Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend: January 16-January 18

New Jersey's winter calendar delivers something for every kind of arts and entertainment fan. The Light Of Day WinterFest 26 will showcase new talent alongside the soulful sounds of Avery*Sunshine and the family-fun entertainment of Dinosaur World Live. Add in concerts, ballet, nightlife, and weeknight happenings, and the region offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

Light Of Day WinterFest 26 spotlights the future of live music with Next Generation at The Stone Pony, a high-energy showcase celebrating emerging talent. This lineup features a diverse range of groups, showcasing creative variety: Octopus School, Lakehouse Music, Dakota Diehl, Rock'n Music Academy, Krazyer, Maddie Freeman, and Rockit. Each of these groups offers a different genre and a unique style of performance, showing the next generation of artists what can be created and presented through music and dance.

Avery*Sunshine brings her soulful R&B performance to NJPAC's Victoria Theater, celebrating her GRAMMY win for Best Progressive R&B Album, with music rooted in '90s R&B, gospel, jazz, and neo-soul. She captures listeners' hearts with her warm, energetic speaking style and evokes emotions with her original use of different musical styles. The impressive stage presence that Avery*Sunshine exhibits while performing makes every show an exciting event to experience, as well as an opportunity to showcase the artistry and emotional content of Avery*Sunshine's work.

Dinosaur World Live at the Basie Center is an Olivier award-winning interactive family show that brings astonishing, life-like dinosaurs to the stage through stunning puppetry and theatrical storytelling. Audiences join an intrepid explorer as they encounter impressive creatures, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, and Segnosaurus, in a mind-expanding prehistoric adventure. A special post-show meet-and-greet offers attendees a chance to interact with friendly dinosaur characters in this engaging live-theatre experience.

This weekend's New Jersey entertainment lineup spans live music, dance, and nightlife across the region. From local bands and classical ballet to an energetic evening out, there are plenty of ways to experience the arts and enjoy live performances.

Weeknight plans across New Jersey take on an energetic, arts-forward feel with options that balance inspiration and entertainment. From sports and community fun to hands-on creativity and world-class music, the midweek lineup offers engaging ways to break with routine.