February is the shortest month of the year, but there’s still plenty to do in New Jersey. From winter festivals to Lunar New Year celebrations, we’ve rounded up lots of free admission events happening all month. Always check event websites for weather updates or cancellations before you make a plan to head out.
February 1
Wassailing the Apple Trees
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
This festival is based on the ancient British tradition of protecting the trees and asking for a fruitful harvest. There will be singing and dancing with The Handsome Molly Dancers and Kingessing Morris Dancers, hot apple cider, the placing of cider-soaked bread under the trees, live music and marshmallow roasting.
Greek Winter Feast
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Egg Harbor Twp.
Come for authentic Greek food and pastries, cocktails, Greek dance performances, and DJ entertainment.
Young Families Tu Bishvat: Happy Birthday Trees
Temple Sholom, Bridgewater
Kids in kindergarten and older will celebrate the Jewish Birthday of Trees by taking a maple sugaring tour, while little ones and parents will explore the exhibits and do a tree-themed craft.
Snow Fest
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
There will be snowy crafts and activities, storytime, a museum scavenger hunt, a chance to meet Olaf and other characters, and snacks like s’mores, hot chocolate and snow cones.
Groundhogs, Woodchucks & Whistlepigs…Oh My!
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Stop by to learn about groundhogs and make a groundhog of your own inside the historical kitchen.
February 1, 7, 11 and 14
Valentine’s Markets
Bell Works, Holmdel
Come shop for the perfect gift for your Valentine. You’ll find everything from baked goods and accessories to candles, skincare to home goods. 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.
February 1 – March 8
Lunar New Year at American Dream
American Dream, East Rutherford
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.
February 5
Black History Month Festival
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Robbinsville High School’s Black Culture Club will hold its fourth annual festival, with this year’s theme “The Harlem Renaissance.” You’ll tour four different rooms, where students will present historical facts and highlights on a variety of topics. The evening will also feature music, soul food, dance performances, and a variety of Black-owned vendors offering items such as skincare products, clothing, books, arts and crafts, and more.
February 6
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 horse-drawn carriage ride around the farm (fee applies).
S’more to Love in Merchantville
East Park Avenue, Merchantville
Come to Downtown Merchantville for a toasty evening of treats, live music and family activities. 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.
Wednesday – Sunday, February 6 – March 25
Open Air / Open Space
Wayrick Art Gallery, Nature Center at Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Plein air artists from New Jersey, both professionals and amateurs, will showcase the beauty of Somerset County’s extensive public park system and its preservation of land for conservation, passive use, and active recreation.
February 7
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 a cake meet-cute.
Tap the Sugar Maples
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Hundreds of sugar maple trees line Moore’s Creek and the nearby woods at the foot of Baldpate Mountain. In February, farmers head to the sugar bush to collect the sap to make maple syrup. You can join Howell Farm’s expert tree-tappers for a lesson in how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup at home.
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 be snacks, kids’ games, raffles, and meet-and-greets with some of the animal ambassadors.
Whitney E. Houston Capstone Event
New Jersey Hall of Fame Education & Learning Center, American Dream, East Rutherford
Relive the music, magic and unforgettable milestones 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.
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.
Winter Market
Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington
Sip & shop handmade, local and vintage products and foods for sale by over a dozen small businesses.
February 7-8
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple Locations
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.
February 8
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.
February 9
Meet & Greet With Melissa Gorga
ShopRite of Hoboken, Hoboken
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Real Housewives of Jersey star Melissa Gorga will make an exclusive in-store appearance celebrating her viral bakery brand, Let’s Sprinkle by MG, and the launch of its limited-edition Valentine’s Day Sprinkle Cookies. If you buy something, she’ll sign it, while supplies last.
February 10
Galentine’s Mystic Market
Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar
Bring your best gals for a magical day of vendor shopping (crystals, metaphysical goods, local honey, mobile bookstore , chocolates, gifts for him), happy hour specials, BOGO pizza and crafts.
February 12
Galentine’s Night Out
Round Table Farm, Berkeley Heights
Kick off the night with cocktail hour and a cash bar. Then, browse and shop from a collection of unique gifts, treats, and stylish finds.
SparkNight: Celebrating Black History Month
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
SparkNight is a free monthly art party at the museum, and this month’s theme is based on the opening of the Allan Rohan Crite: Neighborhood and Andy Warhol: On Repeat exhibits. There will be live music, a Warhol-inspired art activity, and free mocktails.
February 12
Guided Bird Walk
14th Street Pier, Hoboken
Grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and walk along the waterfront to see local birds, especially Hoboken’s gulls.
February 13
Baby Walk
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Get outside with your baby and explore a local trail. After some nature education the group will walk together in the company of other parents.
Douglass Day
Multiple Locations
In honor of Frederick Douglass’s birthday, bring your own laptop and help transcribe records from the historic Colored Conventions movement. You’ll get a piece of birthday cake while you work.
February 14
2026 Great Backyard Bird Count
Middlesex County EARTH Center, inside Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Help birding experts count the birds in the area, as part of a national effort to mark migration patterns. You’ll get a free continental breakfast beforehand. Follow a tour guide or wander the park on your own.
Winter Walk
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Bring a loved one on Valentine’s Day for a winter walk through the woods of the Plainsboro Preserve. Enjoy the winter landscape as you look for wildlife along the way.
K-Pop Sing-Along
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
The Valentine’s event features a K-Pop sing-along, photo ops, meet-and-greets, heart-shaped pizzas (additional charge), games, face painting, and more fun for families.
Valentine’s Day Walk
Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Bring your valentine and join a Naturalist for an informal outdoor walk to explore winter’s wonders.
Music & Dance of the African Diaspora
Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan
The Manalapan Arts Council will present the history of Black culture in America with performances by violinist Laticia Lewis, steel pannist Jevaun Grant, and the Watson-Johnson Dance Group.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Procession
Newark
The Lunar New Year procession will start from NJPAC, go through the Military Park, toward the Newark Museum by Halsey Street, and back via Broad Street. The parade will be accompanied by traditional cymbals and drum music to celebrate the coming of Spring and welcome the Year of the Horse.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
The theme will be Hungary and Valentine’s Day, so you can shop for food, treats and merch, plus stop by the museum store for more antique goods.
Old-Fashioned Valetine’s Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Take a ride 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. Inside the farmhouse, warm up with soup or let the kids make a craft.
Historical Valentines
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
You’ll look at letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th centuries, and then create your own. Learn how penmanship has changed over the centuries.
February 14-15
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Shop for handcrafted jewelry, art, prints, home goods, fresh flowers, chocolate, and other sweet treats. Pose with your sweetie or bestie at the photo wall. Make your own fresh flower bouquet. Listen to live music while snacking on eats from Mutiny Beach, Shucked Local 130, Offshore Coffee Co. and Betty’s Ice Box. Get your kid’s face painted, or take them to the A is For Asbury Park children’s book reading nook.
February 15
Lunar New Year Spectacular
American Dream, East Rutherford
Impact Culture NYC will bring lion dances and other traditional performances ranging from top artists to Kung Fu demonstrations.
Hearts & Heroes
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with a princess sing-along, a superhero meet-and-greet, and face painting. You can add on the Pizza May Heart package, which includes food and arcade access. The activities are free, but there is a charge for the pizza.
What She Said: Modern Day Wife’s National Tour
The W, Hoboken
Explore modern womanhood through curated conversations. The celebrity panel includes Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice; Hannah Wright, winner of Love Island; influencer Davide De Pierro (aka Davi D); Michelle Barone, host of RED Podcast; Eleonora Srugo of Netflix’s Selling the City; and actress and content creator Catherine Bradley. Lavinia Errico, Equinox co-founder, will also be a featured speaker. The day will kick off with brand activations, pop-ups, and influencer lounges, followed by panels covering beauty and wellness, culture, lifestyle, business, entrepreneurship, and innovation—leading into the keynote celebrity panel and then a fashion show. Find out how to get free tickets.
February 15
Family Day at Morven
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Drop in for activities and crafts, such as scavenger hunts, clay sculpting, zine making, and storytimes exploring Black History Month and Presidents Day. Kids will get snacks and juice. Note: Kids 10 and younger are free.
February 16-20
Winter Break Fun at Nanuet Town Centre
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
Each day has a different activity planned, including a premiere party for the new movie GOAT, tech classes at Apple, storytelling by the Enchanted Fairytale Snow Sisters, and Dine with a Dino.
February 21
Lunar New Year Celebration
MarketFair, Princeton
There will be live music, dance performances, Chinese opera, cultural refreshments (including bubble tea), games and crafts.
The Monmouth Moms Winter Festival & Craft Fair
Bell Works, Holmdel
The family-friendly, indoor event will include character visits, open play, STEM activities, arts and crafts, music, a kids’ zone, 80+ vendors, and a magic show.
Small Explorers Storytime
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Kids ages 2 to 8 (and their caregivers) will read “Jake Makes a World” and then make a craft related to the story.
Winter Beach Blast
Ocean County Mall, Toms River
Have summer fun in the winter. Play Twister, dance, do crafts and play games.
Science Under the Stars
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Inside the planetarium, Zachary Andalman from Princeton University will lead a free talk about hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, iron, aluminum, gold and uranium, and their role in the solar system.
Guided Bird Walk
14th Street Pier, Hoboken
Grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and walk along the waterfront to see local birds, especially Hoboken’s gulls.
February 21-22
Lunar New Year @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Drums, cymbals and gong instruments will play during the dragon dance, believed to bring good luck and fortune. Take part in Chinese arts and crafts, and ask for traditional red envelopes filled with treats.
February 21 and 28
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.
February 22
Food Trucks & Firepits
New Egypt Flea Market, Cream Ridge
There will be food trucks, fire pits, shopping and more. The event is kid- and pet-friendly.
Último Domingo (Last Sunday)
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
This monthly series – held on the last Sunday of the month – celebrates Latine culture. Bilingual families can explore the exhibitions, create art, and watch interactive performances. This month’s theme is Carnival, for Mardi Gras.
February 25
Celebrating Union County Black History
The Gallery Space, Rahway
John Prescott, history programs coordinator of the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, will lead a seminar celebrating Union County’s Black history.
Grand Opening of Adidas Flagship Soccer Store
American Dream, East Rutherford
This soccer-only store is opening ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and has lots of merch, plus footwear, apparel, performance gear, Adidas Originals and exclusive collections. The grand opening today will include athlete appearances and more.
February 28
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.
Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea, Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
There will be curated vendors selling everything from art to vintage finds indoors. Food trucks will be located outside.
Weekends Through March
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: Groundhogs on February 1; 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.
Ongoing Through 2026
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
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 artifacts – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
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