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 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. A couple are just over the border in Pennsylvania but still so close by that we’ve counted them anyway.

1. Kalahari Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival

When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 250 Kalahari Blvd, Tobyhanna Township, PA 18349

Kalahari Resorts’ third annual Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival returns to the Pocono Mountains on April 26. Centered on the resort’s culinary program, you can sample dishes from Kalahari’s restaurants alongside more than 75 regional wine, beer, and spirits vendors.

Running from 12 to 4 p.m., the event also includes chef-led demonstrations and live entertainment, with this year’s “Stars, Stripes & Spurs” theme adding a light Western touch. General admission is $99 and includes all tastings and a souvenir wine glass.

2. Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience at the Sitnik Theatre

When: Saturday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Centenary Stage Company, 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

If your ideal night out involves a little nostalgia and a lot of sing-alongs, this one’s an easy add to the calendar. Double Vision brings a full set of Foreigner hits to the Sitnik Theatre on Saturday, May 23, covering everything from “Cold As Ice” to “Juke Box Hero.” The show doubles as a Hackettstown Rotary Club fundraiser, with tickets set at $30 — a low-key way to enjoy some classic rock and a lively crowd.

3. 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).

4. Food Truck Festival at Donaldson Farms

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026, noon – 7 p.m.
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.

5. 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.

6. 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. 

7. Jersey Girl Brewing 10th Anniversary Celebration and Spring Market

When: Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19, 2026; Sunday, April 26, 2026
Where: Jersey Girl Brewing, 426 Sand Shore Rd #1, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Jersey Girl Brewing is turning 10! Celebrate a decade of craft beer, community, and good times within our Hackettstown community with live music and special beer releases. Later in the month, the fun continues with Jersey Girl Brewing’s Spring Market on April 26, where you can sip beers and seltzers while browsing local vendors for unique spring finds.

Both events offer a laid-back way to enjoy great drinks, explore what’s local, and toast to the past 10 years while looking forward to the next. They’re perfect for beer lovers, families, or anyone who just wants a fun day out in Hackettstown.

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.