FREE And Fun: 13 Events For Everyone

Live music, guided hikes, fitness classes and more—attending these weekend activities won’t cost you a thing.

As if summer weekends weren’t pricey enough already, PSE&G bills are up, gas costs keep climbing and New Jersey recently discussed a temporary tax increase during the FIFA World Cup. Suddenly, a “quick weekend outing” can feel like a line item in the household budget.

The good news? Our towns still know how to have fun without the splurge. From street fairs and dance classes to nature hikes and family festivals, these upcoming local events are completely free to attend—and proof that some of the best weekends don’t need a cover charge.

May 15

• Hear the tale of Bergen County’s most beloved bird duo at The Story of Alice & Al, Our Local Bald Eagles. The presentation by Don Torino, Bergen County Audubon Society president, takes place at 7 p.m. in Teaneck’s Puffin Cultural Forum. Torino will recount the story of fighting and saving the bald eagle pair, and how that fight brought the community together. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

May 15–17

• A weekend of fun awaits at the Wyckoff Lions Club’s Spring Carnival, held at McBride Field in Franklin Lakes. Admission is free, and attendees are invited to soak up and experience the vibes. (Rides, games and food are extra.) Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

May 16

• Lace up your sneakers and take a morning stroll to support a good cause at the Mental Health Awareness Walk. The event hosted by Christian Health in Wyckoff raises awareness to the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Check-in opens at 8:45 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Participation is free, but registration and donations are encouraged.
• Start your morning with a good stretch at Yoga for the Soul, an outdoor session on the fifth level parking garage at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. The free 9 a.m. class is intended to ease anxiety, melt stress and unwind in the morning. The session will take place indoors near the Marshalls entrance in the event of inclement or cool weather. Participants should bring their own yoga mats.
• See and learn about some unique birds as they make their way through our area at Community Science Saturday: Migratory Birds. The presentation at Teaneck Creek Conservancy will teach attendees how to document birds using smartphone apps. The program takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. and will be held rain or shine—registration is encouraged to receive notifications.
• Join Woodcliff Lake as it celebrates its annual SpringFest at Woodcliff Park. All attendees can enjoy free face painting, balloon animals, live music, crafts and entertainment. Games, food trucks, a beer garden and vendors also will be on hand. The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Enjoy family entertainment while you shop during BTC’s Bubble Show Bonanza at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. Starting at 11 a.m. outside the children’s play area, a bubble artist will be creating bouncy bubbles and performing bubble magic for all to experience.
• Interested in adding a feline friend to your family? Meet dozens of cute kittens at Cat Crew Rescue’s adoption event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus in Hillsdale. Stop by and find out how to give a deserving kitty a new forever home.
• For some evening entertainment, head to the Tenafly Night Market at Washington Street and West Railroad Avenue. From 5 to 11 p.m., enjoy live music, a DJ, interactive games and prizes. There also will be more than 50 local businesses and food vendors with items available for purchase.

May 17

• Celebrate Mother Nature at the annual EarthFest Overpeck, happening from noon to 5 p.m. at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park. The event features live music, children’s activities, informational booths, a fishing derby and kayaking with Hackensack Riverkeeper—all for free. Food trucks and other vendors also will be on hand.
• Stop by the New Jersey Botanical Garden in nearby Ringwood State Park for a free family woodland hike. NJBG hike leaders will guide participants on an easy, child-friendly tour in the garden’s woodlands. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and meet by 1 p.m. at the Carriage House Visitor Center.
• First-time visitors at Cruz’s Dance Fitness in Fair Lawn can enjoy a free class on Sunday only. The 1:30 p.m. session will feature a hip-hop pop mix, while the 2 p.m. class will be “Dancing Through the Decades.” Sign up online.
• Been itching to show off your smarts and all the random bits of knowledge stored in your brain? Take your crew to Sunday trivia at the Sidebar in Hackensack. Hosted by Joe Trivia, the event is free to all participants, and food and drink are extra. The questions start at 7 p.m.

Do you have fun plans this weekend? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.