8 Events That’ll Lift Your Spring Spirit

Whether the sun’s shining or the skies are pouring, there’s always plenty of fun and excitement happening in Bergen.

If April showers indeed bring May flowers, we’ll be expecting an array of gorgeous blooms next month. We can’t flip the calendar just yet, so we’ll have to make the best of the cool, rainy days ahead—and that won’t be too hard in Bergen County.

The first step is to upgrade to some stylish rain gear that’s fun, fashionable and functional. Next, find an activity or two to keep you and your crew entertained. You’re in luck, because there’s a lot happening this weekend in the county. Check out these events:

April 12

• Enjoy pancakes and waffles during Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Stew Leonard’s in Paramus. Join the grocery store’s team and the Easter Bunny for a special breakfast buffet and fun photo-ops. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
• Join Echo Road’s Record Day Celebration at 5:30 p.m. in Rutherford’s Williams Center. The program includes Holy Vulture, Starikova, Camino Walker and the Rutherford School of Rock Band. Tickets are available online. A pre-show event and merchandise giveaway takes place at Soldato Books and Records at 3 p.m.
• Funnyman Tommy Gooch stops at Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield for a 7 p.m. show. A regular performer at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Gooch will be joined by some of his comic friends for the show. A $15 admission ticket can be purchased online, or pay $20 at the door.
• Legendary rock guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his band Blackmore’s Night performs their brand of Renaissance/Folk/Rock at bergenPAC in Englewood. The 8 p.m. concert also features award-winning vocalist Candice Night. Purchase tickets online or at the bergenPAC box office.

April 12 & 13

• Head to the Bergen County Zoo either day for Egg-Stravaganza, a session for egg collecting, treats, giveaways and prizes. Tickets are sold for one-hour intervals and include zoo admission. Carousel and train ride tickets are extra. The rain date is April 19.
• Let’s go to the movies! The Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee is screening several cinematic masterpieces this weekend, including Saturday features like Disney’s Frozen and Clerks and Sunday flicks like Jules and Jim and Animal Crackers. Check out the center’s full schedule online.

April 13

• Look for your next treasure at the Bergen County Card and Collectibles Show, taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Midland Park High School. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with all varieties of collectible cards, from sports to Pokemon, as well as memorabilia, autographed items, supplies and more. Admission is $5, kids 12 and under are admitted for free.
• Bring your appetites to the Latin Food Fiesta, from noon to 7 p.m. at Garden State Plaza in Paramus. Food from more than one dozen vendors will be available for purchase, while kids can enjoy bounce houses, trampolines, face painters and more. Discounted tickets are available online. Admission at the door is $7.

What are your weekend plans? Tag us in all your fun photos from the weekend @bergenmagnj.