This weekend in Sayreville, NJ

Explore a lively craft and vendor fair in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where artisans, makers, local food, and live entertainment create a welcoming marketplace atmosphere. Discover more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, now expanded with a newly added space for this edition. Browse handmade pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and other creations from Nova Scotian makers. Enjoy a wide range of tastes with food trucks on both days, along with baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, beverages, and local wines, plus additional treats and specialty products. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet. Service dogs are the only animals permitted inside buildings. Cash is recommended for the best experience. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

Sister2Sister, Inc. presents the 21st annual Run/Walk 4 Life, a heartfelt gathering that uplifts breast cancer survivors and the loved ones and neighbors who support them. Participants may take part to remember someone, to honor a survivor, or to show solidarity, with each step carrying meaning. The event is available in person and virtual, welcoming people of any age or ability, including those in treatment, regardless of location. The in person component takes place at Colonial Park Rose Garden, and people across the country can participate from wherever they are. Move at the pace that works for you by walking, running, or standing in support. Its nationwide reach supports Sister2Sister’s mission to bring encouragement and healing to more families.

The 2026 New Jersey Walk for Apraxia is a free community event at the Raritan Valley Community College Soccer Field that brings families, friends, and professionals together to celebrate children with childhood apraxia of speech, known as Apraxia Stars, while raising awareness and support. It offers a welcoming space to connect, honor achievements, and feel understood. Registration is free, and individuals can work toward fundraising incentive prizes, including the event t-shirt. Registered walkers who raise $50 receive the official 2026 Walk for Apraxia shirt. All registered Apraxia Stars receive a free shirt and medal, and Apraxia Stars attending the walk are recognized individually with a shirt, medal, and certificate. Funds raised support Apraxia Kids programs that educate families and professionals, build community connections, and invest in advocacy and research to strengthen support systems for children with apraxia of speech. The experience is planned to be safe, fun, and memorable for teams and supporters.

At Newport Racquet Club, this peewee pickleball camp introduces young children to the sport with lively, age-suited activities. The focus is on movement, simple fundamentals, and plenty of play, making it a welcoming start for first-time players. Registration is available through the venue’s website by selecting a Saturday morning session.

An official fan convention for Wentworth comes to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Newark Airport for a two day celebration of the series, its cast, and the fan community. Confirmed guests include Danielle Cormack, Aaron Jeffery, Kate Atkinson, Tammy MacIntosh, Kate Jenkinson, and Libby Tanner, with one more guest to be announced. The weekend features official merchandise, cast panels and interviews that include questions from fans, professional photo opportunities, roundtable meet and greets, and a full autograph session with all attending guests. Every admission ticket includes one autograph from each guest appearing. Attending for a single day provides at least four autographs, and attending both days provides at least eight. Additional updates and schedule details will be shared as the event approaches.

Discover a wide mix of pottery, artisan crafts, and baked goods at the artisan market at Burnt Mill Potters, along with a variety of activities to enjoy. Admission and parking are free.

Roll Over MS brings an inclusive 3K roll and stroll to New Jersey, benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Participants are welcome to move in whatever way works for them, whether that means biking, using a power scooter, pushing a stroller or walker, roller skating, walking, or cheering from the sidelines. The event focuses on raising awareness and funding for the foundation’s grants and programs to help create better days for people living with MS. This first edition in the state welcomes families and pets. Expect children’s activities, light refreshments, water stations, and entertainment, along with playful challenges that come with prizes. Recognition will be given to the top team and individual fundraisers, the team with the most members, and the participant whose athletic wear shows the most flair. Every step and roll contributes to support for people affected by MS and their loved ones.

At the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center at Raritan Center, this home show brings a wide range of companies together in one convenient place so you can compare options and save time. Discover fresh ideas and a variety of products for your home, and connect with resources across home improvement, landscaping, and design services. It offers an easy way to gather inspiration and plan upcoming projects.

Learn Argentine Tango with Russian-speaking instructor Koba Shonia at the Coney Island Library in Brooklyn. The class is free.

Harvesting Liberty: America at 250 is a free celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary at the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, featuring history-rich, hands-on experiences for families. Demonstrations include outdoor hearth cooking, traditional ice cream making, and cider pressing with samples of each, along with blacksmithing by Matthew Dawson of Dawson’s Forge. Explore the past with guided visits through the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum and the historic Terrill Tavern, and take part in a special Historic Rahway Cemetery Tour. Framed by the 250th anniversary theme A More Perfect Union, costumed interpreters share stories of notable individuals buried there and the people who helped shape the nation. A Wild Edibles Walk led by Debra Naha-Koretzky, a licensed nutritionist, foraging instructor, and author, highlights edible plants on the museum grounds and in the cemetery while connecting foraging to the era of the founders. Throughout the day, local historic sites and civic groups share exhibits and information that deepen connections to the community’s heritage. Presented in collaboration with the City of Rahway, the event blends interactive demonstrations, living history, guided tours, and activities for all ages.

Celebrate the season at an annual Fall Festival and Arts & Crafts Show featuring more than 40 local artists and crafters. Browse handmade goods to jump-start holiday shopping, enjoy tasty food, and take part in a variety of activities. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Highlights include an apple pressing demonstration with tastings, pay-as-you-go games and make-and-take crafts for kids that accept cash only, and a Photo Contest Gallery where visitors can vote for their favorite image. Meet and support local organizations and visit the center’s ambassador animals. Street parking is available nearby. The crafter area is paved and the center is ADA accessible, although some trails are sloped with rocks and roots. Cash is required for games, food sales, and Pennypack items, while some individual crafters may accept digital payments. For questions, contact PEC@phila.gov. There are no tickets, no spaces, and vendors are not being sought for this event, and nothing is transferable. Use caution with online posts that offer tickets or vendor spots and do not send money in response to such messages. The event is not responsible for any money exchanged for promises of non-existent tickets or spaces. Direct questions only to PEC@phila.gov and use due diligence when interacting with anyone online.

A welcoming English conversation group offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to practice speaking and strengthen everyday communication skills. Attend one session or take part in both, depending on what works for you. Please note that the schedule may change, so check the organizer’s website or calendar for any last-minute cancellations.

In New York, No Excuse Saturdays champions building mass cleanup drives in each borough, aiming for ongoing, citywide participation rather than one-off events. The goal is to shape a shared ritual that brings neighborhoods together to care for their public spaces under the No Excuse Saturdays banner.

An informal meet and greet at Petco in Piscataway features a few Great Dane ambassador dogs from the rescue. Visitors can stop in to say hello, spend time with the dogs, and learn more about the breed and the rescue’s work. Volunteers will be available to answer questions and talk about what day to day life with a Great Dane is like. This welcoming opportunity suits devoted Dane fans and anyone curious about these big, gentle dogs.

Metuchen PorchFest brings neighbors together as front porches and yards across town become intimate stages for local musicians. This free, family-friendly festival invites people to stroll from home to home, take in live sets spanning rock, folk, jazz, and blues, and enjoy the creative spirit of Metuchen’s arts community. A performance schedule and event map will be shared closer to the festival. There is room for hosts, performers, and listeners, and day-of volunteers are welcome to help at information tables, guide guests, and support a safe experience. The celebration is powered by a dedicated committee and community partners, with graphics by Jess Rios, support from the Friends of the Metuchen Arts, and the involvement of Borough of Metuchen Council Liaison Meg Loftus Suchan. Volunteer contributors include Colleen Libertz, Dan Acosta, Dylan Thurston, Echo DiBella, Grace Shackney, Katherine Wu, Kyle Burnett, Mark Harris, Nicole Meyers, and Suneet Bhatt.

At Carteret Elks, the 15th Annual Toys 4 Tots PigNic offers a day of food, music, and giving. A $25 donation per person includes a pig roast, barbecue, and select beverages, with a $20 advance donation available. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy. Enjoy live music by Against the Grain, browse the tricky tray, and take advantage of bike parking. The event takes place rain or shine, with plans to use the yard if weather allows. For more information or to purchase tickets, message the organizers. All proceeds benefit Elk Charities.

Families and friends can get hands on with creative soap making at Sensorium Emporium in Red Bank. Sessions are designed with a welcoming, kid friendly atmosphere and kept small for a cozy experience, with a maximum of 20 seats. The cost is $25 per person. An RSVP with advance payment through Eventbrite guarantees a seat, and walk in guests are accommodated on a first come, first served basis as space allows. For questions, contact beth.allen.mnb@gmail.com or 732-439-1851. Please be mindful of scams on social media and avoid purchasing tickets from resellers.

Celebrate the legacy of Manhasset lacrosse with a gathering that spotlights the 1970s and commemorates 50 years since the 1976 Nassau County championship team. Attendees can reconnect with former teammates, coaches, and friends, look back on pivotal seasons, swap favorite stories, and honor the program’s enduring tradition.

At Vera Art Studio, create a Turkish mosaic lamp in an interactive class. No prior experience is required, and an instructor leads you through designing with colorful tiles while all supplies are included. Enjoy a complimentary cup of Turkish tea as you work, then head home with a finished lamp made by you. Expect about 2 to 3 hours. The studio uses high-quality materials to support a great crafting experience, and every attendee completes a take-home piece. If fewer than four people are enrolled, participants may be contacted up to 24 hours in advance to reschedule.

Presented by the Borough of Sayreville Recreation Department and the Festival of Lights Committee, Festival of Lights 2026 honors the 250th anniversary of American independence while celebrating the community’s rich diversity. Expect an evening filled with live cultural showcases, music and other entertainment, traditional and contemporary dance, cuisine from around the world, and a marketplace of art, crafts, and specialty goods. Activities for all ages are included, and the night wraps up with a fireworks display. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

Water & Wheat honors the 20th anniversary of GORANA DANCE with a commemorative dance concert at Riverside Theater. For two decades, Artistic Director Elissaveta Iordanova has fostered a community grounded in Bulgarian folklore, bringing together dancers across cultures and generations through tradition and shared rhythm. The program features guest performers Algara/Galina Saharova and reflects on roots, continuity, and the ties that keep the circle strong, celebrating what has been received and passed along while opening the way for what comes next.

Bink International Charity hosts a recurring bread and pastry distribution in East Orange, NJ, focused on easing hunger and curbing food waste. Volunteers collect fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and desserts donated by Paris Baguette in Livingston, New Jersey, then share them with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or financial hardship. Distributions occur every Wednesday, every Saturday, every Sunday, and on the first and third Friday of each month. The organizers welcome volunteer support with picking up donations, sorting and packing items, loading and unloading, and helping distribute food so more neighbors can be reached.

Experience Rise Against live at Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ.

At Deewan Banquet, a heartfelt evening features music, lively bhangra, and standup comedy in support of children battling cancer. The celebration centers on hope and compassion, offering uplifting entertainment with a meaningful purpose.

Violinist and soul singer Bri Blvck performs at Delta's Restaurant in New Brunswick. Reservations are suggested at (732) 249-1551.

Nat Adderly and his quartet take the stage at The Frog and The Peach for a special evening. To guarantee a table, call (732) 846-3216.

Our House Restaurant hosts Rocket Baby.

At The Vogel, magician Ben Seidman leads a witty, high-energy look at cons and illusion, guiding the audience through the mechanics of deception with unforgettable demonstrations. Expect deft pickpocketing, mind reading, sleight of hand, and psychologically driven surprises that blur the boundary between trick and reality while highlighting how scam artists and tricksters influence what people perceive. Seidman’s credits include Netflix’s Brainchild, produced by Pharrell, plus appearances in Vanity Fair and WIRED’s Experts React series, Vanderpump Rules, two specials on Travel Channel, and two visits to Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He also served as a magic consultant for the film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, designing illusions and training the cast. In addition to large stages, he has performed for Christina Aguilera, Morgan Freeman, Zedd, CEOs, Senators, and the late Robin Williams. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Juno.

New York Steppers present an evening of steppin and line dancing at Aloft Harlem, set to R&B and soul with a welcoming vibe and plenty of fun. This edition celebrates Wanda Pellot’s birthday with a taste of Puerto Rico. Wear whatever feels comfortable. Beginners and non-dancers are encouraged, and new faces are welcome to relax and enjoy the scene. Admission is $10 with electronic payment at the door. The first hour features a complimentary intro-to-the-dance class to help everyone get started. This is a recurring New York Steppers event from the original Chicago steppers set in the NY, NJ, and Northeast region.

Back for its annual visit to Port Richmond’s Powers Park, this free, family friendly evening brings live music from the Class of 84. Powers Park is teaming up with the group to present a concert sponsored by the Powers Park Conservancy. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite 80’s outfits and enjoy a night of live music.

The original 'Brad Majors,' Barry Bostwick, appears for a screening of the movie presented in a new 4K restoration, complete with a live shadow cast and interactive audience participation. A memorabilia display features artifacts and an authentic costume from the movie, and the fun continues with a costume contest and an immersive after-party experience. Exclusive VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available, offering the opportunity to meet Barry Bostwick, take a personal photo, and receive an autograph.

Alfredo Rodríguez, the Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist and composer, brings his trio back to Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the first time since 2019. The group blends jazz, virtuosic classical technique, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into a lively, high-energy sound.

The Jonathan Ware Trio performs at Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar in New Brunswick, NJ. A native of the city, Jonathan Ware began on piano and tuba at age 7 and played for his church while in middle school. He later studied at the Jazz Institute of New Jersey with Radam Swartz, building his skills in improvisation and composition. In high school he explored writing song lyrics and soon delved into poetry. His performances bring together music, poetry, and art. Reservations are suggested at 732-249-0494.

Wildlife Wednesday Reunion brings Manny The Greek, Unique, and Richie Santana together with hosting by Sergio T and Alen Ash. Entry is limited to guests 21 and over. All previously issued tickets will be honored. Bottle service is available.

Batch Bin & Barrel hosts the John Bianculli Trio for an evening led by pianist and composer John Bianculli, known for lyrical, deeply soulful playing. The program highlights original music that blends jazz, Latin, Brazilian, rhythm and blues, and global influences into a distinctive sound. Bianculli’s work can be found on Telarc and Dream Box releases, and his track Bittersweet reached the top ten on the Contemporary Jazz Charts. Reservations are suggested.

Set in Jersey City’s Lincoln Park, this race features a certified, accurately measured course that serves as a USATF qualifying event. The route follows park roads and paths through lush surroundings with skyline views, offering long stretches and a spectator friendly layout so supporters can cheer frequently. Proceeds support the nonprofit Sustainable Jersey City. Participants can expect real time timing, web based tracking, a YouTube livestream, finish line photos and footage, and an individualized race video. A post race celebration recognizes every achievement, with awards for all finishers, a quality technical tee, and tasty food and drinks. For an added option, a paid brunch at THE VIEW, a luxurious new event space in Jersey City just steps from the finish, offers a generous cold buffet and seating for groups.

A team race meetup for the Latinas Run community featuring a quick, mostly flat 5K through downtown Jersey City, with scenic stretches along the waterfront. Participants come together to show team spirit while navigating a smooth urban route.

Step into a cozy setting made to feel like Santa’s own living room, complete with cuddly toys and nutcrackers, twinkling Christmas trees, and stockings by the fireplace. A real-bearded Santa shares favorite holiday stories, helps little visitors find the North Pole on his globe, and keeps milk and warm cookies at the ready by the warm fire, with a touch of magic that makes toys seem to come alive. These immersive photography sessions blend activities into a narrative that becomes personalized storybooks intended to be heirlooms. Children can check the nice list, help paint toys, explore the globe, receive gifts, and enjoy milk and cookies. Each booking is a private, twenty-minute studio session without lines or distractions from other families. Options for family portraits and a second setup are available.

Chill Act New Jersey features complimentary autism pre-screening along with a welcoming space to meet trusted resources and support providers. Connect with activity providers that serve kids and families, explore available services, enjoy fun activities and learning opportunities, and build community connections. If you have developmental or behavioral concerns and are seeking answers and support, this event offers guidance and next steps. Entry is free with registration.

Ease into Sunday with a complimentary yoga class led by Garden of Healing Yoga & Wellness. Keep in mind there are no classes on May 24, July 5, or September 6.

The annual Union Car, Truck and Bike Show offers a family-friendly celebration of all things on wheels. Rows of gleaming classics, powerful trucks, and sleek motorcycles span beloved vintage models through contemporary standouts. Live music from local bands sets the tone throughout the day, while food trucks serve a variety of bites and vendors showcase unique merchandise. Children can enjoy a dedicated zone with games and activities. Trophies and prizes will be presented across multiple categories, including Best in Show, adding extra excitement for participants and onlookers. It is a community-focused day built around fun, connection, and a shared love for the open road.

The 22nd Annual Hub City Jazz Festival brings a full day of smooth jazz and soul to the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, celebrating standout contemporary artists and a vibrant atmosphere. The program begins with Althea René performing with Nicholas Cole, continues with Lindsey Webster, and features Pieces Of A Dream, with Will Downing headlining to close the event. Ticket options include VIP, Priority and General Admission, with select packages offering premium seating and exclusive experiences. Buying early is encouraged, as it tends to sell out each year. Expect rich grooves, expressive vocals and an energetic vibe for dedicated jazz fans and those discovering the scene.

An eighth annual Mid-Autumn Festival organized by NPDC, presented in connection with USA 250 and 2026. This annual celebration honors the Mid-Autumn tradition and marks another year of gathering around this seasonal holiday.

Middletown Day 2026 brings the community together at Croydon Hall for a festive salute to America 250. Presented with support from Buhler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, C&C Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, and Levinson Axelrod, P.A., the celebration showcases local businesses and community groups and offers plenty to explore. Attendees can enjoy a bustling food court, chances to check out first responder vehicles, live music, inflatable attractions and games for kids, and a variety of arts and crafts vendors. After the daytime fun, a concert by The Cliffs keeps the energy high, and the celebration concludes with a fireworks display.

The 7th Annual Party in Pink Zumbathon from GMF & SZ Fitness brings a lineup of presenters to Alvin P Williams Memorial Park to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month while raising support for Breast Intentions, which helps local warriors and survivors in New Jersey. Registration is open and payments can be sent via Zelle to gmfszfitness@gmail.com. Those who would like to join the team, donate an item, or sponsor the event can send a direct message.

Welcome the season with Illumination – A Haunted Concert by Candlelight, where acclaimed theatre organist Ian Fraser performs a program of Halloween-themed music on UCPAC’s “Biggest Little Wurlitzer,” a 1928 instrument still in its original Main Stage home. Between pieces, he shares insight into the organ’s mechanics and history along with the stories behind his selections, creating an experience tailored to music enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone drawn to something beautifully spooky. Fraser’s connection to mechanical music began in early childhood and led him to the theatre organ as a teenager, where he taught himself to play by ear. He serves as the house silent film organist at several regional venues and is also the house organist at the St. George Theatre, where he regularly plays for audiences of more than 1,500 K–12 students. His accolades include first place in the American Theatre Organ Society’s 2023 Young Theatre Organist Competition. Notably, in June 2025 he performed what is described as the first silent film with live organ accompaniment at a drive-in movie theater for the 100th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera. He curates a classic and silent film series, restores historic instruments, and holds leadership roles with GSTOS and AMICA. The “Biggest Little Wurlitzer,” celebrated for producing a remarkably large sound from a compact footprint, is listed on the National Registry of Significant Instruments and remains one of New Jersey’s few theatre pipe organs still playing in the venue it was designed for. With 500 pipes and percussion that evoke the depth and color of a full orchestra, its carefully tuned chambers and the auditorium’s acoustics come together to deliver the distinctive theatre organ sound that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

A marching group takes part in the annual Pulaski Parade, with participants dressed in white and red.

Care4|1 presents a talent showcase that celebrates South Asian performers aged 40 and above. Solo acts and groups are invited to take part in categories that include dance, vocals, stand up comedy, and spoken poetry. Prospective participants are asked to register by email and share a performance video of up to two minutes and thirty seconds. Finalists, selected through a combination of public voting and judges’ evaluations, will perform live before an audience at the Anand Mandir auditorium in New Brunswick. For more information, contact info@care41.net.

Additional information will be available this summer. Check back for updates as details are announced.

Relic presents a newly curated program titled The Blood of the Rose, honoring the tradition of Baroque music in 1700s Latin America through an instrumental retelling of the Venus and Adonis myth. Drawing on Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco’s La Púrpura de la Rosa, the first opera performed in the Americas, and on text by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, the concert interlaces music with spoken excerpts to animate the tale. It follows the lovers as their affection grows, shows Mars’s efforts to tear them apart, and concludes with their tragic end. This appearance marks Relic’s Music Before 1800 debut.

An open mic on the first Sunday of each month welcomes musicians, singers, comedians, and poets to share their work. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of spontaneous jamming, plus food available for purchase. Happening at Southard Grange #218, with donations to support the nonprofit appreciated.

At New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Mario Adrion brings a stop of The Superior Comedy Tour. The German-born stand-up has built an audience of more than four million followers through his online comedy. His set explores the quirks of life as a retired male model and the culture shocks of living in the United States as a European, delivered with candid storytelling. He previously took The German Efficiency Tour to audiences across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, and released his debut hourlong special, My Struggle, on YouTube. Now based in Los Angeles, he continues this global tour through clubs and theaters, blending sharp observations with a touch of European charm.

Rise Against brings Ricochet 2026 to The Fillmore Philadelphia for a high-energy night. This concert welcomes fans of all ages. Supporting acts may change without notice. Tickets will be available to the general public, with additional presale access offered through the artist, Spotify, Citi cardmembers, and Live Nation.

Experience an evening of theater, music, and heartfelt storytelling with Jaane Pehchaane Anjane, a live production led by renowned performers Anupam Kher and Swaroop Sampat. Directed by Gajendra Ahire, with music by Anu Malik, the play looks closely at relationships, identity, memory, and the surprising ties that connect people. Expect nuanced performances and engaging narrative moments that blend humor with reflection and spark inspiration. Presented by PRRIA Productions, this New York City presentation brings together celebrated Indian artists for a memorable cultural experience at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

Chicago-based instrumental trio Russian Circles bring their powerful, exploratory sound to Union Transfer with Pelican. Formed over two decades ago, the lineup of guitarist Mike Sullivan, drummer Dave Turncrantz, and bassist and keyboardist Brian Cook has earned a reputation for consistency and quality without leaning on hit singles. Their music blends Midwest underground grit, classic progressive rock, German motorik and kosmische rhythms, and the caustic edges of metal into a distinct voice. Their latest album, Nine, continues that evolution and was recorded with engineer Kurt Ballou, with tracking at Electrical Audio in Chicago and finishing at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts. This is an all ages show. A strict ticket limit is in place, and any order that exceeds it may be canceled without notice. For ADA assistance email UTassistance@bowerypresents.com, and for general questions email UTinfo@bowerypresents.com.