11 Ideas For A Great Weekend, Rain Or Shine
Whether the sun’s out or the skies are gray, you’re sure to have a great time in Bergen and beyond.
It probably feels like every conversation you’ve had over the past two week has started with one of two topics: the World Cup, or the weather. And it certainly feels like we can’t win with the latter—after a few days of absolutely scorching heat, it’s been a week of thick clouds and rain, and the forecast says that will persist into the weekend.
Does that mean you need to hole up inside? Of course not!
All over Bergen and close by, there are things to do that will keep you dry or will go forward rain or shine, all of them sure to entertain. Check out:
Indoor events
July 10
- Get into the World Cup spirit at American Dream in East Rutherford, where the Dream Fan Fest continues at 1 p.m. for the quarter-final game. iHeart and DJ Pro Style will be in the building with music, giveaways and lots of hype. (For more fun out of the rain, don’t forget to stop by the in-mall waterpark and ski hill.)
July 11
- For great music, fantastic ambiance and a celebrated tribute act to one of rock’s most influential bands, stop by the Williams Center in Rutherford to catch Almost Floyd. This powerhouse seven-piece tribute band is dedicated to recreating the legendary sound, visuals and immersive atmosphere of Pink Floyd. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and is suitable for all ages.
July 12
- Meet publishing royalty at Book & Greetings in Northvale, which is hosting a meet and greet with James Patterson and Mike Lupica. Starting at noon, the two bestselling authors will discuss their new thriller, sign copies and take questions from the audience.
- For some fast-paced action and a Sunday matinee, head over to the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee for a screening of the 2019 movie Ford V. Ferrari. This Oscar-Award winner tells the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles building a revolutionary race car for Ford for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The screening starts at 3:30 p.m.
Rain-or-shine events
July 10-11
- Enjoy rides, games, raffles, great fair food and the ultimate summer vibe at the annual Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast in Lyndhurst. You can also listen to live music every evening. The fun starts at 6 p.m. on July 10, and 5 p.m. on July 11.
July 11
- See history come to life at Revolutionary Day at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, which begins at 10 a.m. Experienced reenactors will transform the grounds into that they might have looked and sounded like when Washington’s troops stayed there in 1778. The day will include musket demonstrations, handson activities and familyfriendly fun.
- In the mood for even more history? Head over to River Edge, where the Bergen County Historical Society presents its 250th Vintage Baseball at Kenneth B. George Park. Dressed in authentic uniforms, the Flemington Neshanocks and the Enterprise Club of New Bridge will play against each other with 19th century rules and equipment. The game starts at 11 a.m.
July 12
- At Lorrimer Sanctuary, you can start your morning off right with Coffee and Birds, which pairs a great cup of joe (this week from Birds and Beans Bird-Friendly Coffee) with the sanctuary’s new birdwatching facilities and observation deck. Bonus points if you bring your favorite mug! This event begins at 10 a.m.
Any day outings
Craving a day trip? None too far away, these “underwater” destinations will make rainy days memorable (and check out even more in our July issue!).
- The New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, N.Y. About an hour from Bergen, this oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States showcases 266 species of aquatic wildlife. The outdoor Sea Cliffs exhibit presents playful sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and penguins (and lets you breathe in some ocean air) while, back inside, Ocean Wonders brings sharks, rays and sea turtles up close (safely behind glass). No visit here is complete without catching a demonstration at the Aquatheater, where sea lions and their trainers take center stage to flip, jump and wave at the crowd (using a process the aquarium calls “scanning,” in which the animals perform natural behaviors on cue for rewards, staying safe in the process). There’s also a section dedicated to invertebrates such as jellyfish and a “playquarium” designed with young ones in mind and complete with a “touch tank.”
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. Situated on one of our state’s most family-friendly boardwalks, this aquarium can be reached with an hour-and-a-half car ride. It’s marking its 35th anniversary this year and celebrating with style all year long, so now’s a great time to stop by. See a sprawling, colorful coral reef exhibit filled with tropical fish, a giant tank where sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip reef sharks and several types of rays swim in hypnotic circles or visit the playful seals. Among the biggest draws to this spot are the African penguins, which frolic and play in the water and on dry land. There’s just been a major renovation of the top floor—it’s open for you to visit Wally the two-toed sloth and other rainforest animals.
- The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk, Conn. Just an hour and a half away is the only aquarium dedicated to the marine plant and animal life of Long Island Sound. Stop by Pinniped Cove and watch seals chase each other and play while you learn about their conservation success story and rebounding populations (seal-feeding demonstrations happen daily, so keep an eye out). See the mesmerizing movement of one of the strangest, most beautiful animals on the planet with the “Journey with Jellies” exhibit, or visit the three beloved sea turtles on display.
How are you spending these rainy summer days? Tag us in all your adventures on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
