It’s going to be bitterly cold this weekend, but there’s plenty to do indoors and out across New Jersey. From a Winter on the Farm fest and a Puppy Bowl to cultural celebrations and Valentine’s events, we’ve rounded up 70+ ways to make the most of your weekend.
WEEKEND
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse
Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River
Wednesday – Thursday
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will perform a lion dance and a dragon dance, plus play live music on Chinese instruments. Kids can make crafts in the lobby.
Black History Month Festival
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Thursday
Robbinsville High School’s Black Culture Club will hold its fourth annual festival, with this year’s theme of “The Harlem Renaissance.” You’ll tour four different rooms, where students will present historical facts. The night will also feature music, soul food, dance performances, and a variety of Black-owned vendor tables.
Bad Bunny Night
Bell Works, Holmdel
Thursday
DJ Skillz will be spinning Bad Bunny tunes at Bar Bella ahead of his Super Bowl halftime performance. The drink of the night will be the Paloma.
Winter on the Farm
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Learn how to cut and harvest ice, help the staff saw wood, pet the cows, see an outdoor cooking demo, and take a wagon ride around the farm.
Puppy Bowl
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Saturday – Sunday
Teams of K-9s will take to the field (aka LSC’s lobby stadium) during the doggie version of the Super Bowl. The dogs are from The Seeing Eye, a local nonprofit that trains dogs to help sight-impaired and blind people. While at LSC, you can explore the brand-new Izzo Family Touch Tank, check out SUE: The T. rex Experience, and go to all the usual galleries.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple Locations
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive free general admission to various cultural attractions in New Jersey and New York on the first full weekend of each month.
Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
There will be a special chocolate pairing of locally made chocolates (from Pierre’s Chocolates of New Hope, PA) with Terhune wines. Sit by the fire pit and listen to live music. Kids can look at the farm animals or play on the playground.
FRIDAY
Snow Moon Dance
Howell Living History Farm
Experience an old-fashioned barn dance inside the historic Charles Fish Barn. Professional dance caller Sue Dupree will lead the steps, with music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band. You can also take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride around the farm.
S’more to Love in Merchantville
East Park Avenue, Merchantville
Melt a free s’more by the fire pit while you listen to the music of Lackadaisical Lemon. Kids can make their own Valentine’s Day craft. You can go next door to Eclipse Brewing for a drink.
Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony
New Brunswick
After a flag-raising ceremony outside of the Middlesex County Administration Building, a cultural program will follow at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to recognize Black History Month.
Galentine’s Day Dinner
The Mathis House, Toms River
Come to the Victorian tea room with your besties for dinner and live music.
Winter Tea Party
The Mathis House, Toms River
The full Victorian afternoon tea includes prizes, including an overnight stay at The Mathis House B&B. All proceeds benefit Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, which helps local families overcome homelessness.
The Underground Experience: A Walk-Through Black History
Rahway Recreation Center, Rahway
This interactive live museum lets you meet historical Black figures portrayed by actors: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer will share their stories through monologues and real-time interactions.
SATURDAY
Dancing With the Stars Live
Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City
Celebs and pros from the hit TV competition show will appear live on stage, including Alan Bersten, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa and Pasha Pashkov; plus Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel as co-host.
Kids Cupid’s Workshop
MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood
There will be a pre-Valentine’s Day party for the young ones, including craft stations, Valentine card making, face painting, dueling pianos by Philly Keys, and heart-shaped pancakes and waffles.
Kids Night Out: Glow Party
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
Dress the kids in white or neon clothing for their karaoke and dance party, which also has glow-in-the-dark gym games, glow face paint, glow sticks and necklaces, swimming with glowing beach balls, and pizza and dessert.
Lunar New Year Celebration
NJPAC, Newark
Seattle Symphony Associate Conductor Sunny Xia and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Winner Haochen Zhang make their New Jersey Symphony debut in this family-centered concert that celebrates music from East and West.
Wildlife Baby Shower
The Farmstead at Medford, Medford
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge cares for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife throughout the year. You’ll get free admission if you donate paper towels, laundry detergent, trash bags or gift cards. There will also be snacks, kids’ games, raffles, and meet-and-greets with some of the animal ambassadors.
Puppy Love Pop-Up
Canine Aesthetic, Toms River
Photographers from Chelsea Rose will take your pet photos. There will be lots of puppy kisses, pop-up vendors, Valentine’s drinks and treats for your dog.
Good Witch Bad Witch
Kean University campus, Hillside
The Broadway Witches concert features Glinda (Nicole Parker) and Elphaba (Alli Mauzey) from Broadway’s Wicked.
Tap the Sugar Maples
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Join expert tree-tappers for a lesson in how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup at home.
Valentine’s Tea on the Farm
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
You’ll have tea, cheese, soup, finger sandwiches, and Valentine’s-themed pastries and cakes as you overlook the cows on the farm.
Winter Market
Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington
Sip & shop handmade, local and vintage products and foods for sale by over a dozen small businesses.
Whitney E. Houston Capstone Event
New Jersey Hall of Fame Education & Learning Center, American Dream, East Rutherford
Relive the music of The Voice herself through a special exhibit. Sing alongside her silhouette on the Karaoke Stage. Watch an exclusive screening of the documentary film “Whitney Houston in Focus.” Shop for Whitney merch or wait for giveaways. You get access to all the other exhibits, too.
Makerspace: Chocolate Walk Edition
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Special chocolate-themed activities include making origami chocolate boxes, making valentines, and drinking hot chocolate. This is part of the Rose City Chocolate Walk. You can add on admission to the museum.
Valentine’s Day Disability Dance
Minnie B. Veal Community Center, Edison
Teens and adults with disabilities can dance the night away during this holiday party.
Sherlock Holmes And the Case of Cupid’s Arrow
Mathis House, Toms River
A murder mystery dinner is set inside the Victorian tea room.
Love At First Bite
Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove
Fresh Markets will hold a pop-up experience that’s a combo of an artist market and cake sampling.
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Coney Waffle, Red Bank, Long Branch (Pier Village), Toms River and Belmar
That’s right: you can have ice cream as early as 8 am today. There will be a one-day-only secret breakfast menu revealed. Wear pajamas for a free topping. There will also be giveaways and door prizes. Pre-order an Ice Cream for Breakfast Kit to celebrate at home.
Valentine’s Sweet Stroll
Red Bank
Local restaurants, retail shops and personal care businesses will open their doors for sweet deals and treats. You can pick up a free map and tote bag at Bougiefire.
Maple Sugaring
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
You’ll learn about the science and history behind maple sugaring. There are three different time slots.
Mardi Gras with Thaddeus Expose
Bickford Theatre at Morris Museum, Morristown
Channel the spirit of NOLA with New Orleans native Thaddeus Exposé in concert with Evan Christopher on clarinet, Marty Eigen on saxophone, Wallace Roney Jr. on trumpet, Peter Lin on trombone, Bernard Elliott on piano, Gordon Lane on drums, and vocalist Ayana Lowe.
Galentine’s Day Brunch
Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
Start with a mimosa flight or a Pineapple Sunshine Sip mocktail, and add on Irish soda bread, a breakfast pizza skillet, St. Paddy’s Burger, Bailey’s French toast, or corned beef hash & eggs. Brunch with your girls will include live music, and a chance to win free Pilates classes.
Black History Month 2026 Expo
Jefferson School Auditorium, Twp. of Union
The community celebration at the school will include live music, performances, an art gallery, a selection of food trucks, and a Black-owned business market.
Patriot Polar Plunge
Sea Girt
Support the LIFT Fund for veterans at Habitat for Humanity, which provides critical home repairs for veterans in Monmouth County. The ceremony is in honor of State Trooper and National Guardsman Juan Fajardo. There is an after-party with breakfast at Rod’s Tavern.
Valentine Plunge
Manasquan
Show your “love” by collecting donations for ALS patients before jumping into the icy waters.
SUNDAY
DRUMLine Live
NJPAC, Newark
This international tour celebrates the marching band tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The performance includes originals as well as soul-infused interpretations of popular Top 40 hits.
Kid’s Valentine’s Brunch
Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
Families are invited to a festive afternoon featuring a DJ dance party, face painting, cookie decorating, raffle baskets, and Valentine’s card and craft making.
New Jersey Reptile Show
VFW, Port Monmouth
Get up close with geckos, snakes, lizards, amphibians, and small exotic mammals like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, skunks and possums. There will be pet sales, themed merchandise, feeder insects and more vendor items.
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The free, drop-in programs are led by Mason Gross MFA students and teaching artists. Families work together on art projects after being led through the galleries. Today’s theme is One Long Look, inspired by Sam Gilliam’s 1967 painting, Breeze.
Valentine’s Family Pottery Painting Party
All Children’s Art Center, Bound Brook
Kids and their parents will make a valentine-themed pottery piece to take home.
Masjid As Habul Yameen Pre-Ramadan Breakfast
The Brownstone, Paterson
Brunch will include conversations about Ramadan.
Family Fitness Fun Series
Wyckoff Family YMCA, Wyckoff
Register everyone in the fam so you get your endorphins going together. Today’s class is Super Bowl Family Zumba.
Family Crepes Party
L’Alliance New York, Montclair
Crêpes Chantal is hosting a family-friendly La Chandeleur celebration, a traditional French holiday centered around making crêpes together, to introduce kids to French culture.
Super Bowl Party
Seven Sons Brewing, Howell
Watch the Big Game while snacking on hot dogs, chicken wings, finger foods, chips and dip. One football square is included, plus there will be more giveaways.
Galactic Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold
Meet the Star Princess, Dark Commander and the Grand Master. Kids will pick their meal from their own menu, and get a free coloring book.
Maple Sap Collection
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Meet at the playground, and take a 10-minute walk to the sugar bush, where you’ll help remove sap from the maple trees and move it to the stove for sugaring.
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Play Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games; plus old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Dominoes.
ONGOING
Ballet for Toddlers
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
Ongoing, Fridays
This interactive dance workshop introduces kids ages 2-4 and their adult caregivers 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 exploration, both inside and outdoors.
A Century of Black History Commemorations
Maplewood
Throught February
The 2026 theme marks 100 years since the first national celebration of Black History Month. Events include art exhibitions, a historical interpretation of General George Washington’s enslaved person Hannah Till, film screenings and family movie nights, concerts, book signings, a vegan soul food cooking class, a discussion on the movie “Sinners,” a conversation about the African diaspora, and a history showcase at the YMCA.
Year of the Horse
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
Throughout February
The Borgata will celebrate the Asian community through celebrations, decor and authentic dining. On February 21, the Lunar New Year celebration will feature lion dancers, live Chinese singers and giveaways. Throughout the property, look for hand-painted Koi fish, larger-than-life cherry blossom trees in the Porte Cochere, giant lanterns at the entrance of the casino floor, and large-scale red envelopes and gold coins in the retail piazza. The new pan-Asian restaurant, Noodles, serves house-made noodles, BBQ, seafood, dim sum and vegetable dishes. There is also a new Asian Gaming space on the casino floor.
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse
February 4-5: Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, Toms River
February 14-15: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
The program by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company includes a lion dance and a dragon dance, live music on Chinese instruments, and then cultural crafts in the lobby.
Erasing South Orange Borders Run/Walk
Around South Orange
Saturdays in February
Join fellow community members for this weekly tour of South Orange.
Valentine’s Markets
Bell Works, Holmdel
February 7, 11 and 14
Shop for the perfect gift for your valentine – everything from baked goods to clothing and accessories to candles and skincare to home goods and specialty items. There will be hands-on experiences, workshops, demos, tastings and readings. Note: The February 7 market will be held by Asbury Fresh at a mystery location, TBA.
Laser Love
The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg
February 7 and 14
The space-age shows combine love songs and lasers inside the planetarium.
Penguins & Pajamas
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Pt. Pleasant
February 7, March 7, April 18
Come in your PJs and listen to stories about penguins before getting to meet one of the resident African penguins. This takes place before the aquarium opens to the public, but then you get all-day admission to see all the exhibits.
Kiss & Tell Pop-Up Bar
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through February 22
A full menu of love-themed food, drinks and mocktails will be available inside the restaurant, which will be fully decorated with hearts, Cupids and other Valentine’s decor.
New Jersey Film Festival
Rutgers University, New Brunswick; with virtual options
Fridays – Sundays, through February 22
Almost 50 films will have their area screenings as part of the New Jersey Film Festival or the United States Super 8 Film and Video Festival. There will be guest appearances by film directors, producers and actors. Two free filmmaking workshops will be open to anyone.
Behind the Scenes at The Giraffe Barn
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, South Orange
Select Saturdays, through February 28
You’ll take a tour, meet the keepers, and learn about conservation efforts.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March
Ice skate or chill in a rinkside chalet that is decorated for Valentine’s Day.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York City
Through March
This Manhattan park is home to the largest free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. Relax rinkside at The Lodge, or check out the bumper cars on ice.
Maple Sugaring Season
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Through March
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how senior staff members drill the holes, set the spiles, and hang the buckets in preparation for the maple sugar weekend programs.
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.
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, and either 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.
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.
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: Hibernation on February 7 and 8; Winter Marsh Walk on February 14 and 15; Winter Birds on February 1 and 22; 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.
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.
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.
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 6-8, 2026)?
A: This weekend (February 6-8, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include Super Bowl watch parties, pre-Valentine’s Day celebrations, outdoor ice skating, and a Whitney Houston exhibit.
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:
Where to Get Your Super Bowl Spread in NJ
Make a Resy for Valentine’s Day Dinner at One Of These NJ Restaurants
Sweet Things to Do for Valentine’s Day in New Jersey
Black History Month Events and Celebrations in NJ
