Garden State Film Festival (Various locations, March 21 – 24, 2024)
Lights, camera, action! Celebrate independent films and the art of filmmaking during this annual showcase of film, video and animated works. Held at various venues right here in New Jersey - the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry. Learn more about the 2024 venues and if you’re ready to get tickets, click here.
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival (Branch Brook Park, April 6 – 14, 2024)
Spring over to see more than 5,200 cherry trees in bloom (more than Washington D.C. or any other park in the U.S.) Take your pick of events — bike races, 10k run, Japanese demos, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, live music and more. Want to branch out and see more perfect petals in New Jersey? Start by digging into our arboretums and gardens listing.
Exit Zero Spring Jazz Festival (Cape May Convention Hall, April 19 – 21, 2024)
Get jazzed up for this 3-day fest featuring hundreds of musicians and international touring artists performing on stage in Convention Hall. The music continues with live evening performances in bars and restaurants of Cape May. Get tickets here. Tune into great shopping too, with the unique boutiques at the every-popular Washington Street Mall.
Shadfest in Lambertville (April 20 - 21, 2024)
Fishing around for something cool to do? Celebrate the return of the shad swimming up the Delaware River. Your family will love this rain-or-shine annual event with plenty of good food, live music, vendors and more. Plus, Lambertville is the “Antique Capital of New Jersey,” so you can reel in some treasures at the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market too.
Haddonfield Music Festival (Downtown Haddonfield, (April 27, 2024)
Experience all the excitement of Haddonfield’s first-ever FREE music festival showcasing live, original music by popular headliners as well as amazing performances from up-and-coming locally-based talent. This thrilling multi-stage event will be music to your ears!
Castle Point Anime Convention (Meadowlands Expo Center, April 27 – 28, 2024)
Check out the largest student-run anime convention in the USA! This family-friendly event provides a social space cosplay fans of all ages can enjoy. Get tickets and more details here. Planning an overnight stay? The Aloft Secaucus Meadowlands is within walking distance of the Meadowlands Expo Center. Check here for plenty of other options.
NJ Wine & Food Festival (Crystal Springs Resort, May 3 – 5, 2024)
Food and wine connoisseurs alike meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers at this event, as well as sample some of the best food and wine around. More details and ticket information here. And for more award-winning wines plucked from Jersey vines, raise a glass in our 50+ wineries.
4th Annual Down & Derby Wine Festival (Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, May 4, 2024)
Want to sample delicious wines from South Jersey’s leading wine producers and immerse yourself in Derby-themed fashions and festivities? This is the event for you! Wear your best Derby-esque attire and raise a glass to a day filled with music, games, food and, of course, wine!
New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar, May 17 - 19, 2024)
Stop by and “sea” why so many people love this event. Enjoy scallops, lobster rolls, coconut shrimp, fresh salads and all your favorite seafood specialties. Local artisans and market vendors too. Fall in love with Jersey’s beautiful beach towns including family-friendly Belmar here.
Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival (Bradley Park, May 18 – 19, 2024)
See what’s sprouting up at this tasty two-day celebration. Discover plenty of delicious vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and more. Get tickets and merch here. More must-sees in Asbury Park: legendary destinations like The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar and the vibrant Asbury Park boardwalk.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire (Burlington County Fairgrounds, May 18 – June 9, 2024)
Be transported back in time to the days of 16th-century kings and queens, knights, live jousting and song. This magical event spans four weekends filled with pure entertainment, enchantment and adventure. Plenty of merchants and food too. Ticket info can be found here.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival (Beach at Rio Grande Ave., May 24 – 27, 2024)
Meet on the beach at Rio Grand Avenue to see excitement soar during this 4-day kite-flying extravaganza. This high-flying annual event is sure to be a hit with everyone and every age — singles, couples, parents, kids, you name it! And no trip to Wildwood would be complete without exploring the world-famous boardwalk and a stop at Morey’s Piers and Water Parks.
These are just some of the spring festivals you’ll find growing in The Garden State. As always, check social pages and websites for your destination before you go for the latest details. Be on the lookout for more festivals happening near you. Need a place to stay? We got you covered. Download your free official travel guide and sign up for the e-newsletter too.
