New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/01/2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- From the versatility of Tony winner Darren Criss, the comedy of Abbott Elementary's Janelle James and the nostalgic hits of the Grateful Dead, ABBA and more, Mayo Performing Arts Center's summer lineup features a diverse set of performances and events.

In addition, MPAC also has a series of free summer outdoor events for all enjoy including salsa dancing, country line dancing and more.

JULY EVENTS:

Darren Criss - Thursday, July 9 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape in TV’s Glee, Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has embodied kaleidoscopic artistry uninhibited by form or genre.  Backed by a full band, Criss performs well-known songs featured throughout his wildly eclectic career, including those from Glee, Starkid and the Broadway shows he’s starred in, such as Maybe Happy Ending.  Tickets range from $57-$114.

 




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Janelle James - Saturday, July 11 at 8:00pm. An evening of stand-up comedy from Janelle James, who stars in the scene-stealing role of “Ava Coleman” in the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary. James has earned four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series,” as well as nominations for Golden Globe, Independent Spirit, Critic’s Choice, and Gotham Awards. Her stand-up career has seen her tour with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, and David Cross, among others. Mature themes, language. Adults only. Tickets range from $45-$79.

Derek Hough - Symphony of Dance: Encore - Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30pm. Get ready to move! Derek Hough is back with his most dynamic live experience yet! This brand-new production features fresh, high-energy choreography, breathtaking stage design, and Derek’s signature showmanship. Fans will experience a thrilling fusion of dance and music — from ballroom and tap to salsa, hip-hop, and beyond. Tickets range from $91-$179 (LIMITED TICKETS).

 

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour - Friday, July 24 at 8:00pm. Bruce Hornsby first rose to national prominence with The Way It Is, his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. His work reflects a creative iconoclasm that’s been a constant throughout his career, whether that’s being a part-time member of the Grateful Dead, or collaborations with the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Bonnie Raitt and many others. Hornsby’s performance will feature material from throughout his storied career, in addition to music from his new album, Indigo Park. Tickets range from $45-$101 (LIMITED TICKETS).

Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels - Sunday, July 26 at 7:00pm. Hallmark Channel stars are coming to MPAC! Hallmark Stars Live—hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach—is an interactive event where you can trade the summer sun for holiday fun and spend an exclusive evening with some of your favorite Hallmark Leading Men and Ladies including Ashley Williams, Andrew Walker, Tamera Mowery-Housley and Jonathan Bennett, as they answer questions, tell stories from behind the scenes, and share a glimpse into who they are when the cameras stop rolling. You'll laugh, cry, and experience joy with the stars who bring you the most popular Christmas movies in the world! Tickets range from $57-$134.

 

Hindley Street Country Club - Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30pm. Australia’s greatest cover band plays the hits of the 70s and 80s! Hindley Street Country Club (HSCC) started in 2017 as a group of Adelaide musicians recording re-arranged covers and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly. Today, HSCC has amassed over 590 million YouTube views with over 1,000,000 subscribers globally and accumulated over a billion views across social media platforms. HSCC now tours throughout the world to audiences far and wide, still releasing videos weekly on YouTube every Friday. Tickets range from $45-$79.

 

Tyler Henry: An Evening of Hope and Healing - Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm. NETFLIX Series Star Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium presents his one-of-a-kind live show, An Evening of Hope and Healing. Tyler will be discussing his gift and sharing unparalleled insights into the afterlife. Tyler explains how he communicates with the other side, gives live audience readings and answers audience questions. Tickets range from $79-$169 (LIMITED TICKETS).




AUGUST EVENTS:

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA - Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30pm. Come sing, come dance, come have the time of your life! The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA recreates the music and magic of ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo” and “Dancing Queen.” Tickets range from $45-$91.

 

Dead On Live – Bob Weir Tribute Show - Thursday, August 6 at 8:00pm. With respect and reverence, Dead On Live celebrates and pays tribute to the Other One, Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir. For this special show, Dead On Live will present a set of their trademark “Dead On” note for note fan faves from Bob’s extensive catalog with the Dead, as well as his solo albums. Tickets range from $35-$67.

 

EagleMania - The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band - Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00pm. EagleMania thrills audiences with their uncanny ability to emulate the unmistakable sound of The Eagles. Enjoy The Eagles’ greatest hits and some of the solo work of its members. Tickets range from $45-$79.

 

The Stray Cats - Sunday, August 16 at 7:00pm. The Stray Cats -- Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom -- put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early-’80s thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style and sound on such hits as “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17” and “Runaway Boys.” Tickets range from $114-$259 (LIMITED TICKETS).

 

Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section - Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00pm. Enjoy an evening of classic hits from the 70s featuring Pure Prairie League (“Amie”), Atlanta Rhythm Section (“Spooky,” “So Into You”), Orleans (“Still the One, “Dance with Me,” “Love Takes Time”) and Firefall (“You Are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You”). Tickets range from $67-$124 (LIMITED TICKETS).

 

Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert - Thursday, August 20 at 8:00pm. Glen Burtnik and the amazing Summer of Love band celebrate the songs of the Woodstock generation. Featuring the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jefferson Airplane and many more. Tickets range from $45-$79.

 

A reminder that the MPAC box office is the ONLY OFFICIAL TICKET SELLER for MPAC Events. MPAC does not partner with resellers such as Stub Hub, Go Tickets and more, and patrons should purchase only from the MPAC Box Office to make sure that their ticket not fraudulent.  Parking for MPAC lots is only available through the MPAC website and the box office. If something smells like you are being overcharged, please call the MPAC box office or check out the prices on our website.

Free Summer Concerts & Movies:

The MPAC Arts in the Community free summer concerts are sponsored by ADP:

Salsa at Sunset Featuring Bri’La Flor Dance Studio - Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00pm; Location: Pioneer Plaza. MPAC’s annual salsa night spices up the town with night of Latin rhythms, great dancing and much more.  Instructors will be on hand to help you learn all of the steps!




Country Line Dancing with Paul Stoddard - Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00pm; Location: Pioneer Plaza. Back by popular demand! It’s a honky-tonk evening of country line dancing with DJ and dance instructor Paul Stoddard, who will have you swinging to the sounds of classic and contemporary country music, whether you’re an experienced line dancer or novice!




Joshua Van Ness & Garrett Lash - Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00pm; Location: Vail Mansion Plaza. Singer songwriter Joshua Van Ness is both the working man's musician and a true indie spirit whose music echoes the classics from decades ago merged with today’s sounds. Featuring Morristown Onstage performer Garret Lash.

 

Zootopia 2 - Tuesday, August 11 at 10:30am. Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers. Rated PG. MPAC’s free movies are general admission, first-come first-serve events.

Jaws - Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00pm.  When a massive killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, it’s up to the local police chief, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down. Rated PG: may be too intense for younger children. MPAC’s free movies are general admission, first-come first-serve events.

 

Wilma - Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00pm; Location: Vail Mansion Plaza. A fun, female-fronted band showcasing delightful harmonies and unique instrumentation, Wilma interprets songs across many genres including modern pop, classic rock, folk, indie gems, and quirky deep cuts.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

The 2026-2027 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.

FEATURED EVENTS



You can have your events appear here, whenever someone reads an article about Morristown

click here for more information



Darren Criss
Thursday, July 09, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Salsa at Sunset
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ


Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ





(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club

Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!

Carteret PAC presents Hellfest

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th

MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.