Looking for ways to make 2026 a year full of local adventures, community celebrations, and unique experiences? From family-friendly outings to music, arts, and immersive festivals, the Hackettstown area and surrounding regions have plenty to offer.
Whether you’re hoping to adopt a new furry friend, catch a live show, or just soak up seasonal festivities, we’ve made a small New Jersey calendar of events to add to your planner. A couple are just over the border in Pennsylvania but still so close by that we’ve counted them anyway.
1. Hops For Hounds Adoption Event
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm
Where: Jersey Girl Brewing, 426 Sand Shore Rd #1, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Start the new year with abundant cuteness and the chance to meet your new best friend. Jersey Girl Brewing is hosting its Hops for Hounds Adoption Event on Sunday, January 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m., pairing award-winning craft brews with adorable pups looking for loving homes.
It’s an easygoing afternoon where you can sip something local, chat with rescue volunteers, and maybe fall in love with a wagging tail or two. Plus, its location on Sand Shore Road just north of Route 46 is easily accessible for animal lovers, families, or anyone looking to support a good cause.
2. Pocono Wine & Food Fest
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Where: Sherman Theater, 524 Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Sherman Theater’s Pocono Wine & Food Fest is a relaxed, local-maker event perfect for easing into the new year. Held on January 25, the festival features two sessions where guests can explore regional flavors, meet artisan crafters, and browse handcrafted goods and wine-themed items.
Session 1 opens at 1 p.m. for ages 21 and up, giving attendees a chance to wander, sample, and support small businesses from around the area. Session 2, at 3:30 p.m., offers the same. With general admission starting at $40, Pocono Wine & Food Fest offers a mellow, community-centered option for anyone building a full, fun Sunday.
3. Peter Pan and Wendy at Centenary Stage Company
When: February 5 – 15, 2026
Where: Centenary Stage Company, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Adventure lands at Centenary Stage Company this February as NEXTstage Repertory brings Lauren Gunderson’s Peter Pan and Wendy to the Little Theatre. In this fresh reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s classic, Wendy Darling is a budding scientist determined to make her mark on the world. When Peter Pan sweeps her off to Neverland, she finds herself navigating fairies, mermaids, and the ever-menacing Captain Hook. Running February 5 through 15 at 400 Jefferson Street, this production is part of Centenary’s vibrant 2025 – 2026 season.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Hackettstown’s 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on March 8, 2026, bringing thousands to Main Street for one of the town’s biggest celebrations of the year. The parade kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and features everything from Irish dance troupes and pipe-and-drum bands to local music school groups, rescue squads, and longtime favorites like the Junior and Senior Colonial Musketeers.
There will also be a designated Quiet Sensory Zone for anyone sensitive to loud noise, plus a pet Irish Costume Contest with judging at Czig Meister Brewing. The full celebration includes the annual Grand Marshal Reception on March 5 and the month-long Leprechaun Crawl running from February 28 through March 31.
5. Tartan Terrors at Sitnik Theatre
When: Sunday, March 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Centenary Stage Company, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Get ready for a high-energy Celtic takeover as The Tartan Terrors bring their famed “Celtic Invasion” to the Sitnik Theatre on March 15 at 3 p.m.
Known for blending the spirit of a rock concert with sharp wit, electrifying step dance, and infectious traditional melodies, the Terrors have lit up major stages from Times Square to top Celtic festivals. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Celtic music or just looking for an unforgettable live experience, this lively, laughter-filled performance at 715 Grand Ave promises an afternoon of rhythm, celebration, and community.
6. Food Truck Festival at Donaldson Farms
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Where: Donaldson Farms, 358 Allen Rd, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
One of Hackettstown’s most beloved summer traditions returns as Donaldson Farms hosts its annual Food Truck Festival, a day packed with flavor, live music, and energy. New Jersey’s own The Big Fuss kicks things off at 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the Brian Dean Moore Band up after that to keep the festival rocking.
Set on a farm that’s been growing fresh produce and family traditions for over a century, the Food Truck Festival blends rural charm with modern street-food creativity. Think farm-fresh surroundings, rolling fields, and a lineup of trucks serving everything from comfort classics to inventive bites. With pick-your-own activities, a bustling farm market, and plenty of space to wander, this festival is a perfect summer outing for families, foodies, and anyone craving a day outdoors.
7. Elements Music & Arts Festival
When: August 7 – 9, 2026
Where: 1 Hulman Dr, Long Pond, PA 18334
About an hour from Hackettstown, Elements Music & Arts Festival turns the forests near the Pocono Raceway into a surreal weekend playground filled with color, creativity, and good vibes.
This three-day camping event blends electronic and eclectic music with massive art pieces, roaming performers, and wellness activities like yoga sessions, workshops, and quiet corners to unwind. The festival draws inspiration from the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, offering a mix of nature, immersive art, and summer energy.
8. 13th Annual Halloween Downtown (October 31, 2026)
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Gazebo (Main St & West Moore St), Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Hackettstown’s Annual Halloween Downtown brings a full dose of spooky charm to Main Street on October 31.
Festivities begin at 2:00 p.m. with parade line-up and judging at Centenary University, where winners will earn the chance to lead the march alongside Mayor Jerry DiMaio. At 3:00 p.m., the parade heads down West Moore Street toward The Gazebo, where kids can enjoy sweet treats from Mars Wrigley, giveaways from local partners, and free pumpkins from Donaldson Farms while supplies last.
There will be contests spanning multiple age groups (plus family and pet categories), as well as Trunk-or-Treat stations at Trinity United Methodist Church and Municipal Lot #2.
Explore 2026 with High Street
From winter gatherings to summer festivals, Hackettstown and the areas nearby are packed with opportunities to connect with neighbors, enjoy live music and performances, and celebrate the seasons in style. To further elevate your New Jersey calendar of events, High Street Dispensary is here to provide quality cannabis products and tips to make your 2026 experiences even more enjoyable.
Keep this list handy, plan your weekends, and make 2026 a year full of fun, good vibes, and memorable moments.
