NEW JERSEY — Looking for something different to do this weekend? Across New Jersey, communities are hosting live music, cultural festivals, educational events and family-friendly activities on Saturday, September 12.
In Caldwell, the 6th Annual Caldwell Porchfest turns porches across town into small live-music stages. More than 40 performers are scheduled across 14 porches, with music running from noon until 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event concludes with a final performance at Grover Cleveland Park.
In Newark, the Literacy Fair at the Newark Public Library’s Main Branch runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organized by the Newark NAACP with community partners, the event is focused on strengthening reading skills and encouraging a love of books among children and families.
In Jersey City, Art House Gallery’s “Creation from Destruction” exhibition is open this weekend. Created for Art House Productions’ 25th anniversary, the exhibition explores resilience, recovery and the role of art in responding to tragedy. It runs through October 25, with weekend gallery hours from 1 to 4 p.m.
Farther south, the Ocean County Irish Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Robert J. Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and includes Irish music, step dancing, pipe and drum performances, food vendors, crafts and activities for children. Admission and parking are free.
In Rutherford, the town’s newest performing arts group, Stars Theatre Company, is introducing itself to the community with an event at First Presbyterian Church. The new company is preparing for the holiday season and offering opportunities for local performers to become involved.
And in Madison, hockey and video-game history come together at “Pucks & Pixels.” The free exhibit at Madison Public Library traces the history of the EA Sports NHL franchise through 35 display panels and 35 video-game screens, offering a visual journey through decades of digital hockey.
In Fort Lee, the weekend also brings several local events. The Fort Lee Artisan Market takes place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Be Fort Lee Park, featuring local vendors, handmade goods and small businesses in a family-friendly setting.
Earlier in the day, the PBA Local 388 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk Fundraiser is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., bringing runners and walkers together for a community fundraising event.
On Sunday, the 2nd Annual Autumn Renewal Art Show opens at the Fort Lee Museum. Organized by the Fort Lee Artists Guild, the exhibition runs through October 10 and showcases work by local artists.
In Bergen County, several larger community events are also taking place this weekend. The 2026 New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Saturday at noon. Ridgefield is hosting its annual PBA Local 330 Food Truck and Music Festival, while downtown Ho-Ho-Kus comes alive for the 5th Annual Ho-Ho-Kus Day. At American Dream, “Art in Motion – Masterpieces Reimagined” adds an arts and culture option to the weekend lineup.
From neighborhood music, Irish culture and books to theater, gaming history, local art, community festivals and Bergen County events, this weekend offers plenty of ways to get out, explore and enjoy New Jersey.
Sources: Caldwell Porchfest | Newark Public Library / Newark NAACP | Ocean County Irish Festival | Stars Theatre Company / Patch | Madison Public Library — “Pucks & Pixels” | Borough of Fort Lee — Artisan Market | PBA Local 388 5K Run / 1-Mile Walk | Fort Lee Museum | Fort Lee Artists Guild
By NJ RADAR Team