Lambertville ShadFest 2026
This blog post can be sponsored by you. Display your link and message here to be seen by local residents and Lambertville area visitors—permanently.
ShadFest in Lambertville, NJ is a fun time that happens rain or shine. If you’re gonna go, here’s everything you need to know.
When is ShadFest 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
→ 5-8pm: Local Night
→ 6-8pm: Poster Auction Artist Reception
Saturday, April 25, 2026
→ 11am-5pm ShadFest
→ 11am-5pm ShadFest Poster Auction silent auction
Sunday, April 26, 2026
→ 11am-5pm: ShadFest
→ 11am-2pm: ShadFest Poster Auction silent auction
→ 3pm: ShadFest Poster Auction live auction begins
What Happens at ShadFest 2026
ShadFest, Lambertville’s premiere spring festival, turns 43 this year!
You can expect:
- handcrafted art
- jewelry
- home accents
- snacks & treats
- one-of-a-kind treasures
- classic festival favorites
- games & prizes
- face painting
- live music from local musicians
- arts & crafts
- fun for the whole family
Friday Night is Local’s Night
Starting at 5pm, Church Street gets closed to vehicular traffic. Locals bring their kids (and dogs) and take part in the evening’s many family-friendly activities. Past Locals Night events included group painting, chalk art on the street, a DJ and dancing, circus arts, Tarot card readings, food, and more. This year will feature live music by Pyrenesia, Ruby West, and Lounge Act Road Show at the municipal lot on North Union Street, so bring your own lounge chair(s).
Street Fair Vendors
On Saturday and Sunday, North Union Street is closed to vehicular traffic so vendors of all kinds can set up tents and booths. Walk around and enjoy the fun.
ShadFest Poster Auction 2026
The ShadFest Poster Auction receives art from hundreds of artists in the region. Proceeds from the auctioned artworks goes directly to local arts scholarships.
ShadFest Poster Exhibition Hours and Silent Auction:
Saturday 11am-5pm
Sunday 11am-2pm
❗The silent auction ends promptly at 2pm on Sunday.
❗The live auction begins at 3pm on Sunday.
The poster auction takes place inside the gymnasium at the First Presbyterian Church. The entrance is between Under the Moon Cafe and the church building.
See the ShadFest Poster Auction website for more details.
Visit Locals Lane
Located on Church Street (across from the big, white church in the center of town), this is where local independent artists and small local businesses set up. In the past, Locals Lane featured jewelry, clothing, art, food, and live music.
Where to Park
Park anywhere you can. If you don’t mind walking, park on the north side of town in the designated parking. You can also find parking on the south side. Some people park in New Hope and walk across the bridge. Arrive early.
Bike to ShadFest
If you’re up to it, you can bike the Delaware River Canal Path into town. Park your bike at the designated bike parking lot, then walk 2 blocks into town.
The official bike parking is located behind the Pittore Justice Center (aka ACME). Here’s a map. Bike parking is in the back of the parking lot by the path.
Shad Fishing Demonstration
Watch people take a small boat out on the water, drag a huge net, and see if they catch anything. Head 1 block north of the bridge on Lambert Lane, and turn left into the parking lot with the foot bridge that leads to Lewis Island.
Food Trucks (Food Court)
The food trucks are located in the center of town by the intersection of Bridge and Union Streets. This is also where you can purchase ShadFest 2026 t-shirts.
Beer Garden
The beer garden is accessible, and is located in the parking lot by the bridge. There is usually live music and wooden picnic tables so you can sit and relax.
Live Music
Live bands often perform in these locations during ShadFest:
- Princeton Bank on Bridge Street map
- The beer garden by the bridge map
- N. Union Street map
- The parking lot on N. Union Street map
- Mary E Sheridan Park map
There is a live music schedule on the chamber website. However, any business in town can host bands and performers, and so that schedule may not be accurate. Keep your ears open and follow the music. It’ll be everywhere.
More Information
Here is the ShadFest official website: Lambertville Chamber of Commerce.
Here is the ShadFest map.
Have a great time!