It’s finally March and there are so many fun things to do this weekend in the Garden State. Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day by hitting a parade, do some maple sugaring or see a comedy/magic show for some laughs plus illusions! Note to mac and cheese lovers, head to Morristown!
All Weekend
96th Anniversary Model Train Exhibit
Friday- Saturday, weekends through March 20
Society of Model Engineers, Carlstadt
The Society operates a train museum with two large model train layouts that cover almost 5,000 square feet. Model trains operate on both layouts. Many of the models are one of a kind and were handmade by Society members. Members take pride in operating their miniature railroad just like real railroads operate. Also on display is the Society’s collection of historic railroad memorabilia and artifacts.
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Friday- March 19
SVA Theatre, New York, New York
Return to the magic of big screen events with the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF), North America’s largest film festival for kids and teens, and celebrate their 25th annual festival in-person. Catch must-see screenings of exciting new animated, live action and doc films for young audiences, plus filmmaker Q&A’s.
Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show
Atlantic City Convention Center
Now – Sunday
At this boating expo, there will be fishing workshops, boating education and even a step-and-go paddleboard to try. Kids can build a boat, check out the amazing sandcastles and even take a paddle boat out on a “mini lake.”
Shamrock Celebration
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Listen to traditional Irish tunes and try new foods. Be sure to check out Irish dancers, vendors and of course, fine wines.
Friday
Justin Willman: Magic for Humans
The Wellmont Theater, Montclair
Justin Willman wants to melt your brain while making you laugh. He’s best known as the star and creator of the hit Netflix series Magic For Humans. His live show is simultaneously mind-blowing and hilarious and will likely keep you up at night wondering how the heck any of it was possible.
David Anthony: Comedy Magician
Avenel Performing Arts Center, Avenel
David Anthony is an international award-winning entertainer from Cleveland, Ohio who performed his first show when he was just twelve years old. Since then, David has entertained thousands across the country with his comedy magic show which is filled with cutting edge magic, audience participation and lots of laughs. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Saturday
Mac and Cheese Mayhem
Morristown Armory, Morristown
Can you think of a better way to spend the day than trying different variations of mac and cheese? Local chefs and restaurants will be cooking up variations of mac & cheese while competing for the Mac Daddy Award. Be there to try everything for yourself and cast your vote. A few of the various mac vendors include Angry Archie’s, Bearded One BBQ, Suburban Bar and Kitchen, Dan’s Waffles, The Little Sicilian, Snatch Yo Soul Food, Taxi Cab Burgers and Shore Good Eats & Treats.
POPS Rocks the Rooftop
Independence Visitors Center, Philadelphia
The POPS rocks out to the hits of The Beatles with special guest Echo Kid at the Independence Visitor Center. This event is free and open to the public, on the South Terrace at the Independence Visitor Center. Local rock group Echo Kid will perform the set list from the The Beatles’ 1969 rooftop concert in its original order, followed by more from the Let It Be album. Â
9th Annual Guinness Run Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser
Off the Hook, Highlands
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser is $40 and includes a commemorative t-shirt, a Guinness Pint Glass (for the first 100 applicants) and access to the Post-Race Party at Off the Hook with complimentary appetizers and Guinness Beer. The race will begin at Off the Hook where contestants will fill their cup and race to Grand Tour and back to Off the Hook.
Jr. Naturalist Maple Sugaring
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts, and Recreation, Ringwood
This fun program for grades 6-9 is about the process, history and ecology of maple sap and syrup. Participants will take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. Guests will visit the tapped trees to learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. The program ends with a syrup taste test.
Read and Explore: Birds, Nesting and Birdhouses
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Birds are getting ready for spring and new families. The program lasts about an hour and includes a story and educational segment.  After story time, each child will make their own nesting materials and birdhouse to take home.
24th Annual Cranbury Craft Show
The Cranbury School, Cranbury
The 24th annual Cranbury Craft Show will kick off the first weekend in March with more than 100 exhibitors. Artisans showcasing their amazing talents and a fun shopping experience. The show is family-friendly, featuring a wide-range of handmade items: jewelry, art, photography, pottery, candles, pet apparel, clothing, toys, gourmet foods, candy, desserts and more. Proceeds benefit the Cranbury Education Foundation.
Sunday
Building Montclair in LEGO
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Work with architect Stephen W. Schwartz of Building Blocks Workshop to visualize Montclair as you have never seen it before! With over 60,000 LEGO building blocks at your disposal, recreate specific buildings in Montclair to be placed on a scaled map. Learn construction techniques, explore Montclair’s historical architecture and enjoy time with other LEGO enthusiasts in this fun family program.
Maple Sugaring Fest
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Enjoy a brisk winter afternoon learning the steps involved in turning tree sap into delicious maple syrup. The whole family will enjoy spending the day outdoors, hiking on the trails and partaking in the Maple Sugaring Challenge. Guests can enjoy some hot chocolate, maple vendors and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Gloucester
Join the region’s greatest talent and entertainment to commemorate Irish culture and celebrate the value of community. This event will be hosted by Celebrity Parade Marshal Bob Kelly, everyone’s favorite traffic guy from TV and radio. NJ Irish Society’s celebration includes Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band, String Bands and more.
Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Main St., Belmar
Put on something green and head out to one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in NJ! Don’t miss the bagpipers. Little ones will marvel at the firetrucks on this fun day.
National Theatre Live: King Lear
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown
Captured live from London’s West End in 2018, see Ian McKellen’s ‘extraordinarily moving portrayal’ (Independent) of King Lear. Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, Shakespeare’s King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.
ONGOING
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Thursday – Sunday (through March 13)
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
This popular exhibit hasn’t been around since 2019, but this year it’s back in time for the aquarium’s 30th anniversary. See a real-life mermaid swim among the sharks. Then get a chance to interact with a mermaid at the Stingray Beach Club. One-on-one visits are also available in the Mermaid Grotto.
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
Sundays through March 20
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way we gather sap over the centuries. The group will check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. All ages are welcome.
Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Grounds For Sculpture announced a two-year partnership with Klip Collective to present a distinctive after-hours multi-sensory experience. The Night Forms series will directly interact with a selection of contemporary artworks and signature horticultural features across the park’s 42 acres, furthering the nonprofit’s commitment to creating unique experiences bringing art and nature together. *Show extended to April 3.
2nd Annual Winter Wonderwalk
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
The grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the holiday season. Winter Wonderwalk is an exciting new addition to the decorated estate. Walk the grounds and view these fun & whimsical display of winters past. Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and school classrooms are all welcome to participate.
Terhune Orchards Winery in Winter
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
This winter the winery will be open Saturdays & Sundays with indoor and outdoor seating. The seasonal hot mulled wine is a wonderful way to warm up. Sample a variety of wines with a tasting flight or enjoy wine by the glass. The fire pits will be going all weekend. All ages can enjoy s’more kits and hot cocoa.
Harbaugh Village
Tuesdays – Sundays
Mullica Hill
Harbaugh Village was founded by Steve Harbaugh after years of attracting local and national visitors to his holiday display and toy drive at his home in South Jersey. Now, it’s not just about the holidays. Harbaugh Village is a year-round attraction for communities in South Jersey and beyond. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy endless entertainment, attractions, local vendors, event spaces and more!
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Chatham Twp.
Weekends until March 12
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. This year, the program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Spiles and syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last. For ages 5 & up.
Looking for more ways to make winter fun? Plan a day trip to Storm King!