5 Things To Do This Weekend In New Jersey

NEW JERSEY — Looking for something to do this weekend in New Jersey? There are several spring festivals going on, with food trucks and barbecue restaurants cooking up their specialties and live music providing the soundtrack. And for those wanting a walk through nature, there's a birding "Big Day" going on at Liberty State Park.

AccuWeather forecasters say it will be warmer this weekend in the Garden State than it has been during the week, and mainly dry. More festivals and outdoor events will be popping up around your state as the weather warms, and we get closer to schools, colleges, and universities releasing students for summer.

Related article: More Rain Before Warm Weekend Arrives In NJ: See The Timeline

Here's our list of things to do in New Jersey:

Saturday, May 6

May Day Spring Festival and Pet Expo

Hit up the beach this Saturday at Island Beach State Park with this fun, dog-friendly festival. There will be food trucks, pet vendors and craft vendors. Leashed dogs are invited.

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Address: Island Beach State Park Swimming Area 1, Seaside Park NJ (you can read more about this event in this Patch article)

Sunday, May 7

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

The free, outdoor carnival will include food trucks, music, rides, inflatables, and carnival games. For $10 a person, there is a petting zoo and arts and crafts tent. Additionally for $5 per person there are glitter tattoos and face painting.

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Address: Parking Lot #9, Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater NJ (you can read more about this event in this Patch article)

“Big Day” of Birding at Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Search Liberty State Park to identify as many species as you can during this birding adventure (no experience required). Spare binoculars will be available, so you can look for migrating warblers, shorebirds, and other local species. Cost is free.

Time: 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday

Address: 302 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City (check site for specific details for both times)

BBQ JamFest, Point Pleasant Beach

Downtown Point Beach is the place to be if you're craving some brisket. This outdoor cookout features barbecue from local restaurants, live music, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Time: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday

Address: 710 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach NJ

Spring Food and Music Festival, Paramus

This family-friendly event has live music, games, more than a dozen food vendors, and alcoholic beverages. Activities include an airsoft shooting range, hatchet tossing, a bounce house, a bungee trampoline, face painters, Henna by Dana, and more.

Admission is $6 for everyone over 5 years old.

Time: Noon-7 p.m. Sunday

Address: West Parking Lot, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ

Patch's Veronica Flesher and Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this article.