Who’s ready to get out of the house after all that snow? From tapping maple trees in Ringwood and savoring all the eats at Mac & Cheese Mayhem in Morristown to the much-awaited reopening of the spectacular Lambert Castle in Paterson (admission is free this weekend!), a nature walk through Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, and a chance to see real-life mermaids at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, the weekend forecast looks good to get out and make a plan. Check our full list of events across the state below, and be sure to check each event for cancellations before you head out. Happy weekend!
WEEKEND
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York City
Wednesday – Sunday
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC, which is open through March 1. Hang rinkside at The Lodge, rent a private igloo, or check out the bumper cars on ice (both through February 28).
Come From Away
Paper Mill Playhouse
Wednesday – Sunday
The based-on-a-true-story show focuses on September 12, 2001, when a small town in Newfoundland brought together stranded airline passengers in a sense of community. Appropriate for teens and older.
Game Night
One More Game, Livingston
Thursday
Leave the screens behind for two hours as you play board games with the family.
BergenPAC Idol
BergenPAC, Englewood
Thursday
Middle and high school singers from Bergen County competed for a spot in the finals of this music competition, and will perform tonight for the top prizes.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Gateway Playhouse, Somers Point
Friday – Sunday
This musical includes the whole Peanuts gang on stage – characters like Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, and, of course, Charlie Brown.
Shrek The Musical
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Friday – Sunday
The popular movie is presented on stage with the rights from Music Theatre International.
Maple Sugaring
New Weis Center, Ringwood
Saturday – Sunday
Take a short hike and then learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap from the trees, then see how the evaporator works. You’ll get to blind-taste the syrup inside the heated pavilion.
Reopening of Lambert Castle
Lambert Castle, Paterson
Saturday – Sunday
After an extensive, multi-year restoration, Lambert Castle reopens to the public. View the historic interiors and rich architecture during free open house days.
Opening Weekend at NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
Naval Air Station Wildwood, Cape May Airport, Cape May
Saturday – Sunday
This weekend kicks off the 2026 season, when the museum is open daily for the rest of the year. Located inside a real World War II hangar, you can see all types of military aircraft and artifacts.
Morris County Card Show
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway
Saturday – Sunday
There will be sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, memorabilia and more. Special guest Kent Williams — the voice of Vegapunk and Kuro from ONE PIECE — will be signing autographs.
FRIDAY
Kids Night Out
All Children Art’s Center, Bound Brook
Let the kids get all their energy out during a night filled with art, karaoke, slime making, laser tag, a talent show, dance, and more.
Trivia in the Winery
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Get your friends, family or neighbors to join your team and compete in rounds like General Knowledge, Entertainment, History & Geography, Sports, and Name That Tune.
Game Night: Dungeons & Dragons
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Game Night is open to beginners as well as longtime fans of the game. If you need help making a character, a Dungeon Master will work with you to create your own character sheet or provide a premade one.
SATURDAY
Ndlovu Youth Choir
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir performed its singing and choreography seen on America’s Got Talent!
Bingo Loco
Carteret Performing Arts Center, Carteret
Bingo goes to a whole new level, with this 3-hour interactive stage show that has dance-offs, rave rounds, lip sync battles, throwback anthems and confetti showers.
Behind the Scenes at The Giraffe Barn
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, South Orange
You’ll take a tour, meet the keepers, and learn about conservation efforts.
Fallen Hero Plunge
15 Street Beach, North Wildwood
The Fallen Hero Plunge is dedicated to the memory of law enforcement heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. Dress up in costume before dipping into the ocean; prizes will be awarded. After, the post-plunge party happens at Keenan’s Irish Pub and other restaurants.
Saucy Smackdown
Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford
Sunday gravy, red sauce, marinara and other sauces will go head-to-head in this battle for the best ragu. Free samples will be given for the People’s Choice vote.
Mac + Cheese Mayhem
Morristown Armory, Morristown
Buy small plates of mac & cheese variations served by local chefs, and then vote for the best mac in town. There will also be family-friendly activities, music, beer/margaritas/sangria, vendors, hatchet throwing, a petting zoo, face painting and sand art.
SSAAM Heritage Singers
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Choral members from the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum will sing spirituals for Black History Month, inspired by the museum’s latest exhibit, Allan Rohan Crite: Neighborhood. There will be a reception after the concert, and time to wander through the galleries.
Nimbus Dance
Bickford Theatre at Morris Museum, Morristown
The Jersey City-based dance company will put on a performance of dances are both narrative and relatable.
Splatter Paint Party
All Children’s Art Center, Denville
Dress kids in their worst, because they’re going to get messy in this super hands-on art party.
Montclair Improv Comedy’s Kid Show
The Bellevue, Montclair
Montclair Film puts on this comedy show for kids ages 3 to 10.
Science Saturday
Trenton Free Public Library, Trenton
Researchers from the Science Outreach Program of Princeton University will prepare hands-on science-related activities for students in grades 2 to 5.
Maple Sugaring
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Help farmers collect sap in the woods and make syrup in the sap house; then sample whole wheat pancakes. You’ll also learn how to bring the operation into your own backyard through tree tapping demonstrations.
SUNDAY
Lunar Fest NJ
The Woodland, Maplewood
There will be cultural performances representing Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Southeast Asian culture, including kids’ activities, food and local AAPI vendors.
K-Pop Painting and Dance Party
All Children’s Art Center, Denville
Kids will create their own K-Pop Demon Hunters-themed artwork while listening to music from the show.
Women’s History Month Pop-Up
MarketFair, Princeton
There will be health and wellness workshops (mindful art, yoga basics, menopause awareness), financial literacy and career sessions, cultural experiences (Afro-Brazilian dance and a podcast celebrating women) and fitness/lifestyle classes (Barre, stretch and movement workshops).
Lambertville New Hope Winter Festival Chili Cookoff
Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, New Hope, PA
Each tickets gets you a pint glass to keep, all-you-can-drink beer, and all-you-can-eat chili from more than 10 local restaurants. Vote for your favorite chili.
The Sound of Music
NJPAC, Newark
The Salzburg Marionette Theater puts on a special performance of the popular movie.
Kids Hike For Fun
Clover Hill Preserve, Flemington
Winter hikes combine fun, education, and exercise for young explorers who are 5 and older.
Read Across America Kickoff
Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, Princeton
Kick off Read Across America Week with a special appearance by Elmo and Ms. Rachel, along with storytime, a character meet-and-greet, snacks and crafts. There will be additional storytimes and coloring activities on Tuesday, March 3, and Saturday, March 7.
Irish Step Dancing with Dawn Daniels
Irish Step Dancing
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, New York
Dawn Daniels, former winner of the North American Irish Step Dance Championship, will teach you all about Irish step dancing. You’ll see costumes and instruments, hear a little bit of history, and then learn how to dance.
ONGOING
Ballet for Toddlers
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
Ongoing, Fridays
This interactive dance workshop introduces kids ages 2-4 and their favorite adults to the basics of ballet.
Updike Farmstead Museum and Grounds Tours
Updike Farmstead Museum, Princeton
Ongoing, Fridays and Saturdays
Take a 30-minute guided tour of the headquarters of the Historical Society of Princeton. The late 18th-/early 19th-century farmhouse museum, grounds, renovated barn and recently restored wagon shed include exhibits of Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery, featuring HSP’s collection of Albert Einstein’s furniture and other personal belongings; and Princeton Reflected: Stories from HSP’s Collection.
Little Ones Nature Class
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Thursdays in February
Kids ages 3 to 5, and their parents, will explore the preserve through stories, crafts and nature, both inside and outdoors.
Erasing South Orange Borders Run/Walk
Around South Orange
Saturdays in February
This running or walking tour of South Orange is held weekly.
Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
February 25 – March 1
Ocean lovers of all ages can climb aboard nearly 500 boats. Kids can make a toy boat and see what they catch at the Fishing Frenzy game. Tweens and teens can try out the Indoor Paddle Pool and virtual reality games. The Discover Boating Beach Club area will have drinks, beach games and summer vibes.
New Jersey Home & Garden Show
NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison
February 27 – March 1
Check out five designer gardens; meet landscape experts like Don Engebretson “The Renegade Gardener”™ and Caroline Blazovsky, America’s Healthy Home Expert®; and shop from dozens of vendors. New this year is “Make It – Take It,” a gardening learning center where kids can plant herb seedlings and take them home. Other activities include pot decorating, arts and crafts, and balloon animals.
Philadelphia Flower Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
February 28 – March 8
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts on its yearly mega floral exhibit with stunning displays, gardening presentations, info on sustainability and innovation, tons of opportunities to shop for your own plants, floral making projects and kids’ activities.
Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea, Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
February 28, March 21, April 25, May 16, June 27
There will be curated vendors selling everything from art to vintage finds indoors. Food trucks will be located outside.
Experience Princeton Restaurant Week
Throughout Princeton
March 1-7
Check in with Princeton’s more than 100 restaurants for special meals and deals during the week.
Circus Quixote
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
March 4-15
Circus Quixote uses circus arts and storytelling to bring the book Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes to the stage.
Garden Glow
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Fridays – Sundays, through March 8
The Conservatory District will be lit up after dark, with junipers and bonsai glowing under blacklight, flowers hanging above the West Conservatory, and thousands of sparks assembled like fireflies outside.
Outdoor Winter Wonderland
Middletown Sports Camp, Middletown
Through March 8
The center of the fire pits and igloos is the outdoor skating rink.
Lunar New Year at American Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
Through March 8
Celebratory events include a youth talent competition, K-Pop dance competition, concerts, fashion shows, a spring festival gala, a Lunar New Year spectacular, the lighting of the Dream Wheel, a photography contest, opera night, and a Sunflower Lantern Festival Gala.
Circus Vazquez
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Through March 9
The international cast includes a clown from Mexico, acrobats from the Czech Republic, jugglers from Switzerland, highwire and aerial acts from Uzbekistan, a dance troupe from Ukraine, and the Circus Vazquez Band.
Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through March 14
The heart of Center City comes alive with outdoor ice skating, a topiary garden, the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin and charming fire pits.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Weekends, through March 14
Listen to live music in the afternoon. Have a glass of wine inside the wine barn, or bring the kids to make s’mores by the firepits.
Sap to Syrup (Maple Sugaring)
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Sundays, through March 15
Learn about how sap becomes syrup, and which local trees can be tapped for their own unique flavors. You’ll stay outside to identify trees, learn how sap flows, and practice using real tapping tools.
Mermaids Underwater Experience
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Fridays – Sundays, through March 15
You’ll see “real-life” mermaids swimming in the shark tank, and waiting on dry land in the clamshell thrones to take pictures with the kids. There will be collectible cards, in addition to special mermaid-themed snacks.
Art Attack
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
Fridays, through March 20
Kids ages 2 to 5 will use clay, paint, papier-mache, pastels and watercolors to express themselves without words, using creativity and emotions.
Maple Syrup Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Weekends, through March 22
Help Farmer Tim tap the trees the old-fashioned way. You’ll take a tractor ride around the 130-acre property before arriving at Olivia’s Sugar Shack to help with the process. Feed the farm animals, play in the animal cart, and order maple pancakes.
Cattus Island Nature Walks
Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 29
These walks have been taking place for 40 years, and have you join a park naturalist to walk through the park. Themes include: Backyard Birding on February 28 and March 1; Signs of Spring on March 7 and 8; Naturalist’s Choice on March 14 and 15; Osprey Nests on March 21 and 22; and Return of the Osprey on March 28 and 29.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March 30
There’s still plenty of time to skate or chill in a rinkside chalet.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through September 7
There are animatronics, robots, ride designs, costumes and props that mimic The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving you an insider’s look at the storytelling and building behind the rides and worlds at the Florida and California theme parks.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25, 2026
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Got questions about this weekend’s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, outdoor light shows, Santa trains) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It’s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.
Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?
A: You’ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor winter light displays and festivals.
Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend (February 27 to March 1, 2026)?
A: This weekend (February 27 to March 1, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include maple sugaring, the reopening of Lambert Castle in Paterson, a mac & cheese fest in Morristown, a splatter paint party in Denville and so much more.
Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?
A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey, plus more events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: Where can I find more events near me?
A: This weekend’s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar.
Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Best Things to Do Indoors in New Jersey (2026)
This Living History Farm in New Jersey Has Free Events Every Saturday
Spring Is Coming Early at the Philadelphia Flower Show
