Photo Credit: istock.com / Juanmonino
Planning a night out on the town without the kids? Head to one of these amazing events with your partner or organize a much-needed girls night out for some of your mom besties this month.
All-Month Long
Have a Kick-Axe Time
Unless you’re Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, the opportunities to launch an ax at various targets are probably few and far-between…that is unless you hit up Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Eatontown. Housed in an enormous industrial park that feels like a hunting lodge, this is the place to go-to take out all your frustration on defenseless targets. Don’t forget your flannels and a six-pack of your favorite brew.
Every Friday This Month
Go Nocturnal at iPlay America
Parents get to let loose sans kids at this gigantic arcade anytime after 10 pm. The 21 and over crowd can go head-to-head in tons of games, listen to music from DJ Class Kills and take advantage of a full-service grill and sports bar (yes, that means there’s alcohol involved). Your ticket also includes spins on go-karts, a round of laser tag and an epic 4-D movie experience.
Spice Things Up at Lemongrass
If follow all things Southeast Asian food, chances are out-of-the-box recipes for pho pepper fill your newsfeed and you’ve tried making your own variation on a classic dish at home.. But if you don’t feel like cooking , bring your appetites to Lemongrass in Morris Plains, which serves up stunning entrees like traditional green, yellow and coconut curry and colorful Instagram-worthy Vermicelli bowls . If you want a dish that packs some heat, dig into its namesake plate, Lemongrass Chili, a stir fry option with veggies and hot chilis.
May 5
Sip Cinco de Mayo Cocktails
Everyone loves Cinco de Mayo…especially when it falls on a Friday. Head to Blue Morel Restaurant in Morristown to celebrate anything and everything to do with Mexican heritage (especially a healthy dose of tequila). Sample delicious concoctions made from Milagro tequila while enjoying a three-course meal. Be warned: the restaurant fills up quickly, so play it safe and make your reservation by May 3.
Grab Your Amigos and Crawl to the Bar
If you’re looking to relive the glory days at a day-long bar crawl that hits some of Hoboken’s top bars and pubs, this event’s for you. Knock back a few coronas, margaritas, sangria (or tequila shots if you’re extra brave) that are all on special. Once you’ve navigated your way around the sombrero-clad college kids, uber just a few miles down the road to Taqueria or Orale in Jersey City for authentic Mexican minus the crowds.
May 5–7
Go Back in Time at The Steampunk World’s Fair
If you have a few Warehouse 13 or Penny Dreadful fans in your clique, a few days at this annual convention will be appreciated. Dress up in retro-futuristic garb and choose from tons of lectures and activities, like a build-your-own ray gun, corset bones and hoop wire demos to a costume contest and live music. And don’t miss the open bar (tickets are required) where’ll sample absinthe-based drinks from the 1800s.
May 6
Get Up Close and Personal at The Hunterdon Art Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of 37 local artists on a self-guided driving tour that takes you along the winding, scenic roads of Hunterdon County. Art enthusiasts will can take in the best local work in all mediums—from paintings to ceramics to woodworking. Once the tour wraps up, check out the Clean Plate Kitchen in Clinton, where you get to savor fresh, farm-to-talk meals while sipping some vino on the outdoor patio.
May 7
Try Your Hand at Sketch Comedy Writing
Get all the credit for laughs without going on stage at a workshop that teaches the inner workings of making short, can-barely-breathe-funny vignettes. Aspiring writers learn the mechanics of character development, heightened jokes and watch a breakdown of comedy sketches before coming up with their own versions. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie. No experience is required.
May 10
Try a Spring Cooking & Cocktail Class
Get inspired in the kitchen during a six-course cooking lesson led by Chopped champion and Morris Tap & Grill owner chef Eric LeVine. Students try their hand at creating decadent dishes like duck with roasted fennel and peach salad, salmon and shrimp cakes with corn salsa and wild berry yogurt pops under the watchful eye of LeVine. You’ll also get to sample seasonal drinks like cucumber watermelon mojitos and Don Julio paloma while manning the oven.
May 12
Mix Your Beer with Ballet
Ask local dancers all your burning questions while supporting breast cancer research at a live performance of survivors’ stories called, We vs C: Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors. While soaking in the rhythm, movement and storytelling, take your pick between beer or wine. Enjoy some snacks before a group discussion panel.
May 12–14
See an Award-Winning Dance Group
If you love all things dance, take in a mesmerizing modern dance performance by Alvin Ailey, one of the best troupes on the East Coast. You’ll get to see new productions along with classic numbers like, Revelations, a piece that explores important topics like grief and happiness.
May 18
Go on a Pre-Summer Wine Tasting
What better way to ring in summer than by sipping a glass of perfectly-chilled Chardonnay down the shore? Relish in a wine tasting that features reds and whites from Robert Mondavi, Silver Oak and Rancho Alegre before getting messy with bites from Texas flavor masters Topshelp BBQ at the Wine Loft in Long Branch. If you’re not into the vino, there will be Briney Gold Shipwreck rum cocktails to savor.
May 18
Go Greek at Liberty Science Center
Play Greek god at an epic, after-hours party that takes you back to the times of Zeus and Athena with live music and dancing. Also not to be missed: an amazing laser show, and tons of food and drinks all set to a Grecian theme. The LSC will also host its own version of the Olympics, so bring your game face.
May 20
Check Out a Whiskey, Wine and Wildlife Fundraiser
Go wild at this annual charity that donates every single penny from the event to animal preservation at the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Snack on food from local restaurants and sample tons of local wines and whiskeys from South Jersey. You’ll also get to cut the rug to a band, bid on different merch at the live auction and press your luck in a few raffles. And, of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a few animal ambassadors to cap everything off.
May 27
See Kevin James Live at the Borgota
Sure, you loved him on The King of Queens and I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, but have you seen him live? Hop on the parkway and catch a live show at one of Atlantic City’s biggest venues. Make it a weekend and spend a few hours on the roulette tables, slot machines or head over to the boardwalk for a Land Shark and some fish tacos before hitting the beach.
