The best arts & culture spots in Bergen County

“Housed in a one-room 1872 schoolhouse and run entirely by volunteers, Ridgewood Historical & Preservation keeps our local history lively with thoughtfully curated artifacts, a timely 250 Years of Progress exhibit through December 20, 2026, plus talks, lantern-lit cemetery walks, and the always-cheerful model train…”

“Part museum and part research hub, James Rose Center for Landscape Architectural Research and Design explores landscape architect James Rose’s work and the Ridgewood residence he built in 1953 for himself and family, with programs, events, and even spring/summer 2026 internships and docent opportunities if you want to…”

“Guided tours are offered of this historic, 18th-century home that now serves as a museum.”

“Nuart blends small-group attention and a personalized curriculum to build real fundamentals, then lets Bergen County talent shine in its Young Artist Gallery. If you or your kid keeps filling sketchbooks, this studio turns that habit into skills worth hanging.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, September 2, 2026

“United Taekwondo Fort Lee, NJ has a friendly, individualized vibe that builds discipline, respect, confidence, and real self-defense skills.”

From the North Bergen newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Garretson Forge & Farm is a 1719 Dutch Colonial homestead with organic gardens, Monarch Waystation status, and docent-led tours that make six generations of Bergen County history feel wonderfully close to home. Keep an eye out for seasonal happenings like the harvest festival and monarch butterfly releases.”

From the Fair Lawn newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Fort Lee Museum keeps the borough’s story front and center, with approachable exhibits that make local history actually feel local. When you want a quick reset on why this corner of Bergen County is special, this low-key spot delivers just the right dose of hometown pride.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Step into Jersey Dutch homes, peek inside the Steuben House, and wander a 13-acre Revolutionary War crossroads at Historic New Bridge Landing this week, all cared for by the Bergen County Historical Society. Keep an eye on their 250th Retreat event at New Bridge on Nov 21 and 22, 2026.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Occasional events & tours take place at this 1774 sandstone Dutch Colonial with an outdoor kitchen.”

“iMUSEUM is an immersive photo-playground that turns emotions into set pieces, from Joy to Sadness, so you can pose, play, and actually feel stuff. Grab a friend this week, guess each other’s moods in their interactive games, and leave with a camera roll that doubles as free therapy.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, August 14, 2026

“New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame is the local spot to geek out on real aircraft history, exhibits and Hall of Fame stories. Keep an eye out for Open Cockpit days and their FAA-approved flight simulator for seasoned pilots... it’s a fun, brainy break close to home.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum turns local history into a fun rabbit hole, from Lenni Lenape artifacts to a one-room schoolhouse, vintage toys, and how Routes 4 and 17 became retail central. Swing by this week for exhibits and stories... maybe even a trolley or cemetery tour.”

From the Paterson newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Whether you're polishing a debut EP or launching a no‑filler podcast, JL Music Podcast Studios gives locals a private, pro-level space for recording, mixing, and mastering that actually sounds as good as your idea. Book a session when your living room acoustics start beefing with your kick drum.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Hackensack Performing Arts Center is packing your week with Shakespeare in the Park, Movies Under the Stars, and a solo exhibit in the Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery running through August 30.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Steuben House at Historic New Bridge Landing is a state historic site, the rare local spot where George Washington and his troops bunked in 1780, and it still pops to life for special events that dig into the American Revolution and Jersey Dutch roots… a quick, culture-boosting break from the usual weekend errands.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ".”

From the Bergen County newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Need a quick culture hit without trekking into the city? Belskie Museum blends art and science with rotating exhibitions and a virtual gallery that’s fun to get lost in, just over in Closter. Perfect for a low-key weekend reset, plus you might actually learn something cool to flex at Monday coffee.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Historic stone farmhouse with rotating exhibits featuring the area's culture & history.”

“Take a low-stress mini time travel this week at Historic New Bridge Landing, a 13-acre Revolutionary hot spot where the Steuben House, Demarest House Museum, Campbell-Christie House and that storied bridge make local history feel close enough to touch... with occasional reenactments that bring the past to life.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, August 19, 2026