12 Fun Events This Weekend

From live music to guided nature walks to beautiful butterflies up close, you’re sure to have summer fun in Bergen.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Events Jul 17 2026

This weekend, of course, belongs to the FIFA World Cup—it’s taking place right here in Bergen, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. 

But that’s not the only thing happening! Whether you’re looking for ways to fill the time between watch parties or ways to entertain the kids, or you just never caught the soccer bug, there are events all over Bergen that guarantee a great time and amazing summer memories.

July 17

  • Stop by Glen Rock’s Thielke Arboretum at 1 p.m. for a special class, Introducing Natives To Your Garden. An expert will explain how to best use native plants to encourage biodiversity, conserve water and make your landscaping beautiful. Registration is required.
  • Hackensack Performing Arts Center’s Sounds of Summer outdoor concert series continues with a performance from the Kurt & Marty Band! This acoustic duo will wow you with great tunes, from classic rock to modern favorites. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Atlantic Street Park, and is free.

July 18-19

  • All weekend, you can stop by the Tenafly Nature Center and see some of nature’s living gems up close during Butterfly Feedings. The center’s seasonal butterfly house is open and ready for you to meet, feed and interact with beautiful butterflies and moths. Multiple time slots are available, and registration is required.

July 18

  • Over at Teaneck Creek Conservatory, you can take part in Community Science Saturday that focuses on Sun, Shade and Streams. Participants will go on a guided nature walk and learn about local ecosystems, while also logging what they find on apps such as iNaturalist and Seek to help the scientific community. The fun starts at 10 a.m.
  • For history, music and fun, check out the Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary’s Beat the Drums for Freedom in Fair Lawn. Starting at 1 p.m., you can learn about the drum tats used during the Revolutionary War to help guide the troops and other uses of the instruments during the time period. There will also be family activities and a drum circle.
  • For a night of great music, stop by the Williams Center in Rutherford and check out a show by Thee Sinseers, an LA Soul/R&B group that’s sure to have you dancing and singing along. Taylor Williams opens. This show begins at 7 p.m., and is intended for the 18 and up crowd.
  • Even more music? At Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, you can see Sean Chambers & Savoy Brown Rhythm Section. Chambers, named one of the top 50 blues guitarists of the past century by Guitarist magazine, will put on a show backed by the legendary power of blues band Savoy Brown. Pick up tickets online.
  • Keep the America250 celebrations going at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, where the Swingtime Big Band puts on a show for the ages. The 20-piece ensemble will showcase the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist. The music starts at 8 p.m., and you can grab tickets online.

July 19

  • Return to the Teaneck Creek Conservancy at 10 a.m., when the Bergen Audubon Society will take you on a bird watching walk to catch a glimpse of some of our favorite feathered friends. No birding experience is necessary. Meet in the parking lot and direct any questions to Don Torino (201.230.4983; greatauk4@gmail.com).
  • Summer Sundays at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes continue at 10:30 a.m. with What’s in the Water? Stop by for drop-in programs on that theme created to be done at your own pace—perfect for young children and families looking for a fun, educational time outside.
  • At Shawn’s Crazy Saloon in North Arlington, enjoy a whole afternoon dedicated to the legendary sounds of Steely Dan, featuring tribute act Good Stuff. Starting at 4 p.m., you can enjoy incredible live music, good drinks, great food and fantastic summer vibes. See website for tickets.
  • Close out the weekend with Fair Lawn’s Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park! Starting at 8 p.m., catch a performance by Jersey Sound, an oldies group who will deliver the best of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s and impress with their vocal harmonies. Make sure to bring your own blanket or chair!

What are your weekend plans? Tell us about them on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life