Go maple sugaring, celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, get ready for St. Patrick’s Day and start making Easter plans to kick off the month of March.
WEEKEND
NYC Off-Broadway Week
New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
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
Thursday – Sunday
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. This is the final weekend of the village until the holiday season.
Mini Golf Fundraiser
Rutherford Public Library, Rutherford
Friday – Saturday
People in the community decorated 18 holes of mini golf that will be placed on both floors of the library, between the book stacks, and in the kids’ and teen departments. Friday is for 21+ only, while Saturday is family day.
Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City
Friday – Sunday
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.
Super Pet Expo
NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Friday – Sunday
Bring your kids and your leashed pets and spend the weekend checking out awesome pet exhibits. New this year are visits by Siberian Husky stars Memphis, Kira and Eleanor from Gone to the Snow Dogs; a chance to join a research project on longevity for dogs; and tips on how to relieve your dog’s tension through movement. You can get your pet’s pawprint, see a literal catwalk, let your dogs play in the agility course, shop at hundreds of vendors, and check out reptiles and lizards.
A Taste of New Jersey
CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton
Saturday – Sunday
There will be more than 100 food vendors, a sports lounge, face painting, balloon twisting, and music. Presented by Jersey Eats.
Puchi Con Teaneck
Marriott Glennpointe, Teaneck
Saturday – Sunday
The anime and gaming sensation returns for a weekend of anime, gaming, cosplay, maid cafe, karaoke, arcade, screenings celebs, and more.
Maple Sugaring Demo
Schiff Nature Preserve, Mendham
Saturday – Sunday
The educational presentation will explain the history of maple sugaring, the seasonal life cycle of the sugar maple tree, and how 100% real maple syrup is made starting with identifying a maple tree by tapping the tree. Once it’s done, you can taste the maple syrup and buy some maple baked goods.
FRIDAY
Baby Walks
Hoffman Park, Hampton
Get outside with your baby to explore a local trail. Starting at the Hoffman Park entrance, there will be nature education for adults, and then a leisurely walk with other parents.
Family Fun Night
West Windsor Arts, West Windsor
Activities include arts and crafts stations, board and card games, building stations with LEGOs and blocks, and galaxy-themed fun.
Freaky Friday: The Musical
Northern Valley Regional High School, Demarest
An overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies. They have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the love and respect that bond a mother and daughter.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
The 9-piece ensemble is made of pipers, guitarists, keyboards and drummers.
SATURDAY
Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
Kids will use a 3D printer, build with LEGOs, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more.
Paws to Read
Tabby’s Place, Ringoes
Visit the cat sanctuary to visit from of The Cat in the Hat’s “relatives.” You can meet The Cat himself while reading to the resident cats. There will be snacks and activities.
Read and Explore: Fur, Feathers, Fluff: Keeping Warm in Winter
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Learn about how animals keep themselves warm in winter. The group will read two stories about animals; explore the sense of touch with wool, feathers, etc.; and then make a paper bag animal to take home with lots of “fluff.”
Batman in Concert
NJPAC, Newark
Watch Tim Burton’s 1989 film on the big screen as the New Jersey Symphony performs live music. Dress up in your favorite Batman or DC cosplay for this event.
The Power of Friendship: Ground Up x Barbie Sneaker Launch
Kids Foot Locker, American Dream, East Rutherford
During the launch of the new Ground Up Barbie Court sneaker, the Power of Friendship event will feature a dress-up area, photo ops with the Barbie car and Barbie Silhouette, a friendship bracelet-making station, face painting and music from a DJ.
Winter in the Farmhouse
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Learn about how people coped with winter in the 1800s. There will be a quilting project.
Jersey City Wine Fest
Harborside, Jersey City
Sample over 100 wines from around the world. There will be vendors, music, food, entertainment and unmatched views of the NYC skyline.
Stained Glass Stories
Cotsen Children’s Library, Firestone Library, Princeton
Dress your kids for a mess because they’ll be painting their own stained glass window based on the library’s new exhibit, “Once Upon New Times: Reimagining Children’s Classics.”
Family First Fun Day
Midland Park Social Hall, Midland Park
Mama Meet-Ups will hold a Family First Fun Day with lots of entertainment, vendors, and resources for families of Bergen County.
Parsippany Bonfire and Food Truck Fest
Liquid Church, Parsippany
The Kiwanis of Greater Parsippany and Liquid Church present a festival that includes a bonfire, music by DJ Mega Steve, food trucks, and lots of hot and cold beverages.
The Four Phantoms in Concert
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Four former stars from “The Phantom of the Opera” will sing a variety of Broadway hits, joined by the youngest person ever to sing Christine’s role on stage.
Big Brew Fest
The Morristown Armory, Morristown
There will be 150 samples to choose from, music by Naughty Humphrey and Mr. LoveJoy, food and entertainment.
SUNDAY
Maple Sugaring Fest
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
The whole family will spend the day outdoors, hiking the trails, and taking part in maple sugaring challenge activities. There will be tapping and cooking demonstrations, taste tests, a story trail, hot cocoa, maple vendors, and more.
Jersey Jazz LIVE Concert
Madison Community Arts Center, Madison
Musician Sarah Vaughan would have turned 100 on March 27. Vocalist Lucy Wijnands will celebrate her centennial birthday during a jazz concert that features an opening act with students from throughout NJ.
Belmar Parade Day
Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar
Live music by Daly Rituals and Twopenny Porters begins at 10 am so you can party before the parade kicks off. The Shillelaghs will be in the Haus with the Pipes and Drums band, Food specials include corned Beef sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fries and pretzels. Head upstairs to The Rooftop where you can watch the parade march by.
West Orange Classic Film Festival
AMC Theatre, Essex Green Shopping Center, West Orange
Tonight is the last showing of the series. Watch “The In Laws”: On the eve of their children’s wedding, newly-introduced in-laws Sheldon Kornpett and Vince Ricardo get themselves into a series of misadventures that just might get them killed before the vows are spoken.
Ice Skating Exhibition
Roosevelt Park, Edison
There will be group acts, synchro skating acts, and single-program skaters — a mix of competitors and recreational skaters of all ages – putting on a show for the whole family before open skating resumes in the afternoon.
ONGOING
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, March – December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, March – December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
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.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus
Prudential Center, Newark
February 29 – March 3
“The Greatest Show on Earth” returns to NJ with its acrobats and performers from 18 countries who juggle, ride BMX bikes, clown around with puppets and swing on the trapeze.
Shamrock and St. Patrick’s Weekends
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
While you eat homemade Irish food and try Laurita’s selection of wines, listen to live music and shop from the vendors. There will be kids’ activities, too.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, March 2 – May 18
During a quiet morning at the sanctuary, you will walk the trails with an NJ Audubon staff member or Associate Naturalist. The group will look for birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians out in nature.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, March 2 – May 18
Join this nature-based yoga class in person or virtually to spend 75 minutes unwinding from the workweek.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, March 2-31
Let your kids make their own s’mores and hot chocolate will you sip on wine by the fire pit. There will be live music all weekend.
Princeton Restaurant Week
Throughout Princeton
March 2-8
Many restaurants in town will have special menus, and also prix fixe and reduced pricing during the week. There are more than 30 restaurants taking part, including 30 Burgers, Blue Point Grill, Eno Terr, Jammin Crepes, Maman, Nomad Pizza, PJ’s Pancake House, Princeton Soup & Sandwich Company, The Mint Indian Restaurant and Witherspoon Grill.
Philadelphia Flower Show
PA Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
March 2-10
Aside from seeing flowers, trees, shrubs and landscaping at every turn, there will be a Kids Cocoon area with activities, gardening workshops and seminars, a makers market and artisan area. March 3 is dedicated to family-friendly activities, and on March 8 you can bring your dog at night.
Jersey City Restaurant Week
Jersey City
March 2-16
From Greenville to Grove streets, support your local food makers and your favorite restaurants throughout the city.
Student Art Show
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, March 3-16
Students from colleges in the area will display their artwork. While you visit, you can go through the rest of the museum to learn about the American farmstead, Colonial life and fossils. There will be a special meet-and-greet with the artists on March 3.
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.
Dreamgirls
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
March 6-24
A 1960s Motown girl group catches their big break in an amateur competition and rises from obscurity to superstardom.
Countdown to Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Rumson
Select dates, through 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.
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?
Mermaids Underwater Experience
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through March 17
Magical real-life mermaids will swim in the aquarium’s 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit. You may be able to catch one sitting on her throne when she emerges from the water. You can enjoy all the aquarium’s exhibits when you visit.
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.”
Electric Dandelions
Pier A and Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
Through 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.
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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