6 New Jersey Events To Put on Your Calendars for 2026

A smiling food truck vendor serves two happy customers outdoors at a local event in New Jersey

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 chow down on some local eats, 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. One is just over the border in Pennsylvania but still so close by that we’ve counted it anyway.


1. Hackettstown Street Fair and World Cup Watch Party

When: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street between Plane and High Streets

Main Street turns into a full-day summer stretch of vendors, food, and entertainment for the annual Hackettstown Street Fair. This year, the fair is being paired with a watch party for the World Cup’s final game, adding an extra layer of energy to the day. Expect more than 100 local artisans and crafters lining the street, fun live performances, a kids’ area, and plenty of spots to grab a bite or browse local finds.

The Hackettstown Street Fair makes for an easy, walkable afternoon that brings the whole town out. Part shopping, part festival, part community hangs right in the heart of downtown, and all perfection.

 
 

2. Maltby & Shire’s Closer Than Ever at Centenary Stage Company

When: July 30 – August 9, 2026
Where: Centenary Stage Company, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Part of Summerfest 2026, Closer Than Ever strings together a series of witty, character-driven songs that dig into the highs, lows, and awkward in-betweens of modern relationships. Written by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire, it moves from heartfelt to humorous, touching on everything from dating and marriage to getting older (and everything that comes with it).

 

3. A Grateful Summer Music & Arts Festival

When: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Czig Meister Brewing, 106 Valentine St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

A Grateful Summer takes over Czig Meister Brewing on July 11 for a full-day dose of live music, local art, and laid-back summer vibes. The festival leans into the spirit of the Summer of Love, bringing together craft beer, creative vendors, and a lineup of live performers including a killer Grateful Dead tribute band.

Browse works from local artists, grab some local grub from the food trucks, and enjoy the chill, relaxed setup. This long, easygoing summer hang offers good sound, vibes, and company all around.

  

4. 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.

 

5. 13th Annual Halloween Downtown

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. 

 

6. Four Sticks

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center

Fans of classic rock can spend a summer evening with Four Sticks, a tribute act dedicated to recreating the sound and spirit of Led Zeppelin. The four-piece band works its way through a mix of iconic hits and deeper cuts, drawing from one of rock’s most influential catalogs.

Part of Summerfest 2026, the concert brings a dose of arena-rock nostalgia to the Sitnik Theatre. It’s an easy pick for anyone looking to hear familiar favorites and spend a night immersed in some of the biggest songs of the 1970s.


Event Date(s) Time Location Highlights
Maltby & Shire’s Closer Than Ever Thursday 7/30 – Sunday 8/9 Varies Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown Heartfelt and hilarous songs
A Grateful Summer Music & Arts Festival Saturday 7/11 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Czig Meister Brewing Music, art, beer, Grateful Dead
Hackettstown Street Fair and World Cup Watch Party Sunday 7/19 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Main Street between Plane and High Streets Vendors, entertainment, World Cup final game watch party
Four Sticks Saturday 7/25 8 p.m. Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center Music, entertainment, Led Zeppelin
Elements Music & Arts Festival Friday 8/7 – Sunday 8/9 Varies Long Pond, PA Yoga, art installations, roaming performers
13th Annual Halloween Downtown Saturday 10/31 2 – 5 p.m. The Gazebo in Hackettstown Parade, pumpkin giveaways, contests for all ages

 

Explore 2026 with High Street

From spring 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.

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