Things to do in Morris County for summer's second half: Free concerts, festivals and more
After the July 4 weekend, it may seem like all the fun and entertainment is over. But we've got more than two months of summer left and plenty to do in and around Morris County. Here's a list of fairs, festivals, concerts and other events to keep you entertained under the hot July and August sun.
Boonton Farmers Market
Every Saturday from June to November, Boonton holds their annual farmers market. Vendors sell fresh, local produce, meats and dairy products. There are also crafters, artisans, lawn games and live music. Go: Upper Plane Street Parking Lot. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chatham Movies in the Park
The Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is sponsoring free outdoor movie nights. The next two take place on July 23 (showing the film "Big") and Aug. 20 ("The Greatest Showman"). Before the showings, there will be live music from Chatham's School of Rock. Popcorn and ice cream will be on sale. A blanket and/or lawn chair is recommended. Go: 21 Lum Ave, Chatham, behind train station. Hours: Live music at 7 p.m. and movie at 8:45 p.m.
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Chester Township's Concert Night
Every Thursday through Aug. 1, Chester township hosts a free concert featuring local performers. On July 11, the Action Park 1980s band is playing. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to enjoy the set. Go: Municipal Field Gazebo, 155 Main Street Hours: 7 p.m.
Covent Station
Shakespeare's "As You Like It": Saint Elizabeth University showcases their annual Shakespeare play at the outdoor stage on campus. Directed by Jemma Alix Levy, the show debuted on June 19 and runs until July 14. Grab tickets for any day this week. Tickets go for $40-$45 for adults while children under 17 get free access. Information and tickets are available here. Go: The Greek Theatre on Morris Township on the campus of St. Elizabeth University, 2 Convent Road. Hours: Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.
Denville Music in the Park
Denville's free music in the park event is another way to make the most out of weekdays in the summer. Kickstart, an acoustic party ensemble, will be performing at the next event on Tuesday, July 16. Denville Arts Council hosts the event every Tuesday through July and August. The Denville Public Library provides children's activities at the concert. Go: Gardner Field Bandstand, 2 Savage Road. Hours: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
East Hanover Summer Concert and Car Show
East Hanover township presents its summer concert and car show on July 23. Trophies will be awarded based on guest votes. Go: Lurker Park, 631 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover. Hours: Cars should show up at 6:15 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Hanover Township Summer Concerts
Every Monday this month, join Hanover residents at free concerts. The next one is July 15, featuring the band Five Wheel Drive. Go: Bee Meadow Park, 111 Reynolds Avenue, Whippany. Hours: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Jefferson Free Gazebo Concerts
Jefferson is hosting an eight-part series of family-friendly free gazebo concerts on Fridays this summer. The next one features two concerts in one weekend. Friday's concert features Vera & the Force, who will perform an array of genres and covers. On Sunday, Jefferson Township band alumni and residents can hop on the stage. Those who want to perform should contact the director of the Jefferson Arts Committee. The venue will have snacks and refreshments for sale, and the town recommends bringing lawn chairs or blankets. Go: 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge. Hours: Friday, July 12 concerts start at 6:30 p.m. and will move to the Jefferson High School auditorium in case of inclement weather. On Sunday, July 14, rehearsal is at 12:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 2 p.m.
Morristown
W.O.W: Women's Outstanding Works Exhibit: Art in the Atrium's 32nd Annual exhibit features an all-women display of art, with over 70 Black and Afro-Latina women artists. Curated by Onnie Strother and Bisa Wendy Washington, the exhibit debuted on May 17 and ends on September 20. Go: 10 Court Street, Morristown. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mayo Performing Arts Center Free Summer Concert and Movie Series: This series features musicians and DJs of various genres as well as weekly outdoor movies. Events are held at various Morristown locations including Cauldwell Park, Pioneer Plaza at Headquarters Plaza and the Vail Mansion Plaza. The next free concert on Wednesday, July 24, features salsa dancing and instruction, with music provided by DJ Kid Go: Pioneer Park, Headquarters Plaza, 3 Speedwell Ave, Morristown. Hours: 6 p.m.
Morris Township
Morris Township Summer Concert Series: The township has its own series of concerts this summer, every Tuesday through July and August. The next event is July 16, featuring group Diamonds in Jupiter. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Ginty Field Gazebo. Go: 15 Woodland Ave, Morristown. Hours: July shows begin at 7 p.m. and August shows begin at 6:30 p.m.
Mount Olive
Carnival: Enjoy rides, food, and more at Mount Olive's five-day carnival, which runs through Sunday the 14th, including fireworks on Friday night. Attendees must pay $8 to park with free admission. In order to play games or go on a ride, you must pay at ticket booths. Pre-sale wristbands are sold out. Each night there will be live music, and on Saturday guests 21 and older are welcome to the beer garden. For more information visit the carnival website. Go: Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Rd., Budd Lake. Hours: Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m. to Midnight; Saturday, 3 p.m. to Midnight; Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m.
Food Truck & Fireworks Festival: Food trucks, fireworks, vendor booths, and children's inflatables are all a part of this Aug. 24 event. It is recommended that attendees bring lawn chairs or blankets for the celebration. Ages 12 and under get free admission, tickets for ages 13-17 are $5 and 18 and up is $10. Go: Turkey Brook Park Event Field. Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Netcong Fireworks
Rides, food, games, beer garden and fireworks will be available in Netcong on Saturday, July 20, following the Feast of St. Cesario. Go: Arbolino Park, 93 Koclas Dr. Netcong Hours: 6 p.m.
Parsippany
Fun Fridays: A new addition to the township's summer schedule, "Fun Fridays" is a series of outdoor concerts and movies for locals to enjoy. The next artists are the Rated R Band set to perform Friday, July 12. The following Friday is movie night, featuring "Elemental." Go: Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 US Highway 46, Parsippany. Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Farmers Market: Before Fun Friday begins, stop by the Parsippany Farmers Market for fresh produce, pastries, meals and other artisan goods. The market is open every Friday until Nov. 1. Go: Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 US Highway 46, Parsippany. Hours: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Randolph Freedom Festival
The three-day Randolph Freedom Festival runs from Thursday, July 11, through fireworks night on Saturday the 13th, all at the County College of Morris campus. The Kiwanis Freedom Parade will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by the festival from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday are bracelet nights, which means ride all night for $30. There will be amusements, games, food and a beer garden. There is a $5 suggested donation per car for parking at CCM to benefit a Randolph Youth Group. Go: 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Hours: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Of note in Sussex County:
Hopatcong Days
Hopatcong is hosting a two-day event this summer. Beginning on Saturday, enjoy markets, food, children's activities and music at Modick Park. The next day at the firehouse, there will be a car show and pet adoption event. Go: July 13 at Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Rd, Hopatcong and July 14 at 120 River Styx Rd., Hopatcong. Hours: Both days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Jersey State Fair
Amusement rides, carnival games, animals, food, a Monster Truck Show and bull riding are just a few things in store for this year's New Jersey State Fair. Advanced admission tickets can be purchased online until Aug 1. Regular admission tickets will be available online and in-person at the fairgrounds. Go: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Hours: Begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. Weekends will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (after the first Friday) and weekdays noon to 10 p.m. The fair's last day is Saturday, August 10.
Regular ticket prices:
Adults (13-59)- $15
Veterans/Active Military - $7
Child (6-12) - $5
Seniors (60+) - $10
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Morris County things to do summer 2024: fairs, festivals, concerts
