Maplewood, NJ
Home MenuBecoming A Vendor
For many of the events, you would need to research each specific host's requirements. If it is a Township event, you would need to speak to the department which hosts the event.
Events In The Municipality
The Township of Maplewood is home to a wide range of annual events—some organized by the municipality, others co-sponsored, and many hosted by local nonprofits, civic groups, and private organizations. While the list below is not exhaustive, it highlights events that are consistently held in Maplewood each year. Please note that many of the dates listed reflect typical scheduling and are subject to change by the hosting organization.
January
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race hosts its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration with local speakers, student performances, and a volunteer fair.
More Information: Community Coalition on Race
Lunar Fest NJ (Late January)
A vibrant Lunar New Year celebration marking the Year of the Snake (2025) with traditional lion dances, performances representing Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian cultures, interactive kids’ activities, and Asian food vendors. It’s free and family-friendly, showcasing cultural unity and community spirit
More Information: SOMA Cross Cultural Works
February
Black History Month Celebrations
Artistic, cultural, and educational events and activities celebrating the contributions and achievements of Black Americans.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture and Springfield Avenue Partnership
Maplewood Chili Cookoff
A community event featuring local chili chefs, with all proceeds benefiting the MEND hunger relief network of Essex County.
More Information: Maplewood Chili Cookoff=
Ramadan Crescent Moon Lighting (Date Varies Every Year)
Join us in celebrating the first night of Ramadan with friends and neighbors! As the month begins, the moon will be illuminated at sunset and will continue to shine throughout Ramadan.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
March
Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
Maplewood celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Week to thank our crossing guards for keeping students and pedestrians safe each day.
Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance
An annual inter-faith community service and march in the South Orange/Maplewood area honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It brings together congregations, schools, civic groups, and residents of all faiths and backgrounds in remembrance, reflection and hope.
More Information: Remember & Tell
Transgender Day of Visibility (every year on March 31)
A community rally and flag-raising event to honor the lives, accomplishments, and visibility of transgender and gender-expansive people — and to raise awareness of the discrimination and challenges they still face.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
Women’s History Month Celebrations
Artistic, cultural, and educational events and activities celebrating the contributions and achievements of Women, including the Annual Women’s Month Proclamation held at the Township Committee meeting featuring current and previously elected women of Maplewood and South Orange and Unsung Sheroes.
More Information: SOMA Celebrates Women, Maplewood Arts & Culture, and Maplewood Village Alliance
April
Arbor Day Tree Sapling Giveaway (last weekend of April)
Maplewood celebrates Arbor Day with a tree sapling giveaway for residents to help grow and sustain the community’s urban forest.
More Information: Department of Public Works
Community Volunteer Fair
The SOMA Two Towns Volunteer Fair highlights local organizations and volunteer opportunities available to residents in South Orange and Maplewood.
More Information: SOMA Two Towns
HabibiFest – Celebrating Arab Heritage Month (SOMA Cross Cultural Works)
HabibiFest celebrates Arab and Middle Eastern culture with music, food, and community activities in Maplewood.
More Information: SOMA Cross-Cultural Works
Rahway River Cleanup
Maplewood's annual Rahway River Cleanup invites residents to help remove litter and debris from the river and surrounding areas. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
More Information: Maplewood Environmental Committee
Shred It Day
Maplewood Township hosts two free Shred‑It Days each year at the Recycling Center (359 Boyden Avenue), providing a secure way for residents to dispose of personal paperwork—legal documents, files, books, and more.
More Information: Maplewood Department of Public Works
Softball/ Baseball Parade
The annual Softball/Baseball Parade celebrates local youth teams at the start of the season with a community procession and festivities.
More Information: Department of Community Services
Spring Egg Hunt (mid-April, Memorial Park North)
Maplewood’s annual Spring Egg Hunt features thousands of hidden eggs, arts & crafts stations, planting activities, bubble fun, jellybean guessing, and more, typically from noon to 2 PM.
More Information: Maplewood Community Services Department
Spring Rake Out (April to May)
DPW collects bundled branches (up to 4 ft) and leaves in reusable bins or paper bags.
More Information: Maplewood Department of Public Works
May
Annual Plant Sale
The Annual Plant Sale offers a variety of plants and gardening supplies for residents to purchase and support local beautification efforts.
More Information: Maplewood Garden Club
Django A Gogo Music Festival (Early May)
This jazz celebration honors Django Reinhardt’s legacy with three nights at The Woodland and one at NYC’s Symphony Space. Features a “Django New Orleans” show blending New Orleans brass, swing, Gypsy guitar, and a guitar camp led by Stéphane Wrembel.
More Information: Django A Gogo
Health and Wellness Fair
A free, community-focused event that offers wellness screenings alongside fun, interactive features like music, food, fitness activities, and giveaways, aiming to raise health awareness, improve access to preventive care, and strengthen community connections by bringing together families and local health providers.
More Information: Maplewood Health Department
Holi Festival
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, this vibrant Festival of Colors invites all ages to toss powdered dye, enjoy music, dance, food, and family fun in an exuberant spring event.
More Information: SOMA Cross Cultural Works
Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace
The Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace features local vendors, artisans, and small businesses offering unique goods and crafts.
More Information: Maplewood Chamber of Commerce
MayFest Street Fair
The annual fair spans 7+ blocks on Springfield Avenue, featuring 150+ vendors, live music, DJs, dance/performance demos, kids’ activities (petting zoo, train rides, bouncy house), food stalls, and local business participation.
More Information: Springfield Avenue Partnership
Memorial DayEvents
Maplewood’s annual Memorial Day Parade (at 9 AM) starts at Columbia High School parking lot and proceeds to Town Hall, followed by a ceremony at Jerry Ryan Plaza to honor fallen veterans with speeches and music. Also, there is the Rubber Duck Races.
More Information: Maplewood Township Clerk
Shalom Festival
Hosted by SOMA Jewish Cultural Affairs Committee, this family-friendly celebration features Jewish cultural performances, dance troupes, DJs, traditional food, face-painting, and community mingling.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
June
Farmers Market (Mondays From June to November)
Local produce, artisan goods, live music on select weekends, occasional health screenings.
More Information: Department of Public Works
Juneteenth Celebration (Biennial)
Featuring live music, spoken word, readings, art exhibitions (Durand-Hedden), and food trucks.
More Information: Durand-Hedden and The South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race
Maplewood Record Fair
Community vinyl & music memorabilia event drawing collectors and families, offering records, collectibles, and music culture experiences.
More Information: Elusive Sounds
Maplewood Ukrainian Day
Maplewood Ukrainian Day celebrates Ukrainian culture, traditions, and community with food, music, and cultural activities at the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
More Information: Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Maplewood Vintage Show
A showcase of vintage fashion, jewelry, décor, art, and collectibles; general admission with early ticket access.
More Information: Maplewood Vintage Show
Pride Month (Out In MAPSO)
Month-long celebration featuring an Equality March, Youth Pride Picnic, Lavender Graduation, Big Queer Youth Prom, performances, and festival activities.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
Wear Orange Day for Gun Violence Prevention
Wear Orange Day raises awareness about gun violence prevention and honors the lives affected by gun violence.
More Information: Wear Orange
July
Fourth of July Activities
Maplewood’s Fourth of July Activities include a parade, family-friendly games, and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
More Information: Maplewood Community Services Department
Gazeebo Concert Series (Weekly In The Summer on Fridays)
Weekly live music featuring local performers under the township's Arts & Culture programming.
More Information: Springfield Avenue Partnership
Maplewoodstock
Maplewoodstock is an annual music and arts festival showcasing local performers, artists, and community vendors.
More Information: Maplewoodstock
August
House Music Festival
Community Music Enrichment is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting diverse music genres through free public concerts and festivals, often in partnership with local governments.
More Information: Community Music Enrichment
National Night Out
A community-safety event in partnership with police, featuring block parties, neighborhood engagement, and local networking.
More Information: Maplewood Police Department, Maplewood Health Department, and Department of Community Services
Porchfest (Late August/ Early September)
A grassroots festival where neighbors host porch concerts and spontaneous performances throughout Hilton, celebrated for its lively spirit.
More Information: Maplewood Porchfest
September
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
The 9/11 Memorial Ceremony honors the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and recognizes the bravery of first responders and community members.
Annual Senior Picnic
Enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs with all the fixings, ice cream, and music, in a relaxed, social atmosphere designed to celebrate community connections and summertime memories Pre-registration is required, and seniors to gather and enjoy local generosity and fellowship
More Information: Maplewood Community Services Department
Broadway In The Park
SOMA Stage’s family-friendly miscast Broadway song mashups performed by local artists around Sept 1.
More Information: Maplewood Art & Culture
Dog Days at the Pool
Dog Days at the Pool is a special event allowing residents to bring their dogs to enjoy the township pool and participate in dog-friendly activities.
More Information: Maplewood Community Pool
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month in Maplewood celebrates the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents through community events and activities like Salsa Night.
More Information: Maplewood Art & Culture
Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest
The Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest features local artists, live music, and interactive activities throughout the downtown area.
More Information: Maplewood Village Alliance
Robert J. Miller Oysterfest
A neighborhood-run autumn event focusing on oysters, local vendors, drinks, and community socializing.
More Information: Robert J. Miller Oysterfest
Summer Streets in the Village
Summer Streets in the Village transforms downtown Maplewood into a pedestrian-friendly space with music, activities, and local vendors.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture and Maplewood Village Alliance
October
Craft Beer Tasting on Springfield Avenue
The Craft Beer Tasting on Springfield Avenue showcases local breweries with tastings, food, and community camaraderie.
More Information: Springfield Avenue Partnership
DiwaliFest at MemorialPark
DiwaliFest at Memorial Park celebrates the Festival of Lights with cultural performances, food, and family-friendly activities.
More Information: SOMA Cross Cultural Works
Halloween in the Village
Halloween in the Village features trick-or-treating, family-friendly activities, and festive decorations throughout downtown Maplewood.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
Leaf Pickup (Through December)
Begins in early October/early November and continues for approximately six weeks through mid-December.
More Information: Maplewood Department of Public Works
Lightning Brook Cleanup
The Lightning Brook Cleanup brings residents together to remove litter and debris from Lightning Brook and surrounding areas to protect the local environment.
More Information: Hilton Neighborhood Association
Mapso Family Follies Talent Show
A town-wide variety talent showcase with family acts, performances, and community entertainment.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day in Maplewood celebrates LGBTQ+ visibility and supports individuals in sharing their authentic selves.
More Information: Maplewood Arts & Culture
PurgeFest in Hilton
PurgeFest is a community sale event where residents can browse and purchase a variety of items, from gently used furniture to unique collectibles.
More Information: PurgeFest
Shred It Day
Maplewood Township hosts two free Shred‑It Days each year at the Recycling Center (359 Boyden Avenue), providing a secure way for residents to dispose of personal paperwork—legal documents, files, books, and more.
More Information: Maplewood Department of Public Works
November
Studio Tour SOMA
A two-day free program inviting visitors to tour 100+ artist studios across Maplewood & South Orange, celebrating visual arts, crafts, and connection with area creators.
More Information: The South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour
Veterans Day Presentation
Each year on, the Township of Maplewood honors its veterans with a solemn ceremony held inside the Maplewood Municipal Building (574 Valley Street). This event features a respectful program including pledges, music, and speeches presented by township officials and community groups. All veterans and residents are invited to attend this meaningful remembrance.
More Information: Maplewood Township Clerk
December
Dickens Village
A festive township event evoking a Victorian holiday village with caroling, decorations, children's activities, crafts, and seasonal cheer.
More Information: Maplewood Village Alliance
Hanukkah Lighting Event
More Information: Maplewood Community Services Department
Holiday Tree Lighting Event
More Information: Maplewood Community Services Department