Full Notification

Here's a round-up of What's New and What's Happening in Highland Park, NJ

Parents, Grandparents and Me, Monday, October 5
Local families are invited to gather at the Highland Park Community Center at 11:00 am, for "Parents, Grandparents and Me" a special interactive event designed to honor Hispanic culture and traditions. The gathering is specifically tailored for young children, their parents, and their grandparents to share experiences, learn together, and build lasting community ties.

Borough Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 6 & October 20
The Mayor and Council hold their regularly scheduled meetings pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-8(b). Meetings are held in person at Borough Hall, 221 South 5th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ at 7:00 pm. As a convenience, the Borough provides the public the option to attend meetings remotely through Zoom. The meeting agenda and support materials are posted in Borough Hall and on the Borough website at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.
 
Teen Night: Music, Dance & Food, Saturday, October 10
Local teenagers are invited to hit the dance floor as the borough hosts Teen Night, an exciting evening dedicated to celebrating the rich music, dance, and traditions of Hispanic cultures. This festive event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Highland Park Community Center, located at 220 South Sixth Avenue.
 
Flu Shot Clinic, Tuesday, October 13
As autumn approaches, public health officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their neighbors from seasonal influenza.In partnership with Middlesex County, the borough will host a local Flu Shot Clinic, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Highland Park Community Center, located at 220 South Sixth Avenue.

Highland Park Bike Rodeo, Thursday, October 15
Local families are invited to grab their wheels and helmets for an afternoon of outdoor fun and safety education at the upcoming Highland Park Rodeo.  This free event will take place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Bartle Elementary School, located at 435 Mansfield Street. Residents with questions about the event can reach out via email to [email protected].

Property Tax Relief Filing Assistance, Thursday, October 15
State tax experts will be on-site at the Highland Park Community Center, located at 220 South Sixth Avenue from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to help eligible residents apply for several key New Jersey relief initiatives, including the STAY NJ senior tax credit, the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) program, and the popular Anchor (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program.

Highland Park Townwide Garage Sale, Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18
One of the borough's most anticipated community traditions is returning, as the Highland Park Annual Town-Wide Garage Sale will be held from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. This popular community-wide event transforms local sidewalks, stoops, and driveways into a bustling marketplace filled with unique bargains and hidden treasures.

Prospective sellers can find the registration form and more details online through the host organizations at mainstreethp.org.
 
Garage Bands at the Garage Sale: Saturday, October 17
During the Garage Sale, stop by the Welkovitz Pavilion on Raritan Avenue between 2^nd & 3^rd Avenues for a full day of live music! At 1:00 pm the first band, “Shampoo” will be on stage, followed by “Bog Imp” at 2:00 pm and “Rotoscope” at 3:00 pm.
 
Employment Opportunities
The Borough is hiring a Firefighter, Laborer with CDL, and Crossing Guards.  Apply on the Borough’s website.

October Halloween Events
Once again, the Borough is offering a fun assortment of Halloween-themed events and activities for all to enjoy! 

• Scarecrow Design Contest, The Arts Commission is looking for people to showcase their creativity by participating in the second Scarecrow Design Contest! One winner will be selected in each of the three categories; Most Creative, Slay the Spooky and Best in Show.  All scarecrows will be displayed along Raritan Ave for the whole town to enjoy. Follow the Arts Commission on Facebook, Instagram @hp.arts.commission; or email them at [email protected] for more details and to get involved. 
• Halloween Art History, Saturday, October 24 
  Join the Highland Park Arts Commission at 2:00 pm at the Highland Park Public Library, 31 North Fifth Avenue. Listen to stories and learn about famous and infamous, artworks and the sick, insane and mystical artists who created them.
• Costume Parade and Festival,  Sunday, October 25 
  The Highland Park Recreation Department will host its annual Halloween Costume Parade & Festival from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Community Center, 220 South Sixth Avenue. This event features music, dancing games, a bounce house and complimentary refreshments, with additional food available for purchase.
• Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 29
  This annual event is hosted by the Highland Park Police Department from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on South Fifth Avenue, spanning from the Highland Park Police Department to Mansfield Street. If you are interested in decorating a vehicle, please register or contact Officer Fitzgerald at [email protected] for more information.
• Octoberfest, Thursday, October 29
  Zone 6 invites local youth and families to celebrate the autumn season at its upcoming Octoberfest from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Zone 6 Teen Center located at 600 Benner Street. The highlight will be a special screening of “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”  Free snacks and treats will be provided to all attendees.
• Halloween on the Avenue, Saturday, October 31
  Main Street Highland Park has organized another fun Halloween night on Raritan Avenue. Gather the kids and stop by local businesses downtown to get a trick or treat!

• Small Business Weekend:Saturday, November 28 & Sunday, November 29
• Downtown Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 28
• Owl Artisan Markets: Saturday November 28, Sunday November 29, Saturday December 5, & Sunday December 6
• Downtown Menorah Lighting: Sunday, December 6
   
  Learn about all these events and more at mainstreethp.org
  
  Ongoing Programs:
  
  Free Groceries from H.P. Gives a Hoot, Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
  Highland Park Gives a Hoot offers free groceries to Highland Park families in need of support. Distributions are every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (except holidays) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Zone 6/Teen Center, 600 Benner Street.
   
  Highland Park Community Food Pantry Distribution, Thursdays, October 8 & 22 and Saturdays October 10, 24
  The Highland Park Community Food Pantry distribution takes place at the Highland Park Community Center on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 9:00 am to 10:45 am and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on the second and fourth Saturdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. For more information visit the Borough website or contact Nicole Huff at 732-819-0052.
  
  Highland Park Recreation Programs
  Hello, neighbors! Registration is open for Highland Park Recreation’s adult, youth, and fall programs.  To ensure our programs are accessible to everyone, the Borough offers a 60% discount on all activities for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch. 
  
  Farmers Market
  The Highland Park Farmers Market coordinated by Main Street Highland Park brings fresh, local, homemade products from farmers and vendors across New Jersey.  The market is open every Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm in, March, November and December and until 5:00 pm from April through October.  Shop for farm fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and more while supporting local businesses and enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.