Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: March 20-March 22

This weekend, New Jersey welcomes big names and beloved stories. Jonathan Van Ness’ “Hot & Healed” kicks things off on Friday night.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Jonathan Van Ness attends the 2025 WWD Style Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 3, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Elyse Jankowski/FilmMagic)

Jonathan Van Ness attends the 2025 WWD Style Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 3, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Elyse Jankowski/FilmMagic for Getty Images

This weekend, New Jersey welcomes big names and beloved stories. Jonathan Van Ness' "Hot & Healed" kicks things off on Friday night, while Celtic Angels Ireland and Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" carry the energy through Sunday. Between the laughs, the music, and the magic, there's something on the calendar for every age and mood — and the fun spills well into the week ahead.

Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed

  • What: Unfiltered, unforgettable, and unapologetically Jonathan Van Ness
  • When: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 8 p.m.
  • Where: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
  • Cost: Tickets start at $64

Jonathan Van Ness is bringing their new stand-up show, "Hot & Healed," to stages across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. The Emmy-winning "Queer Eye" star, three-time New York Times best-selling author, and founder of JVN Hair has built a devoted global following through television, podcasting, and two sold-out worldwide comedy tours spanning 40 cities. Fresh off those successes, Van Ness promises an unfiltered, wildly entertaining celebration of joy and a side of JVN audiences haven't seen before. If you know them from "Queer Eye" or "Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness," this is the next chapter.

Celtic Angels Ireland

  • What: Ireland's magic, live on stage
  • When: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Where: The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, 1 College Drive, Toms River
  • Cost: Orchestra $52, Mezzanine $49

Celtic Angels Ireland delivers a sweeping celebration of Irish music, dance, and culture featuring award-winning singers, dancers, and musicians from Ireland. Headlined by the powerful vocals of the Celtic Angels and the high-energy footwork of the Celtic Knight Dancers, the show weaves together more than 30 traditional and contemporary Irish tunes performed live by the Trinity Ensemble. From soaring harmonies to raucous rhythms, the production promises an emotional and electrifying theatrical experience for all ages.

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat – Live on Stage!

  • What: The Cat in the Hat hits the stage
  • When: Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 1 p.m.
  • Where: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
  • Cost: Tickets start at $37

"The Cat in the Hat" is coming to Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Basie Center Campus in Red Bank, bringing Dr. Seuss's beloved classic to life on stage. Adapted by the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2009, this energetic production follows the mischievous cat as he crashes a rainy afternoon of two bored kids, along with the unforgettable Thing One and Thing Two. Based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 200-word tale, the show delivers laughs, surprises, and just enough delightful disorder to keep the whole family entertained.

Other Events

The weekend is serving up a little something for everyone, from parades and fresh maple syrup to a step back in time. Whether you're feeling festive, farm-fresh, or historically curious, Saturday and Sunday have you covered with outdoor fun the whole family can enjoy.

  • Highlands St. Patrick's Day Parade: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Huddy Park of Highlands, 329 Bay Ave., #325, Highlands
  • Happy Day Farm Maple Festival: Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, 2026, with tours at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:45 p.m. at Happy Day Farm, 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan
  • Workhorse Rides: Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rides 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township

More To Explore Next Week

The week doesn't have to wind down after the weekend; it's just getting started. From trivia nights and live blues to contemporary dance and full-scale ballet, the weeknight calendar is stacked with reasons to trade the couch for something worth remembering.

  • Pixar Trivia Night: Monday, March 23, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Deal Lake Bar + Co., 601 Main St., Allenhurst
  • An Evening With Joanne Shaw Taylor: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at The Vogel, Basie Center Campus, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
  • Rhythmic Resonance: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (additional dates available through July 29, 2026) at Citizens Bank Theater, 72 Eyland Ave, Succasunna
  • Atlantic City Ballet Presents Carmen: Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City