10 Can’t-Miss Events In NJ Before Winter Ends

The 2026 events calendar in New Jersey is springing to life as winter makes its final push.

The 40-day Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday, and fish fry feeds fill the calendar on Fridays for the rest of February through March.

Whether you’re looking to check out a local fish fry event, ring in the spring season with some local shopping, hear live comedy, or try some new food, there are plenty of upcoming events planned throughout the Garden State.

These events are among 10 we’ve rounded up to fill out your calendar for February and March.

Are you planning an event for late winter or early spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our picks for the next couple of weeks (some events may require tickets or registration):

15th Annual Chili Cook-Off

• Date: Feb. 22
• Location: The Chubby Pickle (23 Bay Avenue, Highlands)
• Details: Join the Highlands Business Partnership for their annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place on March 21st.

NJ Home & Garden Show

• Dates: Feb. 27 through March 1
• Location: NJ Convention & Exposition Center (97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison)
• Details: Meet over 175 vendors, kitchen and bath professionals, interior and exterior designers and more at the NJ Home & Garden Show.

The Roast Of New Jersey

• Date: Feb. 28
• Location: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank)
• Details: Enjoy a one-night-only comedy concert about all things New Jersey at the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ first Roast of New Jersey, hosted by “Roastmaster General” comic Jeff Ross.

Shamrocks By The Shore

• Date: March 7
• Location: Pier Village (50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch)
• Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Pier Village’s family-friendly event filled with shopping, dining, entertainment and more.

The Chocolate Expo

• Dates: March 7 & March 8
• Location: NJ Convention & Exposition Center (97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison)
• Details: Enjoy tastings and sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods and more at the NJ Chocolate Expo.

Craft Show

• Date: March 8
• Location: Wayne Valley High School (551 Valley Road, Wayne)
• Details: Browse from displays of over 100 exhibitors at the Wayne Valley High School Craft Show. Admission is $3.

Sunflower Lantern Festival Gala

• Date: March 8
• Location: The Dream Stage (1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford)
• Details: Experience the beauty of Chinese culture as young dancers from Sunflower Arts Center light up the Sunflower Lantern Festival Gala at American Dream.

Comedy Night Live

• Date: March 13
• Location: State Theatre New Jersey (15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick)
• Details: Enjoy a night of laughs with four comedians at State Theatre New Jersey (including Joey Vega, Maureen Langan, Alex Quow and Vinnie Brand).

Ringling Bros: Barnum & Bailey

• Dates: March 19 through March 22
• Location: Prudential Center (25 Lafayette Street, Newark)
• Details: Enjoy jaw-dropping moments, world-class performances and more at “the greatest show on earth.”

Annual Fish Fry Dinner

• Date: March 27
• Location: Hammonton Independent Vol. Fire Co. 2 (51 N. White Horse Pike, Hammonton)
• Details: Join the Hammonton Independent Vol. Fire Co. 2 for their Annual Fish Fry Dinner at the end of March.