New Jersey Leisure Guide Monthly Newsletter
February, 2020

February is one of the the coldest months of the year and a time for many indoor events ---- and for the more adventurous, there are some great outdoor winter fun activities like skiing, snow boarding, and skating. February is also the time to celebrate Valentines Day and Presidents weekend. In the United States, Presidents Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February.

. This Edition's Contents...

• Popular February Events and Things To Do
• Seasonal Frequently Asked Question
• This Month's Featured Restaurant
  

Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event

Popular February 2020 Events and Things To Do

Great Beer Expo: New Jersey
February 1, 2020: Session 1: 12:30PM 4:00pm, Session 2: 5:30pm-9:00pm
Meadowlands Exposition Center at Harmon Meadow
355 Plaza Dr.
Secaucus, NJ
Tickets
The biggest names in brewing are getting ready for New Jersey's biggest pre-game tailgate party, the annual Great Beer Expo is a pay-one-price beer tasting extravaganza showcasing more than 70 breweries—local hometown Jersey favorites, award-winning American craft breweries, and international trend-setters—offering tastings of more than 150 beers in all.

Annual Valentine's Day Plunge
Saturday, February 1, 2020; plunging at 12 noon
on Main Beach in Manasquan
Manasquan, New Jersey
Website (show your support)
This annual event for a good cause features an exciting fund raiser where participants, called Plungers, collect donations for ALS patients in exchange for plunging into the icy Atlantic Ocean. To support this event, register as an individual, be a spectator, or make a donation.

Super Pet Expo
February 7, 8, 9, 2020; (Feb 7: 3:00pm — 8:00pm, Feb 8: 10:00am — 7:00pm &Feb 9: 10:00am — 5:00pm)
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Website / Tickets
Tickets: One Day Adult (12+) $13.00. One Day Child (4-11) $8.00. Weekend Pass (Adult) $20.00. Weekend Pass (Child) $10.00. Kids 3 & Under Free (one per adult). Pets are welcome.
The Super Pet Expo is the largest pet shopping extravaganza on the east coast. The show features 2,000 dogs, cats and an occasional pig, pony, parrot or iguana with over 20,000 pet lovers in attendence. In addition to luring courses, rabbit agility, dog training sessions, a best dressed pet competition and Repticon, visitors will enjoy the expertise of 200 exhibitors addressing pet adoption, pet care and health, grooming, food, and daycare. An exceptional array of creative pet gifts, treats, fashion, grooming accessories and toys will be for sale.

39th Annual Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival
The 2020 Festival Premiere Weekend Events begin on Friday, February 7th, 2020 @ 7:30PM, and Saturday, February 8th, 2020 @ 7:00PM
Both at the James Stewart Film Theater, Lewis Center for the Arts, 185 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ, and continue on Sunday afternoon February 9th @ 2:00PM at the AMC Dine-In Theater, Essex Green 9, West Orange, NJ.
Website
Tour Schedule
The Festival is an international juried competition open to all genres and filmmakers across the globe. Their national tour premieres at Princeton's James Stewart Film Theater annually on the second weekend of February

Fork & Cork Wine and Beer Tasting
Saturday, February 8, 2020; 6PM – 10PM
Nottingham Ballroom
200 Mercer St,
Mercerville, NJ
Website / Tickets
Cost: $50
This is a charity event will feature various wine and beer vendors (local and national), great food, unlimited tasting (wine & beer), music, and more. A portion of the proceeds will be supporting The Children's Home Society of New Jersey, dedicated to finding loving families for children, to protect children from harm, and to help parents find better ways to be parents so they can keep their children.

The Heldrich Craft Beer & Spirit Festival
February 8, 2020; 5PM – 8PM
10 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ
Website
Ticket Price: $65/person
Join The Heldrich on February 8th for our 4th Annual Craft Beer & Spirit Festival, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters! Enjoy food, drinks, raffle prizes, live music, and more.
Included in your ticket: Samples from over 50+ local craft beer and spirit vendors, A commemorative tasting glass, All-you-can-eat snacks and food, provided by an award-winning culinary team.

Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekends
February 8, 9, 15, 16, 2020: 11:00am — 5:00pm
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
600 S Railroad Ave.
Rio Grande, NJ
Website
This event is a fun and festive way to celebrate Valentine's.
The Hawk Haven's Tasting Room will kick off the annual Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend! Surprise your special someone this Valentine's Day weekend with a romantic trip through the Cape May Wine Trail. Support local wine growers and enjoy wine & chocolate pairing along the way! Sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

49th Ocean County Bluegrass Festival
February 9, 2020; 12:00pm — 5:00pm
Albert Music Hall
131 Wells Mills Rd.
Waretown, NJ 08758
609-971-1593
Website
Tickets: $10 Adults. No reserve seating, ticket are purchased at the door.
Live stage concert of bluegrass music featuring eight regional bluegrass bands from the tri-state area.

Atlantic City RV & Camping Show
February 14 - 17, 2020
Atlantic City Convention Center
One Convention Blvd.
Atlantic City
Website
Camping enthusiasts can find the all under one roof opportunity begin planning your camping vacations for the coming season, trading up to your dream RV, see the new 2017 RVs, or just learn about the joys of travel in a recreational vesicle.

Renew Your Vows at Laurita Winery
Saturday, February 15, 2020; 12 PM – 3 PM
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd,
New Egypt, NJ
Website
Cost: Free, but must register in advance
Show your happily-ever-after is still going strong! "Say: 'I Do', Again" is a non-denominational service performed by Wedding Officiant Dave Turner.
Arrive by 12 pm to check in, receive your carnation for the ladies and shot of Chocolate Therapy for the gentlemen, and relax. Music by The Bergers will be performing live at 12:30 pm, with the ceremony beginning promptly at 1pm.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED by Feb. 14th.

Art Fair 14C
February 21, 22, 23, 2020
Hyatt Regency
9th floor Penthouse Ballroom & 8th Floor Exhibit Area
2 Exchange Place
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Website
Art Fair 14C, the name is play on the old Jersey joke, 'what exit?', is a non-profit, mission-driven, international art fair -- with a New Jersey soul.
Attendees will get to view & buy art from more than 50 exhibitors of regional, national and international artists in an awesome scenic setting on the Hudson River with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Art Fair 14C is a non-profit art fair in Jersey City with a mission to strengthen and support the visual arts. As New Jersey's only art fair we provide support and growth opportunity for small and medium sized galleries.

Tropicana Wines from Around the World Festival
February 22, 2020; 12PM – 6PM
2831 Boardwalk, 4th Floor
Grand Exhibition Center
South Tower
Atlantic City, NJ
Website
Cost: $30 in advance, $40 at the door - Admission includes a souvenir wine glass.
This event features a sampling of over 150 of the world's most popular wines from over 25 vendors. Includes wines from the United States, New Zealand, Italy, France, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, South Africa and more.
The festival also features artisan crafters, delicious food available for purchase, and live music from Cheezy and the Crackers.

Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge
February 22, 2020; @ 1pm
50 Blaine Ave.
Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Website / Registration
Each year, the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state. It's a great way for everyone--individuals, teams, organizations and businesses--to get involved supporting Special Olympics New Jersey. All funds raised go towards programming and events for more than 26,000 athletes statewide.

Annual Highlands Chili Cook-Off
February 23, 2020; 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Bahrs Landing Restaurant
2 Bay Ave.
Highlands, NJ 07732
732-291-4713
Website
Tickets: $30
Enjoy sampling of a variety of chilis, two beer tickets and two voting ballots. Proceeds benefit the 2020 St. Patrick's Day Parade. Performances by Daly's Irish Dancers and Pipe bands.

The Big Brew Beer Festival
Saturday, February 29, 2020
The Morristown Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
Website & Tickets
Cost: $15 & $60
The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 200 unique tastings it's a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. Enjoy great food, vendors & live music. Free shuttle to and from the Morristown Train Station

Seasonal Frequently Asked Question:

Question: Valentines Day Weekend Trip - We are considering taking a long weekend trip over Valentines Day but are concerned there will be nothing to do in the off-season. Can you find enough sites to see or things to do for a 4 - 5 day trip in February?

Answer: If your are looking for top entertainment, excellent restaurants, romantic spa's and some gambling, Atlantic City has plenty to offer. Check out the Atlantic City Visitors Guide for inframtion on things to do, restaurants, and more.
For a more subdued, romantic experience, visit Cape May. Cape May attracts visitors year round, and in the off season, visitors can enjoy charming B & B's, restaurants, and seasonal things to do.
For more on Valentines Day Information visit Valentines Day in New Jersey:Things To Do to Make it a Special Occasion

New Jersey Restaurant Reviews - New Jersey has over 23,000 restaurants and finding about them is often times a time consuming task. Find a restaurant in a town of your choice with comprehensive restaurant reviews.

This Month's Featured Restaurant:
Saddle River Inn
Saddle River, NJ
201-825-4016
Website
A great choice to celebrate Valentine's Day. Popular with diners who enjoy excellent food with upscale, romantic, rustic ambiance.
Restaurant Review

Top Ten Things To Do in February - The popular NJ seasonal outdoor and indoor activities, events, attractions, and points of interest for people of all ages.

February 2020 Events - This months events includes concerts, theatre, festivals, sports, and entertainment, that have appeal to people of all ages and interests.

Valentine's Day Events - Things to do to make this day a memorable romantic occasion.

Monthly Events - This page has links to events that appear in future months, usually 3-4 months in advance. The Monthly newsletter that you are receiving includes many of the events found on the pages.