EVENTS 2025
Jan 22
Winter Wonders in the Garden
Join horticulturists at Grounds For Sculpture for a guided winter garden tour, showcasing seasonal plant highlights and expert insights into winter flora. Details at groundsforsculpture.org.
Jan 25
Rose Pruning Workshop
Learn the art of rose pruning from professionals at Grounds For Sculpture, preparing your garden for spring with hands-on techniques. Details at groundsforsculpture.org.
Feb 1
Jersey City Whiskey Fest
Features over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits. Ticket holders are able to try their favorite as well as new spirits. All while getting to know more about the whiskies from experts that will take them on the ultimate tour of whiskey. Taste an outstanding selection of whiskies and even a variety of craft spirits ranging from the all American Kentucky bourbons to the Mexican Tequila, Russian Vodka and more.
Not sure Whiskey is your drink of choice? We also feature a variety of spirits including Vodka, Gin, Tequila and many more. Details at newyorkcitywhiskeyfest.com/jersey-city-whiskey-fest.
Feb 21-23
Jersey Art Book Fair
Jersey Art Book (JAB) Fair will feature 200 exhibitors, including publishing houses, artists, designers, collectives, galleries and university programs. In addition to perusing and purchasing books, zines, posters and other print ephemera, there will be a packed schedule of demos, workshops, festivities and performances on both days. Details at jerseyartbookfair.org.
Heirloom Kitchen
Upscale, white-tiled New American kitchen with intimate chef’s-table dinners, plus cooking classes.
3853 County Rd 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Phone: (732) 727-9444| Web: heirloomkitchen.com
Casa d’Paco
Bustling hangout offering a weekly changing menu of Spanish tapas & desserts, plus a full bar.
73 Warwick St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: (862) 343-6300| Web: casadepaconj.com
Donkey’s Place
Down-home counter & bar joint featuring cheesesteaks on poppy seed buns & French fries.
1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: (856) 966-2616 | Web: www.donkeysplacemenu.com
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?
Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
The Victor Pub
Numerous flat-screen TVs & bar food in a modern, airy space located in the Victor Luxury Lofts.
1 Market St, Camden, NJ
Rozmaryn
Traditional Polish cooking provided in a homey, old-fashioned space with a BYOB policy.
925 N Olden Ave, Trenton, NJ
Hobby’s Delicatessen
Old-school option since 1962 for classic Jewish daytime eats & dinner before Devils’ & Nets’ games.
32 Branford Pl #2723, Newark, NJ
Eden Korean
Korean staples such as bibimbap & chicken bulgogi plus Japanese sushi in a relaxed space.
1428 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ
Le Peep
Casual breakfast & lunch chain with a long menu of straightforward fare & coffee drinks.
561 US-1 #10e, Edison, NJ
Bistro at Cherry Hill
Counter-style American joint serving soups, sandwiches & more in casual digs with an open kitchen.
2000 NJ-38, Cherry Hill, NJ
ITA101
An authentic Italian restaurant serving a limited, rotating menu with fresh, local ingredients.
20 S Main St, Medford, NJ
Sunshine Grill
Modest restaurant offering classic eats, including sandwiches, burgers & hot dogs with fries.
821 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ
San Lucas
Family-owned choice serving traditional fare in a casual, vibrant dining room with a jukebox.
2600 Federal St, Camden, NJ
Ghost Truck Kitchen
Minimalist take-out & delivery outpost for eclectic bites with global flavors & vegan options.
356 Varick St, Jersey City, NJ
EVENTS 2025
Mar 22-23
Spring Artisan Market
Discover handcrafted goods from over 60 artisans at Grounds For Sculpture, featuring jewelry, pottery, gourmet treats, and more. Details at groundsforsculpture.org.
Mar 27-30
Garden State Film Festival
Attend New Jersey’s premier independent film festival, showcasing a diverse array of films, workshops, and networking events for filmmakers and enthusiasts. Details at www.gsff.org.
Apr 12
Ocean City Doo Dah Parade
Celebrate spring with this whimsical parade featuring over 300 basset hounds, marching bands, and comedic floats along Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk. Details at ocnj.us/doodahparade.
Apr 26-27
ShadFest
Enjoy a weekend of art, music, food, and family-friendly activities celebrating the annual shad fish migration along the Delaware River. Details at shadfest.com.
May 3
Down and Derby Wine Festival
Savor selections from New Jersey wineries, enjoy live music, and participate in Derby-themed festivities at this annual wine celebration. Details at visitnj.org.
May 10-11
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
The weekend will feature a shopping, arts & crafts, and music experience in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park (Sat & Sun) and
EVENTS 2025
Asbury Hotel (Sun). The events will feature shopping from local makers, artists, designers, crafters and collectors; fresh flower bouquets, mother’s day photos and photo stations; music & entertainment; craft workshops; kids activities & face painting; delicious food & libations and more. Details at asburyparkbazaar.com.
May 17-18
New Jersey Vegan Food Festival
The New Jersey Vegan Food Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, and is a celebration of vegan and plant-based food, fashion, and culture. The festival will feature local chefs, vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music, and various activities. Details at seashepherd.org.
Jun 2
A Taste of South Jersey
Indulge in culinary delights from the region’s top chefs and restaurants, offering a diverse array of dishes and beverages. Details at eventbrite.com.
Jun 6-8
Asbury Park Oyster Festival
It’s a vibrant celebration with music, crafts, local businesses, and food vendors. While the event has evolved beyond its oyster-centric roots, it still offers a wide array of seafood options. Savor a variety of oyster dishes, craft beers, and live entertainment at this popular coastal festival. Details at asburyparkchamber.com.
Jun 7
Cultural Festival
The FREE one-day festival features live performances of music and dance, as well as traditional art demonstrations showcasing many diverse cultures. Details at mercercounty.org.
Jul 3
Franklin Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
Celebrate Independence Day with live entertainment, family activities, and
EVENTS 2025
a spectacular fireworks display in Franklin. Details at franklintwpnj.org.
Jul 11-13
NJ State Barbecue Championship
Enjoy mouthwatering barbecue from top pitmasters, live music, and cooking demonstrations at this premier culinary event. Details at morejersey.com.
Aug 9
The New Jersey State Fair
It’s an event that showcases agricultural achievements, animal exhibits, horse shows, carnival rides, vendors, and various other attractions. Over 100 Rides are available for your enjoyment, complete with our very own “kiddie land” for the little ones. Learn more at njfair.com.
Aug (Exact Date TBA)
New Brunswick Heart Festival – New Brunswick, NJ
Celebrate the arts and culture of New Brunswick with live performances, interactive activities, and community engagement. Visit morejersey.com
Sep 18-19
The Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, NJ
Experience the thrill of live rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, and more, as professional cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills. The only weekly professional rodeo in New Jersey. It features a variety of rodeo events and runs throughout the summer months. Additionally, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will hold an “Unleash The Beast” event at the Prudential Center in Newark Details at cowtownrodeo.com.
Sep 26-28
Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo
This show has something for every age and interest with hundreds of new boats on sale from the top dealers in the state representing boating’s most popular brands. Attendees will be able to board and shop all the top boat brands and models of all sizes. Learn more at jerseyboatexpo.com.
EVENTS 2025
Oct 4
Collingswood Book Festival
Celebrating its 23rd year, this outdoor literary festival transforms Haddon Avenue into a haven for book lovers, featuring author readings, panel discussions, and a diverse array of booksellers. Details at collingswoodbookfestival.com.
Oct 18-19
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
Celebrate the cranberry harvest with local crafts, food vendors, and live music in the heart of the Pine Barrens. Details at cranfest.info.
Oct 16-19
Cape May Fall Festival
Hosted by the New Jersey Audubon Society, this premier birding event offers guided walks, boat trips, and educational sessions during the peak of fall migration. Details at njaudubon.org.
Nov 7-24
TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Held at various venues including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, this festival honors jazz legend James Moody with performances by renowned artists and the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Details at njpac.org.
Nov 8-9
New Jersey Women’s Expo & Great Food Expo
This combined expo offers a weekend of shopping, culinary demonstrations, and seminars tailored to women’s interests and gourmet food enthusiasts. Details at newjerseywomensexpo.com.
Nov 15
Winterfest by the Sea
The Chamber of Commerce presents their Fifth Annual Winterfest By
Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations. Midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend ones.
Stay Smart: Skip pricey hotels and opt for hostels, vacation rentals, or even house-sitting gigs.
Eat Local: Ditch the tourist traps and try street food or local markets for authentic, wallet-friendly meals.
Use Freebies: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free days, and parks brimming with charm.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets early to snag the best deals.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With these tips, you can make memories that are priceless—without spending a fortune! Where will your next adventure take you?
EVENTS 2025
The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The event takes place inside the Civic Center. Craft vendors, food vendors and strolling Santa will be present. Learn more at oceancityvacation.com.
Dec 12 & 19
Festive Fridays
Downtown Ocean City comes alive with holiday spirit, offering shopping specials, horse and carriage rides, and festive decorations along Asbury Avenue. Details at oceancityvacation.com.
Dec 14-15
Somerset County 4-H Holiday Craft Festival
This free, family-friendly event features handmade crafts, a gingerbread house contest, train displays, and a visit from Santa Claus, perfect for holiday shopping and entertainment. Details at 4histops.org.
Dec through Jan 5, 2026
Festival of Trees – Princeton, NJ
An annual tradition, this event showcases beautifully decorated trees by local organizations, creating a festive atmosphere to kick off the holiday season. Details at morven.org.
NEWARK LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER
The Newark LGBTQ Community Center is a volunteer-run, community-based organization committed to providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community and our allies in the Newark, New Jersey area. Phone: (973) 424-9555 | Web: www.newarklgbtqcenter.org
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY LGBTQA PRIDE
For more than 14 years, Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride has devoted its energy to passionately advocating for the bullied, hungry, needy and politically under-represented members of our Cherry Hill and surrounding areas. Phone: (856) 248-0332 | Web: jerseygaypride.com
GARDEN STATE EQUALITY
Our mission is to provide quality, innovative community programs, educate and train service providers, and pass pro-equality policies to protect and meet the needs of LGBTQ New Jerseyans. Web: www.gardenstateequality.org
GABLES OF CAPE MAY COUNTY
GABLES hopes to earn the privilege of serving as the representative voice of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community of Cape May County and southern New Jersey. Phone: 609.861.1848 | Web: gablescapemay.com
NORTH JERSEY PRIDE
North Jersey Pride’s mission is to promote equality, celebrate family and support LGBTQ youth through fun and educational events. We invite our allies to join us as full partners in the mission to make the world safer for all our children. Web: www. northjerseypride.org
HUDSON PRIDE CENTER
We’re the largest LGBTQ+ social services center in New Jersey, and we offer a variety of free services to support, affirm and connect our community to each other and to the services they need. Phone: (201) 963-4779 | Web: hudsonpride.org
Feeling drained by endless notifications and screen time? A digital detox might be just what you need to reclaim your energy and focus!
Start small—try unplugging for an hour a day. Use this time to read, journal, or simply relax. Gradually extend your tech-free periods to rediscover what life feels like offline.
Create phone-free zones, like your bedroom or dinner table, to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful hobbies, like painting, yoga, or gardening.
You’ll notice big changes: better sleep, improved concentration, and more time for what truly matters. It’s not about ditching tech completely—it’s about finding balance.
So, go ahead! Power down to power up your life. What will you do with your reclaimed time?
