their lives in service to our country at a Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Chances are you’ll be heading to a BBQ or the beach and ready to plan some summer fun. Among this weekend’s highlights are the largest kite festival in North America in Wildwood, Fleet Week in NYC and so much more. Here’s what’s happening this holiday weekend:
WEEKEND
Allman Betts Band Spring Tour
Thursday: Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood
Friday: Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The band is on its first U.S. tour since 2021, playing rock & roll, blues, Americana and southern soul. The special guest is JD Simo.
Memorial Day Weekend at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Friday – Sunday
The water attractions open for the season on Friday. On Saturday, the kids can climb, hop and play on the slides and soft mounds of the new 123 Playground after its ribbon-cutting ceremony. You can pick up a seedling and a springtime duck to take home. Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen, Big Bird’s Burgers & Bites and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck will sell special desserts. On Saturday and Sunday, you can meet Elmo dressed in his patriotic gear. On Sunday, you’ll get to watch the “C is For Celebrate” fireworks show.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday – Monday
The largest kite festival in North America features kite fliers and kite makers from around the world. After the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony on Friday, there will be the opening of Kite Sales Tent, a Friday Night Social, and the Illuminated Night Kite Fly. On Saturday, bid on unique kites and collectibles that will be up for auction. Saturday and Sunday feature large inflatable kites, team flying and family games. The festivities conclude with the World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday.
Fleet Week NYC
Intrepid Museum, New York, New York
Friday – Monday
U.S. Navy ships will be docked in Manhattan along the Hudson River. During the 36th annual salute to our Armed Forces, The Intrepid Museum will offer events and activities including a free movie night on Friday, military-themed displays and exhibits on Saturday and Sunday, and a special Memorial Day ceremony with fighter jets flying overhead on Monday. Meet former Intrepid crew members and take a tour of USCGC Sturgeon Bay cutter.
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday – Sunday
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
Artisan-made items, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more will be set up for sale along the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.
Memorial Day Free Open Swim
Five Star Swim School
Saturday: East Hanover, Deptford, Cherry Hill
Sunday: Princeton, Galloway, Edison, Eatontown, Deptford
Veterans, active service members and their families can swim for free.
FRIDAY
Camden Night Gardens
Cooper’s Poynt Park, Camden
An underutilized park along the Camden waterfront will be transformed by temporary light, sound and projection installations. As you check them out, you can also enjoy rides, entertainment, music, a car show and a variety of vendors.
Bally’s Beach Bar Summer Kickoff
Bally’s Beach, Atlantic City
After a ribbon-cutting event, welcome the beginning of summer along the ocean with special food and drink menus.
’80s Night Murder Mystery Dinner
The Mathis House, Toms River
Put on your Spandex and jean jacket, leg warmers and ripped jeans, and hairspray your hair to the sky to get ready for a tribute concert to the 1980s. Dinner includes an Italian meal plus bread, salad, dessert, tea and coffee.
Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony
Andrews Avenue, Wildwood
Officially start the summer season on the beach and watch as a large, ornate key is used to “unlock” the ocean.
AAPI Jazz Collective Outdoor Concert
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills
The Music and Dance series kicks off with a repertoire from Asian cultures played in jazz style. You can stroll through the garden first and have some wine and cheese.
Summer Movie Series
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
On select Fridays, you can watch a movie from the flight deck of the historic aircraft carrier. In connection with the museum’s newest exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, all of the movies will feature stories about humankind’s exploration and fascination with the Moon.
Brewery and Tasting Room Opening
Asbury Park Brewery, Asbury Park
The brewery opened its original location on Sewall Avenue in 2016. The new location in the heart of downtown Asbury will have 12 beers on tap and will host live performances from musicians in the tasting room. You are able to bring in food from surrounding restaurants.
SATURDAY
Haying & Wagon Rides
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn how to make hay the old-fashioned way. Head up to the fields where farmers are cutting, tedding and raking loose hay to store in the barn for the horses. Kids can make a straw star to bring home.
Waterfront Park, Keyport
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with food trucks, live music, artist vendors, a beer/sangria/margarita garden, bungee trampoline, face painting, sand art, inflatables, mini golf, remote-controlled car racing and more.
Water Safety Event
Five Star Swim School, Princeton
Kids will get lifesaving tips from experienced instructors, take water safety quizzes, do puzzles and crafts, and swim in the warm saltwater pool.
Collingswood May Fair
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
What began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit” is now more than a mile of the business district filled with 200 artists and crafters, a KidZone, carnival games, multiple stages of live music, an antique and classic auto show, the Collingswood Farmers Market, and several food courts.
Opening Day of Hurricane Harbor
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure Resort, Jackson
Summer is here! Bring the kids to the outdoor water park that has Splash Island, with new rides, slides and waterfalls, plus cabanas and shaded areas.
Spring Wildflower Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Check out the many spring bloomers in the woodlands of the Wildflower Garden.
2024 Season Opening of Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Botanical Watercolors
Big Bear Gear, Lambertville
Families will work on a watercolor painting of plant life together.
Richland
The third annual eventincludes the buying and selling of vintage items such as toys, comics, records, collectibles and housewares.
Barbie: You Can Be Anything Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
You’ll be able to see role models from every era of Barbie’s history. You’ll learn about the dolls as if they were real, including their backgrounds, struggles and accomplishments. Each area will highlight a particular role type – leader, problem solver, creator, nurturer or adventurer – and you can try each career option for yourself. The exhibit runs from May 25 to September 2.
Saturday is National Wine Day. Celebrate with a glass of vino at one of New Jersey’s wineries.
SUNDAY
Seaport Craft Show
Huddy Park, Highlands
The Highlands Business Partnership presents more than 60 booths of various handmade crafts. There will be a huge variety of unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show. Live music is by Dave McCarthy.
Boho Garden Tea Party
Mathis House, Toms River
Sit inside or outside for this tea service with a Bohemian-era vibe. The menu includes a bowl of Greek salad, Mediterranean charcuterie cups, hummus and tzatziki with pita bread, a savory scone with kalamata olives and feta cheese, shrimp co*cktail and baklava. You’ll get a pot of gourmet tea as well as tea-infused non-alcoholic Champagne. There will be henna hand painting and relaxing music.
Patrick Corcoran 5K Memorial Day Run to Remember
North Wildwood Lifeguard Station, North Wildwood
The annual race benefits our veterans and those who have lost loved ones in service to our country; this year a special tribute goes out to those who protect our borders. Along with the 5K run, there will be a 1-mile walk.
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Shop from 50+ vendors offering a variety of items, from food to crafts and everything in between.
Atlantic Brass Band
Rotary Bandstand, Cape May
The award-winning 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band will play rousing band music, the perfect high note for Memorial Day Weekend.
MONDAY
Echoes of Valor: The Legacy of WWII Veterans
Town Hall, West Orange
West Orange is known as New Jersey’s Most Decorated community. During this year’s Memorial Day ceremony, the West Orange Honor Roll on the first floor of Town Hall will be rededicated. It lists the names of over 3,600 West Orange residents from all branches of the military who served in WWII. This year is the 80th anniversary of the original ceremony and many of the veterans have since passed away; their families will be in attendance. Outside, a wreath laying ceremony will feature eight memorial wreaths to represent the eight decades since 1944. They will be brought from the rear to the front steps of Town Hall in symbolic remembrance.
Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony and 5K
5K: Community Park, North Brunswick
Ceremony: Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Start your morning running the course at the park. Wipe off your sweat, hydrate, and head to the veterans memorial for a solemn ceremony. A free lunch will be provided afterward for veterans and their families.
will be celebrated on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Veterans Park (Roosevelt Avenue) beginning at 11:00am, rain or shine.
Memorial Day Party
Pinstripes Paramus, Paramus
The ultimate “eatertainment” hub that combines an Italian-American bistro with first-class bowling and bocce will host a grilling-themed brunch buffet featuring burgers, brats, watermelon, a live band and more to celebrate the patriotic holiday.
Pig Roast
Son Cubano, Port Imperial Waterfront, West New York
Lounge on the patio overlooking the Hudson River and chow down on roast pig while you look toward the Manhattan skyline. The menu includes 8-ounce portions of pulled pork from whole roasted pigs that will be prepared on site. There will be a special drink menu created to go along with the roast pig. Come by for brunch or dinner.
Commemoration of Memorial Day
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
In observance of the Town of Clarkstown’s Memorial Day ordinance and remembrance of our fallen veterans, Palisades Center will open its doors at 1 pm. Look for the special Memorial Day banner created by Rockland County resident and American Gold Star Mother Anne Murphy with the assistance of Vietnam veteran John Antonucci. The banner serves as a tribute to her son, Lt. Col. Michael L. Murphy, USMC, who tragically lost his life on December 11, 2000, while test piloting the MV-22 Osprey Helicopter.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Mount Moor Cemetery, West Nyack, NY
The Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County, in partnership with the Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery, will host a ceremony with Retired US Army Colonel Kevin Branch as the keynote speaker. A special tribute will be dedicated to Army veteran John Vasser, a distinguished Korean War veteran who passed away on December 10, 2023, at age 92.
Take the kids out for burgers on Tuesday, which is National Hamburger Day.
ONGOING
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
May 23 to June 9
Hosted by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), the festival has a lot of fun but also addresses the dangers of drugs and violence. There will be food, rides and entertainment.
Peony Season
Long Valley Peonies, Long Valley
May 24 – TBD
Walk in the flower fields to see these gorgeous flowers, which you can buy at the farmstand. Be prepared to take lots of photos.
Summer Movie Series
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Fridays, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23
Watch a movie from the flight deck of the historic aircraft carrier. In connection with the museum’s newest exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, all of the movies will feature stories about humankind’s exploration and fascination with the Moon.
FUNBOX
By Dick’s Sporting Goods, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Fridays – Sundays, May 24 through June 16; also open on Memorial Day (May 27)
There are 10 inflatable houses and on obstacle course for kids, and adults, to bounce on across this 25,000-square-foot park.
Wine and Goat Yoga
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
May 25-26, June 8-9
A 45-minute yoga class is followed by 15 minutes of playtime and a photo with the goats, plus a glass of wine.
Renaissance Faire
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
May 25-26; June 1-2 and 8-9
Come to the Shire of New Crossford for jousting events, stage shows, live music, fire-breathing stunts, knights, bubble magicians and acrobatics.
Maifest
Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City
Through May 26
Think Oktoberfest, but in May. There will be live music in the garden on Saturdays.
Sensory-Friendly Film Series
The Clairidge, Montclair
May 26 and June 2
Lights will be low, volume will be turned down and you can move about as much as you need during these movie screenings that are accommodating to people with special needs.
Cape May Music Festival
Throughout Cape May
Select Dates, May 26 to June 23
This year’s 35th annual festival organized by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) features 15 classical, chamber, jazz, indie-pop and brass band musical performances, some free to attend.
Pickleball Smash-It
Tanger Outlets, Atlantic City
Through May 30
A new 6,235-square-foot facility is opening next to Dollar Tree and you get to try it out for free. There will be two indoor, tournament-quality courts with luxury couches, free Wi-Fi and the ability to control music from players’ own phones. You also will have the ability to capture recordings of previous plays or livestream any match to share across social media.
World War II Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 2
Celebrate the lives and memories of our veterans and fallen heroes through a World War II exhibit featuring military as well as civilian paraphernalia. Some of these items include weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
Through June 6
A series of 10 28-foot LED sculptures crafted from sturdy steel will line Hoboken’s waterfront. When the sun sets, the area along Sinatra Drive and around the Ninth Street and Congress Light Rail Station will be illuminated with light and motion from these gigantic pieces of art.
Yoga Flow on the River
Historic Portland Place, Locust (Middletown)
Saturdays, through June 15
Practice yoga sun salutations and deep stretches along the Navesink River.
Micah Williams: Portrait Artist Exhibit
Cornelius Low House, Piscataway
Through June 30
Learn about Middlesex and Monmouth County residents from the 19th Century through the portraits of artist Micah Williams. Adults can work with pastels to create their own portraits, and kids can contribute to the Student Gallery.
Bedminster’s Field of Honor Display
River Road Park, Bedminster
Through July 13
The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House host an annual tribute with a display of over 200 American flags on the north field of the park. On June 1, join the Field of Honor Celebration where you can walk through the field of flags and tour the house, including a model of the Pluckemin Cantonment, America’s first military academy. Take part in the planting of a Salem oak tree and listen to music by the White House Wind Symphony.
150 Years of Washington Association of New Jersey
The Morristown & Morris Twp. Library, Morristown
Through August 31
The self-guided walking exhibit has original photography, artifacts, pins and medals, and commemorative plates dating back to Revolutionary War time. WANJ was founded in March 1874 to preserve the Jacob Ford Mansion, where General George Washington and his troops stayed during the winter.
Apollo: When We Went to The Moon
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Through September 2
Climb aboard a lunar rover model, leave your footprints on the Moon and learn about the Space Race through this exhibit at the sea, air and space museum. Starting April 4, you can check out the Concorde super jet that recently underwent renovations and returned to the museum.
Delsea Drive-In 2024 Season
Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre, Vineland
Fridays – Sundays, through September 3
Watch two movies back-to-back while sitting in your car, just like they did in the ’50s.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
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