Explore New Jersey Daily: Music, Food, Events, and More – November 6, 2025

New Jersey is buzzing with activity today, offering something for everyone from live music and theater to community gatherings, brewery events, and family-friendly entertainment. Explore New Jersey highlights the state’s vibrant cultural scene, with detailed listings for music festivals, concerts, restaurants, classic films, sports, and local events.

Music & Festivals
The 14th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival swings back into Newark from November 8–23, hosted by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Explore New Jersey Music). Audiences can enjoy performances from George Cables Trio at Bethany Baptist Church, Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater, and legendary artists such as Stanley Clarke, Arturo Sandoval, and Savion Glover. The festival also features contemporary jazz acts, hip-hop and poetry fusion nights like Represent!, and closes with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, offering a rich cross-section of jazz, R&B, and cultural storytelling.

Beer enthusiasts will find November full of creative events across New Jersey’s breweries. From Drag Bingo at Brewery Thirty-Three to Trivia Nights at Autodidact Beer and Karaoke at Montclair Brewery, there’s something for every palate (Explore New Jersey Breweries). Major weekend festivals include the Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown in Rockaway, Barrel Fest at Czig Meister Brewing, and Flannel Fest at Diamond Spring Brewing Company. Notable new expansions include Magnify Brewing Company in Medford, Five Dimes Brewery in Red Bank, and Montclair Brewery’s East Orange location. Live music at breweries like Ludlam Island Brewery, Glenbrook Brewery, and Wild Air Beerworks offers entertainment alongside craft beers.

Community & Business Highlights
The Bergen Street IHOP celebrates its third annual community dinner, honoring Newark’s West Ward with local residents invited to enjoy a complimentary evening of food and fellowship (Explore New Jersey Food & Beverage). In Haddonfield, local churches are partnering with the borough to provide case management for homeless residents after an anti-homelessness ordinance was tabled. Meanwhile, industrial jobs, including railroad positions, continue to provide stability and opportunity for New Jersey workers, offering competitive pay and career growth (Explore New Jersey Business).

Union County saw the Stephanie Gardens Apartments in Garwood sell for $6.6 million, promising new updates and improved housing for residents. Morris County is moving to preserve nearly 200 acres with the 2025 Open Space Trust Fund recommendations, strengthening the county’s commitment to environmental preservation.

Sports
New Jersey high school sports enter a critical playoff week, with championships on the line across multiple leagues. In professional sports, Red Bulls II captured the Eastern Conference Championship and are set for the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final, marking a historic achievement for New Jersey soccer.

Cultural & Entertainment Events
Aboard the Battleship New Jersey, visitors can celebrate the spirit of service and the season this November, with immersive tours and holiday programming perfect for families and history enthusiasts (Explore New Jersey).

New Shows On Sale
Music lovers can mark their calendars for these exciting 2026 tours:

• New Edition: The New Edition Way Tour with Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton – February 13 (Tickets)
• Bad Omens: DO YOU FEEL LOVE North American Tour – March 10 (Tickets)
• Alejandro Sanz: ¿Y ahora qué? Tour 2026 – April 17 (Tickets)
• Hatsune Miku: EXPO 2026 North America – May 7 (Tickets)

Live Music Experiences
The Newton Theatre presents Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago on March 13, 2026, bringing the iconic sounds of Chicago to life with a family-friendly, high-energy performance covering five decades of hits and gold-platinum recordings (Explore New Jersey Music).

UCPAC’s Main Stage hosts Ozzy Osbourne’s favorite tribute band, Sabbra Cadabra, alongside Death Metallic, a Metallica tribute band. The double-bill promises an authentic heavy metal experience, featuring vintage equipment and decades of performance excellence (Explore New Jersey Music).

Classic Film Series at UCPAC
The 2026 classic film lineup features:

• Cabaret in 35mm, March 26 – the 1972 Academy Award-winning musical starring Liza Minnelli, Bob Fosse, and Joel Grey. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails and photo ops.
• Pink Flamingos in 35mm, May 21 – John Waters’ 1972 cult classic, starring Divine, celebrating camp, drag, and subversive artistry. Attendees are encouraged to dress as Divine or other drag icons, with prizes for best looks (Explore New Jersey Music).

Restaurant & Dining Updates
Explore New Jersey continues to highlight local eateries and culinary experiences:

• Jane Doe, Jersey City – modern American cuisine with Asian fusion (Explore New Jersey Bars)
• Tacoria – Paramus – North Jersey Mexican favorites (Explore New Jersey Food & Beverage)
• WNB Factory, North Arlington – Lunch and casual dining (Explore New Jersey Food & Beverage)
• Greens and Grains – multiple locations including Cape May Court House, Stone Harbor, Glassboro, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Wall Township, Shrewsbury, Ventnor, Northfield, and Mays Landing, specializing in healthy, fresh, and locally sourced meals (Explore New Jersey Food & Beverage)

Historic & Local Highlights
Step back in time with the 249th Anniversary of the Retreat to Victory at Historic New Bridge Landing, celebrating Revolutionary War history. Residents and visitors can enjoy educational exhibits, reenactments, and family-friendly programming.

Sports & Politics
Mikie Sherrill’s recent historic victory signals a major political shift in New Jersey, as voters continue to reshape the state’s representation. Meanwhile, New Jersey Devils return home to face the Canadiens amid ongoing injury concerns and early-game struggles, keeping fans on the edge of their seats (Explore New Jersey).

From live music and theater to food, community events, and classic films, New Jersey offers something for everyone today. For complete details and more listings, visit Explore New Jersey.

Here’s today’s roundup of featured stories from Explore New Jersey. Each headline links to its respective article when available, or to our main department or site if a direct link couldn’t be located:

• Newark Swings Again: TD James Moody Jazz Festival Returns for a Soulful Celebration of Music and Culture – Explore New Jersey (Music)
• Cheers to Creativity: New Jersey Breweries Mix Art, Music, and Flavor This November – Food & Beverage
• Bergen Street IHOP Hosts Third Annual Community Dinner Honoring Newark’s West Ward – Business
• Why Industrial Jobs Like Railroad Work Are Powering a New Era of Opportunity in New Jersey – Explore New Jersey (Business)
• Haddonfield Partners with Local Churches to Address Homelessness After Ordinance Delays – Explore New Jersey (Community)
• New Jersey High School Sports Enter a Critical Week of Playoffs and Championships – Politics / Youth Sports
• Mikie Sherrill’s Historic Victory Signals a Major Shift in New Jersey Politics – Explore New Jersey (Politics)
• Global Music Festivals Gear Up for 2026 as 2025 Wraps with Exciting Events & The Festival Radio Show Tonight on TuneIn & JamFest – Entertainment / Music
• New Jersey Devils Return Home to Face Canadiens Amid Injury Concerns and Early‑Game Struggles – Entertainment / Sports
• Step Back in Time at Historic New Bridge Landing’s 249th Anniversary of the Retreat to Victory – Explore New Jersey (History)
• Stephanie Gardens Apartments in Garwood Sells for $6.6 Million, Promising New Updates for Union County Residents – Real Estate / Business
• Morris County Moves to Preserve Nearly 200 Acres with 2025 Open Space Recommendations – Explore New Jersey (Environment)
• Red Bulls II Make History with Eastern Conference Championship Victory, Set for MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final in New Jersey – Sports