Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/26/2025
(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex County is encouraging residents and visitors to take full advantage of the rest of the summer season by exploring the County's expansive parks system, vibrant cultural events, and free community programming. From scenic trails and championship golf courses to music under the stars and festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
“Our investment in the arts, culture, and public spaces speaks to the very core of who we are as a County,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “We want every resident to feel proud of where they live and have access to experiences that build community, enrich lives, and create lasting memories.”
“Our parks, trails, and free programming are a reflection of our commitment to the health and well-being of every resident,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the County's Infrastructure Management Committee. “We’ve made it a priority to ensure our outdoor spaces are well-maintained, accessible, and welcoming year-round—especially in the summer months when families are looking to spend quality time together outdoors.”
EXPERIENCE CULTURAL PROGRAMMING ALL SUMMER LONG
Middlesex County offers a dynamic lineup of cultural events throughout the summer, including live music, theater, festivals, and family-friendly activities that highlight the region’s diversity and creativity.
Signature Events Include:
The Plays-in-the-Park series at Roosevelt Park in Edison invites audiences to enjoy Broadway musicals under the stars:
* Grease: July 30–August 9
Music-in-the-Park, a free, rotating concert series, brings live entertainment to parks across the County:
* Raritan Bay Waterfront Park: June 25–September 10
* Thompson Park: July 2–August 27
* Spring Lake Park: July 6–August 24
* Joseph Medwick Park: August 7–14
* Children’s Summer Series (NEW): Johnson Park: August 21
FolkLIVE Event Series:
* August 23 - FolkLIVE: New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park
* September 13 - FolkLIVE: Mexican Folkloric Festival at Elmer B. Boyd Park
More Summer Events Across the County Include:
* July 23-August 21- Senior Art Contest & Show at the Studio Art Gallery Performing Arts Center at Middlesex College
* July 31 - Dine Below the Line at Alexander Jankowski Community Center
* September 13 - Master Gardeners Children Gardeners Series: Succulents and Sand Garden at Davidson's Mill Pond Park
* September 14 - Roaring 20s Jazz Party at East Jersey Old Town Village
To view the full schedule of upcoming arts, history, and cultural events, visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
EXPLORE MIDDLESEX COUNTY’S PARKS AND OUTDOOR SPACES
Middlesex County is home to more than 19 public parks, thousands of acres of preserved open space, and the 3.5-mile Middlesex Greenway—a multi-use trail connecting Metuchen, Edison, and Woodbridge. Residents can enjoy hiking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas.
The County is also home to three public golf courses—Tamarack Golf Course in East Brunswick, Meadows Golf Course in Plainsboro, and Raritan Landing Golf Course in Piscataway—operated by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Following major renovations, Tamarack Golf Course now features two fully rebuilt 18-hole championship courses with upgraded tee boxes and brand-new USGA-spec bent grass greens. To book a tee time or to become an Advantage Cardholder, visit middlesexcountygolf.com.
Residents can also reserve picnic areas and event spaces through the County’s parks and recreation portal, making it easy to plan summer gatherings. To explore all available parks and make reservations, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/parksandrec.
No matter the season, Middlesex County offers something for everyone. From outdoor adventures and cultural gems to local flavors, there’s always more to discover. Explore it all in the County’s Outdoor Guide at discovermiddlesex.com/outdoorguide.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum Partner for "The Peace Flag Project"
(CLINTON, NJ) -- The Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum, in collaboration with Handwork 2026, invite the public to celebrate the opening of "The Peace Flag Project," a fiber chain of hundreds of community-made flags displayed along the banks of the Raritan River and pedestrian bridge.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th
(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
Stockton to Host Series of Juneteenth Events in Galloway and Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Stockton University will commemorate the annual Juneteenth holiday with a series of events in Atlantic City and on its Galloway campus.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a free community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
FEATURED EVENTS
