


April 22 & 23, 2023
11am - 5pm both days
11am - 5pm both days
Brought to you by the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce
In 1981, what began as a showcase for the local art scene, has evolved into a nationally recognized, award-winning event. Enjoy two-days, filled with hand-crafted art, jewelry, home goods, a variety of delectable food, music, and fun for the whole family! What is Shad? Each spring the Delaware River in Lambertville, NJ is home to returning Shad making their way back from the Atlantic Ocean to spawn before returning to the ocean. Local residents can be found fishing for Shad on Lewis Island, the only Shad fishery left on the Delaware River. Winner of “Best Event” by the Bucks County Herald, Shad Fest 2023 marks 40 years of festivals. Come see what it’s all about and why Lambertville was named “Best Destination 2023” by Jersey’s Best Magazine.
Hope for species in the Delaware River may hinge on better management. For more than 20 years, Steve Meserve has run the Lewis Fishery, the last commercial shad operation on the Delaware River. … READ MORE >
Sparked by the 1970s environmental movement, the Clean Water Act — which marks its 50th anniversary this month — transformed America’s polluted rivers. The Delaware, once an industrial cesspool, is one of the success stories, but its urban stretches remain a work in progress. READ MORE >
Philadelphia: Shad Cakes, Krak & Kishke: Read what Andrew Zimmern does with Shad and how it might just be the best “Bizarre Food” ever! READ MORE >
Come for the Arts & Crafts! Here you will find hand-crafted art, jewelry, home accents, treats for your pets. Visit the Home and Garden section for a carefully curated selection of goods for your home and garden. Local’s Lane is a quaint area filled with treasures made by Lambertville area artists.
Come for the Food! Throughout the festival, in the food court, and at local restaurants, taste some of the best festival favorites or dine in at local spots. The Vendor List will include Food Vendors once they sign up!
Bring the Kids! There is a section just for them to enjoy! Games, prizes, face painting and lots of entertainment.
Come for the Music! You can find local musicians throughout the festival and local restaurants. A list of music and locations will be posted here as they are confirmed.
From local craft specialists and artists to services and organizations, there’s a lot to take in!
The free bike parking can hold up to 200 bikes and will be monitored by a Bike Lambertville volunteer so bikes will be safe and secure during Shadfest.
Location: Behind the Justice Center on S. Union
There is also public bike parking along the Canal Towpath that folks can use though it’s not monitored. They usually get filled first thing so we direct folks a bit further down the path to our location.
Since 2014, Bike Lambertville is a non-profit, volunteer lead bicycle advocacy organization promoting safe and enjoyable cycling in Lambertville and surrounding area. We provide bicycle educational programs for kids as well as adults eager to learn how to bike; public bicycle repair stations; bicycle parking racks throughout the Lambertville business district.
The health and safety of our festival attendees is our top priority. Individuals who have tested positive or have been deemed presumptively positive with Coronavirus; sought coronavirus testing but have not received results; been informed that they may have been exposed to Coronavirus or have experienced any symptoms of coronavirus should not attend ShadFest. Please stay home!
There is no guarantee that you will not be exposed to Coronavirus by attending this festival. By coming to the festival, you acknowledge and agree that you assume the inherent risks associated with attendance. By attending, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this policy.
Lost Children: Should children lose track of their guardians, all children will be escorted to the Shad Fest Operations/T-Shirt Table in the Food Court. Children will remain there until their gaurdian is located. Refer to Shad Fest 2023 map.