Free events in Hoboken, NJ

Hosted by Eric Vetter, this No Name workout show at Word Up Community Bookshop/Libreria Communitaria gives comedians and storytellers a stage to try out fresh material in a supportive setting. Audience members can stick around afterward to offer feedback, chat, and even take the mic. The series runs on the third Tuesday each month, and a sister event, No Name Super Storytellers Party, takes place on first Tuesdays. Admission is free with donations welcome, and masks are required.

Rutherford Farmers’ Market takes place at Lincoln Park in Rutherford on Wednesdays, with Saturday editions as well. Vendors may vary by date, and a complete schedule of participants is available online.

Enjoy a free social game night at Manny’s Sweet Treats in Mineola, a dessert shop known for imaginative treats and community gatherings. Participants can dive into a mix of board games, tabletop experiences, and trading card play, ranging from timeless favorites to strategy focused titles, all in a relaxed and friendly setting that welcomes every experience level. Bring a personal favorite to share or choose from the growing collection available on site. Between games, savor waffles, crepes, ice cream, shakes, and other specialty desserts while meeting others and sharing a lighthearted night of play. The shop has emerged as a welcoming meeting place for Long Island tabletop fans.

This open mic brings standup comedy to The Madison Community Arts Center on the third Wednesday of each month. Hosted by comedians Kaitlyn Kosces and Devon Kay, it welcomes performers of all experience levels to try new material or revisit favorite bits, and audience members can support local comics. Sign-up happens before the show starts. Sets are five minutes, with the chance for extra time based on turnout. Admission is free, and it is BYOB.

Bachata Heaven Social brings an evening where bachata meets salsa to Lancer’s Night Club in Newark. The night features a Salsa On 1 class and a Sensual Bachata lesson led by a Daniel & Desiree Sensual Bachata certified instructor, followed by social dancing. DJ Carliita and JdaBachata keep the floor moving with fresh salsa and bachata tracks. Admission is free, parking is available in the lot and on the street, and $12 mixed drink specials are offered.

A free peer-to-peer breastfeeding support meeting offers encouragement and resources with guidance from a certified lactation consultant. The setting is informal and welcoming, and participants may bring their babies from newborn to 1 year. All new moms are welcome, no matter which hospital they delivered at. Registration is required. To secure a spot for you and your baby, call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434. Please meet at Mercy Family Care Center, adjacent to the Emergency Department. Se habla Español.

Weekly in-person meditation classes in Chatham, NJ offer a welcoming space to explore self-discovery and inner peace at no cost. Each meeting focuses on Sahaja Yoga Meditation, a time-honored practice presented for modern life, with a guided meditation intended to awaken and strengthen the subtle, healing energy within. Sessions include workshop-style guidance and time for questions and answers. There is no fee, reflecting the view that inner awakening and genuine self-knowledge are not commodities. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Meetings take place in the Benigno Meeting Room. The approach draws on the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga Meditation, who described the rise of Kundalini as illuminating the inner energy centers and fostering physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance.

Bachathursdays is a bachata-only social featuring music by JDABACHATA and DJ Carliita. The evening starts with a Level 1 class followed by Level 2, then transitions into a social where you can practice the moves you picked up during the week. Entry to the social is free. Walk-in admission for each class is $15, and you can register for one or both since the lessons are connected. All experience levels are welcome, and free parking is available at Lancers Night Club.

A full venue event brings BUSH DÜF to SILO for a vibrant journey into space-tinged, cathartic techno, stepping into the main room for the first time. Sweeping sounds drift from skyward atmospheres to earthbound textures, guided by a lineup making debut appearances at the venue. Ben Zo goes back to back with STEEN, with additional sets from Dio Garcia, EMMALINE, and SUPERWAV. Admission is free with RSVP, or $10 at the door.

Enjoy complimentary entry to the roller rink at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn. This outing welcomes families, kids, groups, and anyone seeking budget-friendly fun on wheels. Skates can be rented for $8, and skate mates are available for $6. Expect skyline views and an upbeat atmosphere while you roll along the waterfront.

Girls Who Code is launching a free weekly program at the Sci-Tech & Esports Hub that encourages girls to dive into coding through creativity and collaboration. Participants will explore technology in a welcoming setting, strengthen problem-solving skills, and grow their confidence while discovering what is possible in STEM. Beginners are welcome, and there is no cost to participate. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Experience a weekly pool-side cinema at Envy Sports Club’s 80-plus-degree indoor pool in Parsippany, where a complimentary movie is shown in the pool area. Every attendee, adults and children alike, must have a swim pass, even if not swimming, due to pool room capacity limits. Envy Sports Club members are admitted at no charge. The movie scheduled for each Friday is announced by Tuesday of that week.

Diwali at Times Square comes back to New York City with a Festival of Lights celebration at the red stairs in Times Square. Promoted as the biggest Diwali gathering outside India, it is set to light up the Crossroads of the World again.

A festive, free pumpkin decorating event takes place at Toastique - Chatham in Chatham, NJ. Reserve a time slot in advance using the link provided by the organizer.

The Rutherford Farmers' Market hosts its Saturday market at Lincoln Park in Rutherford, NJ. A complete list of vendor schedules is available on the Rutherford Borough website. The market also offers a Wednesday session.

The Township of Union is hosting a community cleanup inviting residents, students, and local organizations to help keep public spaces looking their best or earn community service hours. The Department of Public Works will provide all necessary supplies, including rubber gloves and litter grabbers, so participants just need sturdy boots and plenty of energy. Check-in takes place at the DPW to receive gear and an assignment, then teams head out to spruce up locations around the township. The effort concludes with a celebration at Rabkin Park featuring pizza, a DJ, inflatables, and additional food.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to register for Clean Ocean Action’s Fall Beach Sweeps, a coastal cleanup focused on protecting New Jersey’s shoreline. Since 1984, more than 176,000 participants have removed 8.7 million pieces of debris, supporting marine life, coastal communities, and efforts that prevent pollution at the source. For quick answers, review the FAQs, or email BeachSweeps@CleanOceanAction.org with questions.

Spend a lovely day outdoors helping to care for the Greenway by picking up litter, freeing trees from invasive plants, and planting native species where possible. Some tools will be available, and participants are encouraged to bring gloves, loppers, or clippers if they have them. The Friends of the Greenway can provide certification for volunteer work upon request. Street parking is available. Please check for any schedule changes or cancellations before coming, and contact the organizers with any questions.

A photo-focused spin on two Manhattan food tours invites a small group of photogenic participants. In exchange for appearing in photos, guests receive a complimentary tasting experience. One route highlights iconic bites in the Lower East Side, and the other travels Village to Village through the West, Greenwich, and East Village. Space is limited to 10 people, and attendees may choose one or both tours. Additional details are shared directly by the organizer.

This annual Field of Flags ceremony honors Veterans. It is presented in partnership with Alpha Wave Project, a nonprofit that supports veteran and first responder communities.

This free Argentine tango class at Coney Island Library is led by Russian-speaking instructor Koba Shonia. It takes place in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn near West 19th Street.

New students of all ages are welcome to train with Twin Towers Karate Academy in Brooklyn. Chief Instructor Shihan E. Lee Ireland brings more than fifty years of martial arts and self-defense experience to every class, supporting growth in confidence, discipline, fitness, and practical skills. The first month is free, then tuition is $40 per month, and the first 50 students receive a complimentary karate uniform. Sessions are grouped by age, with tumbling and karate for younger participants and karate-focused classes for teens and young adults. Additional programs include adult self-defense, cardio kickboxing, and stretching and fat-burning fitness, with family package discounts available. Free parking is available. For more information, call or text 718-415-9283. Training takes place at Hebron Baptist Church.

Celebrating its 12th year, this free, all-ages Diwali festival presented by the Saraswati Cultural Association fills Exchange Place with live performances, engaging vendors, and vibrant cultural energy on the Hudson. Applications from performers, vendors, and sponsors are currently being accepted.

Enjoy an open play session for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in a relaxed, welcoming setting. New players can learn the basics, while experienced Trainers can battle and trade cards with others. All ages and skill levels are invited to take part. Admission is free, and you can simply stop by and start playing.

Bink International Charity hosts a weekly bread and pastry distribution in East Orange that focuses on fighting hunger and cutting food waste. Fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and desserts are generously donated by Paris Baguette in Livingston, New Jersey, then collected by volunteers and shared with individuals and families facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and financial hardship across the community. The effort reflects a simple mission, making sure no one goes hungry while directing quality food to people rather than to waste. Distributions take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and on the first and third Fridays of each month. Volunteers support the work by picking up donations, sorting and packing baked goods, loading and unloading, and distributing food to community members.

Enjoy a tasting of Hodo's tofu nuggets and vegan scramble. Sample both and see which you prefer.

Discover a vibrant outdoor market at Makerhoods that highlights local talent and small businesses. Vendors offer handmade goods, distinctive gifts, fresh produce, and a variety of foods, creating a relaxed setting to browse, chat, and connect with the community. Enjoy music and a friendly courtyard atmosphere that invites exploration. Admission is free, the event is family friendly, and activities take place outdoors weather permitting. Makerhoods is a live and work community that supports entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners, and the market reflects that collaborative spirit.

Grand Diwali Mela celebrates Indian culture with flavorful cuisine, vibrant traditional clothing, sparkling accessories, and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can browse the stalls, shop for festive looks, enjoy performances, and create lasting memories together. Admission is free for everyone. For more information, contact Maya at 848-278-9325.

The 7th Annual Community Trick or Treat Trail returns to Oceanside Lutheran Church with a free, family friendly Halloween celebration. Kids can come in costume for games, a pumpkin patch, fun activities, and lots of candy. Bring a bag to collect treats. Free parking is available, and all are welcome to take part in this community tradition.

This yearly procession celebrates Halloween in Linden. It offers a festive way to mark the season.

Free admission days at the rink offer a fun and active outing without an entry fee. Everyone can skate at no cost, and rentals are available if needed, with skates priced at $8 and Skate Mate support available for $6. These free admission sessions take place on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. It is a welcoming option for families, friends, and groups looking to roll together and enjoy time on the rink.