Top Events in New Jersey: November 10-16, 2026 Guide

Cultural offerings define New Jersey’s mid-November schedule

New Jersey's arts and entertainment scene features cinematic activism, classic rock, and contemporary dance this week.

From November 10 to 16, 2026, the Garden State will host a diverse array of performances spanning from the jazz halls of Newark to the musical stages of New Brunswick. As reported by New Jersey Stage, the week’s programming emphasizes both established legends and emerging voices in the creative community.

Independent film awards and high-profile musical performances lead the cultural calendar. While many events focus on traditional entertainment, others lean into social commentary and historical exploration.

Cinema and social activism take center stage

The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) is honoring director Katie Camosy on Thursday, November 12. Camosy has been named the recipient of the 2nd Annual Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for her documentary, Gaslit.

The award, which includes a $5,000 cash prize and a trophy, was presented in partnership with The Puffin Foundation. According to New Jersey Stage, the honor recognizes filmmakers whose work aligns with the festival’s core theme, “Activism: Making Change.”

Gregory Porter performs at NJPAC during jazz festival

Jazz enthusiasts will find a focal point at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. On Friday, November 13, two-time GRAMMY winner Gregory Porter is scheduled to perform at 8:00 p.m. as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.

Porter will be joined by special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell for the evening. The performance follows a pattern of high-caliber talent curation at NJPAC, which also presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14.

Rock music fans have several distinct options throughout the week:

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead: Performing at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on Thursday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. The Brooklyn-based group, formed in 2013, is noted for interpreting the Grateful Dead’s repertoire rather than strictly replicating it.
KANSAS: The classic rock band will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood on Friday, November 13, at 8:00 p.m. Originally a “garage band” from Topeka, the group has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide since their 1974 debut.
John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band: Appearing at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, November 13, at 8:00 p.m.

Princeton Triangle Club debuts new musical comedy

The theatrical offerings this week range from Broadway-style comedies to intense dramatic works. In Princeton, the Princeton Triangle Club will debut “Roswell That Ends Well” at the McCarter Theatre from November 13 through November 15. This production marks the company’s 136th World Premiere Musical Comedy.

In Middletown, the Middletown Arts Center is collaborating with the Dunbar Repertory Company to present Ntozake Shange’s “FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR, this production of the “choreopoem” continues its run through November 15.

Other notable stage productions include:

Production	Venue	Dates
“Carrie, the Musical”	Plainfield Performing Arts Center	Nov 12-15
“The Drowsy Chaperone”	Bauer Boucher Theatre Center	Nov 13-21
“1776”	Wayne Community Center	Nov 13-15
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”	State Theatre New Jersey	Nov 15

Small community events offer alternative seasonal engagement

Beyond the major venues, smaller community events provide alternative ways to engage with the season. On Sunday, November 15, the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market—Holiday Edition—will take place at the Anchor Rock Club from noon to 6:00 p.m. for holiday shoppers.

Top Events in New Jersey: November 10-16, 2026 Guide — Photo: newjerseyisntboring.com

In Hopewell, the “Song of the Meadowlark” event at Highland Design Farm offers a “meditative rock odyssey” on Sunday, November 15, featuring poetry and live painting starting at 2:30 p.m.

This week's schedule shows New Jersey's cultural institutions using diverse genres to maintain community engagement through the transition into the holiday season.