New Jersey This Weekend:
Events, Festivals, and Top Things to Do

New Jersey weekend events: February 20, 21, 22, 2026

Looking for New Jersey events this weekend? A good weekend starts when you stop guessing and start choosing. This introduction points you to NJ weekend events for February 20, 21, and 22, 2026, so you can map out Friday night through Sunday without the stress. You'll get NJ events this weekend, quick ideas for things to do in New Jersey, and a handy way to spot New Jersey events near where you already are. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a full weekend getaway, our NJ weekend events calendar makes it easy. Browse top picks, use maps to plan your route, and grab ticket links in one place, so your weekend feels simple and memorable.

Top Outdoor Events & Festivals in New Jersey This Weekend

Soak Up the Season: New Jersey’s Must-See seasonal Outdoor Events

Maple Sugaring Demo & Festival
Saturday, Sundays, February 21st, 22nd, until March 7th, 2026
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ
Ticket Price: $7 per person. Preregistration is required. Age: 6 & up with an adult.
Part of New Jersey's beloved maple sugaring festivals, learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Finish with a syrup taste test! This program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last.
For ages 6 and up.

Fire Trucks and Fire Pits
February 22, 2026: 8 am – 4 pm
New Egypt Flea Market Village, 933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ
Cost: Free
Bring your appetite, grab a warm seat by the fire, and enjoy a full day at one of New Jersey's favorite flea markets! There will be Food Trucks, Cozy Firepits, Shopping, Community and Fun!

Best Indoor Events in New Jersey This Weekend: Live Theater, Shows, and Concerts

As temperatures drop, step inside for some of the best things to do in NJ, including live music and thrilling indoor attractions at New Jersey’s top venues like NJPAC.

Circus Vazquez
February 20 until March 9, 2026
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ
Known for its vibrant energy and world class performers, this modern circus blends jaw dropping acrobatics, comedy, live music, and immersive staging into a fast paced show that appeals to all ages.
Circus Vazquez is known for its contemporary style—no animals, just pure human talent and creativity. It's an ideal outing for families, date nights, or anyone looking to experience a unique live performance.

"The Devil & Daisy Dirt"
February 20-22, 2026
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), New Brunswick, NJ
"The Devil & Daisy Dirt" is a bold, imaginative theatrical adventure that blends Americana folklore, dark humor, and a touch of the supernatural. At its heart is Daisy Dirt, a sharp witted, big hearted heroine whose life takes a wild turn when she strikes an unexpected bargain with the Devil himself. What follows is a fast‑paced, music infused journey through temptation, redemption, and the stubborn resilience of the human spirit. The production mixes original music, vivid storytelling, and larger than life characters, creating a world that feels both mythic and modern. Audiences can expect a show that's visually striking, emotionally rich, and unafraid to play with genre—part folk tale, part dark comedy, part morality play.

New Jersey Big Flea Market
February 21, 22, 2026
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ
One of the state's largest treasure-hunting destinations. Shoppers can explore thousands of unique finds—from vintage collectibles and antiques to handcrafted goods, home décor, jewelry, toys, and hard-to-find curiosities—all under one roof. With affordable admission, free parking, and an unbeatable mix of vendors, this Edison flea market event is a must visit for bargain hunters, collectors, families, and weekend explorers looking for a fun, budget friendly outing in Central New Jersey.

Chinese New Year Festival
February 21, 2026: 1pm until 6pm
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, traditional dance performances, Chinese opera, and games and crafts for all ages! Guests can also enjoy cultural refreshments and bubble tea available for purchase. This festive afternoon offers an exciting opportunity to experience and celebrate the Chinese New Year with the whole family!

New Jersey Film Festival
Saturday, and Sunday, February 31, 22, 2026
Voorhees Hall #105, Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ
Running on Saturdays and Sundays, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of cutting-edge documentaries, innovative shorts, international features, and works by emerging filmmakers. The event offers audiences a chance to experience bold storytelling, meet creators, and celebrate the art of film in an intimate, university setting. Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply looking for a memorable cultural outing, the festival promises a month of inspiring and thought-provoking screenings.

Top New Jersey Family Events for Kids This Weekend

Make fresh memories with these easygoing, family-friendly events. Extend the fun by visiting regional coastal destinations such as Atlantic City and Ocean City, where families can catch potential local parades and other community festivities alongside theater shows.

Maple Sap Collection
Sunday, February 22, 2026 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
42 Lilac Drive, Flemington, NJ
Ages: 4 through 8 recommended (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Families, nature lovers, and curious learners are invited to explore how maple trees are tapped, discover the science behind sap flow, and watch the early steps of turning sap into syrup. This interactive outdoor program is perfect for kids and adults looking for an educational, seasonal activity that celebrates local traditions. If you're searching for winter things to do in Flemington, NJ or maple sugaring events in New Jersey, this engaging experience offers a sweet way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new.

Meet Daniel Tiger!
Now until May 10th, 2026, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Meet Daniel Tiger! brings the magic of the beloved PBS Kids series to life, offering families a heartwarming, memory making experience. Little fans can share hugs, snap cheerful photos, and enjoy an up close moment with everyone's favorite striped friend, all while exploring the center's hands on exhibits and kid friendly science adventures. It's the perfect blend of imagination, learning, and gentle excitement, an ideal winter outing for young children who adore Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and the positive lessons it inspires.

Best NJ Food and Dining Events This Weekend

Hammonton Restaurant Week
Tuesday to Monday, February 17 – 22, 2026
Participating restaurants throughout Downtown Hammonton will be featuring special dishes, limited time menu items, and exclusive specials, including special pricing and new menu options created just for the event. Whether you're planning a night out with friends, a family dinner, or a weekend outing, Restaurant Week is a perfect reason to spend some time downtown. While you're here, take a stroll through the district and enjoy Hammonton's shops, boutiques, and arts and cultural destinations to make a full afternoon or evening of it.

Bent Iron Fire Festival
February 21, 2026: 12 pm – 9 pm
Bent Iron Brewery, Hamilton, NJ
Cost: Free
Bent Iron Brewing will host it's first annual Fire Festival. Expect Craft Beer, Bonfires & Firepits, Chili Cook-Off, S'mores, Food Truck, Live Music and more.

Chilly Chili Cook Off
Sunday, February 22, 2026
The Chubby Pickle, 23 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ
Cost: $45
This annual event brings a burst of warmth and flavor to Highlands, NJ. This spirited winter tradition invites chili lovers, home cooks, and hungry spectators to sample an array of creative, spicy, and downright delicious chili recipes. With the restaurant's laid back vibe, live music, and a crowd that loves good food and good fun, the event promises a cozy escape from the February chill. Whether you're competing or just tasting, it's a perfect way to heat up a winter weekend along the Jersey Shore.

Winery with Music, Firepits & Mulled Wine
Saturdays & Sundays, until March 2026
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road. Princeton, NJ
A great opportunity to meet up with family and friends to enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday this winter. With live music setting a festive atmosphere, seating is available indoors amongst the wine tanks in our cozy wine barn and outdoors with firepits and outdoor heaters. Enjoy hot mulled wine, tasting flights of Terhune favorite wines, and wine by the glass. All ages can have fun with s'mores and hot cocoa kits. Light bites of cheese plates and chips & salsa baskets are available at the winery. Perfect to enjoy with a glass of wine by the fire.

Top Fun, Educational & Adventurous Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Ready for NJ events this weekend?
New Jersey is packed with fresh options for couples, families, kids, solo plans, and anyone chasing a little adventure.

New Jersey weekends shine when you balance big moments with small ones, like a sunrise stroll, a local festival, and a hands-on exhibit that sparks new ideas.

Aim for memory, not a packed schedule, so you can slow down and actually notice the place. Save a shortlist of things to do in New Jersey, watch NJ events this weekend for updates, and share your best find so others can plan their next outing.