Seasonal Events and Festivals in Westfield, NJ

The Westfield, N.J., community calendar features art shows, seasonal markets, film events, and cultural festivals that showcase its creative and community-driven spirit. The following guide highlights some of the most anticipated events in Westfield NJ, starting in the fall of 2025 and extending through 2026. Each offers a distinct reason to explore this lively Union County destination.

Every October, Westfield transforms into a hub of artistic expression and quirky fun during AddamsFest, a month-long tribute to Charles Addams, the famous cartoonist and creator of The Addams Family, who once called Westfield home. The festival celebrates Addams’ legacy with art exhibitions, film screenings, and interactive installations across downtown. The “Haunt Your House” contest encourages residents to turn their homes into creative displays, while local businesses participate in window-decorating competitions that fill the streets with playful, spooky themes.

One of the festival’s major draws is the “Charles Addams Art Exhibit,” featuring rarely seen original works loaned from private collections. The AddamsFest Parade, held toward the end of the month, invites costumed participants to stroll through downtown, making it one of the town’s most distinctive events. Live performances, themed cocktails, and pop-up markets round out the experience, ensuring every visitor finds something memorable during Westfield’s most recognizable celebration.

This November, Westfield’s culinary scene takes center stage during Restaurant Week. Dozens of local eateries and cafes participate, offering prix-fixe menus and special dishes that highlight their culinary creativity. The event draws diners from across northern New Jersey eager to explore Westfield’s diverse food scene, which includes everything from fine dining to casual bistros and bakeries.

For many establishments, Restaurant Week provides an opportunity to showcase seasonal ingredients and introduce new menu concepts. Westfield’s reputation as a food destination has grown steadily, thanks to its blend of long-standing institutions and new openings. Visitors can expect flavorful meals, attentive service, and a sense of discovery that makes this one of the standout events in Westfield NJ during the winter season.

As the holidays approach, downtown Westfield becomes a festive gathering spot for the Westfield Winter Wonderland, typically held through December. Streets are lined with illuminated trees, and storefronts are dressed for the season, creating a cheerful setting for shopping and community events. The centerpiece of the season is the annual tree lighting ceremony held in early December on North Avenue, which includes live music and seasonal treats served by local cafes and bakeries.

Throughout the month, downtown hosts horse-drawn carriage rides, open-air performances, and seasonal markets featuring local artisans and specialty foods. Restaurants introduce winter menus highlighting regional ingredients, while boutiques extend hours for late-night shopping. Visitors often describe this period as one of the most atmospheric times of the year to experience the charm of downtown Westfield.

The arrival of spring brings one of the town’s signature gatherings: Spring Fling, a street fair that fills downtown with local vendors, entertainment, and outdoor dining. Typically held in early May, this event attracts residents and visitors eager to celebrate the end of winter and enjoy the return of warmer weather. Streets close to traffic as more than 200 local businesses and artisans set up booths selling art, crafts, and handmade goods.

Musicians perform throughout the day, while local restaurants offer samples and seasonal menu specials. For many attendees, Spring Fling marks the start of the outdoor festival season in Union County, and it’s an excellent time to experience Westfield’s community spirit. Its location in the heart of downtown encourages exploration, with nearby cafes and boutiques extending the day’s experience.

During the summer, Mindowaskin Park and downtown Westfield host a series of outdoor concerts that bring live music to the community each week. The Summer Concert Series runs from June through August, showcasing regional bands and performers across a range of genres, including jazz, classic rock, and contemporary pop. These performances draw steady crowds who gather on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Local restaurants often offer take-out specials designed for picnics, adding a culinary touch to the experience. The combination of music, outdoor dining, and scenic surroundings makes the Summer Concert Series one of the most relaxed and enjoyable events in Westfield NJ each year. As one of the longest-running seasonal traditions in town, it reflects the enduring connection between the community and its public spaces.

The Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival transforms Westfield into a vibrant live music destination each Tuesday evening in July. Multiple performance areas throughout downtown host local and nationally recognized jazz musicians, creating an energetic, multi-stage atmosphere. Visitors can stroll between sets, enjoying the distinct sounds of smooth, traditional, and contemporary jazz.

Local restaurants and bars often align their schedules with the festival, hosting after-hours performances or offering jazz-themed menus and cocktails. The event also draws music enthusiasts from neighboring towns, making it one of the highlights of the summer. The Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival reinforces Westfield’s reputation as a destination for cultural and performing arts, blending rhythm and hospitality in the heart of the city.

As summer transitions to fall, FestiFall brings another large-scale celebration to downtown Westfield. Typically held in late September, this event showcases regional artists, boutique retailers, and food vendors in a daylong street fair emphasizing creativity and local flavor. The layout features multiple blocks of exhibits, entertainment stages, and culinary stands that capture the energy of the changing season.

For many, FestiFall represents one of the best opportunities to experience the breadth of Westfield’s local talent and entrepreneurship. The event also includes live music, craft beverages, and pop-up exhibitions curated by local galleries. It attracts attendees from across New Jersey who come to enjoy a well-organized blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment that marks the unofficial start of the fall season.

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