Your Fun Weekend Starts Here

Break out of the summer routine with these family events taking place across the county.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Fun Weekend Jul 31 2026

The dog days of summer have a way of sneaking up on us. The excitement of vacations has faded, the kids are starting to utter those dreaded “I’m bored” words and even the neighborhood pool can feel a little too familiar. If your family is looking for a reason to get out of the house and make the most of the season, the first weekend of August is packed with opportunities to shake things up.

From outdoor festivals and live entertainment to hands-on activities and hometown celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to squeeze a little more fun out of summer before back-to-school season starts creeping into view. So grab your calendar, gather the crew and check out these family-friendly events happening around Bergen County and beyond—you just might discover your new favorite summer tradition.

July 31

  • The Hackensack Performing Arts Center continues its Sounds of Summer Concert Series with Gotham City Jazz at 7 p.m. Stop by Atlantic Street Park and listen to cool jazz sounds as the sun goes down. The free concert is open to all audiences.
  • If you’re into ’90s rock, head to the Wyckoff Family YMCA for its Band on the Sand concert featuring Smothered & Covered. The band will perform hits from Hootie and the Blowfish, R.E.M., The Black Crowes, Collective Soul, Matchbox 20 and more. The free show starts at 7 p.m., and guests should bring beach chairs, blankets and snacks.
  • For those hoping to catch an outdoor flick under the stars, visit Van Saun County Park in Paramus for a free screening of Dog Man (2025). The animated superhero comedy is rated PG and begins around 8:30 p.m. Visitors should bring their own chairs and blankets. The program is part of Bergen County’s Movies After Dark series.

July 31–Aug. 2

  • The sun will come out this weekend at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, which presents the beloved classic Annie. The students in BergenPAC’s summer musical program will stage three performances of Tony Award-winning musical, which will be directed by Aurie Ceylon with music direction by Glenn Gordon. Tickets are available online.

Aug. 1

  • Collectors of all ages can attend the Lyndhurst Card Show, taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lyndhurst Recreation Center. Vendors will have sports, non-sports and Pokemon cards on display. Admission is $3 for ages 5 years and older. Proceeds benefit the Lyndhurst EMS and recreation programs.
  • Experience nature’s magic at the Tenafly Nature Center, which hosts Butterfly Feeding programs throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on encounter with these animals inside the center’s butterfly house. The program is intended for families with children ages 4 and older. Morning sessions are scheduled for 10 and 11, and afternoons are at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30.
  • Get your fix of all things Japan at the Japanese Food Festival, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park. Enjoy traditional Japanese street food, music and dance performances, vendors and more all day long.
  • Feast on the catch of the day and other bites at the Meadowlands Racetrack Seafood Fest, happening from 5 to 11 p.m. in East Rutherford. Seafood trucks and restaurants from around the area will set up and offer delicious options (lobster rolls, fried clams, shrimp cocktail, anyone?) while you watch the evening’s races. Admission to the food festival is free.

Aug. 2

  • Check out the wildlife of the Meadowlands during a nature walk at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. Join the Bergen County Audubon Society at 10 a.m. for the free stroll around the park, home to egrets, raptors, shorebirds and other creatures.
  • Celebrate summer and America’s 250th anniversary with a free outdoor concert at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus. The 2 p.m. show, performed by The Women in Congress, will feature music from the musical 1776. Guests should bring their own chairs.
  • Cap off the weekend with a free performance by B.D. Lenz All-Stars, part of the Fair Lawn Summer Concert Series. The 8 p.m. show takes place at Memorial Park—just bring your own chairs to set up in the parking lot.

What are your plans for the weekend? Send us your favorite fun photos on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life