Celebrate Spring Like It’s 1799: The “Pinkster” Festival Returns to River Edge
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Looking for a unique way to welcome spring this weekend? Forget the standard street fair and step back in time at Historic New Bridge Landing.
On Sunday, May 17, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, the Bergen County Historical Society invites you to Pinkster: A Jersey Dutch Celebration of Spring. This vibrant annual festival breathes life into 18th-century traditions through festive music, open-hearth cooking, and the iconic Maypole dance.
What is Pinkster?
Originally a Dutch holiday celebrating Pentecost (Pinkster in Dutch), this festival evolved in colonial New York and New Jersey into a joyous secular celebration of spring’s arrival. It is a rare glimpse into the cultural “melting pot” of early Jersey Dutch life, blending European traditions with local history.
Event Highlights: Music, Dance, and History
The afternoon is packed with immersive experiences for history buffs and families alike:
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The Maypole Dance: Watch the Tricorne Dance Ensemble perform traditional dances at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Special for Kids: At 2:30 pm, children can step into the circle and learn the steps themselves!
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Live Period Music: Fiddler Ridley Enslow and Anne Enslow on the hammered dulcimer will provide the soundtrack for the day.
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The Pinkster Toast: At 2:00 pm, join historian Muriel Roberts for a presentation on the holiday’s origins, concluding with a traditional libation toast.
Exhibits and Living History Demonstrations
Historic New Bridge Landing isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living museum. During the festival, you can explore:
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The 1752 Steuben House: Tour this legendary site to see authentic Dutch paintings, Revolutionary War artifacts, and Jersey Dutch craftsmanship.
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Colonial Crafting: See The Lost Art Lacers demonstrate intricate lacemaking and watch traditional broom-making at the Westervelt-Thomas Barn.
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The Out-Kitchen: Experience the sights and smells of 18th-century life with live hearth-cooking demonstrations, including natural egg dyeing using seasonal herbs.
Family-Friendly Fun
If you’re bringing the little ones, there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged:
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Colonial Games: Try your hand at the pastimes of the 1700s.
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Scavenger Hunt: Use your smartphone for a modern twist on history with a QR code-based scavenger hunt.
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Refreshments: Stop by the tavern for cider, lemonade, and donuts before browsing the gift shop.
Plan Your Visit
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When: Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
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Where: Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ
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Admission:
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Adults: $12
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Students: $7
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BCHS Members: Free!
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How to Join: Tickets are available on-site or via the Bergen County Historical Society website. For questions, call 201-343-9492.
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Keywords: Pinkster Festival River Edge NJ, Historic New Bridge Landing events, Jersey Dutch traditions, Bergen County spring festivals, family activities Bergen County, Revolutionary War sites NJ, Steuben House.
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