As autumn deepens across New Jersey, the state’s arts and culture calendar is alive with events that blend creativity, tradition, and seasonal festivity. From immersive theatrical performances to breathtaking outdoor displays, residents and visitors have a wide array of experiences to explore this week. Whether you’re near Camden, Princeton, Jersey City, or beyond, the Garden State offers something for every art lover, culture enthusiast, and seasonal adventurer. For a full calendar of arts and cultural happenings across New Jersey, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/activities-fun/.
One of the season’s standout offerings returns with expanded excitement. Holland Ridge Farms’ Winter Wonderland is back for its second year, adding new festive elements and the first-ever weekend drone light show. The farm’s U-Pick tulips experience has grown to include more illuminated paths, interactive photo opportunities, and holiday-themed decorations that transform the grounds into a sparkling wonderland. Families and friends can stroll through twinkling landscapes, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the whimsical spirit of the season in this one-of-a-kind New Jersey destination.
Art enthusiasts can also look forward to the opening of Novado Gallery’s “Of Matter and Light,” a two-person exhibition featuring the work of Robert Glisson and Brooke Lanier. Curated by Anne Novado and Eleazar Sanchez, the show runs from November 8 through December 6, offering visitors an exploration of materiality, form, and illumination through contemporary artistic expression.
Galleries like Novado continue to anchor New Jersey’s vibrant cultural ecosystem, inviting both seasoned collectors and first-time visitors to engage with thought-provoking works.
For those interested in seasonal traditions, the Swedish Christmas Fair at the Commonwealth Club on Sunday, November 23, promises a festive and family-friendly experience. Hosted by the New Jersey Chapter of SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association), the fair features traditional Swedish foods, handmade crafts, baked goods, and holiday decorations. Attendees can enjoy spiced Glögg, participate in raffles, and watch the Lucia pageant and choir performance at 1:30 p.m., a highlight of Swedish cultural heritage and a truly unique holiday tradition in New Jersey.
Camden continues to showcase its local talent and creative energy with events this week. The CAMDEN360 Photo Exhibit opens Wednesday, October 29, at 3 p.m. at the JPEG Gallery, featuring the work of photographer Erik James Montgomery. Montgomery’s lens captures the city’s resilience and challenges, presenting a compelling narrative of urban life. Theatre lovers can also enjoy Rutgers-Camden’s production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, which opens on Friday, October 31, at the Walter K. Gordon Theater, highlighting the region’s commitment to high-caliber performing arts.
Princeton is hosting a 24-hour public celebration for the grand opening of the new Princeton University Art Museum building, beginning Friday, October 31, at 5 p.m. The event features a full slate of programming including art-making, poetry readings, sky-gazing, and live performances, creating an immersive experience that connects the public to both art and architecture in a dynamic, participatory way.
For adult audiences seeking a thrilling and theatrical Halloween experience, ARTS 14C in Jersey City offers ‘Fraidy Cat Tours PLUS Music from the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s on Wednesday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., combining live music with an immersive, spooky cityscape. Meanwhile, Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick celebrates its new season with the opening night of Lynn Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy, including a cocktail reception and post-show gathering. In Newark, NJPAC presents The Thorn, a cirque-style theatrical performance that blends music, acrobatics, and storytelling to explore themes of faith and resilience, showing Wednesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 30. Haddon Township’s Ritz Theatre Company continues its run of the cult favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show, giving audiences a chance to revel in this iconic musical comedy horror experience through Sunday, November 2.
With these diverse offerings, New Jersey demonstrates the depth and vitality of its cultural calendar, blending seasonal festivities with world-class artistic programming and community-centered events. From immersive exhibits and groundbreaking gallery shows to family-friendly festivals and iconic theatrical productions, the state provides endless opportunities to engage, celebrate, and create lasting memories. For more information on arts, performances, and cultural activities throughout the Garden State, explore https://explorenewjersey.org/activities-fun/.
