Bergen County Summer Events: Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Flying Toward the Sun at Penguin Theatre: August 14-September 6

Flying Toward the Sun makes its world premiere at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, New York, from August 14 through September 6, 2026. This original new musical features music and lyrics by Neil Berg (The Sabbath Girl) and a book and lyrics by Bill Nabel.

Set in 2015, the story follows Gary Campbell on his first day as an immigration official, where he is faced with life-changing decisions as he hears the hopes, struggles, and dreams of people seeking new lives in the United States. Filled with heart, hope, and powerful music, Flying Toward the Sun explores the human stories behind immigration and the choices that can shape countless futures.

Find performance times, ticket information, and more on the Penguin Rep Theatre website. The Penguin Rep Theatre is located minutes from Bergen County. Set your GPS to 7 Cricketown Road, Stony Point, New York, and take the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Parking is free.

Saborland Food Festival at American Dream: August 28-August 30

Get ready for one of New Jersey’s biggest celebrations of Latin food and culture when the Saborland Food Festival comes to American Dream from August 28 through August 30, 2026. This three-day festival features more than 100 food vendors serving a wide variety of Latin flavors, along with live music, DJ entertainment, rides, games, shopping from merchandise vendors, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Festival Schedule

• Friday, August 28 – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Friday, August 28 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Saturday, August 29 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturday, August 29 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Saturday, August 29 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Sunday, August 30 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Sunday, August 30 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Sunday, August 30 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

The festival takes place at American Dream, Lot 26, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Find ticket information and additional event details here.

BBQ Extravaganza at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment: Saturday, August 29

Come hungry for an evening of barbecue, food trucks, and live harness racing at the BBQ Extravaganza on Saturday, August 29. Area food trucks and restaurants will be serving up brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and plenty more, while competitors battle for prizes in several BBQ categories, including a People’s Choice award.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
Live Racing: Begins at 6:20 pm
Location: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Admission: Free

Learn more at playmeadowlands.com.

Butterfly Feeding at Tenafly Nature Center: Sunday, August 29

Get an up-close look at native butterflies during Butterfly Feeding at Tenafly Nature Center. Families with children ages 4 and up can step inside the seasonal Butterfly House, feed live butterflies nectar, see chrysalises in different stages of development, and learn about the butterfly life cycle.

After visiting the Butterfly House, participants can make a pollinator-friendly seed ball to take home and plant. Visitors can also explore the neighboring Native Pollinator Garden, featuring plants that provide food and habitat for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other wildlife.

The August 29 program is offered at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Each session is 30 minutes. Admission is $8, and advance registration is recommended because space is limited. Find Butterfly Feeding registration and ticket information here.

The Butterfly House is an outdoor exhibit and closes during rain, overcast conditions, or temperatures below 70°F. Tenafly Nature Center is located at 313 Hudson Avenue in Tenafly, New Jersey.

Find more Tenafly Nature Center events, updated regularly on the mybergen.com Events Calendar.

Mahwah Annual Food Truck Festival and Car Show: Sunday, August 30, 11:00 am-5:00 pm

Spend an afternoon shopping local and supporting small businesses at the Fort Lee Artisan  Market on Saturday, September 12, from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm. Browse unique handcrafted goods from talented local makers while connecting with the community at Hudson Lights Park.

Brought to you by the Business District Alliance of Fort Lee, this local market has something for everyone and features high-quality artisans and makers selling their handmade goods including fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty and bath products, fine art, photography, home goods, pet products, stuff for kids, artisanal foods, and more!

The Market takes place at Hudson Lights Park, Corner of Lemoine Avenue and Main Street in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Find more information here.

Dr. Shefali Book Tour Launch with P!NK at bergenPAC: Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 pm

P!NK is coming to bergenPAC in Englewood for a special evening with bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Shefali.

On Tuesday, September 15, P!NK will moderate the conversation as Dr. Shefali launches her new books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters. The evening will focus on parenting, child development, emotional well-being, and some of the pressures facing children and families today.

Dr. Shefali is a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist, multiple New York Times bestselling author, and founder of the Conscious Parenting movement. Her new books explore anxiety, social pressure, identity, emotional development, resilience, and the challenges of growing up in an increasingly digital world.

For P!NK fans, the event offers a chance to see the Grammy Award-winning artist in a different setting as she joins a conversation about parenting and family life. P!NK will appear as moderator and will not perform or sing during the event.

Each ticket includes a copy of either Raising Conscious Sons or Raising Conscious Daughters.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Visit bergenPAC for tickets and additional event information.

See more upcoming bergenPAC shows and events on the mybergen.com Events Calendar.

Civil War Encampment at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Come experience American history firsthand at The Hermitage as members of the 6th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, Company C, bring Civil War-era camp life to the historic grounds.

Visitors can watch soldiers perform military drills and line-of-battle maneuvers, explore a recreated camp, and learn about the equipment and artifacts used by soldiers of the period. Children can also take part in the experience using wooden muskets during interactive drill activities.

The event also offers an opportunity to tour the historic Hermitage and explore its place in American history during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The Hermitage is located at 335 North. Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey

Garden State Wings & Beer Festival in Teaneck: Saturday, September 19, at 12:00 pm

Bring your appetite to the Garden State Wings & Beer Festival taking place at the Teaneck Armory on Saturday, September 19. The outdoor festival will feature wings from local vendors in a variety of styles, from sweet and smoky to spicy and classic, along with craft beer from local breweries including Montclair Brewing Company and 902 Brewing Company. There will be live music throughout the day, and a chicken wing eating contest to watch or take part in.

Vendors will offer sample-sized portions, making it easier to try a variety of wings and other foods throughout the festival. Full portions and non-chicken options will also be available. There’s fun for kids too, with an Ultimate Adventure Zone available for an additional fee.

The festival is held rain or shine at the Teaneck Armory, 1799 Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey. Advance tickets are $7, admission at the door is $10, and children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

The Producers at Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell: September 19-October 10

Bergen County Players opens its 94th season with Mel Brooks’ The Producers, running September 19 through October 10, at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.

Based on Brooks’ classic 1967 film, The Producers follows struggling Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his nervous accountant, Leo Bloom, who hatch a scheme to make money by producing what they hope will be the biggest flop in theatrical history.

Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. The Saturday, September 20 performance begins at 1:00 pm.

Tickets are available at bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200, or at the Little Firehouse Theatre box office. The Little Firehouse Theatre is located at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell.

Ridgewood Fall Craft & Arts Street Fair: Sunday, September 20, 11:00 am-5:00 pm

Don’t miss the annual Ridgewood Fall Craft & Art Street Fair on Sunday, September 20. This free family-friendly event takes place on East Ridgewood Avenue in downtown Ridgewood, New Jersey, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The fair features more than 200 exhibitors from four states offering one-of-a-kind handcrafted items including jewelry, artwork, pottery, photography, home décor, apparel, woodwork, garden items, and much more.

There will also be a large food court featuring a variety of festival favorites, including sausage and peppers, gyros, empanadas, steak sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, kebobs, zeppole, desserts, and more.

Kids can enjoy a dedicated children’s area with inflatables, face painting, games, and activities. Live music will be played near the food court.

The show is sponsored by Ridgewood Parks & Recreation and organized by P.J.’s Promotions. The fair is held rain or shine. Admission is free. For more information go to www.pjspromotions.com.

An Evening With John Cusack and a Special Screening of High Fidelity at bergenPAC: Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 pm

Actor John Cusack is coming to bergenPAC on Saturday, October 17, bringing with him a career spanning more than three decades and including some of the most memorable films of the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.

An Evening with John Cusack and a Special Screening of High Fidelity features a screening of the 2000 romantic comedy on the big screen, followed by a live, unscripted moderated conversation and audience Q&A with star John Cusack.  

Find more information and purchase tickets here. bergenPAC is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

Looking for more places to go this weekend? Bergen County farmers markets are still in full swing, with fresh produce, prepared foods, local vendors, and more. See our Bergen County Farmers Markets Directory for markets, locations, and schedules.