Happy Wednesday everyone!
This week I’ve been enjoying the Duke Farms eagle cam and was thrilled to see mama lay her first egg. 🦅 I loved watching this last year—it's really cool to see how mom and dad prepare for their eaglets and watch them hatch. Highly recommend for a little 'awww' moment in your day.
How I Choose Newsletter Events (because some of you have asked!)
Broad adult appeal (kid-focused events are well-covered elsewhere)
Under-the-radar happenings rather than major sports/concerts
Free or low-cost options prioritized
Business partnerships featured
Remember, it would be impossible for me to list every event in this newsletter, so be sure to bookmark the Wander Jersey event calendar to filter by city, county, event type, or holiday and see more than what is highlighted here!
I am also creating dynamic city and county pages giving you a one page resource for various events and things to do near you! These pages should be ready in about a month.
County specific newsletter editions are coming soon, so stay tuned for details. Those will allow me to deliver many more events directly to you!
Exciting news: I'm bringing on an assistant this week to expand our events and things to do database! This will allow me to create more content to help you like day-trip guides, more extensive activity ideas and more!
Sunset at Sandy Hook 2025 / credit: Jill Caren
Camden County
View all Camden County events ➜
Winterfest in Haddonfield from 1/16-1/18
Winterfest returns with another slew of winter activities like ice carvings, soup-tasting and more. Visit Event Website →
Cape May County
View all Cape May County events ➜
Wild-Con Comic Book Show on 1/17/26 from 10am-5pm | Wildwood Conventions Center | $10, under 10 free
Comic Con event with activities, vendors, special guests and so much more. Visit Event Website →Polar Bear Plunge on 1/17/26 from 10am-2pm | Wildwood Conventions Center
Participate in this popular fundraiser to help raise funds for the Special Olympics of NJ, or go and cheer everyone on. Visit Event Website →
Cumberland County
View all Cumberland County events ➜
High Noon: Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd on 1/17/26 at 8pm | Levoy Theater, Millville | $30+
Enjoy HIGH NOON, the East Coast's premier tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd & Southern Rock Visit Event Website →
Hudson County
View all Hudson County events ➜
Totally Rad Vintage Fest on 1/17/26 | Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus | $8+
Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia from the 0s, 90s and Y2K eras. Shopping, games, photo ops and more. Visit Event Website →
Hunterdon County
View all Hunterdon County events ➜
NJ Frag Fest on 1/17/26 from 10am-6pm | Flemington Elks | $6+
Central Jerseys largest single day coral event. Visit Event Website →
Mercer County
View all Mercer County events this weekend ➜
Pokemon Go Community Day on 1/18/26 from 10am-4pm | Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton | Included with admission
Take a guided tour of the gardens based on routes in the Pokemon Go app, which will focus on GFS history and sculptures at Pokestops. Visit Event Website →
Consider Joining an American Legion 🪖
If you have served our country, or have a parent who has, why not join your local American Legion? It is a great way for veterans to stay connected with people who "get it" – building friendships, helping fellow vets navigate benefits, and giving back to the community through volunteer work.
Many legions have a variety of fundraisers and events that are fun - and affordable! It has become on of my favorite places to chill, listen to some music, have a drink - and make new friends.
Take American Legion Post 321 in Union Beach for example. This month they are having several events including:
January 16th - Colin Haze Band (free)
January 17th - DJ Chaos Karaoke (free)
January 18th - SON’s Breakfast ($10)
January 29th - Pasta Dinner Fundraiser ($10 adults/$5 children & veterans)
See where there is a legion near you.
Monmouth County
View all Monmouth County events ➜
Light of Day Music Fundraiser on 1/17/26 | Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | $25+
Musical fundraiser to fund research for Parkinson's and related illnesses. I will be attending this one! Visit Event Website →Pokemon Market on 1/17/26 | Bell Works, Holmdel | Free
Over 350 vendors from across the tri-state area, tournament, and fun for Pokemon fans of all ages. Visit Event Website →Pier Village Ice Carving Competition on 1/17/26 from 12-3 | Long Branch | Free
Watch skilled ice sculptors transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art right before your eyes. Visit Event Website →Restoring Battery Gunnison Open House on 1/17 | Sandy Hook | Free
See a real restoration project while volunteers wear WWII-era uniforms and learn from volunteers. Visit Event Website →
Union County
View all Union County events ➜
Cranford Souperhero Stroll from 1/17-1/18 from 12-2pm or 2-4pm | Cranford | $10
View life-size superhero balloon sculptures by Dream Factory Balloons while sampling delicious soups offered by our local restaurants Visit Event Website →Swan Lake Ballet on 1/18 at 3pm | UCPAC, Rahway | $50
Step into a world of grace, passion, and breathtaking artistry as Swan Lake unfolds before your eyes. Visit Event Website →
Support Wander Jersey
Wander Jersey is 100% free and independently run (it's just me over here - and a new VA starting!).
Your support helps me keep bringing you the best events, places to explore and inside scoop on what's happening in Jersey every week. Your contribution will go towards keeping Wander Jersey going - and growing!
Your support and feedback is always appreciated! Jill
Lambert Castle Open House on 1/31 in Paterson - After an extensive restoration, Lambert Castle is finally reopening for public tours!
Fourth Wave Music Festival on 3/1 in Asbury Park- All-day indoor music festival comprised of all women.
Red, White & Brew Fest on 3/7 in Trenton - Featuring over 50 craft beers, wine and spirits to sample.
NJ Saltwater Fishing Expo from 3/13-3/15 in Edison - Biggest saltwater fishing expo in the east.
Garden State Film Festival from 3/26-3/29 - Weekend of independent filmmakers from all over the world in 2 cities.
Slick City Action Park will be opening a 36,000 square foot franchise in Manalapan, NJ. This will be the first NJ location for this indoor slide park.
Human composting has become legal in NJ, making it the 9th state to legalize this creepy burial option. Starting this summer you can bury your your family right in your own backyard.
Hackettstown welcomes Mystic Earth Gaming to town on January 17th. It features classes and games, a store where members contribute to what is carried, a production area to create videos and more. Perfect
Do you have feedback, questions, or a story you want me to share? Just reply to this email—I read every message, and your input helps make this newsletter better.
