SEASIDE HEIGHTS POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Seaside Heights bursts back to life Saturday for its annual Polar Bear Plunge. The plunge, which benefits the Special Olympics, is one of the biggest charity and party days in the famed beach town. Last year the plunge raised over $1.6 million for Special Olympics, and they are looking to top that number this year. If you have not registered to take part in the plunge, you need to be in Seaside between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to sign up. Cost for ‘day of’ sign-ups is $125 per person and will take place at 62 Grant Avenue. The plunge itself will commence at 1 p.m. This has always been one of the most popular plunges of the year, so we recommend you get there early in order to get a prime plunging spot. $125. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (sign-up/check-in), 1 p.m. (plunge). 

MARDI GRAS AT LAURITA WINERY: Get a little taste (and sip) of N’Awlins at The Laurita Winery this weekend. The two-day Mardi Gras celebration features their award-winning wines, and Cajun-inspired dishes at their “Marketplace” eatery. Food items include: Emeril Lagasse’s country file gumbo ($11), cajun chicken wrap ($10), andouille sausage platters ($11), and bread pudding ($6). On Saturday music will be provided by the Blue Jersey Band, and Freedom Brass Dixie. On Sunday JazzFunktion performs. There will be plenty of beads thrown around as well. Free. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt. 1-800-LAURITA.

DAVID DUCHOVNY IN CONCERT AT THE STONE PONY: No, the actor will not be sitting on stage at The Stone Pony regaling audiences with on-set stories from his time as Agent Fox Mulder on “The X-Files.” Duchovny will instead be performing tracks off his 2015 album “Hell or Highwater” as well as some newly penned songs. The record is a blend of alternative, folk, and country and was produced by Colin Lee of the band Weather. Lee will open for Duchovny as will Jackson Pines. There is a special VIP soundcheck experience where fans can take part in a special 30 minute soundcheck party, and take a group photo with the actor (which will be posted on his social media). Tickets are $150, and can be found on the link for purchasing show tickets. $34.50-$37. Friday, 7pm. 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. 732-502-0600.

Friday, February 24 at 7:00 PMDavid DuchovnyStone PonySEE FULL EVENT DETAILSnj.com

FOLLOW THE GIN BLOSSOMS DOWN TO MONTCLAIR: The Gin Blossoms makes their return to Betlike the Garden State on Saturday. The foursome which spawned major hits like “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealously,” and “Allison Road” will take the stage for their signature high energy, fan friendly shows. Opening for the Gin Blossoms will be New Jersey rock outft Thing-One, and Marlowe Grey. $26-$90. Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 5 Seymour Street, Montclair. 973-783-9500.

Saturday, February 25 at 8:00 PMGin BlossomsWellmont TheaterSEE FULL EVENT DETAILSnj.com

BRAIN CANDY LIVE WITH ADAM SAVAGE OF “MYTHBUSTERS”: Michael Stevens of YouTube’s “Vsauce” and Adam Savage of “Mythbusters” team up on Sunday for “Brain Candy Live!” The show is a mind-bending theatrical experience using technology to create visually amazing feats of science. Want an example? How about 3D printing a human being? The duo will also be taking on various scientific questions, and proving whether or not they are realistic or not. $39-$119. Sunday, 3 p.m. 1 Center Street, Newark. 1-888-GO-NJPAC.

Sunday, February 26 at 3:00 PMBrain Candy LiveNew Jersey Performing Arts CenterSEE FULL EVENT DETAILSnj.com

OSCAR PARTY AT THE ASBURY HOTEL: The Oscars are this Sunday, and if you love film this is basically Christmas for you. The Asbury Hotel, which was named one of the best new hotels in the country, will host a special Oscar Party. The free event features a full bar with an Oscar-themed drink menu, a pasta station ($10), Oscar bingo, and a “pick the winner” game (with a $15 gift certificate prize). The show will be shown on the hotel’s massive 20′ x 30′ movie screen. Free. Sunday, 8 p.m. 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-7100.

LEWIS BRINGS ACERBIC HUMOR TO STATE THEATRE: The fire-breathing comic returns to New Jersey Saturday to New Brunswick’s State Theatre. The comedian is currently touring the country on his “Rant, White and Blue Tour.” With a tour name like that one has to wonder if/how much the former “Daily Show” correspondent will talk about the country’s current state. The show has very limited seats available.$35-$75. Sunday, 8 p.m. 15 Livingston Street, New Brunswick. 732-24607469.

Saturday, February 25 at 8:00 PMLewis BlackState TheatreSEE FULL EVENT DETAILSnj.com

JERSEY SHORE WINE FESTIVAL AT THE TROPICANA: Wine enthusiasts should be amped for the Tropicana’s Jersey Shore Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The festival features 150 wines from the following New Jersey wineries and vineyards: Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery (Pilesgrove), Bellview Winery (Landsville), Chestnut Run Farms (Pilesgrove), DiMatteo Vineyard (Hammonton), Old York Cellars (Ringoes), Plagido’s Winery (Hammonton), Sharrott Winery (Hammonton), Southwind Vineyard & Winery (Millville), Tomasello Winery (Hammonton), Valenzano Winery (Shamong), Villari Vineyards (South Jersey), and Wagonhouse Winery (Swedesboro). $25. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2381 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. 1-800-843-8767.

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.

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