Whether you’re all about vino, love a night at the ballet or are overdue for a great dinner, there’s plenty to do in NJ sans the kids in March. Make some time for a night out with one of these ideas.
Standout Performances
Kick the month off with Unbound, a three-day Culture Crawl Dance Series presentation in Rahway. This third annual celebration on March 5-7 features everything from belly dance to salsa to hip hop dance at UCPAC, and boasts both performances and dance workshops alike. If you’ve been craving a night at the ballet, get seats to the March 13th performance by the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano at MPAC in Morristown. It stars Mexican dance and traditional music and costumes. On March 25, head to MPAC for Swan Lake. See the Russian National Ballet’s rendition of the Tchaikovsky classic.
Those who love musicals and plays can catch Finding Neverland: The Musical at MPAC on March 6-7 or P.T. Barnum: The Master Showman at The Historic Village at Allaire in Wall Twp. on March 7. The first tells the story of the creation of Peter Pan by playwright J.M. Barrie, while the other covers how Barnum became one of the richest men in the US thanks to his circus. Also on March 7 is the Cheesy Movie Circus Tour at Montclair’s Wellmont Theater. If you’re one of the many who love the cult favorite Mystery Science Theater 3000, see the show’s creator and original host take you through some of the cheesiest movies ever created.
Music buffs will have a blast at RVCC Planetarium in Branchburg at Laser Grateful Dead on March 7 and 14. See lasers and a light show dazzle across the planetarium dome to tracks like “Sugar Magnolia” and “Touch of Grey.” Round up your gal pals for RVCC’s Laser Ladies on March 21 and 28 for songs by female powerhouses like Aretha Franklin and Rihanna. You can also mark your calendar for The Historic Village at Allaire’s Allaire Arts! in Wall Twp. on March 28. Take in a concert of local artists that covers everything from acoustic folk to rock to jazz.
If you’re looking to celebrate your Irish roots for St. Patrick’s Day, get tix to one of many shows around the state.
Food and Drink
On March 13, head to Chester’s beloved Alstede Farms for a meal with the Farm to Table Supper Club. The three-course meal stars seasonal, farm-fresh produce. Splurge on wine pairings from Tomasello Winery, too. If you want to get your hands dirty in the kitchen together, sign up for a Culinary Class at the Hudson County Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute in Jersey City. Learn basics like food science and knife skills at Basic Cooking Principles on Sundays (March 1, 8 and 15), where you’ll make everything from braised short rib to seared scallops. If you want to take a single course, opt for Pasta & Vino on March 20, where you’ll make pasta and sauce from scratch.
If you can’t wait to open a bottle of your fave wine every night, Terhune Orchards in Princeton is the place to be this month. For sips and live music, go on March 1, 8 or 15 for its weekly Sunday Music Series. Hang in the Wine Barn with a glass of vino, cheese platters and snacks while local entertainers play the afternoon away. Go on March 7-8 for Wine Release Weekend, where you’ll get to taste the two newest vintages from the farm: Rosé and Cranberry. Try free samples and munch on light fare before warming up by the fire pit with a s’mores kit. Those with a sweet tooth that just won’t quit should visit during Wine and Chocolate Weekend on March 28-29. Taste all of Terhune’s own wines alongside local treats made by Pierre’s Chocolates of New Hope, PA. Beer lovers, don’t fret: Crafts & Drafts is back at Lone Eagle Brewing in Flemington on March 29. Shop goods by 16 talented local artisans while digging into food truck fare and sipping your fave microbrews.
One-of-a-Kind Events
There are plenty of seasonal and unique March date nights to consider around the state. Gather your girl gang for the Susan G. Komen Pink Power Party on March 5 at iPlay America in Freehold. This ladies’ night is dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, and features everything from drinks and dinner to shopping, raffles and a fashion show. Get there early to score a swag bag. On March 19, head to Liberty Science Center’s monthly LSC After Dark for a trip back in time at a Y2K Party. This Jersey City bash will have drinks, bites, a live DJ, exhibits, activities, experiments and a dance floor, all inspired by the new millennium. On March 20, be blown away in Branchburg at Artrageous. See artists create masterpieces live on stage to all kinds of music. If you’re a fan of podcasts, head to the Lehigh Valley Podcast Festival in Bethlehem, PA on the 28th. Visit the famous SteelStacks for talks by the best podcasts of the region that cover everything from comedy to science to politics.