For the shortest month of the year, February packs a lot of punch when it comes to things to do. From Black History Month to Valentine’s Day to Lunar New Year, here are our picks for the best winter fests and events all month long.
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.
Snow Fest
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
There will be snowy crafts and activities, story time, a museum scavenger hunt, meet Olaf and other characters, and snacks like s’mores, hot chocolate and snow cones.
February 1, 7, 11 and 14
Valentine’s Markets
Bell Works, Holmdel
Come shop for the perfect gift for your Valentine, everything from baked goods and accessories to candles, skincare and 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 3
Kosher Food & Wine Experience
World of Blue Hotel, East Rutherford
For the past 20 years, the event has given a first look at Passover wine releases. Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer and owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, will be on hand to officially introduce his ultra-premium kosher French Champagne collection.
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 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.
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
Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
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.
February 8
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.
February 14
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.
Go Red Fashion Show & Health Fest
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Heart survivors and healthcare professionals will walk the runway in honor of American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day. During the health fest, there will be children’s fitness sessions, friendship bracelet workshops, heart healthy nutrition, a Teddy Bear Clinic and face painting – plus heart health info for adults. The fashion show will be hosted by stylist Leslie Patrizio, and feature a special live music performance by pop/rock artist Devon Marie.
Grand Pre-Ramadan & Eid Festival
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal Village, Princeton
There will be Nasheed performances, a Ramadan & Eid Market, an Islamic poster contest, food stalls, author meet-and-greets, a movie screening, Ramadan-themed workshops, performances, family activities, and a Kids Corner.
Community Day: Lunar New Year
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
The afternoon will include a lion and dragon dance, Korean music, martial arts demos, a traditional Taiwanese puppet tale (that integrates Black History Month), a lantern-making workshop and Chinese instruments.
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 sweetheart or your bestie at the photo wall. Create your own fresh flower bouquet. Listen to live music while snacking on food 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.
February 19
Lunar New Year Celebration
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with crafts, music and stories. Kids ages 5-10 (you can drop them off or stay with them) will explore Lunar New Year traditions and learn about the fascinating creatures and plants central to the festivities.
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.
Highlands Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser
The Chubby Pickle, Highlands
Chili lovers can taste samples from dozens of chefs who enter the professional or amateur cook-offs, and then wait to hear who has the best. There will be performances by bagpipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers in this fundraiser for the March 21st St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
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.
Weekends, February 21 – March 22
Maple Syrup Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Happy Day reopens in the early spring for its maple sugaring event. 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.
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.
Maplewood Chili Cookoff
The Woodland, Maplewood
You get to taste-test and vote on 40 meat and vegetarian chilis, and also watch the popular kids’ cooking competition, sit at the beer and wine bar, and listen to live music.
Jersey Shore Winter Comic Book Show
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
The show’s “Cabin Fever” edition celebrates comic books, trading cards, toys and crafts. Meet artists, writers and costume groups, including special guest, inker Bob Petrecca.
Highlands Business Partnership Chili Cook-Off
The Chubby Pickle, Highlands
Sample chili and beer, listen to bagpipers, and watch Daly’s Irish Dancers in this fundraiser for the March 21 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Highlands.
February 25 – March 1
Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
Ocean lovers of all ages can climb aboard nearly 500 boats. Kids can make a toy boat souvenir 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 will have drinks, beach games and summer vibes.
February 27 – March 1
New Jersey Home & Garden Show
NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison
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.
February 28
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.
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.
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