7 New Jersey Events To Put on Your Calendars for 2026

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 black-tie events, 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. We’ll be updating this calendar roughly every quarter, so check back here every now and again for the latest fun events near Hackettstown!

1. The Beatles Candlelight Experience

When: Friday, Oct 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Panther Valley Ecumenical Church, 1490 County Rd 517, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 4 minutes / 2.3 miles

Hackettstown is getting a little more magical this fall with Lumos’ The Beatles Candlelight Experience on Friday, October 2. Set inside Panther Valley Ecumenical Church, the intimate concert will bring the music of The Beatles to life with a classical string trio surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight.

Expect favorites like “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yesterday,” “Blackbird,” “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” and “All You Need Is Love” across two evening sittings. This event is great for turning a Friday night in Hackettstown into something more special.

2. Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – APT 2B at Sitnik Theatre

When: Oct 15 – 25, 2026
Where: Sitnik Theatre, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 6 minutes / 1.5 miles

Get ready for a very different take on the world’s most famous detective. Kate Hamill’s version of Sherlock Holmes puts a fresh spin on the classic mystery series, following Sherlock and Joan Watson as they navigate friendship, dysfunction, and a case that proves more complicated than expected.

Funny, fast-moving, and a little offbeat, ‘Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – APT 2B‘ brings a feminist perspective to the familiar Holmes story, with plenty of twists along the way. It’s a fun pick for theatergoers looking for something familiar yet with a modern edge.

3. Black Tie Soiree 2026: The Masquerade

When: Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: David’s Country Inn, 314 Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 5 minutes / 1.3 miles

Dress up and lean into the mystery at the Hackettstown BID’s annual Black Tie Soiree, returning this year with a Masquerade theme. Guests can expect champagne, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, dancing, and an evening of surprises at David’s Country Inn. A DJ will keep the dance floor moving, with an optional group dance adding a little extra spectacle to the night.

Masquerade masks are required, and black-tie attire is strongly encouraged. Consider this event your excuse to break out that gown, tux, or dramatic accessory you’ve been waiting to wear.

4. 13th Annual Halloween Downtown

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Gazebo (Main St & West Moore St), Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 3 minutes / 0.8 miles

Hackettstown’s Annual Halloween Downtown brings a full dose of spooky charm to Main Street on October 31.

Festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. with parade line-up and judging at Centenary University (between Beatty Street and Second Avenue), where winners will earn the chance to lead the march alongside Mayor Jerry DiMaio. At 1:00 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.

5. NY/NJ All-Star 18-Piece Big Band Plays the Music of Count Basie

When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 County Road 517, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 7 minutes / 3.9 miles

Spend an afternoon swinging along to the music of Count Basie with the NY/NJ All-Star 18-Piece Big Band. The ensemble will bring some of Basie’s most beloved arrangements to life in a lively afternoon of classic jazz, complete with plenty of toe-tapping, big-band energy. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or you’ve never experienced a full big band live, this event is an easy way to spend a Sunday afternoon with some seriously good music.

6. Hometown Holiday

When: December 4 – 5, 2026
Where: Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Distance from High Street Dispensary: 3 minutes / 0.8 miles

Hackettstown gets into the holiday spirit during its annual Hometown Holiday celebration, with a weekend of seasonal events, local shopping, food, and festive fun. Friday brings a holiday bazaar, the Grand Illumination at Centenary, an open house at the Hackettstown Historical Society, and live entertainment. Saturday welcomes Santa and the Winter Wonderland at the Rec Center.

Hometown Holiday weekend is also a great time to take a festive drive through Hackettstown for Deck the House! This local staple invites residents to compete for the most original and festive outdoor decorations.

7. Jingle Ball

After the festivities end, there’s nothing quite like a walk northbound along Main Street. With all the stores and restaurants closed for the night, you’re in for a quieter, even more magical perspective on the downtown area’s usual charm.

Explore 2026 with High Street

Hackettstown’s events calendar is packed with opportunities to connect with neighbors, enjoy live music and performances, and celebrate 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 weeknights), and make 2026 a year full of fun, good vibes, and memorable moments.