Free Things to Do In New Jersey This Spring
Affordable activities around New Jersey — and the tri-state area
It’s officially springtime, so it’s time to get outside to enjoy the weather with friends and family. While everyone’s calendars are filling up, the cost of leaving the house keeps adding up.
NJ Urban News has curated a short list of cultural experiences this spring in New Jersey — and neighboring hubs New York City and Philadelphia — that are free or discounted to maximize your weeknights, weekends, and days off.
New Jersey
Wildwoods International Kite Festival (Memorial Weekend,
starting May 22)
Festival activities include a Friday Night Social, Illuminated Night Kite Fly, the Silent and Loud Auctions, flying of large inflatable kites, team flying, as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. free to spectators.
Newark House Music 24 Hour Non-Stop Festival (Memorial Weekend, May 23-24)
The Newark House Music festival is a 24-hour non-stop music festival with live performances, health screenings and demonstrations, merchandise, and food vendors.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is free and open every day of the year except for Christmas. The zoo features over 550 animals representing more than 250 different species. You can walk through it in about an hour, or take your time and make it a long day.
New York City
Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more at the Whitney Museum. Admission is free for all visitors every Friday evening from 5–10 p.m. Registration is recommended since capacity is limited.
Brooklyn Basement Party (May 29)
Lincoln Center continues to celebrate the artistry, spirit, and history of hip-hop with a collection of can’t-miss concerts, classic Hip-Hop film screenings, dance parties with NYC’s hottest DJs.
Museum Mile Festival 2026 (June 10, 6-9 p.m.)
It’s the 47th annual Museum Mile Festival, a celebration of free art and culture at New York City cultural institutions along Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile.
Exhibition: Resistance in Memory: Visions of Sudan (Through June 28)
A group photography exhibition presenting 42 works by 12 emerging Sudanese photographers, including six still residing in Sudan.
Free and open to the public. No prior registration required.
Philadelphia
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (June 5-7)
The Fine Art Show is one of the oldest outdoor art shows in the country which provides the public the opportunity to browse and meet artists with free entry to Rittenhouse Square Park.
Spruce Street Harbor Park (May 22)
One of Philadelphia’s iconic waterfront destinations, Spruce Street Harbor Park features views of the Delaware River along with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, stunning technicolored lights, local craft beers, and delicious food from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants.
ODUNDE Festival (June 7-14)
Since 1975, The ODUNDE Festival has been celebrating African American and Caribbean culture on the streets of Philadelphia with authentic food, dynamic music, and a large outdoor vendor market.
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