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MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/01/2026

The Stray Cats, photo by Suzie Kaplan

(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.

 




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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



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The Music of Burt Bacharach
Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ


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


Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ





(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.

The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.

Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th

(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell

DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell

(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall

Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.