Besides the groundhog predicting whether or not we will have an early spring, there are lots of fun things to do in NJ this weekend. Tap a tree for maple sugar, watch an ice sculpting demo, see a play and more.
WEEKEND
Broadway Week
Broadway, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
There are two dozen plays and musicals that are offering 2-for-1 tickets, like The Lion King, &Juliet and Spamalot.
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Friday – Saturday
Experienced card collectors and dealers will bring sports fans a wide variety of collectibles, novelties and sports card memorabilia.
USA Curling National Championships
The Rink at American Dream, American Dream
Friday – Sunday
American Dream will host NFL Legend Jared Allen, Danny Casper, Andrew Stopera, Tom Howell and his sister Allison Howell, Team Dunham members Scott Dunnam, Cody Clouser and Andy Dunnam, and twin sisters Sarah and Taylor Anderson. Teams will compete for the chance to move one step closer to representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics – a berth in the 2025 Olympic Team Trials is up for grabs for both the Women’s and Men’s fields. This marks the first time that the event will be held in the Tri-State area.
Annie
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
Relive the tale of Little Orphan Annie and her Hard Knock Life on stage.
Greek Winter Feast
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Egg Harbor Twp.
Friday – Sunday
Come inside the community center for authentic Greek food and pastries, traditional Greek dance performances, and Taverna Night on Saturday with DJ JTK Entertainment.
Around the World in 7 Tails
The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, Maplewood
Friday-Sunday
Join Jigsaw the Flying Guinea Pig on a journey through seven fun animal fables from around the globe. Presented by The Strollers.
National Youth Wrestling Duals
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
The Atlantic Coast Wrestling Association hosts an elementary and middle school wrestling tournament for grades K through 8, with over 1,500 wrestlers expected.
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
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission.
Puss in Boots
The Studio Playhouse, Montclair
Saturday – Sunday
In a re-telling of the classic tale, Tom, the miller’s son, is left his father’s cat for an inheritance. The cat promises that if Tom gets her a pair of boots, he will make his fortune.
Winter Fire & Ice Festival
New Egypt Flea Market, Cream Ridge
Saturday – Sunday
Bundle up and enjoy ice sculpture demos, animal exhibits, an artisan market, fire pits, food trucks and live music.
FRIDAY
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.
Forever Motown
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Some of the best Motown hits the stage on one night, performed by G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners, Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of The Temptations and Traci Robinson, former lead singer of The Marvelettes. The show is part of Black History Month programming at MPAC.
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.
Harlem Globetrotters Day
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Meet and take photos with Harlem Globetrotter Hot Rod De La Rosa and watch his ball-handling tricks. You’ll get to see all the cool aquarium exhibits, too.
SATURDAY
New Jersey Symphony Celebrates Lunar New Year
NJPAC, Newark
Featuring conductor Yue Bao and pianist Tony Siqi Yun, the celebration honors the start of the Chinese calendar by weaving together the best in classical music from the East and the West. NJSO will be joined by the Peking University (PKU) Alumni Chorus, which consists of former members of PKU’s student choir alongside singers from the Chinese community in New York and New Jersey; as well as a performance by the Edison Chinese School Lion Dance Team.
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.
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.
Pizza Bowl IV
Redd’s Restaurant & Bar, Carlstady
Twelve pizzerias will be competing for the supreme pie during this fundraiser for Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation.
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.
Inclusive Skate Night
IceLand Skating Center, Hamilton Twp.
Special Olympics New Jersey – Mercer County Area 11 will hold its annual skate night for people of all ages and abilities.
Tracy Morgan
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
The comedian known for “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live” brings his comedy to the stage. Adults only. This is part of Black History Month programming at MPAC.
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Learn how to use brushstrokes to make Chinese symbols and characters.
DNJFest ’24
Mason School of the Arts, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
This all-day dance festival brings together dance students and pros for workshops, auditions, roundtable discussions and a vendors’ market. Hip-hop legends Rennie Harris and Daryl McDaniels of Run DMC will lead a professional development workshop. The focus will be on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba
Sitnik Theatre, Hackettstown
Hailing from a long line of Senegalese musicians and storytellers known as griots, Diali Cissokho moved to the U.S. almost ten years ago and shortly after formed the band Kaira Ba with several Piedmont musicians. Together, they blend the traditions and rhythms of West African music with subtle timbres of the American South.
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.
Alonzo Adams: A Griot’s Vision
The Rutgers Club, Piscataway
This will be an afternoon of art, live jazz music, storytelling and food.
Made (And Sold) in Asbury Park
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park
Asbury Park businesses will highlight their products and services. There will be live music, artisan makers and light snacks.
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.
Atlantic City Wing Fest
Golden Nugget, Atlantic City
This all-you-can-eat wing festival will allow you to taste wings from 15–20 restaurants. Vote for your favorite and see who wins.
Dances of the Ivory Coast Workshop
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
The Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance presents the KOUKOU: Gathering Together dance workshop. KouKou is a dance of community that guides children in learning the fundamentals of African dance.
Saturday is Ice Cream For Breakfast Day! Check out some of our favorite sweet spots in NJ.
SUNDAY
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 10th 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.
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
BergenPAC, Englewood
Puppeteers will take you on a pre-historic adventure in Australia, where you will meet lifelike dinos and other creatures.
Beef & Brew
Proving Ground, Highlands
Tickets include a buffet dinner and two beer tickets for this Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraiser. Listen to a bagpipe band, and bid on the gift auction. 2024’s Grand Marshal, Tim Hill, will be presented with his sash.
Dinner & A Movie: Goodfellas
Dinner: Venue 104, Cranford
Movie: Cranford Theater, Cranford
Munch on family-style apps, salad, dinner and dessert before watching “Goodfellas” on the big screen.
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.
Sea Girt Patriot Polar Plunge
Beacon Boulevard Beach, Sea Girt
This year’s dip into the freezing ocean is in honor of State Trooper and National Guardsman Juan Fajardo, and will benefit the LIFT Fund for Veterans at Habitat for Humanity. Join the after party at Rod’s Tavern for breakfast.
Chinese New Year Performance
Bell Works, Holmdel
Members of the Jersey Shore Chinese School will perform in the Main Atrium.
Lance Bryant Trio Celebrates Black History
Madison Community Arts Center, Madison
Tenor saxophonist, arranger and educator Lance Bryant will bring his trio to the New Jersey Jazz Society’s Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert. He will be joined by bassist Tom DiCarlo and pianist James Austin, Jr. In celebration of Black History Month, the trio will play classic pieces that defined some jazz styles throughout the decades of the music, as well as some pieces that show how some of the iconic artists musically dealt with social justice.
Zumba Dance Party Brunch
Calandra’s Il Vecchio Cafe, Caldwell
Tre Deuce of the legendary freestyle group TKA will return for the Valentine’s edition of brunch. The buffet includes scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, pasta and more.
The Ultimate Brunch Experience: Galentine’s Day
The Mosa Social, Aberdeen
Total Sound Entertainment takes over the dining room area for a brunch party for adults. Bring your girlfriends out for a special pre-Valentine’s Day edition.
Maple Sugaring
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
You and the kids will visit the sugar bush to see sap collection in action. Get hands-on experience with sap buckets and learn about modern sap collection systems.
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.
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.
Jo Jax Galentine’s Hip Hop Class
Danzhouse Fitness, Tinton Falls
You and your girls will learn a fun Galentine’s hip hop routine, and then you’ll be rewarded with Champagne, photo ops and a goodie bag. Wear red or pink to get into the Valentine’s spirit.
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.
ONGOING
Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
First Saturday of every month
Whether you are looking for a kid-friendly project or for something creative to do after spending time at the museum, drop by Makerspace for hands-on activities in a new collaborative workspace geared toward kids ages 5 -12. Kids will build with LEGOs, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
First Sunday of every month, through April
The show features over 150 vendor tables in two large rooms and the front lobby where you can find vintage and sterling jewelry, glassware and Lenox, toys and trains, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, vintage postcards and photos and artwork, military, political and sports memorabilia including cards, magazines and newspapers, vintage coins and watches, classic rock CDs and more.
TROLLS: Save the Humans
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
February 1 – April 15
Thomas Dambo, a renowned recycle artist and activist from Copenhagen, created six ginormous trolls that will be on display at the zoo. They are made from repurposed wood and stand up to 15 feet tall. They ask people to reduce trash, reuse everything and recycle when they can.
“The Jungle Book”
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Fridays – Sundays, February 2-11
The newly revised version of the ballet is based on Rudyard Kipling’s beloved stories about a boy adopted and raised by wolves fulfilling his quest for identity, love and belonging.
Play & Swim Mom Group
Five Star Swim School, Deptford
Fridays, February 2-23
Moms, dads, caregivers, babies and kids, plus homeschooler groups, can come for an open swim for free.
Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturdays – Sundays, February 3-18
Celebrate Valentine’s Day – or Galentine’s Day – by sampling chocolates and wines.
Tap the Sugar Maples: Maple Sugaring Event
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Saturdays, February 3, 17 and 24
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.
Bacon Fest
Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City
Through February 11
There will be more than 16 bacon-filled items on the menu.
Claire’s Valentine’s Day Experiences
Claire’s, Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Through February 17
There will be interactive and fun-filled activities tailored for tweens and teens. During the Heart Scavenger Hunt, shoppers who successfully find all five hearts will enjoy an exclusive 20% savings on their Claire’s purchase. On February 3, you can get free glitter tattoos from 3-6 pm. On February 10, from 3-6 pm, come by for free face painting.
New Jersey Film Festival
Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Weekends, through February 18
The 42nd Bi-Annual Spring 2024 New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place in person at Rutgers University, plus all films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
‘B.O.T.C.H.’
TADA! Youth Theater, New York, NY
Fridays – Sundays, through February 18
Youth actors will put on this original, jazz-styled musical that follows seven kids on the NYC subway who get lost underground and meet artistic rats, members of B.O.T.C.H. (Bureau of Turmoil, Chaos & Headaches), and find themselves in the basement of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lunar New Year
Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
Through February 24
Celebrate with events, exclusive offers and more happenings at the mall. Check each store for the deals and promotions they may be offering. The illuminated cherry blossom tree will be adorned with gold coins to celebrate the Lunar New Year and The Year of the Dragon on level 1 near True Food Kitchen.
Lunar New Year Festivities
American Dream, East Rutherford
Select dates, through February 25
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.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Through February 25
Rent an ice bumper car and slide around the rink, or choose to go ice skating, before checking out the food trucks.
Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
Fridays – Sundays, through February 25
Kids can go ice skating, have lunch by the fire pits or check out the cool items at the market. Adults can go inside for some wine sampling or an elegant dinner.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Through March
The famous ice-skating rink returns to Rockefeller Center in NYC for its 87th season. This year will be the first time you can enjoy alcoholic beverages in the chalets, with a menu of drinks by Other Half Brewery, served alongside a menu of après-skate bites.
West Orange Classic Film Festival
AMC Theatre, Essex Green Shopping Center, West Orange
Through March 3 (no showing February 11)
Catch movies on the big screen in the town where Thomas Edison invented movies. There will be an intro before each movie and an interactive Q&A session after. The schedule is In The Heat of the Night on January 28, Laurel & Hardy at Work on February 4, The Conversation on February 18, The Quiet Man on February 25 and The In-Laws on March 3.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York, NY
Through March 3
The rink is the largest, free ice skating rink in New York. You can relax at The Lodge, where you can eat and drink while watching the skaters.
Traditions and Transitions: Historical to Contemporary Perspectives in Black Art
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Through March 5
The annual art exhibit by Art in the Atrium will present a range of still life, portrait, landscape, and fiber art, as well as optical art, and abstract expressionistic and non-objective styles. A free public reception will take place on January 28 at 3 pm.
Newport Skates
Jersey City
Through March 15
JC’s only outdoor ice skating rink is not only available for open skating but for lessons and parties, too.
Windows of Understanding
Highland Park, Metuchen, New Brunswick, Rahway, South Plainfield
Through March 31
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.
Roosevelt Park Family Skating Rink
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through March 31
There is open skating as well as skating lessons.
Night Forms
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through April 7
You will have nighttime access to the art and horticulture throughout the sculpture park, which will be illuminated in an immersive experience.
The Science Behind Pixar
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 5
Learn all about the science behind Pixar’s animated films. Kids can try a bunch of hands-on experiences like making a short film, creating a robot friend for “WALL·E” and designing a new movie set using props from “Monsters University.” Learn what animation rendering is, then practice it by rendering a scene from “Inside Out.” Create a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch. Use lights to solve challenges similar to the ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in “Finding Nemo.”
Micah Williams: Portrait Artist Exhibit
Cornelius Low House, Piscataway
Through June 30
Learn about Middlesex and Monmouth County residents from the 19th Century through the portraits of artist Micah Williams. Adults can work with pastels to create their own portraits, and kids can contribute to the Student Gallery.
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