12 Events For A Great Weekend

Musicals for all ages, world-famous performers, laughs, hikes and more—there’s something for everyone in Bergen this weekend.

It’s been a gray and rainy week, and we all know what that means—you and your kids might be feeling a little cabin fever. Here’s some good news: Not only are there sunny skies in the forecast, you can have a great time in any weather here in Bergen County.

From fantastic live music to award-winning dramas to local markets where you can pick up your next treasure, there’s something for everyone right outside your front door. Check out:

March 21-22

• Get a great picture at American Dream in East Rutherford, where the Easter Bunny will be available for photo ops all weekend. Make sure you stick around, because every hour on the hour kids can take part in a special dance party with age-appropriate tracks and easy-to-follow moves. The fun starts at 11 a.m.; see website for more details.
• Perry Award-nominated musical The Diary comes to the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee for a special one-weekend run. Based on true events and Anne Frank’s diary, this musical drama tells the story of two families during the German occupation of Amsterdam in the 1940s. The Saturday show is at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday show is at 3 p.m. Pick up tickets online.

March 21

• At the Teaneck Creek Conservatory, you can take part in a Community Science Saturday at 10 a.m. to celebrate the end of winter. An expert will lead and teach you about how to identify and log specific habitats and plants and how they change from season to season. This event is free, though registration is recommended and can be completed on conservatory’s website.
• For a different celebration of spring, Tenafly Nature Center is holding its annual Spring Equinox Campfire and Night Hike. Go on a brisk walk through the dim forest and then settle around a toasty campfire for s’mores and good company. This event begins at 6 p.m. and will take place rain or shine, and registration is required. See website for more.
• Want to hear some of the best young talent Bergen has to offer? At Syriac Community Hall in Paramus, the Bergen Philharmonic is holding its Young Artist performance at 8 p.m. Listen to pieces by Hummel, Tchaikovsky, Weber and more performed by high school students. Tickets can be purchased online.
• Get ready for lots of laughs at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, where you can see Howdy Stranger’s improv comedy show. This is a game-show style evening of quick wit, fun games, audience participation and guarantee hilarity. The show starts at 8 p.m. and you can find tickets on HACPAC’s website.

March 22

• If you want to shop for a great cause, you can over to Bergenfield High School at 9 a.m. for a flea market to benefit the BHS Parent Association. About 50 exhibitors will be offering everything from antiques to crafts to home goods. More details are available online.
• If that whetted your appetite for a seasonal market, you’re in luck: Paramus High School’s Spring Craft Show kicks off at 10 a.m., and it boasts it has “something for everyone.” Over 145 crafters will show off their best, so you can pick up stained glass, handmade stuffed animals, one-of-a-kind woodwork and more.
• For the perfect springtime moment, head over to Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff for a Blooms & Babes Mini Photo Session! A professional photographer will be there to capture your child with baby animals, beautiful flowers and adorable props. Multiple sessions are available, in both the morning and afternoon. See website for more.
• Kids will love Dog Man: The Musical, which comes to Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood for two shows. Based on the worldwide bestselling series by Dav Pilkey, this hilarious and heartwarming production will have kids laughing and singing along. There is a seating at 11 a.m. as well as 3 p.m. Pick up tickets online.
• Celebrate Women’s History Month with the Bergen County Historical Society at Historic New Bridge Landing. You’ll find brand new exhibits, special performances, tours, historic bites and much more. Everything kicks off at 1 p.m., and more information can be found online.
• The Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck hosts Hiroya Tsukamoto, a Japanese-born master of fingerstyle guitar. Known for his artistry and evocative storytelling, he will perform selections from his newest album Rainshadow. The show starts at 4 p.m., and tickets can be found on Puffin’s website.

What are you doing this weekend? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj.