See a show filled with millions of bubbles in Morristown, take the kids to New York for space camp, visit Liberty Science Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Pixar movies and more. And don’t forget we get an extra day next week because it’s Leap Year!
WEEKEND
Thomas Edison Film Festival
James Stewart Film Theater, Princeton
Wednesday – Friday
Virtual options available
Seven films represent experimental, animation, documentary, screen dance, and narrative genres that will be available to watch in person or on demand.
Intrepid Kids Week (runs though Saturday)
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York, NY
Wednesday – Saturday
Kids and teens will learn about STEAM from Intrepid Museum educators and NASA scientists and engineers through fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests and interactive demonstrations designed to educate and inspire. Some of the highlights for the week include author visits, souvenir making, stargazing, LEGO creations, a showing of The Gazillion Bubble Show, and partner activities with local zoos.
Lunar New Year
Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
Wednesday – Saturday
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.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
Wednesday – Sunday
Rent an ice bumper car and slide around the rink, or choose to go ice skating, before checking out the food trucks. This is the final weekend of the Winter Wonderland experience.
New Jersey Devils Next Generation Weekend
Prudential Center, Newark
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from the game on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens and the game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lighting, there’s a jam-packed schedule for Hockey Week Across America. There will be a pre-game brunch with the Devils mascot, face painting, Learn to Play youth hockey recognition, Little Devils game-day roles and pre-game ceremonies for kids.
Laugh Live!
American Dream, East Rutherford
Friday – Saturday
The new monthly comedy series launches with a show on Friday headlined by Tara Cannistraci; with Corey B and Joey Avery taking center stage on Saturday.
Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
Friday – Sunday
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. This is the last weekend of Vintner Wonderland, but the winery stays open throughout the year.
New Jersey Home & Garden Show
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Friday – Sunday
Adults can check out products from more than 100 remodelers, contractors, interior designers, landscapers and kitchen and bath designers. For kids, there will be balloon animals and old-fashioned games like a bean bag and ring toss, tic-tac-toe, and a mini fishing pond. Guest speaker Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener, will talk about the 10 worst gardening blunders and how to avoid them and will suggest how to interest children in gardening.
Lunar New Year Festivities
American Dream, East Rutherford
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Mardi Gras
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Who needs Bourbon Street? Wear a New Orleans-style costume and mask, wear beads and dance to upbeat house music.
FRIDAY
Play & Swim Mom Group
Five Star Swim School, Deptford
Moms, dads, caregivers, babies and kids, plus homeschooler groups, can come for an open swim for free.
Montclair Film + Montclair Improv Comedy!
Cinema505, Montclair
There will be original long-form and short-form improv comedy from veterans of Chicago’s, NY’s and LA’s best-known improv theaters.
Dena Blizzard: I Love You, Get Away From Me
The LeVoy Theatre, Millville
Dena Blizzard brings her son Dean on stage, and talks to her mom Diana via Zoom, to bring comedy to serious life situations like becoming a widow at 75, empty nesting and divorcing at 50, or trying to act like a grown-up at 23.
Flavors of India: Cooking Class
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville
Learn the art of crafting traditional Indian paneer kathi rolls.
SATURDAY
Mac & Cheese Mayhem
Morristown Armory, Morristown
Try everything for yourself and then cast your vote for the Mac Daddy Award. There will be other activities including music; beer, margaritas and sangria available for purchase; vendors; and kids’ activities like hatchet throwing, a petting zoo, face painting and sand art.
Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
On view beginning today, a series of 28-foot LED sculptures crafted from sturdy steel will line Hoboken’s waterfront at Pier A and the area around Hoboken’s key Ninth Street/Congress Street Light Rail Station. These two locations within Hoboken will be illuminated with light and motion from these gigantic pieces of art.
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.
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.
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.
Visible Mending Sewing Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Bring any shirt or pants you own that has a ripped knee, faded collar, worn elbow or something else that needs mending, and you’ll learn how to transform those rips, tears and worn patches into a unique work of art, extending the life of your clothes.
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 a 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.
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.
Full Moon Walk
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
Watch the sunset while going for a walk in the park.
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.
Paint Your Own Gourd Birdhouse
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Paint a birdhouse that’s made out of a gourd so you can attract birds in your backyard that are returning to the area as winter ends.
Snap, Snack ‘n’ Paint: Winter Wonderland
TiLT Museum, American Dream
You will paint a beautiful winter-themed painting and complete a make-your-own snowflake activity. There will be snacks included, too.
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.
Full Moon Walk: February’s Snow Moon
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
You’ll see the beauty of McCormack Lake and Maggie’s Point during this relaxed walk under the full moon with your family and friends.
Valentine’s In A Heated Igloo
Cadwalader Park, Trenton
There’s still time to make up for the Valentine’s Day gift you forgot to buy! Make a reservation for brunch inside a heated igloo, which includes a buffet, drinks and music.
SUNDAY
The Gazillion Bubble Show
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Guinness World Record holders, bubble artists, scientists and siblings Deni and Melody Yang are taking their show on the road from New York, bringing high-energy music, lasers and lights – and even STEM lessons – through this bubble-filled extravaganza.
Ultimo Domingo
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Families can celebrate Latinx culture through performances, art-making activities, museum tours and snacks.
South Jersey Nerd Fest
Holiday Inn Philadelphia South, Swedesboro
Vendors, artists, writers, costume groups, and crafters will be based around comics, movies, cult classics and all things nerdy. There will be a costume contest open to all ages.
Chili Cook-Off
Proving Ground, Highlands
Professionals and amateurs will compete in separate cookoffs, where you can vote on your favorites. You get samples of all the chilis, plus two beer tickets and two voting ballots. There will be performances by bagpipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2024 Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23.
Paint Party
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Come out for a girl’s day, enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail (if you’re of age), and have fun painting a beautiful beach scene using acrylic paints on canvas. Open to ages 12 and up.
“Pouring: A Story of Sisterhood” Author Talk and Book Signing
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
The book uses anecdotes, humor and wisdom to pay tribute to nine remarkable women in the author’s life. There will be a discussion with Renee Marshall-McKinley, a Q&A, a book signing – and cocktails.
Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
The Newton Theatre, Newton
This music and dance party is the ultimate tribute to Taylor Swift.
Washington’s Birthday
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
The Tricorne Dance Ensemble will celebrate General Washington through song and dance. On display in the Steuben House will be selections from the society’s Washington collection as well as artifacts from the Revolutionary War. Visit the authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen for Cheshire pork pie, orange chess pie, and syllabub using 18th-century recipes. Re-enactors from the 3rd New Jersey Regiment will demonstrate military life. Sign up your kids for a Washington-themed scavenger hunt.
Pouring: A Story of Sisterhood: Author Talk and Book Signing
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
In her book, Renee Marshall-McKinley talks about nine remarkable women who have shaped her life. The night will include an author talk, a Q&A, and a personalized book signing.
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.
ONGOING
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.
Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
February 24 – May 24
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.
Countdown to Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Rumson
Select dates, February 26 – March 10
Before taking the streets on March 10 for the parade, celebrate your Irish heritage by attending a green tree lighting, competing in the Irish soda bread contest, and entering the poster and essay contests.
Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
February 28 – March 3
Whether you love the Jersey Shore or you’re a pro captain, you can learn about life on the water with an indoor paddle sports pool, Art of Casting Pond, kids paddle boating mini lake, tricks from Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel in her own waterskiing pool, and hundreds of vendors.
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.
NYC Off-Broadway Week
New York, NY
Through March 3
There are more than 30 shows performed Off-Broadway that will offer 2-for-1 tickets, including Blue Man Group, Gazillion Bubble Show, and The Office! A Musical Parody and Perfect Crime.
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. Through next week you can rent a Rosy Igloo, decorated specially for Valentine’s Day.
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.
FLIP Circus
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Through March 5
Flip celebrates the great American circus tradition with an international group of clowns, acrobats, jugglers and daredevils. What’s cool is that no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring.
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.
Mardi Gras Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through March 17
The theme park reopens for the season with Mardi Gras fun, including, Cookie Monster & Chef Gonger’s Pizza Party, “Elmo the Musical, Live!”, The Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade, Mummers Band shows, a Mardi Gras mask scavenger hunt and strolling entertainment like stilt walkers and bead bike brigades.
ESSPY
New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch
Thursdays – Sundays, through March 17
A young medical student is at the top of his class, but he discovers there is more than science to caring for a patient. He meets a young woman working in the Patient Simulation program and they have to figure out: can empathy and compassion ever be taught?
Winter Wonder
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through March 24
There are beautiful exhibits inside the conservatory and outside on the grounds, bringing a touch of spring to the winter. As you walk through the landscaping, sign up for a science series workshop or gardening lesson. There will be musical performances on select days.
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.
Contemporary African Spirituality in Art
South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange
Through April 7
The exhibition features the works of many local artists in mixed media, painting and photos. There’s a mix of tradition and modernity and how it relates to African spirituality.
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.
TROLLS: Save the Humans
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through 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 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.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapy and lots of modifications.
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