Things to Do in NJ This Weekend

Are you looking for something to do this weekend in New Jersey? New Jersey Monthly has you covered! Below we highlight recommendations for events across the state, from festivals to concerts to family-friendly events and more.

Looking to make the most of the Jersey Shore this summer? Check out what’s new for the 2026 season, our editors’ favorite water activities, the best bay beaches, and our deep dive on the brand-new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music.

Want to cool off without heading to the coast? Lake Hopatcong is a top-notch summer escape, as are these other great lakes around the state.

Hungry? Check out this month’s best food events.

And don’t forget to peruse our list of the 52 things you must do in New Jersey all year, no matter the season!

Our editors’ picks for this week & weekend:

Looking for a plan? We’ve got you covered with our curated guide to the best events happening across New Jersey right now.

North Jersey Events

Newark International Film Festival
🗓️: Tuesday, 9/8 through Sunday, 9/13
📍: Various locations
ℹ️: This 11th annual event features screenings, workshops, panels, celebrity talks and more.

Melissa Etheridge 
🗓️: Wednesday, 9/9 (7:30 pm)
📍: Mayo PAC, Morristown
ℹ️: The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, known for her rock anthems and unmistakable voice, performs tunes like “Come to My Window.”

Ella Langley
🗓️: Thursday, 9/10 (7 pm)
📍: Prudential Center, Newark
ℹ️: The country singer stops in New Jersey on her Dandelion tour.

Hoboken Italian Festival
🗓️: Thursday, 9/10 through Sunday, 9/13
📍: Various Hoboken locations
ℹ️: The festival’s 100th edition features four days of fun, food and fireworks, plus the carrying of the Madonna Dei Martiri through Hoboken.

Great Pumpkin Festival
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12 through Sunday, 11/8
📍: Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
ℹ️: Pumpkin picking, hay rides and more fall fun await.

Emblems of America
🗓️: Through Sunday, 11/8
📍: Morris Museum, Morristown
ℹ️: Symbols that have shaped American identity are on display, including objects connected to Morristown’s Revolutionary War history.

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails
🗓️: Through Sunday, 1/3
📍: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
ℹ️: This immersive experience lets kids join the world of Thomas the Tank Engine and learn about math, engineering and more along the way.

Hopatcong Monthly Market
🗓️: Sunday, 9/27; Sunday, 10/25
📍: Park & Ride/DPW Lot, Hopatcong
ℹ️: Shop food, craft and artisan vendors plus vintage dealers, secondhand goods and more.

Central Jersey Events

New Jersey Film Festival
🗓️: Through Saturday, 10/4
📍:Rutgers University, New Brunswick
ℹ️: The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center’s biannual festival features indie film screenings and guest appearances by filmmakers and actors.

U-Pick Sunflower: Fall Festival
🗓️: Thursday, 9/10 – Monday, 10/12
📍: Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
ℹ️: Wander through massive fields of golden blooms and vibrant wildflowers as you soak up everything fall.

RiverFest
🗓️: Saturday, September 12
📍: Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Trenton
ℹ️: A family fun-filled day of live music, craft beer, boat rides and food inspired by the Trenton-founded Case’s Pork Roll culminating in an eating competition.

Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham Food & Music Festival
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12
📍: Iron Peak Sports & Events, Hillsborough
ℹ️: A festival packed with high-energy music, creative eats and a full day of fun.

Lambertville Sunflower Festival
📅: Saturday, 9/12 & Sunday, 9/13
📍: Bellemont Farm, Lambertville
ℹ️: Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, cut-your-own sunflowers, vendors, live music, a petting zoo and more.

Hunterdon Wine Express
📅: Saturday, 9/12 & Sunday, 9/13
📍: Old York Cellars, Ringoes
ℹ️: Historic rail ride with guided wine tastings, vineyard time and a chef‑curated lunch.

Shore Events

Wu-Tang Clan
🗓️: Friday, 9/11 (7:30 pm)
📍: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
ℹ️: The legendary hip-hop collective behind “Method Man” takes the stage for their Wu-Tang Forever tour.

Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12
📍: Byrne Plaza, Wildwood
ℹ️: A day of food, live music, craft vendors, shopping and more. 

Ocean County Irish Festival
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12
📍: Robert J. Miller Airpark, Berkeley
ℹ️: Live Irish music, pipe and drum bands, Irish step dancers, a beer garden, outstanding food, craft vendors and family activities.

TLC
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12 & Sunday, 9/13 (7:30 pm)
📍: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
ℹ️: The ’90s group behind hits like “No Scrubs” is back on stage.

Beach Plum Festival
🗓️: Saturday, 9/13 (9 am-4 pm)
📍: Ocean Beach Bathing Area 1, Ocean County
ℹ️: Island Beach State Park plays host to food, music, crafters, children’s games, and environmental and nonprofit exhibits.

South Jersey Events

Red Barn Farm Fall & Sunflower Festival
🗓️: Every Friday-Sunday through 11/1
📍: The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
ℹ️: Meet animals, explore sunflower fields, take hayrides and play games.

Lil Wayne
🗓️: Friday, 9/11 (7 pm)
📍: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden
ℹ️: The Grammy-winning hip-hop star performs.

Cumberland Mall Comic-Con
🗓️: Saturday, 9/12 & Sunday, 9/13
📍: Cumberland Mall in Vineland
ℹ️: A celebration of cosplay, pop culture, fantasy and fandom featuring special guests, vendors, artists, photo ops and competitions.