Looking for fun this month? 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
You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography
Thru May 7
The You Belong Here exhibition at Princeton University’s Art on Hulfish highlights and celebrates photography from Latinx artists across the country, covering themes such as family, community, culture and American identity. The exhibition will feature work from established and new artists alike, such as Sofía Córdova, Perla de Leon, Joiri Minaya and Reynaldo Rivera. Varying visiting hours; FREE. Art on Hulfish, Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu/arthulfish
This month is your last chance to visit the Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibition. Photo courtesy of Liberty Science Center
Pompeii: The Immortal City
Thru May 14
Time is running out to see the Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibit at the Liberty Science Center. Head to Jersey City for a time-traveling trip and see Mount Vesuvius erupt with the entire family. Showtimes vary; $24.99-$29.99. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. lsc.org
Comedy
Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau performs in her native New Jersey this month. Photo courtesy of NJPAC
Michelle Buteau
May 4
If New Jerseyans don’t know Michelle Buteau by way of her local roots, they may know her from the First Wives Club TV series, Always Be My Maybe, Russian Doll or The Circle. Fans can catch her stand-up routine in Newark this month. 7 pm; $39.50-$49.50. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark. njpac.org
Vir Das is a Bollywood star and one of India’s biggest stand-up comics. Photo courtesy of Wellmont Theater
Vir Das
May 12
New Jerseyans may know comedian and actor Vir Das, one of India’s biggest stand-ups, from his four Netflix specials or his parts in the movie The Bubble and the TV series Whiskey Cavalier. Now, the Bollywood star is bringing his Green Light Tour to the Garden State. 8 pm; $29-$59. Wellmont Theater, Montclair. wellmonttheater.com
Randy Feltface
May 13
An international comic for nearly two decades, Randy Feltface has made people laugh all over the world. Now the Bring The Funny standout is looking to do the same in Jersey. 7:30 pm; $27. Bananas Comedy Club, Rutherford. bananascomedyclub.com
Music
Trifecta of Folk
May 7
Three folk bands—the Kingston Trio, the Brothers Four and the Limeliters—are taking over the Mayo Performing Arts Center this month. See how their smooth sounds revived the genre in the 1960s. 3 pm; $39-$79. Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown. mayoarts.org
Anita Baker
May 10
An eight-time Grammy Winner, Anita Baker is now enjoying her “The Songstress Tour.” Garden Staters can hear her soulful ballads echo throughout the Prudential Center this May. 7 pm; $69-$199. Prudential Center, Newark. prucenter.com
Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy will kick off McCarter Theatre Center’s Jazz in June. Photo: Courtesy of McCarter Theatre Center
Jazz in June
June 2-17
McCarter Theatre Center is hosting six jazz shows in June, including concerts by saxophonist Melissa Aldana and Cuban musicians Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera. The month kicks off with Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy. Various showtimes; $17-$95. McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton. mccarter.org
Stage
Madagascar: the Musical
May 6
There’s something wild—yet family-friendly—coming to the stage. Madagascar the Musical brings the lively cast of zoo animals from the hit animated film Madagascar to the theater. Plenty of music, dancing and laughs are guaranteed for audiences of all ages. 2 pm, 7 pm; $19-$79. State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick. stnj.org
Million Dollar Quartet
Thru May 25
Million Dollar Quartet is a musical based on the real-life impromptu recording session of legendary rock and roll and country musicians Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis in Memphis, Tennessee on December 4, 1956. The musical features hit songs from all four artists and this show will also include a table dinner and dessert. Various showtimes; $86. Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton. hhplayhouse.com
Festivals
Get crafty with a weekend of events dedicated to the art of making paperweights. Photo: Courtesy of WheatonArts
Paperweight Fest
May 17-20
WheatonArts is celebrating its 48th anniversary with Paperweight Fest, a weekend of demonstrations and festivities dedicated to the art of making paperweights. Events will include live glass-making demonstrations, meet-the-artist sessions and an exhibition with products for sale. Various times; $170-$315. WheatonArts, Millville. wheatonarts.org
Paramore is among headliners of the inaugural Adjacent Festival in Atlantic City. Photo: Shutterstock/Christian Bertrand
Adjacent Festival
May 27-28
The inaugural Adjacent Festival hits Atlantic City for Memorial Day weekend. With headliners Blink-182 and Paramore, as well as Jersey favorites like Bleachers and the Front Bottoms, this new jamboree is looking to make a strong first impression. $189+. adjacentfestival.com
Photo: Shutterstock/Alexander Kalina
2nd Annual Bernardsville Car Show and Food Truck Fest
May 29
The annual Bernardsville Car Show showcases sweet rides of the past and present. Food trucks will also be on hand for hungry enthusiasts. 10 am; FREE. Bernards High School, Bernardsville. downtownbernardsville.org
Photo: Unsplash/Des Récits
Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival
June 3-4
Sip beers from nearly 100 different breweries and rock out with bands including the Dropkick Murphys and 311 throughout the weekend. $62 and up. Bader Field, Atlantic City. acbeerfest.com
Benefits
New Jersey Walk with Us to Cure Lupus
May 6
Walk with Us to Cure Lupus is coming to Metlife Stadium this year in an effort to raise funds to find a cure for the autoimmune disease that affects millions each year. Participation is free, and participants who raise at least $125 will receive a free Walk Day t-shirt! Water and light refreshments will also be provided. 10 am; FREE. Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford. lupusresearch.org
The Ocean Township Mayor’s Charity Event
May 6
This edition of the Ocean Township’s Mayor’s Charity Event will benefit the Mya Lin Foundation, an Oakhurst-based foundation dedicated that has so far raised over $1 million for pediatric cancer patients. The night will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a dinner, and will feature a premium open bar, a viewing of the Kentucky Derby and fun contests like Best Derby Hat and Best Dressed. 5:30 pm; $250. Deal Golf & Country Club, Deal. themyalinterryfoundation.org
Pride Events
Photo: Shutterstock/dinaodess
Merchantville
June 3
Head to Peak Secondhand for an on-street fashion show. 11 am; free (donation suggested). Peak Secondhand, Merchantville. peaksecondhand.com
Asbury Park
June 4
The 31st annual Jersey Pride celebration will be happening in Asbury Park with a parade beginning at noon, followed by an outdoor concert and festival. Noon-6 pm; $15. jerseypride.org
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