Friday Nights in NJ
The week drags on, Monday feels as though it is a million hours long, Tuesday and Wednesday feel the same, by Thursday you start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and by Friday, you are ecstatic because it is the weekend and you can go out with friends and have some fun!
Once work lets out, you are ready to go.
You know you have a few nights to let loose and have fun.
The only problem?
You live in NJ and it seems that there aren’t too many fun things you could do on a Friday night unless you take a train or bus to either New York City or Philadelphia.
There shouldn’t be any concern though because believe it or not, NJ has plenty of awesome things you could do on a Friday Night.
Whether you are in the mood for something fun and exciting or a more laid back, relaxed and peaceful event where you and your friends can have a good time without having to empty your wallets, there are options everywhere.
Below you will find our suggestion of the 11 best things you can do in NJ (on a Friday night) that will make you scream “TGIF!”
Also see: 50 things to do on a Sunday in NJ
1. Attend a BYOB Open Studio
The Painter’s Loft Art Studio, a welcoming creative center with activities the entire family can enjoy, regularly hosts BYOB Open Studio events on Friday nights. These fun evenings typically run from 5 – 9pm and all over the age of 21 are welcome. They let you choose any artistic project in the studio you’d like to complete and encourage you to come out for a night of fun and creativity.
The Painter’s Loft
1 Tree Farm R., Suite 3, Pennington, NJ 08534
609-730-4278
Also see: All BYOB art studios in NJ
2. Hang out at Gypsy Bar
Found within Atlantic City, NJ’s Borgata casino, Gypsy Bar is a true TGIF destination. They have Zagat rated food, an exciting nightlife atmosphere and hand crafted bar drinks that are always made to order.
Gypsy Bar
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-317-1000
3. Stop by a Local Flying Fish Event
As one of the best-known breweries in NJ, Flying Fish Brewing Company regularly hosts Friday evening events at various locations. At these events you will be given the chance to learn more about the company, sample some brews and enjoy the company of fellow beer lovers!
Flying Fish Brewing Company
900 Kennedy Blvd., Somerdale, NJ 08083
856-504-3442
4. Dance the Night Away at a Local Nightclub
Maggie’s Underground, located in Lakewood, NJ is a great place to head out on a Friday night with friends. At this TGIF location, you are given the luxury of having a restaurant on one level of the establishment and a bar and club on the second. The excitement won’t stop until you leave for the night!
Maggie’s Underground
145 Country Club Dr., Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-363-8125 ext. 14
5. See a Live Performance at a Local Bar
Local bars such as The Famished Frog often keep their guests entertained on weekends by filling their entertainment schedule with sets from local and up-and-coming artists. Coupled with awesome drink and food specials, you are guaranteed to have a great Friday evening out in Northern NJ.
The Famished Frog
18 Washington St., Morristown, NJ 07960
973-540-9601
6. Get Last Minute Tickets to a Show
Concert Venues such as Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ often have a surplus of tickets to sell just hours before the show. If you know that an artist you love is playing there, give the venue a call and see if you can get a set of tickets. It’s a surefire way to make your Friday night memorable!
Starland Ballroom
570 Jernee Mill Rd., Sayreville, NJ 08872
732-238-5500
7. Sign up for a Couple’s Cooking Class
Cooking schools such as Classic Thyme Cooking School in Westfield, NJ offer cooking classes for couples throughout the year. When one is taken on a Friday night, it can just the TGIF activity you need to spark a romantic evening in NJ with your significant other.
Classic Thyme Cooking School
S. Ave. W., Westfield, NJ 07090
908-232-5445
8. Meet up with Friends at a Local Coffee House
Younger NJ residents might find themselves saying “TGIF” when they realize that it is 11pm but they don’t need to head home due to early classes the next morning. Instead, they can find themselves enjoying a late night out with friends at a favorite coffee house in Long Branch, NJ.
Inkwell Coffeehouse
665 2nd Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-483-0444
9. Head out for Delicious Food and Beer
On a Friday night in NJ all you may be looking to do is grab a good bite to eat and a great drink with people who are not your coworkers. If that is the case, Pier Village is the place you should check out. Inside the village you will find over a dozen bars and restaurants. You will find menus filled of gourmet-quality food, and drink specials that will make your eyes widen with excitement!
The Village is set right on the ocean. We recommend having dinner outside at Sirena Ristorante while watching the Ocean Waves.
Pier Village
Long Branch, NJ
732-923-0100
10. Visit a Country Themed Restaurant in Central Jersey
Country fans from all regions of New Jersey are willing to make the trip to Prospectors Saloon not only because it has a theme they like, but also because they know that they will have safe, clean fun with their friends. This TGIF location, unlike others you might find in NJ, has legendary steaks!
Prospectors Saloon
3050 Route 38, Mount Laurel, Burlington County, New Jersey 08054
856-235-1121
11. Spend the Evening at a Hookah Bar with Friends
A good way to relax and destress after a long week’s work is to meet up with friends at a local hookah bar, try some of their original blends, and simply hang out for the night. Fire N Ice in Fords is one of the best NJ hookah bars that allow you to do just that.
Fire N Ice
85 Lafayette Rd., Fords, NJ 08863
732-417-1999
Other Related Recommended Reading
Related Article: Cool things to do on a Friday Night.
Related Article: Romantic Date Ideas in NJ.
Related Article: Over 150 Things to do in NJ and why you should do them right away.
Can you think of any other cool things to do on a seemingly dull Friday night in NJ? If so, let us know in the comments!
