New Jersey’s entertainment calendar rarely slows down, but the weekend of Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, 2025 stands out as one of the most vibrant of the fall season. From major arena concerts and intimate acoustic shows to family festivals, theatrical premieres, comedy showcases, athletic events, and holiday markets, residents and visitors alike will find the state buzzing with options. Whether you’re planning a night out in Newark, a cultural afternoon in Montclair, or a family-friendly outing down the Shore, this weekend showcases just how dynamic New Jersey’s event scene can be. To explore even more happenings statewide, check out our full lineup of events.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21: MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, MARKETS & MORE

The weekend opens with a surge of live music. Newark’s Prudential Center hosts a powerful R&B double billing as Brandy & Monica take the stage at 7 p.m., promising a night of nostalgia and vocal fireworks. Across town at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater, Carlos Varela with Jackson Browne offer a rare collaborative evening at 7:30 p.m., while acclaimed bassist Christian McBride brings his band to NJPAC later at 8 p.m. for an electrifying set rooted in jazz mastery.

Local stages also come alive. Newark Symphony Hall presents Lil Poppa at 7 p.m., bringing a surge of contemporary energy to the Terrace Ballroom. In Passaic, Fiesta Night Club & Restaurant hosts Repartiendo Salsa y Timba en New Jersey, a late-night celebration of Latin music featuring JP El Chamaco, Coti Loyola, and Coco La Figura y La Maquina Timbera at 9 p.m. Montclair’s Pineapple Express Barbecue presents Dead Reckoning, returning for two sets of Grateful Dead favorites at 8 p.m., and in Teaneck, Debonair Music Hall offers an intimate acoustic showcase with Tony Harnell, Eric Martin, and PJ Farley at 7 p.m. Down the Shore, Lawrence Haber performs at Belmar’s Anchor Tavern at 6 p.m.

New Jersey’s theaters are equally active. A fresh production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella lights up the stage in Deal at 7 p.m., while South Amboy hosts Acoustic Friday with performances by Acoustic Edu and Michael Askin at 7 p.m. Kean University stages Antigone at Wilkins Theatre at 10 a.m., offering a daytime performance of the Greek tragedy. Later, White Eagle Hall in Jersey City brings audiences a tribute to The Band with The Last Waltz at 8 p.m.

Comedy fans have options too. The AC Jokes Comedy Club at Resorts in Atlantic City welcomes Gary G Garcia at 9 p.m., Mahwah’s Booyah! hosts an early comedy evening featuring Richie Byrne at 6:30 p.m., and The American Hotel in Freehold presents The Uncle Louie Variety Show at 7 p.m.

Beyond music and comedy, the state offers special events throughout the day. Neptune Township hosts a charitable Texas Hold ’Em Tournament supporting the Deanna Bottone Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund at 6 p.m., while the Asbury Park Spring Bazaar returns to Convention Hall at noon with shopping, food, and live entertainment. Long Beach Island Foundation opens its doors at 9 a.m. for the LBIF Holiday Market, and in Newark, the NJIT Campus Center fashions a cultural celebration with Owambe: Continental Twist at 6 p.m. College basketball fans can head to Piscataway for Rutgers vs. Central Connecticut, tipping off at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22: LIVE SHOWS, BENEFITS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday’s calendar highlights musical diversity across every corner of the state. Tony Award winner Sutton Foster headlines MPAC at 8 p.m., showcasing her signature blend of Broadway charisma and powerhouse vocals. At Galeria West in Westfield, Barbara Martinez & Alba Musik blend flamenco and world music at 7:30 p.m., while Wade Preston delivers a spirited Billy Joel Tribute at Laurita Winery.

Asbury Park’s legendary Stone Pony welcomes Monkey Wrench, a Foo Fighters tribute, at 6 p.m., and the New Milford Elks Lodge hosts Rock Jam New Milford, a fundraiser benefiting homeless veterans, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Comedy remains plentiful. Jersey City’s Laugh Tour Comedy Club packs the room at 6:30 p.m., and Atlantic City’s Ovation Hall brings political commentator Greg Gutfeld and comedian Tom Shillue to the stage at 8 p.m.

Sports fans can watch the Harlem Wizards bring their dazzling basketball show to Toms River at 3 p.m. Tennis enthusiasts can visit East Brunswick for the Dr. Dale G. Caldwell Community Tennis Classic at 5:45 p.m., and South Plainfield becomes home to roller derby excitement with the 2nd Annual Dirty Fest at 2 p.m.

Festival season continues with the L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair opening at Mercer County Park at 5 p.m., while pet lovers and craft shoppers converge at the Gone to the Dogs Annual Craft Fair & Family Festival in Logan Township at 10 a.m. Families can also enjoy a matinee of Cinderella in Deal at 2 p.m. And in Cherry Hill, the Vera Bar & Grill hosts an R&B Sing-A-Long Day Party at 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23: HISTORY, HOLIDAY MARKETS & LIVE ARTS

Sunday brings a blend of history and seasonal tradition. River Edge hosts Retreat to Victory, commemorating the 249th anniversary of Washington’s retreat across New Jersey, beginning at 10 a.m. In Cherry Hill, shoppers can browse handmade goods at the CHPL Holiday Craft Fair at 1 p.m.

The state’s arts venues continue their momentum. New Brunswick’s State Theatre welcomes classical performances, Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Swingin’ in a Winter Wonderland, and Montclair’s Wellmont Theater hosts Chiodos at 4 p.m. as part of their 20-year anniversary tour. Later in the evening, Newark’s Prudential Center erupts with salsa energy as El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico & Grupo Niche headline the Salsa Pa’l Mundo Tour at 5 p.m.

State Theatre New Jersey then caps the night with a family-friendly Wicked Sing-A-Long film screening, inviting guests of all ages to enjoy a musical classic in a new, interactive way.

ONGOING EVENTS THROUGH THE WEEKEND

Several major productions continue throughout November, enhancing the weekend with long-running theatrical and musical engagements. Crossroads Theatre Company stages Lynn Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy in New Brunswick, The Wellmont Theater hosts Dark Star Orchestra for back-to-back performances celebrating Grateful Dead history, and Red Bank’s Count Basie Center keeps audiences entertained with The Amish Outlaws and Donna the Buffalo. Sayreville’s Starland Ballroom features Pink Talking Fish and Waterparks, while tribute shows, classical recitals, and seasonal concerts round out a calendar overflowing with options.

With so much happening across the Garden State, November’s third weekend proves once again that New Jersey is a destination for culture, entertainment, and community gatherings. From live music to family festivals to local markets, there is no shortage of places to explore—and no better time to get out and experience everything the state has to offer.