New Jersey’s weekend calendar is brimming with performances, concerts, comedy, and unique holiday-themed events from November 14–16, 2025. From Broadway-style shows and classical theater to top-tier concerts and interactive family experiences, there’s something for every taste across the Garden State.
Theater Highlights
The state’s theaters offer a mix of holiday classics, contemporary performances, and dramatic productions. Elf – The Musical, based on the beloved holiday film, is showing at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick Friday through Sunday, providing a joyful start to the festive season. Fans of classic drama can see Antigone at the Wilkins Theatre in Union on Saturday evening. For opera enthusiasts, the one-act El Gato con Botas (Puss in Boots) will be performed at Lawrenceville’s Fine Arts Building and The Yvonne Theater Friday at 7:30 p.m. Montville’s Barn Theatre presents Fun Home, a musical exploring a graphic novelist’s personal journey, on Friday night at 8 p.m. Meanwhile, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella comes to both Deal and Millville with performances Friday and Saturday evening.
Other notable stage experiences include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, the Broadway-style Cats in Pitman, Dutchman and The Slave at Passage Theatre in Trenton, and Crossroads Theatre Company’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy in New Brunswick. For mystery fans, Maplewood Strollers present Agatha Christie’s The Secret Adversary.
Comedy and Stand-Up
Comedy fans can enjoy top-tier acts across the state. Red Bank hosts Tracy Morgan at the Count Basie Center on Saturday evening, while Atlantic City’s Claridge Hotel welcomes Mike Marino, known as “New Jersey’s Bad Boy.” Former late-night host Jay Leno performs Friday at the Bergen Performing Arts Center, and Adam Ferrara brings his Top Gear humor to Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford Friday and Saturday. Montclair’s Yip! Yep! Yup! Improv Showcase promises high-energy laughs Friday night, while Jersey City and Hoboken feature multiple acts as part of the Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Fest, including “Laughter is the Best Medicine” and “Would You Rather W/Andre & Maggie.”
Margaret Cho’s new comedy show, Choligarchy, is on Sunday at Montclair’s Wellmont Theater, blending sharp commentary with humor.
Music and Concerts
Music lovers have an abundance of options. Bluegrass sensation Billy Strings performs at Newark’s Prudential Center Friday through Sunday, while R&B legend Freddie Jackson takes the stage at Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel Saturday evening. Tribute bands feature heavily this weekend, including The Breakers performing Tom Petty classics in Newton, Aftermath Classic Rock at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and SEVEN BAND DANCE PARTY, a Philadelphia Top 40 cover band, in Trenton Friday night.
The NJMEA All State Jazz Band and Choir perform Friday at NJPAC in Newark, and the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey brings mechanical music to life at Morristown’s Bickford Theatre. For pop fans, the Jonas Brothers continue their JONAS20 tour at Newark’s Prudential Center Saturday evening. Rock enthusiasts can catch Mammoth featuring Wolfgang Van Halen at Montclair’s Wellmont Theater Friday night, while Warren Zeiders performs at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.
For fans of alternative and nostalgic sounds, White Eagle Hall in Jersey City presents The Warped Tour Band & All The Blink Things Friday evening, while the YOUR 80’S REQUEST SHOW at Drew University on Saturday brings interactive retro hits to life.
Family-Friendly and Interactive Events
New Jersey families can enjoy seasonal and interactive experiences throughout the weekend. Let’s Catch Santa events, the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, and My (Unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical provide unique entertainment for all ages. The holiday spirit continues with performances like Elf – The Musical at the State Theatre New Jersey and the theatrical drag experience A Drag Queen Christmas hosted by Nina West on Sunday.
Sports fans also have options, with Sunday bringing the Giants vs. Packers game for live football action.
Whether your weekend plans include world-class theater, stand-up comedy, live music, or immersive family events, New Jersey offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and cultural experiences this November. For additional ideas and detailed event listings throughout the state, visit Explore New Jersey’s Activities & Fun section to discover even more ways to enjoy the Garden State this weekend.
