St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, and this weekend everyone gets to be Irish at a parade, event or more! Or you can take the kids to a mermaid experience, bubble show or Purim Fest.
WEEKEND
Jersey City Restaurant Fest
Jersey City
Thursday – Saturday
The winter version includes specials and promos at select restaurants, cafes and bakeries around the city. Save the date for the summer fest from July 5-19.
Hunterdon County Irish Festival & St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Red Mill Museum, Clinton
Friday – Sunday
The weekend festival includes a Rotary Children’s Party, a concert with The Amish Outlaws, pub night, the parade through town, and then a parade after party with The Nerds.
Mermaid Experience
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Friday – Sunday
Watch as beautiful mermaids swim through the shark tank, ask for a photo as she sits on her clamshell throne, and make an ocean-themed bracelet to take home.
Celebrate the Green
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Friday – Monday
For St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a lively Irish-themed weekend with dining specials, live music, a comedy competition, an outdoor scavenger hunt, Sunday brunch, a fun run and a pub crawl.
St. Patrick’s Day at The Winery
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Toe-tapping Irish tunes will play in the winery for Saint Patrick’s Day. Enjoy Terhune wines, tasting flights and mulled wine.
Model Railroad Show
New York Society of Model Engineers, Carlstadt
Saturday – Sunday
There are two large operating layouts, O scale and HO, with steam and diesel engines, Thomas and Friends, freight and passenger trains, and working trolleys.
Pet & Pose
Abma’s Farm, Hillsborough
Saturday – Sunday
The private animal experience includes cuddle time, feeding and learning with sheep. You’ll get admission to the petting zoo, too.
Amusement Park Opening Weekend
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
Saturday – Sunday
The Jersey Shore comes alive this weekend as the rides and games open for the season.
The Secret Tea Room
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Members Tea: Saturday
Afternoon Tea: Sunday
Savor English tea in the Wisner House overlooking the arboretum’s beautiful grounds.
FRIDAY
Full Moon Walk
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Head to Maggie’s Point to view March’s full moon, called a Worm Moon, as you go past McCormack Lake.
St. Patrick’s Day Ghost Hunt
Boonton Elks Lodge, Boonton
You’ll be given equipment to use as you tour the lodge so you can listen and look for ghostly spirits.
Roxey Ballet’s Beer & Ballet
Mill Ballet School, New Hope, PA
A preview of Carmina Burana will be performed for families while adults can order drinks from Triumph Brewery. You’ll hear from the dancers afterward.
SATURDAY
Maple Sugaring Living History Open House
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
You’ll take a trip through time to experience the art of the sugaring process. Along the way you will see an early American Frontiersman tapping his trees, visit a sugar “farmer” at his evaporator, and enjoy a Native American story about the discovery of maple sap.
Giant Bubble Show
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
There will be two shows today featuring Ringling Bros. alum Logan Jimenez, who will keep you on the edge of your seat as he creates bubble sculptures, bubbles that burst into flames, bubble volcanoes and more.
Spring Fling Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
This free local craft and vendor market brings together local makers, artisans and small businesses. Stop by for a tarot reading, and then shop for jewelry, crystals, candles, handcrafted gifts, décor and more, while sipping on a craft drink.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade
North Wildwood
Start the day at a Catholic Mass service at St. Ann Church of Notre Dame La Mer Parish. A ceremony takes place in front of North Wildwood City Hall, followed by the parade, which goes throughout town. Marchers include VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Pipe Brigade, Emerald Society, Miss North Wildwood, Queen Oceania, Anglesea Irish Society and local school bands.
Workhouse Rides
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Kids age 5-12 will learn the differences between draft, saddle and carriage horses when they climb aboard a fully harnessed workhorse for a ride. They’ll help farmers with barn chores like bedding stalls, filling water troughs, and making feed.
Diggerland Grand Reopening
Diggerland, West Berlin
The construction-themed amusement park for kids opens for the 2025 season; the adjacent water park will open once the weather warms. For now, ride on actual construction vehicles, use a crane to pick up bricks and play games of chance in the arcade.
Circus Pop! The Giant Bubble Show
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
For an hour, kids will watch as Logan Jimenez, who used to tour with Ringling Bros., shows off his fire-eating skills, daring escapes, bubble sculptures, bubbles that burst into flames and even bubble volcanoes.
Cranbury Education Foundation Craft Show
Cranbury School, Cranbury
There will be over 100 vendors showcasing a variety of handmade treasures, including unique gifts, home décor, or stylish pieces.
Paint a Gourd Birdhouse
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
You and the kids will paint a birdhouse for your backyard so they can watch eggs hatch and young birds grow.
Paranormal Evenings: The Tubbs House
Willowwood Arboretum, Far Hills
Join the New Jersey Paranormal Project as you investigate the Tubbs House, its gardens and grounds in a paranormal hunt.
Dopamine Land
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience of interactive landscapes, imaginary worlds, optical illusions, soundscapes and art setups. The experience opens today, designed to connect you with your inner child in a “world of happiness.”
Bar A Fun Run/Walk & Party
Bar Anticipation, Belmar
Runners, walkers and friends are welcome to a St. Patrick’s Day race and post-race afterparty where kilts are encouraged!
Family Saturday: The ABCs of Women’s History
Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice, at Paulsdale, Mount Laurel
The authors and illustrators of The ABCs of Women’s History will read their new book, sign copies and offer arts and crafts. For kids, there will be storytime, women’s history coloring pages, button making, hot chocolate and snacks. You can also take a free self-guided tour.
Irish Step Dancing
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
After Bob Wright and artist Keri Sheheen read some passages from “Ginger Sea ‘Neath the Celtic Moon,” there will be a dance performance and workshop. Former North American Irish Dance Champion Dawn Daniels will perform traditional reels and demo musical instruments such as the pixie harp and bodhran.
SUNDAY
Timbalooloo: Jazz for Kids
Pfleeger Concert Hall, Glassboro
With a full band, GRAMMY Award-winning musician and Timbalooloo founder Oran Etkin introduces kids to different instruments from around the world. The interactive performance follows the story of Clara Net, who falls asleep and goes to a concert in her bed as instruments come to life.
Freehold Boro Art Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Freehold (West Main Street), Freehold Boro
Watch as marchers pass by, showing off their Irish pride. There will be contests for best dressed baby (under 3), best dressed dog, best dressed adult, best decorated bicycle and best dressed motorcycle. Afterparties take place at the Elks lodge, Knights of Columbus and American Hotel with corned beef platters and live music.
Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience
Shea Center for Performing Arts, Wayne
The award-winning performers put on a mega Taylor Swift tribute concert for the whole family.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Join hike leaders on an easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands, where you’ll learn about the plants and animals that live there.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to sing, dance and play alongside your kids. During the show, you’ll also follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
This free event is packed with kids’ crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, and green snow cones.
Birding With Technology
Hawk Rise Wildlife Sanctuary, Linden
Families can join an NJ Audubon Naturalist on a walk through the preserve, using an app to help find the birds migrating back to the area.
The Jokers of Magic
The Vogel, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The show features four talented performers from TV shows and competitions who present an evening of tricks, laughs and entertainment.
Purim Festival
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
While seeing your favorite animals, take a break at the Impala Lawn for entertainment, free hamentashen (while supplies last), activities and crafts. There will be representatives onsite from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, jkidphilly, PJ Library, Kaiserman JCC, and other organizations.
ONGOING
Nature Game Nights
Last Friday of every month
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Inside the nature center, choose from nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring your own from home.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
First Sunday of every month
This fun, informal program is designed for kids of all ages to explore their artistic side while making exciting crafts. Each session features a new theme or project, from painting and paper crafts to seasonal decorations and more.
Freaky Friday
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Scotch Plains
March 13-16
“Freaky Friday” follows an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies and have just one day to put things right again.
The Colored Museum
Burgdorff Center for Performing Arts, Maplewood
March 14-16, 21-22
The Maplewood Strollers presents a powerful and satirical play that looks at African American identity through a series of 11 exhibits (scenes and songs). It challenges stereotypes and celebrates Black culture with humor and heart, ala the TV show “In Living Color!”
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal Park
Select dates, March 14 – April 6
This musical tells the journey of how Carol Klein of Brooklyn, NY, became Carole King, the world-famous pop icon and hitmaker. She sings songs including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Sugar Shack Tours
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
March 15-16, 22-23
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, too!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Saturdays – Sundays, March 15-29
The brand new party at the park will include the Furry Friends St. Patrick’s Day Dance Party, Irish dancing shows by the Rince Ri School of Irish Dance at Sesame Studio, Grover’s Clover Scavenger Hunt, St. Patrick’s Day Dine with Elmo & Friends, themed attractions and rides, the Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade, “Elmo the Musical – Live!,” and Cookie & Gonger’s Pizza Party.
Let’s Get Growing
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
March 15 and 29
The gardening program has workshops for kids ages 5-10 on topics like vegetable gardening, helpful bugs and crafting.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
March 15, April 12, July 26, September 13, October 11 (Oktoberfest), November 15, December 13 (Christmas Market)
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Winter Wonder
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through March 23
This year’s season will be Mediterranean-inspired, showing off the new 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory and the Cascade Garden.
In Her Footsteps: A Celebration of Women in History
Museum of Jersey City History, Jersey City
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 30
Families can interact with actors portraying Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alice Paul, Mary T. Norton, Shirley Chisolm, Dolores Huerta, Ruth Asawa, Nellie Bly, and more. You can collect autographs, snap selfies, and win prizes. There will be dynamic displays, curated craft projects, educational activities, videos and interactive panel discussions.
O’Harry’s St. Patrick’s Day Pop-Up Bar Experience
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, Cape May
Fridays – Sundays, through March 23
Get your Irish on with food and drink specials, live Irish music, a Jameson whiskey pairing class, and paint-your-own leprechaun scene.
St. Patrick’s Day Events
Pier Village, Long Branch
Through March 29
There will be events and activities at different businesses and restaurants: bowling, live music, food specials, a makers market, jewelry sales, carousel rides, etc.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 30
Weather permitting, you can sit in the historic apple orchard. During cooler weather, seating is inside the wine barn with firepits, outdoor heaters, and hot mulled wine. Tasting flights of Terhune wines are available. All ages can have fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. The Barn Door Café will serve lunch. Live music is performed from 1-4 pm.
North New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Month
Bergen and Hudson counties
Through March 31
Check the website, Facebook and Instagram pages of two dozen participating restaurants for updates and promotions.
The Road to The Big Game: New Orleans
The Paley Museum at The Paley Center for Media, New York, NY
Through March 30
The exhibit pays tribute to the history of the Super Bowl. See the Vince Lombardi trophy and championship rings, Katy Perry’s halftime “Firework” costume from Super Bowl XLIX, and other memorabilia. Watch past Super Bowl commercials and halftime shows, or take part in family trivia. There will be arts and crafts and a gaming facility.
Charm Harbour
Maxwell Place Park, Hoboken
Through April
The seven installations are meant to look like whimsical charms or magic tokens that’ll inspire physical and mental play as you touch, climb on and take photos of the sculptures that line the waterfront.
The Cereal Cocktail Bar
North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through April 27
The world’s first cereal-themed cocktail bar will have brunch every Saturday with Saturday morning cartoons and Y2K music.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 4
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in outer space. The exhibit includes the operation of wheels and pulleys, three holes of mini golf, a space rocket, a sidewalk produce stand, a vacation in the country, a farm visit, a city park playset, a busy wall, and a museum that has an original manuscript.
Star Light Star Bright
Pier A Park, Hoboken
Through May
The neon-lit structure has over 9,000 feet of fluorescent paracord. During the day, walk through the star-shaped archway. At night, watch as the illuminated space frames the waterfront and NYC skyline.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
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