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Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: May 1-May 3

From Broadway-style theater to community shopping and a fishing contest, there’s plenty to fill the weekend.

An angler releases a recently captured striped bass
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The New Jersey area has a strong weekend lineup, with "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"taking the stage at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, the Mayor's Flea Market offering two days of treasure hunting in Jackson Township, and the West Tuckerton Fire Co. Auxiliary hosting a free Craft and Vendor Fair. From Broadway-style theater to community shopping, there's plenty to fill the weekend.

Mayor's Flea Market

  • What: Shop for treasures at Jackson Township's Mayor's Flea Market
  • When: Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Johnson Park, 200 Kierych Memorial Drive, Jackson Township
  • Cost: Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase

The Jackson Township Recreation Department's Mayor's Flea Market invites residents, organizations, and outside vendors to sell unwanted items, including hardware and household goods, crafts, and collectibles. Community organizations can also use the event as a fundraising opportunity by selling donated items. Unsold items may be left behind and will be discarded by the township. Shoppers and browsers are welcome to attend and look for unique finds.

Craft and Vendor Fair

  • What: Support local vendors and firefighters at the craft fair
  • When: Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: West Tuckerton Firehouse, 505 Route 9 South, Tuckerton
  • Cost: Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase

The West Tuckerton Fire Co. Auxiliary is hosting a free Craft and Vendor Fair open to the public. The event features a wide variety of local vendors offering beauty products, jewelry, housewares, food, and more. Proceeds support the nonprofit auxiliary, which provides food, hydration, and shelter to firefighters during emergency calls.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

  • What: "Beautiful" brings Carole King's story to Red Bank
  • When: Friday, May 1, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
  • Cost: Tickets start at $24

Phoenix Productions presents "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning musical traces the life of Carole King from her early days as a young songwriter from Brooklyn through her trailblazing success with the album "Tapestry." The show features classic songs, including "You've Got a Friend," "Natural Woman," and "Up on the Roof," with a book by the late Douglas McGrath and music by King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil.

Other Events

The New Jersey area has a diverse weekend ahead, with world-class dance, a fishing contest, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration all on the schedule. From the stage to the shoreline, there's something for a wide range of interests.

  • Shen Yun: Friday, May 1, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark
  • Fishing Contest: Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Shenandoah County Park, 660 Ocean Ave., Lakewood
  • Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. at The Vogel, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank

More To Explore Next Week

New Jersey has a fun-filled week ahead, with paint nights, stand-up comedy, and a live medium experience all in the lineup. Whether you're looking for laughs or something a little more otherworldly, there's plenty to fill your weeknights.

  • Berry in Love: Monday, May 4, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pinot's Palette, 96 Summit Ave., Summit
  • Jamie Lissow: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club, 518 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
  • Jim Breuer: Find the Funny Tour: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. at BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
  • Matt Fraser: America's Top Medium: Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank