Looking for fun this September? Check out these events and activities happening all over New Jersey.
Please note that all schedules are subject to change; visit each venue’s website for more information.
Art
From Flame to Flower: The Art of Paul J. Stankard
Opens Sept 15
New Jersey artist Paul Stankard is internationally renowned for his delicate sculptures of flowers and in- sects encased in glass globes and cubes. His creations have been shown in major musuems throughout the world, and now, the Morris Museum is showcasing work from his 50-year career. Morris Museum, Morristown. morrismuseum.org
Newark Arts Festival 2023
Sept 27-Oct 1
This year’s annual Newark Arts Festival celebrates “Cross Cultural Perspectives” and the 5oth anniversary of hip hop. The festival will feature dynamic art installations, live performances and poetry, youth activities, media events and panels. FREE. Newark Museum of Art, Newark. newarkartsfestival.com
Comedy
See Internet personality Nick Colletti live in Rutherford. Photo: Courtesy of Nick Colletti
Nick Colletti
Sept 15-16
Nick Colletti, who plays Duncan in the Facebook Watch hit The Real Bros of Simi Valley, draws laughs and fans for his situational comedy and frat-boy impressions. This month, New Jerseyans can see him live on stage, rather than the small screen. 7:30 pm and 10 pm; $22-$30. Bananas Comedy Club, Rutherford. bananascomedyclub.com
Jay Pharoah
Sept 29
The esteemed Saturday Night Live alum was named the 55th greatest SNL cast member by Rolling Stone in 2015. Now, he’s bringing his hilariously uncanny impressions to Newark. 7 pm; $29-$49. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark. njpac.org
Cultural celebrations
Photo: Shutterstock/Png Studio Photography
ScanFest
Sept 3
Enjoy traditional Nordic foods, handicrafts, music, games and more. Vasa Park, Budd Lake. $11 in advance/$14 at gate. Free admission with authentic dress. scanfest.org
Don’t miss one of the largest Italian festivals in the tri-state area.
Hoboken Italian Festival
Sept 7-10
Enjoy a free parade, rides, entertainment, food and fireworks. On Saturday at 2 pm, the 800-pound Madonna Dei Martiri will be carried through the streets, from St. Francis Church to the Hudson River. hobokenitalianfestival.com
Photo: Shutterstock/muddanaturdesign
Greek Festival
Sept 7-10
The 46th annual festival features food, music and more. St. Demetrios Church, Union Township. $2 admission.
Photo: Shutterstock/Simone Hogan
The Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Sept 16
The festival features music, dancing, rides, food and more. Hall of Records, Freehold. lfomc.com
Festivals
Water Lantern Festival
Sept 1-2 & 23-24
Experience the Water Lantern Festival, a luminous and moving celebration of life. Create your lantern, set it on the water and watch it join other lanterns, bringing hope, peace, and connection to those who participate. On Sept 1 and 2, the location for the festival is Mays Landing; on Sept 23 and 24, the event moves to Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. $29.98-$59.99. waterlanternfestival.com
Photo: Shutterstock/urfin
New Jersey Film Festival
Opens Sept 8
Film fans can savor a smorgasbord of independent pictures from around the globe, courtesy of the New Jersey Film Festival. On select Fridays and Saturdays, films are being screened in-person and online (tickets are good for both the virtual and in-person screening). Following some in-person screenings, attendees can stay for a talkback with filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and other members of the production crew. Various times; $15 (single movie) or $100 (festival pass). Voorhees Hall at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and online. njfilmfest.com
Rock out at Asbury Park’s gigantic end-of-summer beach bash. Photo: Courtesy of Grant Hodgeon for Sea Hear Now
Sea Hear Now
Sept 16-17
The Foo Fighters, the Killers, Weezer and the Beach Boys are among the performers jamming on three stages at Asbury Park’s annual Sea Hear Now festival, co-founded by rock photographer Danny Clinch. In addition to the performances, surf legends vie for top wave-riding honors. Also check out musicians’ art at the Transparent Clinch Gallery pop-up, and hit after-hours shows at the Stone Pony and other venues. Starting at noon daily; $125 and up. seahearnowfestival.com
Music
Bruce Springsteen returns to light up his home state with three concerts at MetLife Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media/Danny Clinch
Bruce Springsteen
August 30; September 1 & 3
After seven long years, Bruce Springsteen has finally returned to his home state this year for a string of concerts, his first in New Jersey since the River tour. With the E Street Band, he played the Prudential Center in April and is back for three late-summer MetLife shows. High prices prompted fan frenzy when tickets went on sale, but you can judge if the experience is worth it! 7:30 pm; $45 and up. MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. brucespringsteen.net
Karol G
Sept 7-8
The Colombian singer and Latin pop star has sold multi-platinum albums and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny and Shakira. She’s making a stop at MetLife Stadium this month, touring her fourth studio album Mañana Será Bonito. 7 pm; $133-$291. MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. metlifestadium.com
Skid Row & Buckcherry
Sept 8
California natives Buckcherry and Toms River legends Skid Row have released a cumulative 16 studio albums over the last 34 years. Now the two heavy metal-veteran bands are hitting the road, having each released new albums within the past year. 7:30 pm; $29-$39. Wellmont Theater, Montclair. wellmonttheater.com
Special events
Photo: Shutterstock/Pedal to the Stock
Fall Antique Glass & Bottle Show
Sept 24
Go treasure hunting at the Fall Antique Glass & Bottle Show at Batsto Village. Afterward, take a walking tour of Batsto Village’s grist and saw mills, blacksmith forge, iron furnace and nature center. The community started as an iron works in 1766 before transitioning to glassmaking in the 1800s and is on the state and national historic registers. The Bottle Show runs from 9 am-3:30 pm and is free of charge. Guided tours of village and mansions are available for $3. Wharton State Forest, Hammonton. batstovillage.org
Stage
Hair
Opens Sept 30
The groundbreaking rock musical Hair opens the Two River Theater’s 30th anniversary season. Hits such as “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine” and, of course, “Hair,” celebrate the spirit of the 1960s. $32.50- $67.50. Two River Theater, Red Bank. tworivertheater.org
Benefits
JAR of Hope Invitational Golf Outing
Sept 13
JAR of Hope is a NJ-based organization dedicated to raising money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research, a rare muscle disease that typically affects boys. The organization is hosting a golf outing fundraiser in Colts Neck, which will also have a lunch buffet, dinner and awards reception. 11 am; $1500+. Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck, Colts Neck. jarofhope.org
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