Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from September 23-29, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Music, Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Film, Books, Art, Community, Event Listings.
Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to [email protected] to have your shows considered for previews. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. They serve as event boosters - they can help your shows get higher rankings with search engines. There is no cost for preview articles. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
2026 Jersey City Music & Arts Festival to take place September 24th to October 3rd. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony presents the Jersey City Music & Arts Festival from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, October 3, 2026 in the Powerhouse Arts District (Provost Street between Bay and Morgan Streets). Admission is free and open to the public.
State Theatre New Jersey presents the National Broadway Tour of "Beetlejuice". (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national Broadway tour of the award-winning musical comedy Beetlejuice for five performances from September 25-27, 2026. Based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
Friday, September 25 - BBD Rhythm & Blues Band to Perform at Orchard Park By David Burke. (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Orchard Park by David Burke presents some high-quality original blues when respected New Jersey-based bluesman James 'JB' Barnes and his BBD Rhythm & Blues Band perform there in concert on Friday, September 25, 2026. Showtime is 7:00pm. Admission is free.
Friday, September 25 - MPAC presents Ailey II. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Ailey II, the dynamic second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, are on a 27-city tour across the country that comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, September 25, 2026. The next generation of dance will present a riveting repertory featuring a world premiere by Ailey II's very own Artistic Director Francesca Harper in collaboration with Jermaine Spivey, mesmerizing new productions by Alvin Ailey and Ronald K. Brown, and cherished classics that showcase the company’s virtuosity. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Saturday, September 26 - Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center presents Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience. (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center presents Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience on Saturday, September 26 at 7;30pm. This is a spectacular tribute to the life and work of the Supreme Diva. Accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, Deanna Carroll covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations with spot-on vocals.
Saturday, September 26 - The New Jersey Film Festival takes a bite out of The Flesh People. How far are you willing to go for success? What lines will you cross to feel important? Keshav Srinivasan asks these questions with The Flesh People, and the answers are gruesome. In this film, roommates Ricky (Jorge Carrión Álvarez) and Geraldine (Louise Heller) decide that the best way to make money is to do underground surgeries on people and serve food made of human meat. Trigger warnings aside, this might be one of the best body horror movies I've seen in a while. Click here for a video Q&A about the film.
Saturday, September 26 - Carteret PAC presents An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer. (CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act - This is the real thing.
Saturday, September 26 - The Wonder Bar presents Dramarama. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Dramarama returns to the Wonder Bar on Saturday, September 26, 2026 with Lisa Bouchelle & The Bleu opening the night. Doors are at 7:00pm. New Jersey Stage considers Dramarama as one of the best live bands to ever come out of the Garden State.
Friday, September 25 - The Newton Theatre presents Hollywood Nights - America's Bob Seger Experience on September 25th. (NEWTON, NJ) -- Hollywood Nights - The Bob Seger Experience comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are a 9-piece band based in New Jersey who continues to strive to recreate everything about Bob Seger and his music down to the core.
Friday, September 25 - The Folk Project's Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Ellis Paul on Friday. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Folk Project's Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Ellis Paul on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 7:30pm. He will be on a bill with The Folk Project's 2026 Songwriting Contest winners: Winter Wilson, Andrew Lorand, and Erik Balkey.
Saturday, September 26 - SOPAC presents Willie Nile's Jukebox on September 26th. (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents Willie Nile's Jukebox on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. For one night, Willie is throwing open the jukebox — pulling rarities, deep cuts, and the songs fans always ask for into a single, career-spanning set.
Saturday, September 26 - The Berrie Center for the Arts presents Seals & Crofts 2 on Saturday. (MAHWAH, NJ) -- The Berrie Center for the Arts presents Seals & Crofts 2 on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. For millions of fans, the music of Seals & Crofts was more than just songs — it was the soundtrack of their lives.
Saturday, September 26 - Wellmont Theater presents Robin Trower on Saturday. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wellmont Theater presents Robin Trower on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary guitarist from Procol Harum continues to release news works like 2025's studio album Come and Find Me and his latest live album - One Moment in Time: Live in the USA.
Saturday, September 26 - NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th. (NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
Classic American Tales' presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday. (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "A Doll's House, Part 2". (NUTLEY, NJ) -- Fifteen years after leaving her family and stagnant marriage, Henrik Ibsen's Nora returns home in Lucas Hnath's A Doll's House Part 2. Nutley Little Theatre presents this sequel to Ibsen's classic play across three weekends from September 11-26, 2026.
The Players Guild of Leonia and Kaleidoscope Ensemble present the World Premiere of "The Old Ladies Bar". (LEONIA, NJ) -- The World Premiere of The Old Ladies Bar by Natasha Caroline Lowery Rivers is a co-production between The Players Guild of Leonia and Kaleidoscope Ensemble. Directed by TS Murphy, the production takes place weekends from September 18-27, 2026.
Bergen County Players to open 94th season with "The Producers". (ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the #1 Theater Venue in Bergen County by (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen poll, the Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 2026/27 season with Mel Brooks' The Producers. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its 94th season to present this area premiere at the Little Firehouse Theatre from September 19 through October 10, 2026.
Phoenix Productions presents "Pirates - The Penzance Musical". (RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Pirates - The Penzance Musical from September 25-27, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. This is a jazzy and joyous reimagining of the beloved Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance.
Wednesday, September 23 - The Ugly Pancake Comedy Festival to Take Place in Asbury Park and NYC. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Ugly Pancake Comedy Festival is back at The Jersey Shore for the 4th time! Ugly Pancake's Joey Borzotta and Angelo Gingerelli have been bringing the best in stand-up comedy to The Jersey Shore since 2021 and they are celebrating their five year anniversary with their biggest festival yet.
Thursday, September 24 - The Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab on September 24th. (NEWARK, NJ) -- The Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The night is hosted by Lauren LoGiudice (HBO). Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Thursday, September 24 - Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Mark Viera. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Mark Viera from September 24-26, 2026. Born and raised in The Bronx, Mark became fascinated with comedy at a very young age.
Saturday, September 26 - bergenPAC presents Andrew Dice Clay on September 26th. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Andrew Dice Clay on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. He's proud to be one of America's most controversial and outrageous comics. Quite simply, Dice is a Rock and Roll comedy legend. When he released his debut album, Dice, the parental advisory label simply read "Warning: This album is offensive."
Saturday, September 26 - Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Rich Francese's Italian American Comedy All Stars on Saturday. (AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Rich Francese's Italian American Comedy All Stars on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. This is a fast paced, unpredictable, and hysterically funny show. Featuring the best Italian American comedians in the country!
Saturday, September 26 - Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre to Hold Free Events in Piscataway and Perth Amboy. (PERTH AMBOY, NJ) -- Join New Jersey's premier Spanish & Flamenco dance company, the critically acclaimed Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, for two FREE public USA/250 History Lecture/Demo events on September 26th at the Kennedy Library, Piscataway, and on October 4th at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Perth Amboy. Both events are at 2:30pm.
Wednesday, September 23 - South Mountain Film Academy premieres student-led documentary "The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On" on September 23rd. (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The South Mountain Film Academy (SMFA), in partnership with the Maplewood Memorial Library, announced the premiere of "The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On," a poignant 15-minute documentary filmed and produced by local middle school students. The short film explores the history of Maplewood's nearly 100-year-old theater, the venue's role in the community and residents' excitement about the plans to reopen – just in time for the centennial.
Friday, September 25 - The ShowRoom to screen "The Airwaves Belonged to the People: WBCN & The American Revolution". (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The trailer opens with Bruce Springsteen shouting "Good evening Asbury Park." The film is The Airwaves Belonged to the People: WBCN and the American Revolution and it'll run three nights at the Showroom Cinema in Asbury Park from September 25-27, 2026.
Saturday, September 26 - Celebrate 27 Years of Oktoberfest in Leonia. (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Rotary Club of the Palisades invites the community to celebrate the 27th Annual Leonia Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 3:00pm to 10:00pm at Wood Park in Leonia. Enjoy a fun-filled day of live music, beer, dancing, entertainment, crafts, face painting, Dolly the Clown, and a Beer Stemming Competition. NEW this year: a variety of Food Trucks and Vendor Craft Tables featuring fun crafts, unique items, and more!
Saturday, September 26 - Phillips' Mill Partners with Bucks County Inns to Make Its 97th Annual Juried Art Show Part of a Fall Arts Getaway. (NEW HOPE, PA) -- The 97th Annual Juried Art Show at Phillips' Mill, presented September 26 through November 1, 2026, is inviting visitors to make the exhibition part of a fall getaway through new partnerships with area inns and hotels.
Sunday, September 27 - Monmouth County Park System to host Harvest Home Festival. (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System will host its Harvest Home Festival from 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned fair from the 1890s, this event features wagon rides, old-fashioned games, live entertainment, and craft demonstrations.
Monday, September 28 - American Theater Group presents "In Conversation" with Tony Danza at Union Arts Center. (UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will launch a new In Conversation live event series with special guest Tony Danza at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Tuesday, September 29 - Clement's Place hosts City in Notes: A Community Mural-Making Event. (NEWARK, NJ) -- How does jazz make you feel? What does it help you see? You’re invited to explore the connection between jazz, legacy, emotion and color at a special community workshop, where everyone can take part in the creation of a new mural that will be installed in the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center on NJPAC's campus when it opens in 2027. The event takes place at Clement's Place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 6:30pm.
Thursday, September 24 - Go On a Bilingual Summertime Adventure with Musician / Author Lucky Diaz. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man, for a virtual discussion on Thursday, September 24, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.
The Skylands Museum of Art presents "FINI...pas fini!". (LAFAYETTE, NJ) -- The Skylands Museum of Art (Skylands Museum) presents Fini...pas fini! (from the French: Fini is not finished!), a temporary fine art exhibition from the permanent collection of over 30 works by internationally recognized artist Leonor Fini from May 16 to September 26, 2026. Skylands Museum will exhibit original drawings, etchings, silkscreens and lithographs of portraits, sphinxes, female figures, cats and fantastical beings imagined by the fascinating artist.
Gryphon Gallery presents "Absence of Gravity" - a Robin Love solo exhibition. (CALIFON, NJ) -- Robin Love's ABSENCE OF GRAVITY opens at Gryphon Gallery on May 30 and runs through September 27, 2026.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University to Open Three New Summer Exhibitions. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University will open three new summer exhibitions on July 11, 2026 — one documenting how the COVID-19 pandemic affected city businesses, one featuring the "crackpot realism" of artist Jim Brossy, and the third highlighting the works of multidisciplinary artist Thomas Murray.
Click on the date for more information or to purchase tickets for the show.
Thursday, September 24 @ 7:00pm - Dolph Lundgren In Conversation at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret. Fights Worth Fighting by Dolph Lundgren is a powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir from one of the most enduring icons of action cinema.
Thursday, September 24 @ 7:30pm - An Evening with Kenny G at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Superstar saxophonist Kenny G has been a staple in pop and contemporary jazz since the 1980s, with crossover hits such as “Songbird” that have made him a favorite of fans worldwide who love his expressive melodies and emotional solos.
Friday, September 25 @ 6:00pm - CLUB MAC Back to School Night! at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown. Celebrate back-to-school season with a magical Kids Night Out inspired by Matilda! Kids will enjoy themed crafts, exciting games, pizza, drinks, snacks, and fun activities that spark imagination.
Friday, September 25 @ 7:30pm - Beetlejuice at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, September 25 @ 8:00pm - Ailey II at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Saturday, September 26 @ 12:00am - The Flesh People – Online for 24 Hours at NJ Film Festival, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick
Saturday, September 26 @ 2:00pm - Beetlejuice at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, September 26 @ 3:00pm - Maximum Queen at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan. Get ready to be rocked as Maximum Queen delivers the power and spectacle of Queen's legendary live performances at Algonquin's annual Fall fundraising concert. Featuring Martyn Jenkins as Freddie Mercury, this explosive tribute captures the band's iconic sound, theatricality, and energy with precision and passion-bringing anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" to life.
Saturday, September 26 @ 3:30pm - Decade - A Neil Young Tribute (Afternoon Show) at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. Since 2015, Decade has continually performed the most authentic tribute to the music of Neil Young. John Hathaway’s dead on vocals, guitar and harmonica front a stellar band capable of covering any song or era from Neil’s sixty plus years as a recording artist. This is a band not to be missed.
Saturday, September 26 @ 7:30pm - Decade - A Neil Young Tribute at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, September 26 @ 7:30pm - Beetlejuice at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, September 26 @ 7:30pm - Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience at Sieminski Theater, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge
Saturday, September 26 @ 8:00pm - UB40: The Unstoppable Tour 2026 at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. The iconic British reggae band performs classics (“Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do”) alongside brand-new tracks from their new studio album.
Saturday, September 26 @ 8:00pm - An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret
Saturday, September 26 @ 8:00pm - Maximum Queen at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan
Sunday, September 27 @ 12:00am - The Hanged Man - Online for 24 Hours at NJ Film Festival, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick
Sunday, September 27 @ 1:00pm - Beetlejuice at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, September 27 @ 7:00pm - An Intimate Evening With David Foster & Katharine McPhee at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Sixteen-time Grammy award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee are bringing their live show on the road! This intimate show with the powerhouse duo will be packed with David’s hits from Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, etc., and Katharine’s biggest songs from American Idol, Smash and Waitress. Plus some of their favorites that they just love!
Monday, September 28 @ 7:30pm - Selwyn Birchwood at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. Get ready for one of the hottest young voices in contemporary blues. Selwyn Birchwood, the award-winning Alligator Records guitarist, vocalist and lap-steel master, brings his high-energy blend of deep blues, funk, Southern soul and psychedelic rock to the LRMR.
Tuesday, September 29 @ 7:30pm - The Drew Forum presents: Mike Breen & Walt “Clyde” Frazier at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Join acclaimed New York Knicks broadcasters Mike Breen and Walt “Clyde” Frazier for a conversation moderated by Alan Hahn about their more than 25 years as broadcasting partners, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on the Knicks’ magical 2026 championship run, a preview of the upcoming season, and their take on the state of the NBA. A must for all basketball fans!
