Jazz, Judas Priest and a Wayans Brother are some of the best things to do in N.J. this weekend.
FREE SCREENING OF GHOSTBUSTERS AT PARAMOUNT THEATRE
Halloween may have come and gone, but there's never a bad time to watch "Ghostbusters" -- especially for free. The Paramount Theatre and the Asbury Park Film Initiative will be presenting a free screening of the 1984 classic starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd as a part of their "Free Movie Fridays" series. The Paramount has hosted film screenings before, and it is truly one of the more unique spots to catch a flick. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the screening is open to all ages. There is a cash bar for those 21 and older; there will be a special 21 and over afterparty on the second floor mezzanine of the Paramount featuring music by DJ Mike Longo. Future "Free Movie Fridays" include: "E.T." (Nov 13), "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (Nov 20), and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (Nov 27). Free. Friday, 7:30 p.m. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, 732.897.6500.
EXIT ZERO INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FEST
The red hot sounds of jazz will be cutting through the crisp autumnal air this weekend at the Southern tip of New Jersey. The Exit Zero International Jazz Fest will take place Friday to Sunday in Cape May at the following locations: Cape May Convention Hall, Carney's Other Room, Room 429 at M'OCEAN, Schmidtchen Theater Main Stage, Aleathea's, and Cabanas. All of these venues are within walking distance of each other, making it easier for festivalgoers to bounce from show to show. The festival will be headlined by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring the legendary Wynton Marsalis (Saturday), and Bettye LaVette (Friday). If you can't make those shows we highly recommend dropping in on the Skatalites show at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at Convention Hall. $45-$150. Friday (7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.), Saturday (12 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.). Beach Avenue, Cape May.
BEER BBQ BACON SHOWDOWN
Just when you thought you were done with outdoor food festivals, you're going to be pulled back in. The Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown will take place on Saturday at Waterloo Village. If you dig craft beer, participating breweries will be bringing beers that are extremely rare or specially crafted for this event. Breweries on hand will include: Beach Haus, Cricket Hill, Carton, 902, Riverhorse, Demented, and many more. Outside of the beer, there will be vendors showing off their best BBQ and bacon dishes, which will be judged by a panel of local celebrities. The showdown will feature music by Mr. LoveJoy and The Stepping Stone Band. $55 (General Admission), $85 (VIP). Saturday, 1 p.m.to 5 p.m. Waterloo Village Concert Field, 1053 Waterloo Road, Stanhope.
SAVORY SATURDAY AT BORGATA
Did you eat light this week? Did you hit the gym extra hard? If not, you might want to because, Saturday at The Borgata is chalking up to be a delicious, food-filled evening. Things kick off at 2 p.m. with celebrity chef, Food Network star, and Iron Chef Bobby Flay holding a culinary demonstration. The event will be held at The Music Box Theater, where Flay will spotlight items from his new book, "Brunch with Bobby." Tickets are $25. The epicurean adventure continues at 8 p.m. with "Savor Borgata Presents: Street Eats." This event will be headlined by Flay, Wolfgang Puck, Geoffrey Zakarian, Michael Schulson, and Stephen Kalt presenting their take on "global street food." Tickets are $89 for general admission and $139 for VIP admission. Saturday, 2 p.m., 8 p.m. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, (609) 317-1000.
FINAL WEEKEND FOR PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE'S "THE BANDSTAND"
If the current crop of Broadway musicals isn't tickling your fancy, you might want to try your own backyard. This is the final weekend for the Paper Mill Playhouse's original musical "The Bandstand." The show revolves around a returning war veteran who wants to make it in the music business, and recruits a band of former soldiers, and a war widow, to round out his sound. NJ.com recently gave the show four stars, and proclaimed it was the 'Paper Mill's best show in years.' If you are attending the Saturday matinee, there will be a special Q&A session with cast following the performance. $37 to $120. Thursday (1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.), Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.). 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973.376.4343
The swing-inspired dance sequences are among the best moments in "The Bandstand," now playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. (Jerry Dalia) JERSEY SHORE RESTAURANT WEEK
The Jersey Shore's annual "great eating holiday" starts this Friday and runs through November 16. JSRW is a celebration of the Monmouth and Ocean county dining scene, and all participating restaurants offer a special three-course, specially priced "restaurant week" menu. There will also be special events happening throughout the week. On Sunday, the annual Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest will go down at Doolan's in Spring Lake Heights. Top drink slingers from the region will compete to see who makes the best 'tini at the Shore. There will also be a craft beer night on November 11 at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar, a bloody Mary and burger night at Harpoon Willy's in Manasquan, and an Italian wine and cheese night at Undici in Rumson. Friday through November 16, Hamlet-Toms River. www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com
MARLON WAYANS HEADLINES THE STRESS FACTORY
The actor, best known for his role on the WB sitcom "The Wayans Brothers" and film roles in "White Chicks," the "Scary Movie" franchise, "G.I. Joe," and "The Heat" is no stranger to The Stress Factory stage. He and his brother Shawn have performed there before, and we can tell you this much -- grab your tickets now, because the crowds come out in full force for any Wayans show. $36 to $44. Friday-Sunday. 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. 90 Church Street, New Brunswick, (732) 545-4242.
JUDAS PRIEST TO ROCK TO THE ROCK
If anyone ever tells you that heavy metal "is dead" tell them "they've got another thing coming." That's right, Judas Priest, a band that's been performing since 1970, saw their last record ("Redeemer of Souls") at number six on the Billboard charts last year. (That debut was the band's highest Billboard debut ever.) On Saturday, find out why people still flock to Judas Priest whenever they drop a record or go on tour. Their rip-roaring riffs, thunderous backbeat, and the utterly divine pipes of Rob Halford make them a must-see metal band. On tour with them is Mastodon, no strangers to ripping it up on stage with furious riffs and high-intensity vocals. $47.50 to $99. Saturday, 7 p.m. 25 Lafayette Street, Newark. (973) 757-6500.
Rob Halford and Judas Priest return to the Prudential Center this Saturday with Mastodon for their Redeemer of Souls Tour 2015. Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
