New Jersey will host a weekend of entertainment and community celebrations. There are opportunities across the state to gather and enjoy a variety of activities, food, music, live performances, and family-friendly events. The Garden State offers festivals, performances, and other uniquely New Jersey experiences.
Hoboken Italian Festival: Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri
- What: Celebration of Italian heritage
- When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, from 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, from noon to 9:15 p.m.
- Where: Along the Sinatra Promenade in Hoboken
- Cost: Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase
The Hoboken Italian Festival is a four-day celebration of Italian heritage. It features food and community spirit. Its centerpiece is Saturday’s Feast day, when the 800-pound statue of Madonna Dei Martiri is carried from St. Francis Church through the streets of Hoboken. The day includes the Blessing of the Fleet on the Hudson River, where the Madonna is sailed across the water, and festivities conclude with a fireworks display over Sinatra Park.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
- What: Community celebration of the parish
- When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from noon to midnight; and Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, from noon to 7 p.m.
- Where: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 721 Rahway Ave., Union
- Cost: Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase
The St. Demetrios Greek Festival is the signature annual celebration of the parish. It brings together faith and fellowship in a community gathering. Hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, New Jersey, the festival is the parish’s largest event of the year.
Damon Darling
- What: Comedian Damon Darling
- When: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at 7 and 9:15 p.m.
- Where: Bananas Comedy Club, Renaissance Hotel, 801 Rutherford Ave., Rutherford
- Cost: General Admission $31.99 and Reserved Seating $43.99
Damon Darling has become a breakout comedy star, amassing nearly a million followers and over 18 million TikTok likes for his viral drive-thru pranks and stand-up clips. Recognized for his sharp comedic personality and energetic stage presence, he has opened for some of the biggest names in comedy and now has a sold-out tour of his own. By seamlessly combining razor-sharp humor, relatable stories, and spontaneous crowd work, Darling provides a refreshing style that keeps audiences engaged.
Other Events
New Jersey is buzzing with celebrations and community events, providing entertainment and activities for all ages. From vintage automobiles to medieval revelry and waterfront celebrations, the weekend is packed with unique cultural experiences:
- Antique Classic Car Show: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville
- Renaissance Festival: Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (additional dates available) at Camp Sacajawea, 844 White Lake Road, Sparta
- Bayzara Music Festival: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, from noon to 9 p.m. at Keansburg Beach, Main Street and Beachway Ave., Keansburg
