Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from July 26 to August 1, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles, including original columns and features, promoting events and covering arts news taking place throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 9 counties in New Jersey (Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic).
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1) Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays to come to Atlantic City, Jersey City, and Trenton - (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Four time EMMY® winner Derek Hough has announced the dates for his upcoming Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays tour. The multi-city tour includes three dates in New Jersey: Friday, December 4 at Borgata Resort Spa & Casino in Atlantic City; Tuesday, December 8 at Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City; and Tuesday, December 15, 2026 at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton.
2) Passaic County Fair Returns to Garret Mountain August 13–16 - (WOODLAND PARK, NJ) -- The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. invite residents and visitors from across the region to the 2026 Passaic County Fair, running Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16 at Garret Mountain Reservation in Paterson/Woodland Park.
3) A look behind-the-scenes at Spotlight Players working on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - (MATAWAN, NJ) -- Most people think magic announces itself with fireworks. Roald Dahl knew it usually begins much more quietly. Sometimes it begins with a chocolate bar. Sometimes with a child who refuses to stop believing. And sometimes, it begins in the basement of a church.
4) Middlesex County FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival Inspired Thousands with performances by Grammy Award-Winning Headliners Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds - (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County welcomed residents and visitors to Monument Square Park in New Brunswick for the third annual FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival, an afternoon of uplifting performances celebrating the rich traditions, cultural influence, and legacy of gospel music.
5) Judy Collins LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier - Music fans wonder where the time goes as they make their way inside the Ocean City Music Pier in Ocean City, NJ this Monday, July 20, 2026 evening for a Farewell: Sweet Judy Blue Eyes Tour concert by Judy Collins and her special guest Richard Thompson.
6) Alfa Art Gallery presents "Pigmented Perceptions" - (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Alfa Art Gallery presents "Pigmented Perceptions," from September 1 to October 24, 2026. This exhibition explores oil and mixed media through the work of local fine artists. The Alfa Art Gallery invites you to experience the perspectives of twelve artists as they examine themes of architecture, landscapes, emotions, and identities.
7) This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 28 to August 3, 2026 - Here is a look at shows taking place from July 28 to August 3, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
8) Trenton City Museum announces Mercer County Photography Call for Art - (TRENTON, NJ) -- Photographers aged 18 and up who live, work, or study in Mercer County, NJ, are encouraged to enter up to two photographs for consideration in the juried Mercer County Photography 2026 exhibition. The juror for 2026 is the award-winning photographer Aubrey J Kauffman of Ewing, New Jersey. Entry drop-off is Saturday, September 5, from 9:30am to 12:00pm at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, which is hosting the exhibition for the third time.
9) Events This Week in New Jersey from July 28 to August 3, 2026 - Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from July 28-August 3, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
10) 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.
11) The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th - (OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America’s Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
12) EVENT: NBPAC presents FEARLESS - This award-winning show to Taylor Swift, is the most prestigious tribute act for Taylor Swift in the US and some may say, the world. Created, produced and delivered with pride, professionalism and with the highest level of attention to detail. With an incredible live band, this show promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show that you will ever find.
13) The Grunin Center for the Arts Announces Fall 2026 Lineup - (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College has unveiled its 2026 fall season, with more than two dozen performances spanning music, comedy, theater, and dance, with something for nearly every taste. The season runs from August to December at the Grunin Center, located in Building #11 on the OCC main campus on College Drive in Toms River.
14) PHOTOS from "Pretty Woman: The Musical" at Surflight Theatre - (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is presenting Pretty Woman: The Musical from July 28 through August 16, 2026. This is your chance to fall in love all over again with one of the most beloved romances of all time! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
15) [TIE] Monmouth County Commissioners host 2027 Travel Guide cover photo contest - (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced the 2027 Monmouth County Travel Guide cover photo contest is accepting submissions now through November 1, 2026.
15) [TIE] PHOTOS from "Parking Spot: The Musical!" - (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- What started as a joke about the impossible search for parking in Jersey City is about to take center stage on the other side of the Atlantic. But before Parking Spot: The Musical! heads off to Scotland, the original musical comedy created by New Jersey-based husband-and-wife team Louis Armistead and Lyndsey Alexander had a few performances in front of a local audience. Photographer John Posada was there to take photos.
