Free Things to Do in February In And Around New Jersey

From waiting on the groundhog’s prediction for spring and watching the Super Bowl with your crew to making plans for Valentine’s Day, learning about our past during Black History Month, or celebrating Lunar New Year, there are lots of ways to fill your calendar with fun this month. We’ve rounded up a bunch of events that have free admission in February!

February 1

Darwin Late Night
Rutgers Geology Museum, New Brunswick
In celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday, you can take part in evolution-themed crafts and educational activities set up around the museum. After visiting, stop by the Zimmerli Art Museum for more activities.

South Orange Downtown Celebrates Black History Month
Papillon 25, South Orange
Celebrate Black entrepreneurs and community leaders and the impact they have made on the community. There are free hors d’oeuvres, live music and a cash bar.

February 1-25

Lunar New Year Festivities
American Dream, East Rutherford
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, stop by on different days for a fashion show, runway pageant, dance-off, gala, youth competition, Dream Wheel lighting ceremony, opera and orchestra concert.

February 1 – March 31

Windows of Understanding
Highland Park, Metuchen, New Brunswick, Rahway, South Plainfield
This public art project highlights the positive strides made by local organizations, addressing critical social justice issues such as climate change, food insecurity, human rights and violence protection.

February 2

Free First Friday: Valentine Greeting Card-Making Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Each person in your family or group will make two personalized greeting cards filled with love.

Cooking Demo With Marcus Samuelsson
American Dream, East Rutherford
Chef Marcus Samuelsson, who recently opened Marcus Live! at American Dream, will celebrate Black History Month throughout February. On February 2, he will conduct a cooking demonstration of pan-seared catfish on the Dream Stage. This signature dish will be available on the menu at Marcus Live! for the first two weeks of February, followed by jambalaya for the remainder of the month. After Chef Marcus cooks, there will be a performance by One Voice, One Sound Mass Choir of Community Baptist Church of Englewood.

February 2-4

Greek Winter Feast
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Egg Harbor Twp.
Come inside the community center for authentic Greek food and pastries, traditional Greek dance performances, and Taverna Night on Saturday with DJ JTK Entertainment.

Fridays, February 2-23

Play & Swim Mom Group
Five Star Swim School, Deptford
Moms, dads, caregivers, babies and kids, plus homeschooler groups, can come for open swim for free.

February 3

Walk of Legends
American Dream, East Rutherford
Come to The Avenue to see kids and families walk the catwalk wearing Eastern-influenced clothing. Hosted by Impact Culture.

Valentine’s Critters: A Sensory-Safe Reptile Encounter
Bierman Autism Centers, Ramsey
Get ready for an up-close experience with reptiles from Snakes-n-Scales in a sensory-safe environment. Then, kids will create a reptile-themed Valentine’s card.

Meet the Artists: Windows of Understanding
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Fox + Roach, Metuchen
Meet the artists and the agency reps for the Windows of Understanding project, which decorates locations throughout the borough with artwork focusing on social justice issues like climate change, violence prevention, human rights and food insecurity.

Wassailing the Apple Trees
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration. Activities include singing, dancing and playing of primitive instruments, toasts of hot cider and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise and New Year. The Handsome Molly Dancers and Kingessing Morris Dancers will lead the group in singing and dancing to ensure the orchards have a good harvest in 2024. There will be more live music by Spiced Punch, and marshmallow roasting. The winery and Barn Door Cafe will be open.

MUSEUM OF EARLY TRADES AND CRAFTS / Makerspace Saturdays

Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
Kids ages 5-12 can use the new 3D printer, build with LEGOs, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more.

February 3, 17 and 24

Tap the Sugar Maples: Maple Sugaring Event
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Hundreds of sugar maple trees line the banks of Moore’s Creek and the nearby woods at the foot of Baldpate Mountain. Farmers will begin the work of sap collection and maple syrup production. The first step takes place in the sugar bush, and you can join Howell Farm’s expert tree-tappers for a lesson on how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup at home.

February 3-4

Bank of America Museums On Us Weekends
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton
Morris Museum, Morristown
The Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission.

February 4

Sunday Character Meet & Greets
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Take a break from playing in the arcade to take photos with the Enchanted Rose Princess and Mermaid Princess.

Special Bowl 2024
Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick
2024 is the 10-year anniversary of Special Bowl, which is a free event for the special needs community and their families that features music, dancing, games, entertainment, food and prizes.

Hamilton Stage Grand Reopening Open House
Hamilton Stage, Rahway
The arts center has been closed since the floods of Hurricane Ida in 2021. Celebrate its reopening with a day of activities, including a marching band performance, choreography workshop, dance studio performance, jazz jam, opera theater and more. The event is free but certain workshops require tickets.
Celebrate the triumphant restoration of Hamilton Stage after facing the challenges of Hurricane Ida in 2021.

February Forest Footsteps
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, Linden
Angus Macauley, NJ Audubon Teacher Naturalist, will lead a nature walk. Learn the strategies used by plants and animals to cope with the coldest season. Hot tea and hot cocoa will be served afterward.

Valentine’s Vendor & Food Fair
Conlon Hall, Bergenfield
Support Bergenfield High School’s Project Graduation 2024 by shopping, eating and celebrating Valentine’s Day. Aside from more than 80 vendors, there will be food, 50/50 raffles, music and a photo booth.

Craft Swap
Sew Leana, South Orange
Bring your unused craft items and swap them for fresh inspiration.

Rockland Arts Festival’s Meet the Artists Celebration
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
The Rockland Arts Festival is an annual two-week celebration honoring artists from Rockland County and the surrounding areas. Today, at the Meet the Artists Celebration, view the works of 70 diverse artists. There will be visual art displays, artist meet-and-greets, dance performances, live music, art bingo, and other activities.

ROSEBUD PHOTOGRAPHY / Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar

February 10

Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall and The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
While walking through the specially curated marketplace, stop for a photo with your love at the Valentine’s Day Photo Stations, design a fresh flower bouquet or learn how to make your own dry floral arrangement, listen to the music of DJ Astrovan, bring your girlfriends to the Galentine’s Day Boozy Brushes paint workshop, or get your kid’s face painted.

Lunar New Year
Newport Centre, Jersey City
Dragon dances are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck into the new year. Watch a dragon dance performance from students at TongYan School, then go shopping in the mall.

Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
Sample Hungarian food and pastries, buy Magyar apparel and meet author Ildiko Antal-Ferencz.

Valentine’s Critters: A Sensory-Safe Reptile Encounter
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
Get ready for an up-close experience with reptiles from Snakes-n-Scales in a sensory-safe environment. Then, kids will create a reptile-themed Valentine’s card.

Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Couples can take a romantic spin in a two-seater sleigh or carriage pulled by a team of light workhorses. Families can ride in a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a handsome team of drafts. At the farmhouse, there will be soup on the stove, and kids can make a Valentine’s Day car.

Lunar New Year at The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
A Chinese arts and crafts workshop for families will include paper dragon making, Chinese calligraphy and traditional games. The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange will feature traditional Asian performances and a dragon and lion dance accompanied by drums, cymbals and gong instruments. In addition, the organization will host the traditional Chinese giving of red envelopes filled with special offers from Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Sbarro’s and Acai Fruit Bowl.

Valentine Plunge
Main Beach, Manasquan
Watch as “Plungers” dive into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean in an effort to raise awareness of and money for ALS. If you feel so inclined, get a team together and join the party! If you prefer to stay bundled up you can watch from the sand.

Coffee and Chocolate Sampling Event
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
New Jersey Audubon staff will serve up a fresh brewed cup of their Birds & Beans organic, bird-friendly, Fair Trade coffee. You can try a piece of Endangered Species Chocolate made from responsibly sourced ingredients, Certified Fair Trade, and non-GMO.

February 11

A Place for All Seasons
Sunset Beach, Cape May
This monthly walk includes birding opportunities. Part of the world-famous Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, the area is home to sparrows, warblers, hawks and waterbirds. You’ll also explore nearby areas including the Magnesite Plant, Davey’s Lake and Pond Creek Marsh.

Renew Your Vows
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend by saying “I do” all over again! Brides will receive a carnation and grooms will get to sample some Chocolate Therapy wine.

Historical Valentines
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
February is the season of love! Discover how penmanship has changed as you view letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries. Create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. This project is for kids 10 and up.

February 16-18

Deep Cut Orchid Society Show
Dearborn Market, Holmdel
A weekend of exhibits, speakers, tours and orchids to view or purchase will add some beauty to this cold winter.

COURTESY OF JAMES HOLLENBAUGH / A Life Like This

February 16-23

Thomas Edison Film Festival
James Stewart Film Theater, Princeton
Seven films represent experimental, animation, documentary, screen dance, and narrative genres will be available to watch in person or on demand.

February 17

Chinese New Year Celebration
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
The program features Chinese painting, calligraphy, musical instruments, paper cutting, traditional dances, Chinese Yo-yo and Chinese knotting.

Black History Month Reading Event
McDonald’s, Neptune City
Listen to books read by Black authors, teachers, principals and community members. As part of the celebration, you can get a tote bag, book and/or Happy Meal while supplies last.

ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL – SOMERSET / Go Red Fashion Show & Family Health Festival

Go Red Fashion Show & Family Health Festival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Bridgewater Commons and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset will present a health-focused family festival and a red-styled fashion show. The fashion show will feature heart disease survivors and healthcare practitioners modeling clothing provided by the shopping center’s stores. RWJUH Somerset cardiologists Sharan Mahal, MD, and Sanjukta Sanyal, MD, will provide information about how to promote your heart health. Family festival activities will include children’s fitness sessions, friendship bracelet workshops, heart-healthy nutrition, a Teddy Bear Clinic, and face painting.

February 18

Causeway CARes Summer in Winter Carnival
Holiday Inn, Manahawkin
Beat the winter blues with games, prizes, face painters, food and a chance to meet reps from local non-profits.

February 22

Celebrate Culture With Game Night
West Windsor Arts, West Windsor
There will be a traditional and contemporary African and Afro-Caribbean board game collection, including Bid Whist, Spades and Dominoes. Check out the powerful art exhibition, “Manifesting Beloved Community,” inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to represent a global vision where everyone shares in the wealth of a healed planet.

February 23 – May 24

Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
A series of 10 28-foot LED sculptures crafted from sturdy steel will line Hoboken’s waterfront. When the sun sets, the area along Sinatra Drive and around the Ninth Street and Congress Light Rail Station will be illuminated with light and motion from these gigantic pieces of art.

February 24

Black History Celebration: Black Resilience Upward and Onward
Lawrence High School, Lawrenceville
There will be a series of programs, vendor shopping, music and food options during the 11th annual event, hosted by the students of the Lawrence High School Arts & Humanities Academy and supported by the Lawrence Township Education Association.

Princess Ball
Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick
Dress up your kids in their best princess or prince attire for a special evening with their favorite characters. There will be photo ops, dancing, meet-and-greets and more.

Downtown Somerville Black Arts & Ideas Festival
Downtown Somerville
Learn about Black History Month by visiting various locations in town for special conversations, panels, performances and moments of solidarity. Topics include the legacy of Paul Robeson, finding financial freedom and conversations on black entrepreneurship. You can also bring your family to a free photoshoot or check out a pop-up exhibit and live jazz music.

Science Under the Stars: Astronomical Observatories From Ancient to Modern
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Take a journey through time and space, learning how simple stone circles and technological marvels help us map the solar system.

NJ Audubon: Story Time
Nature Store at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
David Pasake, a New Jersey Audubon volunteer and former teacher, will read “She’s Wearing a Dead Bird on her Head!” by Kathryn Lasky. The fiction book is about how Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall formed the Audubon Society. The program is good for kids ages 5-9.

A Life of Service: The Theodora Smiley Lacey Portrait Tour
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Hackensack
Theodora Smiley Lacey was an advocate for education, equity and racial justice. Philip Smallwood has captured her essence in a portrait slated to go on national tour. During the unveiling celebration, journalist and WABC reporter Anthony Johnson will lead a panel discussion on the relationship between community activism, the impactful role of art in societal narratives, and the profound historical perspectives that shape our understanding of figures like Mrs. Lacey.

February 24-25

Mardi Gras
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Who needs Bourbon Street? Wear a New Orleans-style costume and mask, wear beads and dance to upbeat house music. You can bring your friends and family to party.

February 25

Ultimo Domingo
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Families can celebrate Latinx culture through performances, art-making activities, museum tours and snacks.

Journey to the Stars: Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut
Hoboken Public Library, Hoboken
Children’s book author Raakhee Mirchandani will hold a meet-and-greet where she will read from the book, and then sign copies for fans.

February 26

Free Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings, Multiple Locations
Because the Super Bowl went into overtime, B-Dubs is giving away free wings today! Stop by from 2-5 pm and you can get six traditional or boneless wings in any of their 26 sauces and seasonings.

February 29

Pascack Valley’s Moms’ Night Out
Lightbridge Academy, Montvale
Moms can meet local women-focused business owners who are involved in daycare, fitness, mental health, pelvic floor rehabilitation, chiropractic, Botox/injectables, lactation support, nursery art, permanent jewelry, and local bakeries. Kids over 3 can enjoy crafts and a movie.

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