A Fin-tastic Weekend at Lambertville's Shad Fest

What is a shad and why does it have its own festival in Lambertville, New Jersey, that's been going strong since 1981? Let us tell you! An American shad is the largest fish in the herring family, and every spring they migrate from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River to spawn. The festival, however, isn't just about fish. When it started four decades ago, Shad Fest was meant to showcase the local art scene. Since then, it has grown into a nationally recognized festival with art, food, music, fun — and yes, shad.

The 2024 Shad Fest is set for April 20-21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. There are so many things to see, do and eat during this two-day event, you'll love it whether you like fish or not. Over 80 of the region’s finest artists and crafters will line the streets of Lambertville with handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, furniture, apparel, accessories, home decor and more. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces to take home as mementos of their Shad Fest experience.

In addition to visual arts, Shad Fest also offers a diverse lineup of live music performances. Performing on multiple stages and inside some of Lambertville's establishments, bands ranging from rock and funk to blues and country will fill the air with live music.

Then, of course, there's the food. In the festival food court and in Lambertville's restaurants, you can taste regional and international cuisine. Try a lobster roll from Coastal Flavors, Mexican street corn from the Corn Hub, arancini from The Little Sicilian, and empanadas from Under the Moon, just to name a few. And then there are the menu items that feature the star of the festival — shad. You'll find shad fritters, shad tacos and blackened shad sandwiches to sink your teeth into. Wash it all down with a local brew in the beer garden.

It's during this time of year that locals can be found fishing for shad on Lewis Island during what fishermen call the annual spring shad run, when the fish migrate from salt water to fresh water for reproduction. The Lewis family has been fishing in this spot since 1888, and holds the last remaining commercial shad fishing license on the Delaware River. Shad fishing demonstrations will be offered each day during the festival at the Lewis Fishery.

While Shad Fest takes place in Lambertville, New Hope’s streets and businesses are often packed with visitors who walk across the bridge that crosses the Delaware River between the two towns. New Hope is also home to our romantic retreat at the Inn at Bowman's Hill, where you can retire after a day of festivities. Be among the visitors who come from near and far to enjoy Shad Fest, which has become a beloved tradition that celebrates art, music, food, community spirit and, of course, fish.