10 Upcoming Spring Events In New Jersey You Don’t Want To Miss

Spring in New Jersey always feels like a reset button for adventure.

I remember my first time stumbling across one of these big seasonal festivals, not really knowing what to expect, and being completely surprised by how alive everything felt.

The air smells different, the crowds buzz with energy, and suddenly you’re part of something bigger than just another weekend outing.

From cherry blossoms that rival Washington D.C. to kite festivals that turn the sky into a living art gallery, New Jersey knows how to celebrate the season.

These aren’t small neighborhood gatherings either. They’re the kind of events people mark on their calendars months in advance, pack the car for, and talk about all summer.

Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy flower fields or quirky parades with hundreds of basset hounds, this spring lineup has something that’ll pull you out of your routine.

I’ve rounded up ten can’t-miss happenings that define springtime in the Garden State, each one offering its own flavor of fun, beauty, and community.

1. Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival (Bloomfest!)

Branch Brook Park transforms into something out of a dream every April, and I wasn’t prepared for just how stunning it would be in person. With over 5,000 cherry trees bursting into bloom, this place actually outdoes the famous Washington D.C. display.

The scale is hard to grasp until you’re standing there, surrounded by clouds of pink and white petals drifting in the breeze.

Bloomfest on April 19, 2026, is the big celebration day when the whole park comes alive with vendors, performances, and thousands of visitors snapping photos under the blossoms. But honestly, the magic extends beyond just that single day.

The bloom period usually lasts a couple of weeks, so you have flexibility if you prefer a quieter visit.

What struck me most was how the light filters through the petals in the late afternoon. It creates this soft, almost ethereal glow that makes every photo look professionally lit.

Families spread out picnic blankets, kids chase each other down the petal-covered paths, and everyone seems genuinely happy to be there.

The park itself is historic and beautifully maintained, with bridges, streams, and open meadows that give you plenty of variety in scenery. You could easily spend half a day wandering and never see the same tree twice.

Pack comfortable shoes because you’ll want to explore every corner. The experience feels both peaceful and celebratory at once, which is a rare combination.

Address: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ 07104

2. Holland Ridge Farms Spring Spectacular

Holland Ridge Farms is where spring explodes in every direction. Millions of tulips blanket the fields in stripes of color so vivid they almost don’t look real.

I’d seen photos online, but standing in the middle of those rows with flowers stretching to the horizon is something else entirely.

The farm opens its fields typically from mid-April through Mother’s Day, and timing your visit right means catching the blooms at their absolute peak. Each variety has its moment, so even if you go twice in one season, the landscape shifts and surprises you.

The farm encourages you to walk the rows, pick your own bouquets, and take as many photos as your phone can handle.

What makes this place so popular, beyond the sheer beauty, is how accessible and fun it feels. There’s no pretense here.

Families with toddlers, couples on dates, and solo travelers with cameras all mix together, united by the simple joy of being surrounded by flowers. The staff are friendly and clearly proud of what they’ve created.

You’ll also find other spring blooms like daffodils and hyacinths depending on when you visit, adding even more layers to the color palette. The farm has become one of the most Instagrammed spots in the Tri-State area for good reason.

Every angle offers a new composition, a fresh burst of color, or a perfect backdrop. Bring a hat and sunscreen because you’ll be outside longer than you planned, guaranteed.

Address: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

3. Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Watching the sky fill with kites the size of school buses is not something you experience every day. The Wildwoods International Kite Festival, held May 22 through May 25, 2026, is the largest event of its kind in North America, and the spectacle lives up to that title.

Giant inflatable creatures, intricate stunt kites, and traditional designs all dance together above the beach.

I arrived not knowing much about competitive kite flying, and within an hour I was completely hooked. The skill involved in controlling these massive structures in ocean winds is genuinely impressive.

Professionals from around the world come to show off their designs, and the creativity on display is wild. You’ll see everything from dragons to octopuses to abstract geometric shapes floating overhead.

The festival takes place right on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, so the setting itself is perfect. You can walk the boardwalk, grab some classic shore food, and then settle into the sand to watch the show.

Kids are mesmerized, and honestly, adults are too. There’s something meditative about watching kites move in sync with the wind.

Beyond the main displays, there are workshops where you can learn to fly your own kite or even build one. The community vibe is strong, with enthusiasts eager to share their passion.

The festival runs across multiple days, so you can plan a full beach weekend around it. Sunset is an especially magical time when the colors of the kites blend with the changing sky.

Address: 4501 Boardwalk (Beach at Rio Grande Ave), Wildwood, NJ 08260

4. Lambertville Shad Fest

Lambertville is one of those river towns that feels frozen in a good way, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a creative energy that draws artists and foodies alike. Shad Fest, happening April 25 and 26, 2026, is the town’s biggest celebration, and it turns the entire downtown into a massive street fair.

The festival gets its name from the shad fish that historically migrated up the Delaware River each spring, and there are still demonstrations of traditional river-hauling techniques if you’re into local history. But the real draw is the sheer variety of vendors, artists, and food options packed into every corner.

I wandered for hours and still didn’t see everything.

Local artisans set up booths showcasing paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handmade crafts that you won’t find anywhere else. The quality is impressive, and it’s clear these creators take pride in their work.

Food stalls offer everything from classic fair snacks to more inventive dishes that reflect the town’s culinary scene. The energy is festive but never overwhelming, which is a nice balance.

What I loved most was how the town itself becomes part of the experience. You can duck into galleries, cafes, and shops between browsing the festival booths.

The riverside location adds a scenic backdrop, and the spring weather makes it ideal for strolling. Live music stages are scattered throughout, so there’s always something to listen to as you explore.

Address: 18 York Street (and surrounding downtown), Lambertville, NJ 08530

5. Skylands Stadium Food Truck Festival

Eating on a baseball field isn’t something I thought I’d ever do, but Skylands Stadium makes it happen every spring. The Food Truck Festival on May 2, 2026, brings over twenty food trucks right onto the field, creating this surreal but incredibly fun atmosphere.

You’re standing where athletes usually play, surrounded by trucks serving everything you can imagine.

The variety is what makes this festival stand out. You’ll find tacos, burgers, wood-fired pizza, Asian fusion, barbecue, desserts, and plenty of vegetarian options.

Each truck brings its own specialty, and the competition to offer the best bites is fierce in the best way. I sampled way more than I should have and regretted nothing.

Live music plays throughout the day, adding to the laid-back vibe. People bring blankets and chairs, spread out on the grass, and settle in for hours of eating, listening, and relaxing.

It feels like a community gathering more than a formal event, which is exactly the energy you want at something like this. The stadium setting also means there’s plenty of space, so it never feels too crowded.

Families, friend groups, and couples all show up, making it a genuinely inclusive event. Kids can run around safely, and there’s usually entertainment beyond just the food and music.

The spring weather in early May is typically perfect for an outdoor festival, warm enough to be comfortable but not too hot. Bring cash for quicker transactions, though most trucks also take cards.

Address: 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822

6. Exit Zero Jazz Festival (Spring Edition)

Cape May has always had this timeless charm, with its Victorian houses and beachfront views, and the Exit Zero Jazz Festival fits perfectly into that atmosphere. Running May 15 through 17, 2026, this is a world-class music event that draws incredible talent against one of the most picturesque backdrops you could ask for.

The main venue is Convention Hall on Beach Avenue, but performances spill out into various spots around town, creating this immersive musical experience. I found myself wandering from one stage to another, each offering a different style within the jazz spectrum.

Some acts are mellow and introspective, others upbeat and energetic, giving you a full range of moods to match your own.

What surprised me was how approachable everything felt. Jazz can sometimes seem intimidating or exclusive, but this festival welcomes everyone.

The musicians are genuinely passionate about their craft, and that enthusiasm is contagious. You don’t need to be a jazz expert to appreciate the skill and emotion on display.

Between sets, you can explore Cape May itself, which is worth the trip on its own. The town’s architecture is stunning, the beaches are beautiful, and the food scene is strong.

Combining a music festival with a beach town getaway makes for a perfect spring weekend. The weather in mid-May is usually ideal, warm enough for beach walks but comfortable for sitting outside listening to live music.

Plan to stay the whole weekend if you can because one day won’t feel like enough.

Address: 714 Beach Avenue (Convention Hall), Cape May, NJ 08204

7. Ocean City Doo Dah Parade

If you’ve never seen over 300 basset hounds waddling down a street in costumes, you’re missing out on one of life’s simple joys. The Ocean City Doo Dah Parade on April 18, 2026, is pure, unfiltered fun, and the photos people take here flood Google Maps every spring.

It’s quirky, it’s legendary, and it’s impossible not to smile the entire time.

The parade is a comedy event at heart, with entries ranging from silly floats to costumed participants to, of course, the basset hounds that steal the show. These dogs, with their long ears and droopy expressions, somehow manage to look both dignified and ridiculous at the same time.

Owners dress them up in everything from superhero capes to flower crowns, and the crowd eats it up.

Beyond the dogs, the parade embraces absurdity in the best way. You’ll see marching bands playing off-key on purpose, dance troupes in outrageous outfits, and local groups poking fun at themselves and each other.

It’s community humor at its finest, celebrating the town’s personality without taking itself seriously. The energy is infectious, and even strangers end up laughing together.

The parade route runs along Asbury Avenue and the Boardwalk, so you get both street and ocean views. Arrive early to grab a good spot because this event draws big crowds.

Families love it, kids go wild for the dogs, and adults appreciate the clever humor woven throughout. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best events are the ones that don’t try too hard.

Address: Asbury Ave (6th to 12th St) & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226

8. Reeves-Reed Arboretum Daffodil Day

Over 50,000 daffodils blooming at once is a sight that stays with you. Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit hosts Daffodil Day usually in mid-April, and the estate becomes a sea of yellow and white that seems to glow in the spring sunlight.

I walked the paths slowly, trying to take it all in, and still felt like I missed corners.

The arboretum itself is a historic gem, with beautifully maintained gardens, century-old trees, and a sense of tranquility that feels miles away from everyday life. The daffodils are planted in drifts and clusters, creating natural-looking waves of color that blend into the landscape.

It’s not overly formal or rigid. Everything flows together in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.

What makes this event special beyond the sheer number of bulbs is the setting. The estate’s historic buildings and mature gardens provide context and depth.

You’re not just looking at flowers in a field. You’re experiencing a carefully curated environment where every element complements the others.

Benches are strategically placed for resting and soaking in the views.

Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities here, but you don’t need a fancy camera to appreciate the beauty. The daffodils do all the work.

Families with young children enjoy the open spaces, and couples often wander hand-in-hand, making it a popular date spot. The arboretum staff are knowledgeable and passionate, often available to answer questions about the plants and the estate’s history.

Visiting during peak bloom feels like stepping into a living painting.

Address: 165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901

9. Duke Farms Spring Blooms

Duke Farms is massive in a way that’s hard to grasp until you’re there. This 2,700-acre estate offers so much variety that calling it just a garden feels inadequate.

While it’s not a single-day festival, the spring bloom period from mid-April through May turns the entire property into a living showcase of color and life.

The orchid range alone is worth the trip. Walking into the greenhouse feels like entering a tropical paradise, with hundreds of orchids in every imaginable shade and pattern.

The humidity, the fragrance, and the sheer density of blooms create an immersive experience. I could have spent an hour just in that one building, studying the intricate details of each flower.

Outside, the meadows explode with wildflowers as the season progresses. Native species dominate, creating a more natural and ecologically focused display than you’d find at a traditional garden.

The farm emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, which adds a layer of purpose to the beauty. You’re not just looking at pretty flowers.

You’re seeing a functioning ecosystem designed to support pollinators and wildlife.

Trails wind through woodlands, past lakes, and across open fields, giving you options for short strolls or longer hikes. Biking is also allowed on certain paths, making it easy to cover more ground.

The scale means you can visit multiple times and still discover new areas. Spring weekends can get busy, but the size of the property absorbs crowds well.

Pack water and snacks because you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.

Address: 1112 Duke Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

10. Rutgers Day (New Brunswick)

Rutgers Day is one of those events that surprises you with its scale and variety. Held on April 25, 2026, this campus-wide festival features over 500 different programs, making it feel like ten events rolled into one.

I arrived with a vague plan and quickly abandoned it, choosing instead to wander and see what caught my attention.

The Cook/Douglass Campus becomes the hub of activity, with animal shows, plant sales, food vendors, educational exhibits, and live performances all happening simultaneously. Kids absolutely love the hands-on activities and animal interactions, but adults find plenty to engage with too.

The university opens its doors and invites the community in, creating this welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that feels genuinely special.

What impressed me most was the diversity of programming. You can watch a science demonstration, browse local art, sample food from different cultures, learn about sustainable agriculture, and catch a musical performance all in one afternoon.

The university’s resources and expertise are on full display, but presented in an accessible, fun way that doesn’t feel academic or stuffy.

Food options are abundant, ranging from quick snacks to full meals, and the quality is better than your typical festival fare. Plant sales are popular, with people carting away flats of flowers and vegetables for their own gardens.

The campus itself is beautiful in spring, with trees leafing out and green spaces coming alive. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early or consider using shuttles if available.

The event runs most of the day, so you can easily spend four or five hours exploring without running out of things to see.

Address: 71 Lipman Drive (Cook/Douglass Campus), New Brunswick, NJ 08901