10 Events For A Fun-Filled Weekend

Whether you’re with your friends or flying solo, making plans got a whole lot easier—here’s your guide to what’s happening!

Looking for an excuse to get out and do something different this weekend? Bergen County is buzzing with events for every kind of mood, from live music and family outings to Earth Day celebrations and a few fun surprises you didn’t see coming.

Whether you’ve got a full crew or you’re keeping it low key, there’s plenty happening close to home to fill your calendar. Take a peek at what’s going on—you might just find your new favorite weekend plan.

April 17

• If you’re a fan of wailing six strings, check out Rock & Roots Guitar Night at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck. The evening’s bill is suitable for all ages and features New York Blues Hall of Famer Dave Fields, Kenny Dubman & The Whole Nine Yards and The O’Rees. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7. Tickets are available online and at the door.
• For a softer sound, head over to West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood for the New Jersey Wind Symphony’s Side by Side Concert. The performance features the NJWS playing alongside some of the area’s top high school musicians. Carol Brittin Chambers will be the guest conductor. The program begins with a prelude concert at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online.
• Legendary hip-hop stars The Sugarhill Gang return to Englewood as it headlines the annual Rappers Convention at Bergen Performing Arts Center. Eight acts in total will take the stage throughout the night, taking audiences on a journey back to the 1970s and ’80s. The music starts at 8 p.m., and tickets can be found on bergenPAC’s website.

April 17–18

• Don’t wait for “Saturday Night” to see amazing sketch comedy. Howdy Stranger Scripted: An SNL-Style Sketch Comedy Show takes the Hackensack Performing Arts Center stage at 8 p.m. each day. Howdy Stranger players will deliver fast-paced, polished performances inspired by Saturday Night Live. Get your tickets online.

April 18

• Lace up your sneakers, stretch your legs and get moving for a good cause. The annual Michael B. Carpenter Memorial 5K, Walk & Doggie Dash at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park is open to all residents (and their leashed pups) and benefits Spectrum for Living. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., followed by the race start at 10 and an awards lunch at 11. Find out more or preregister online.
• Ready for a relaxing morning of fishing? The annual Hooked on the Hudson fishing contest takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ross Dock Picnic Area in the Fort Lee section of Palisades Interstate Park. Equipment and bait will be available. The day also will feature exhibits, a “Half Moon Market” and more.
• One of the most exciting family events returns for 2026 when the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum holds Open Cockpit Day. Head over to the Teterboro museum, where all paid attendees can sit in a rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane, a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter and a M*A*S*H Bell 47 helicopter made famous during the Korean War, among other vehicles. The program takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The last admission will be at 2:45 p.m.) Tickets will be available at the door.
• All are invited to a celebration of love and color at the Mahwah Holi Festival. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Mahwah’s Riverside Park, visitors can enjoy the Hindu spring festival with food, dance, music and colorful photo-ops. Attendees are encouraged to wear white if participating in the free color powder run.

April 19

• Get your binoculars ready and head to the Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes for a Spring Migrants Bird Walk. Join members of the New Jersey Audubon Society at 10 a.m. as they keep their eyes open for everything from warblers and orioles to red-winged blackbirds and eastern phoebes. Birders of all skill levels and ages are welcome to the free event.
• Learn more about America’s local history at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, which is hosting “The Turncoat and the Traitor.” The presentation begins at 2 p.m. and will be led by historian and writer Jim Wright, who’ll discuss Benjamin Franklin and his traitorous son, William. Did you know Franklin Turnpike in northwest Bergen was named after William? Get your tickets to this discussion and find out more!

Do you have exciting upcoming plans? Share your favorite photos from the weekend with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.