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

Summer Pickleball Clinics at Montclair Pickleball in Fair Lawn: June 29 throug September 6

Shakespear in the Park in Hackensack: July 29, August 5, and August 12

Enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies under the stars this summer at Atlantic Street Park in Hackensack. The Taming of the Shrew is a free Shakespeare in the Park production filled with witty banter, lively characters, and plenty of laughs as the spirited Katherine and the clever Petruchio engage in a memorable battle of wills.

Performances take place on July 29, August 5, and August 12 at 7:30 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live theater outdoors. Find more information here. Atlantic Street Park is locataed at 102 State Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Jazz Under the Stars at Englewood Library with Nabate’ Isles: Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 pm

Enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky at Englewood Public Library’s Annual Jazz Under the Stars Summer Concert Series. The acclaimed outdoor series is held on Thursday evenings on the library’s front plaza through August 20. Performances run from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm without intermission.

The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. In the event of rain, concerts will be rescheduled at the end of the series.

Upcoming Performances

• July 30: Nabate’ Isles “Miles Davis 100th Anniversary”
• August 6: Nelson Riveros
• August 13: Sharp Radway
• August 20: TK Blue

Visit Englewood Library to find more informaiton. The library is located at 31 Engle Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

Seafood Fest in East Rutherford: Saturday, August 1, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm

Seafood Fest is coming back to the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford on Saturday, August 1, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Admission is free.

Enjoy seafood and more from local food trucks and vendors. Food options are expected to include lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish, grilled shrimp, shrimp tacos, crab fries, shrimp cocktail, barbecue, desserts, and more.

Live harness racing begins at 6:35 pm and will feature the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks Eliminations.

Visit Meadowlands Racetrack to find more information a few a list of participating food trucks.

Japanese Food Festival at Overpeck Park: Saturday, August 1, 11:00 am-8:00 pm

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan at the Japanese Food Festival 2026 on Saturday, August 1, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Overpeck County Park Amphitheater in Ridgefield Park. Admission is free.

The festival features an authentic lineup of Japanese food vendors, along with traditional Matsuri games for children, including Yo-Yo balloon fishing and Super Ball scooping.

The festival also includes a full day of entertainment. Daytime performances include Taiko drumming, Yosakoi dance, J-Pop music, Zumba, DJ sets, and national anthem performances. Beginning at 5:00 pm, the evening program features Okinawan music, samurai sword fighting, Bon Odori, Awaodori, and a Yukata Contest at 6:00 pm, where participants are invited to wear traditional summer kimonos and take the stage.

Find more information here. The Overpeck County Park Amphitheater Area is located on Challenger Road in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.

Hermitage Outdoor Art & Craft Show: Saturday, August 8, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Find one-of-a-kind handmade treasures at the Hermitage Outdoor Art & Craft Show on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus.

More than 75 artists and craftspeople will showcase a wide variety of handcrafted items on the historic site’s tree-shaded front lawn, including pottery, jewelry, artwork, stained glass, candles, soaps, wood décor, fiber arts, ceramics, birdhouses, charcuterie boards, bonsai, and much more. Festival foods will also be available. Admission is $5 and includes a tour of the museum. The event is held rain or shine.

Visit PJ’s promotions to find more information. The Hermitage is located at 335 N. Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.

Fort Lee Artisan Night Market: Saturday, August 8, 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

Spend a summer evening shopping local, supporting small businesses, and enjoying live music at the Fort Lee Artisan Night Market on Saturday, August 8, from 4:00 pm98:00 pm. Browse unique handcrafted goods from talented local makers while connecting with the community in the welcoming outdoor setting of Fort Lee Commons.

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 Fort Lee Commons, 229 Main Street in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Find more information here.

Flying Toward the Sun at Penguin Rep 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.