16 Fun Events To Kick-Start Summer

From festive concerts and 5Ks to fireworks shows and Father’s Day performances, there’s something for everyone happening this month.

School’s almost out, summer is warming up and June is bursting with reasons to get out and celebrate! Here in Morris and Essex counties, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar with family-friendly adventures.

This month delivers all the fun with something for everyone, including 5Ks, fireworks, Pride events and more! So, grab your sunglasses, round up the family and check out some of the can’t-miss events coming up in our counties.

In Morris County

June 13–14

• Savor the sweet flavor of the season during Strawberry Fest at Stony Hill Farms in Chester. From 1 to 5 p.m. each day, visitors can pick their own strawberries while sampling a variety of strawberry-themed treats—think ice cream, waffle sundaes and even wine. Tickets include a hayride and one quart of berries.

June 14

• Commemorate our country’s anniversary at America’s 250th Celebration in Chester. Head to Main Street in downtown for colonial demonstrations (basket weaving, blacksmithing, games), a historic walking tour, music and much more. Then stop by Municipal Field from noon to 7 p.m. for live music, food, kids’ bounce houses, crafts and other entertainment and activities.
• Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chicago bring its iconic, horn-driven jazz and pop style to the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. During the 7:30 p.m. concert, the band will play beloved hits from its 38 albums, including “Saturday in the Park,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”

June 18

• The Morris Museum in Morristown will hold the Juneteenth Arts Celebration: Night at the Morris Museum at 6 p.m. The program will feature a special curator-led tour of works on view throughout the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as an educational presentation by Living Voices exploring America 250 and the history of Morristown.

June 20

• Theme runs are fun, but they’re better when you’re fed at the finish line. The KnockOut for Pizza 5K takes place on a boxing-themed course at Lake Shawnee in Jefferson Township, and all finishers will be treated to medals and a pizza party. The run, presented by Dover Boxing, starts at 9 a.m.

June 24–26

• Join Montville Township as it marks the 50th anniversary of its Independence Day celebration. Montville High School will have carnival rides, food trucks, live music and more activities. There will be a special drone show starting at 8:45 p.m. on June 24, and a fireworks display will take place on June 26 at approximately 9:15 p.m.

June 26

• The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club will hold its annual fireworks show, starting around 9:30 p.m. Pick your spot on the water or along the Lake Hopatcong and Mount Arlington shorelines—but space fills up fast!

June 27

• Support the LGBTQ+ community and soak up the fun at Morris County Pride, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the County College of Morris in Randolph. The free event is a full day of dancing, eating, networking, supporting others and much more!

In Essex County

Now through June 28

• Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn continues its run of West Side Story, the classic tale of love and the clash between rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks. Performances take place Wednesdays through Sundays until June 28. Open-captioned and American Sign Language performances are set for June 27 and 28, respectively.

June 13

• Immerse yourself in West African dance and music traditions at Zawadi African Dance & Drum’s annual spring concert, set for 6 p.m. at South Orange Performing Arts Center. Youth, teens, adults and live musicians will share the stage in one joyful, multi-generational performance.

June 14

• The entire community can attend the annual North Jersey Pride Festival, scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. at Maplewood’s Memorial Park. The event includes live music, more than 100 merchant vendors and nonprofit organizations, a kids’ zone, festival food and more! Visitors can bring blankets and chairs to spread out on the lawn.

June 20

• Rock & Rock Hall of Fame nominee The Black Crowes will take the stage with fellow rocker Whiskey Myers at Prudential Center in Newark. The concert will showcase the acts’ performance power and swagger and feature The Black Crowes’ hits like “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels.” The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and is part of the North to Shore Festival fundraiser.

June 20–21

• Show your appreciation for craftsmanship at the 37th annual Spring Rose Squared Art Show, taking place each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair. More than 150 artists will display various ceramics, jewelry, digital art, glass, paintings and much more during this free show.

June 21

• Treat Dad to a few laughs at Earthquake’s Father’s Day Comedy Show, scheduled for 7 p.m. in Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Funnyman Earthquake has been performing his comedic routine on both HBO and his own Netflix special. Additional comics will open the show.

July 4

• Get your motor running and head to Livingston High School for the 33rd annual Livingston Autofest. Check out some of history’s most memorable rides, from antiques and hot rods to foreign models and motorcycles. Stop by from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join the fun.
• Celebrate America’s birthday at Independence Day festivities at Millburn High School. The day starts with a flag-raising at 9 a.m. and continues from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a kids’ dance party, magician, face painting, food and more. Return at 7:30 p.m. for a DJ, food and ice cream trucks and fireworks, which go off starting at 9:30 p.m.

What events are you attending this month? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.