Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/27/2022
(PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ) -- The County of Passaic, in conjunction with the National Association of Olmsted Parks, is celebrating the life of Frederick Law Olmsted in honor of the 200th anniversary of his birth. Olmsted, widely considered the father of landscape architecture, will be celebrated throughout the year. Olmsted 200 events will engage the public through park tours, lectures and even a picnic.
Although Olmsted is synonymous with New York’s Central Park, he created hundreds of parks which defined the discipline of landscape architecture. Olmsted exemplified the many ways that public spaces could improve the human condition.
Olmsted retired in 1895 and his sons, John and Frederick Jr., took over the family business. The Olmsted Brothers Firm made their mark on Passaic County. In 1926, the preliminary Passaic County Park Commission hired the firm to design and establish the Passaic County Park System. The Olmsted Brothers’ expertise yielded, what continues to be, some of the most prominent locations in the County: The gardens at Dey Mansion Washington Headquarters, Garret Mountain Reservation, Goffle Brook Park, and Weasel Brook Park.
In addition to County parks, the Passaic County Park Commission made available the services the Olmsted Brothers to assist in the planning of the Hinchliffe Stadium, which is one of the last remaining Negro Leagues stadiums in the United States.
Further information on the Olmsted connection to Passaic County can be found on SeePassaicCounty.org. Below is a list of events to celebrate the life of Frederick Law Olmsted.
Passaic County’s Olmsted 200 Events
Tuesday, April 26 – Thursday, June 30 - Olmsted photography contest
Saturday, April 30 - Walking Tour of Goffle Brook Park at Art in the Park – 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1st - Walking Tour of Goffle Brook Park at Art in the Park – 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 21 - Walking Tour of the Gardens at Dey Mansion – 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 – Olmsted picnic on Garret Mountain – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 - Walking Tour of Weasel Brook Park – 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 18 - Walking Tour of Eastside Park – 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 12 - Walking Tour of Garret Mountain – 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Friday, November 18 – Olmsted Academic Symposium – TBD
Saturday, December 3rd – Olmsted Virtual Lecture – TBD
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Freakin Rican Presents "Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two"
(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Freakin Rican presents Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two, the second installment of its cultural art exhibition celebrating Puerto Rican artists, storytelling, and community connection. The event takes place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at The Freakin Rican (468 Cedar Lane) in Teaneck.
Wise Animal Rescue to Host "Barknic" on August 8th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wise Animal Rescue presents Barknic, its biggest fundraising event of the year, on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. Perfect for both pets and their humans, Barknic is an indoor, family-friendly, and animal-friendly celebration that brings together the NJ community for an afternoon of fun while supporting a meaningful cause. Guests can enjoy local vendors, music, interactive activities for dogs and their humans, unique photo opportunities, and the chance to meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations.
Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the public to participate in the special 'Giant Puppets Workshop Series' led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts. The puppets created in the workshop series from August 14 through August 19, 2026 will be featured in a giant puppet parade marching down Main Street in Hackensack during Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival taking place on October 3rd to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
"Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy" to Celebrate Faith, History, Art, and Community
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.
FEATURED EVENTS
