Free events in West Orange, NJ

Browse vendors on Wednesdays, with Saturday dates also available. A full vendors' schedule is available so you can see who will be there on each day.

This farmers market is held in the Newark Strong Lobby.

Set in Lincoln Park, the Rutherford farmers market brings vendors together on a recurring schedule. A complete list of vendor schedules is available online.

There is no admission fee for this barbecue celebration at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, where local food trucks and restaurants serve up crowd-pleasing favorites. Live racing will be part of the experience. Vendors can compete for $2,500 in total awards, including $500 prizes for best brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and a people's choice. Competitors must prepare six plates for judging. The contest is open to area food trucks and restaurants, and a $100 entry fee is required. For registration or more information, email Raryan@playmeadowlands.com.

Bink International Charity coordinates a weekly effort that shares fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and other desserts donated by Paris Baguette in Livingston, NJ with individuals and families facing homelessness, housing instability, and financial hardship. The purpose is to fight hunger and cut food waste by ensuring quality food reaches people rather than being discarded. Distributions take place every Wednesday, every Saturday, every Sunday, and on the first and third Friday of each month. Each week, volunteers collect the donations, sort and pack items, handle loading and unloading, and distribute the food throughout the community so nothing goes to waste. There are opportunities to help with picking up donations, organizing and packing baked goods, assisting with deliveries, sharing food with community members, and supporting outreach to reach more people in need, whether for a single shift or on a recurring basis.