As the leaves turn and autumn settles across the Garden State, New Jersey is gearing up for a vibrant month of entertainment and cultural events. From Broadway-inspired performances to live music, immersive theater, and film festivals, October offers something for every interest and age group.

Film lovers can immerse themselves in the New Jersey Film Festival, running from September 5 through October 10 at Rutgers University and online. This annual showcase presents a diverse slate of independent films, shorts, and documentaries, offering audiences a glimpse into both regional talent and international storytelling. Virtual screenings also provide flexibility for moviegoers who prefer to enjoy films from home. Notable films and screenings include:

• Wrestle-Off: This film about a high school wrestler dealing with grief and hostility while competing for a spot on an all-male team was featured.
• Rutgers-affiliated films: Several films made by Rutgers faculty and alumni were shown.
  • Marine Field Station, a documentary about scientists tracking marine life in New Jersey, was produced and directed by Thomas F. Lennon.
  • Harlem to Harvard, a documentary by Rutgers alum Zuzelin Martin, tells the story of Edouard E. Plummer, who helped hundreds of students attend elite schools.
  • Our Borderlands, a film by Rutgers alum Viktor Witkowski, is about his 92-year-old grandmother who lives in Poland near the German border.
• International films: The festival included films from a variety of international locations, including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland, and Spain. 

Special events and workshops Include:

• Audio-visual concert: The band Cold Weather Company performed an audio-visual concert on October 10.
• Filmmaking workshops: Three free filmmaking workshops were offered during the festival for attendees. 

Festival format and access:

• The festival used a hybrid model, allowing virtual access to all films for 24 hours on their show date.
• In-person screenings were held in Voorhees Hall at Rutgers University, with specific parking available for registered visitors.
• A single general admission ticket or festival pass covered both virtual and in-person access when both were offered. 

Theater enthusiasts will find plenty of live performances throughout October. Agatha Christie fans can catch the suspense-filled Murder on the Links at Two River Theater in Red Bank through October 5. Shakespeare aficionados can experience the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, bringing classic storytelling to life with modern staging. For musical theater fans, Bull Durham opens at Paper Mill Playhouse on October 2, promising a fresh, dynamic production that blends Americana, sports, and Broadway flair.

McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton)

• I and You
  • When: Performances run through the weekend, with a matinee on Saturday, October 4.
  • Tickets: Starting at $36.20. 

Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn)

• Bull Durham (Musical)
  • When: Runs through the weekend, with performances on Friday, October 3, Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5.
  • Tickets: Starting at $68. 

Theatre Intime (Princeton)

• All My Sons by Arthur Miller
  • When: Performances on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5.
  • Details: A play about the conflict between business and personal ethics. 

Music takes center stage across the state with a lineup of diverse performances. Hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ brings their high-energy Grey Day Tour to Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on October 1, while K-pop sensation TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) performs back-to-back nights at the Prudential Center in Newark on October 1 and 2. Rock enthusiasts can enjoy a range of concerts, from Eric Johnson’s Texaphonic Tour at the Newton Theatre to iconic tributes like EagleMania and Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute shows. Progressive rock legends YES also hit the stage with their Fragile 2025 Tour, while indie-rock favorites The Mountain Goats perform at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City.

Music and musical theatre

PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel)

• Cousin Brucie Presents: The Rascals, Gary Lewis & The Playboys
  • When: Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.. 

Little Firehouse Theatre (Oradell)

• Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
  • When: Performances run through the weekend. 

Brook Arts Center (Bound Brook)

• Alex Radus
  • When: Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m..
  • Details: Features music by Roshambo, Hot4Robot, and RedVox. 

Mayo Performing Arts Center (Morristown)

• Pink Martini
  • When: Saturday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m.. 

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark)

• Stardew Valley – Symphony of Seasons
  • When: Saturday, October 4 at 3:00 p.m.. 

Union County Performing Arts Center (Rahway)

• New Jersey Symphony – Moonrise: A Celestial Celebration
  • When: Saturday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m..
  • Tickets: Starting at $78. 

Broadway Theatre of Pitman (Pitman)

• The Rat Pack Together Again!
  • When: Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.. 

Stand-up comedy Shows This weekend:

Stress Factory Comedy Club (New Brunswick)

• Jim Breuer-SUPERSTAR ENGAGEMENT!
  • When: Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at various times.
  • Tickets: Starting at $38. 

Bananas Comedy Club (Rutherford)

• Tara Cannistraci
  • When: Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4.
  • Details: The club is located inside the Holiday Inn and offers dinner and a show. 

Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club (Point Pleasant Beach)

• Eric Neumann
  • When: Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4.
  • Tickets: Starting at $39. 

The Laugh Tour Comedy Club (Jersey City)

• The Laugh Tour Comedy Club @ Dorrian’s
  • When: Thursday, October 2, Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4.
  • Details: The club is located inside Dorrian’s Red Hand restaurant.
• Comics from Netflix and The Tonight Show will be featured. 

Lower Forge Brewery (Medford)

• Comedy Night
  • When: Saturday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m..
  • Details: Features Baltimore Port Comedy Club regulars Eddie Colson and Matt Pennington. 

Jackson Fire Station 55 (Jackson)

• Comedy Night!
  • When: Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 p.m..
  • Details: Hosted by the Jackson Firefighters to support the local fire station. 

Family-friendly and interactive experiences are abundant this month. Kids and adults alike can enjoy Disney’s Moana: Live-to-Film Concert at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank or celebrate literature and creativity with Mr. Mike’s Drawing Spooktacular, also at the Basie Center. Magic enthusiasts can marvel at Masters of Illusion, showcasing world-class magicians performing jaw-dropping tricks.

October also brings a spectrum of festivals and cultural celebrations. The Festival of the Moon at Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway runs from October 4 through 20, offering a 17-day blend of art, music, and interactive experiences for the whole family. Foodies and culture seekers can combine live performances with a taste of local flavor by exploring additional New Jersey events on the Explore New Jersey events page.

Sports fans are not left out, with Jets vs. Cowboys and other athletic events creating an exciting fall atmosphere. Meanwhile, classical and jazz aficionados can enjoy performances by Pink Martini All-Stars with special guest Storm Large at McCarter Theatre in Princeton on October 5.

Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of live concerts, the drama of stage performances, the magic of film, or family-friendly interactive events, this weekend promises an unmatched lineup across New Jersey. From northern hubs like Newark and Madison to coastal and central locations including Red Bank, Holmdel, and Rahway, the Garden State is alive with activity. Each event presents a chance to explore New Jersey’s dynamic arts and culture scene, celebrate local talent, and create lasting memories.

Events This Weekend in New Jersey

Film & Cinema

• New Jersey Film Festival – Rutgers University & Online, Sept. 5 – Oct. 10
  Showcasing independent films, shorts, and documentaries from local and international filmmakers. Stream online or attend in person for a cinematic experience that highlights creativity and storytelling.

Theater & Stage

• Murder on the Links – Two River Theater, Red Bank, Sept. 13 – Oct. 5
  Step into an Agatha Christie mystery as Hercule Poirot investigates a shocking death on a French golf course. Perfect for mystery lovers.
• Romeo and Juliet – F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, Madison, Sept. 20 – Oct. 5
  Shakespeare’s classic love story comes alive on stage with passionate performances and a modern sensibility.
• Bull Durham – Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, Oct. 2 – Nov. 2
  A lively musical blending Americana, baseball, and romance. This production opens the 2025-2026 season with heart and humor.
• The Mousetrap Live – Levoy Theatre, Millville, Oct. 3 – 5
  Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit is performed live, bringing suspense and intrigue to the stage.

Music & Concerts

• $uicideboy$ – Grey Day Tour 2025 – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden, Oct. 1
  Underground hip-hop duo delivers an energetic night of high-intensity music and lyrical storytelling.
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) World Tour – Prudential Center, Newark, Oct. 1 – 2
  K-pop superstars bring their global tour to New Jersey, offering a dynamic live show for fans.
• Eric Johnson – Texaphonic Tour 2025 – Newton Theatre, Newton, Oct. 2
  Legendary rock guitarist showcasing decades of virtuoso playing and hit songs.
• YES – Fragile 2025 Tour – New Jersey, Oct. 2
  Progressive rock pioneers return with their classic hits and new material.
• Seether & Daughtry – The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park, Oct. 4
  Rock powerhouse night with hits from two globally recognized bands.
• The B-52s & DEVO – Cosmic De-Evolution Tour – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, Oct. 4
  Iconic new wave bands perform hits spanning decades of groundbreaking music.
• White Eagle Hall Performances – Jersey City, Oct. 4 – 5
  Indie-rock legends The Mountain Goats and multi-instrumentalist Theo Katzman bring engaging performances to this historic venue.
• Pink Martini All-Stars with Storm Large – McCarter Theatre, Princeton, Oct. 5
  Jazz and classical fusion with a star-studded live ensemble.

Family & Interactive Events

• Disney’s Moana: Live-to-Film Concert – Count Basie Center, Red Bank, Oct. 3
  Watch the beloved animated film on screen while a live orchestra performs the score, creating an immersive musical experience.
• Mr. Mike’s Drawing Spooktacular – Count Basie Center, Red Bank, Oct. 5
  Interactive storytime and drawing event celebrating the latest children’s book in a fun and creative environment.
• Festival of the Moon – Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, Oct. 4 – 20
  A 17-day celebration of art, music, and imagination, perfect for families and art enthusiasts.

Comedy & Specialty Shows

• Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real! Comedy Tour – State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, Oct. 2
  Comedic performances exploring the humor and chaos of life in education.
• Masters of Illusion – Various Locations, Oct. 5
  A spellbinding magic show featuring top award-winning illusionists.

Specialty & Cultural Performances

• Buena Vista Social Orchestra / Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos – State Theatre New Jersey, Oct. 2 & 4
  Cuban jazz and Latin rhythms delivered by internationally celebrated musicians.
• Ana Popovic & Coco Montoya – Newton Theatre, Newton, Oct. 4
  Electrifying blues guitar duos combining funk, slide, and soulful vocals.
• Finger Eleven – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, Oct. 4
  Alternative rock band performing fan favorites and new material.
• Julie Fowlis – New Jersey, Oct. 4
  Celtic folk singer bringing haunting melodies and traditional storytelling to the stage.

Sports & Recreation

• Jets vs. Cowboys – Date & MetLife Stadium, Oct. 5
  High-energy NFL matchup for football fans looking to experience live sports action.

New Jersey Film Festival (NJFF) in 2026E and coming up

• Spring 2026 New Jersey Film Festival: The 44th bi-annual NJFF is scheduled to run from January 23 to February 15, 2026, at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. The festival will feature a selection of independent films, premier screenings, and appearances by filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors.
• United States Super 8mm Film & Digital Video Festival: This festival is a related event and will be held from February 21 to 22, 2026, at Rutgers University. It is focused on works predominantly shot on Super 8mm, 8mm, or digital video formats.
• Call for entries: Submissions for the Spring 2026 NJFF are already open, with the event showcasing films selected from hundreds of global entries. 

Other upcoming New Jersey film festivals in 2025 and 2026

• Montclair Film Festival: Scheduled for October 17–26, 2025, this festival will include screenings, Q&As, and live conversations with filmmakers.
• ReelAbilities NJ Film Festival: On October 30, 2025, this festival will feature a presentation and discussion with Heidi Latsky.
• Rutgers New Jersey Jewish Film Festival: This event is scheduled for November 6–16, 2025, in New Brunswick.
• The 2nd Annual fliXfest International Film Festival: This festival for filmmakers will take place in Teaneck on December 14, 2025.
• Garden State Film Festival: The 24th annual event is set for March 26–29, 2026, in Asbury Park and Cranford.
• Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest: Scheduled for April 25, 2026, this festival is hosted by the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
• Lighthouse International Film Festival: The 18th annual festival on Long Beach Island will be held from June 10–14, 2026.