New Jersey is absolutely bursting with vibrant energy this July, offering an incredible array of arts, culture, music, and community events across the state! From world-class musical performances and captivating theatrical productions to lively festivals and engaging family activities, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking an evening of sophisticated entertainment or a fun-filled day out with the family, the Garden State’s summer calendar is packed with opportunities to explore and create unforgettable memories.
Here’s a closer look at some of the exciting “Featured Events” lighting up New Jersey this month:
Music to Your Ears: A Symphony of Sounds
Get ready to tap your feet and sing along, as New Jersey’s stages are alive with diverse musical offerings!
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank welcomes legendary musician Graham Nash at 7:30 PM. A two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Nash will perform favorites from his sixty-year career, joined by his talented band. It’s a rare chance to hear an icon up close. Also on July 8, prepare for a nostalgic journey as bergenPAC in Englewood presents Straight No Chaser – Summer: The 90’s Part 2 at 7:00 PM. This RIAA-certified Gold a cappella group is back by popular demand, bringing their unique take on 90s boy band, pop, and R&B hits after a wildly successful 2024 tour. It’s guaranteed to be a “fly” night!
Looking for free outdoor tunes? 90.5 The Night kicks off their beloved Songwriters on the Beach 2025 series on Thursday, July 10 in Bradley Beach. Enjoy free summer concerts every Thursday evening on the Newark Avenue Beach, running weekly through August 21.
The weekend of July 12-13, 2025, promises a musical extravaganza at the free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival in Maplewood. With music starting at noon and wrapping up around 9:30 PM each night, expect a fantastic lineup, including Los Angeles-based Ozomatli headlining Sunday, and Boston’s Couch closing out Saturday, preceded by New York’s The Big Takeover.
Get ready to revive the spirit of the 1980s! NJPAC in Newark hosts the “I Want My 80s Tour” on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM, featuring iconic rock star and eternal heartthrob Rick Springfield, joined by John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young. It’s an evening designed to transport you back to the decade of big hair and even bigger anthems. Meanwhile, Young the Giant brings their intimate “In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour” to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, July 12, 2025, promising a unique and beautiful concert experience.
Jazz enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Annual Jazz, Health and Food Truck Festival in Orange, NJ, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, offering a blend of live jazz and delicious culinary treats. In Princeton, Blue Curtain kicks off its 2025 Summer Concert Series at 8:00 PM on July 12 with internationally acclaimed trombonist Jimmy Bosch. And for lovers of traditional sounds, Albert Music Hall in Waretown presents an All-Bluegrass, All Night event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM, featuring six live performances.
Closing out the weekend, Prudential Center in Newark presents Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Keyshia Cole on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM, as part of her “The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour,” with special guests Tink and Wale.
Theatrical Delights: From Classics to Contemporary
New Jersey’s stages are bustling with dramatic and comedic performances this July, promising captivating storytelling for every taste.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is set to present “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]” at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison. This hilarious and fast-paced show, designed to draw audiences back to the Bard’s original texts, runs from July 9–27, 2025, marking its first return in nearly a decade.
In Toms River, the Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company invites audiences on an “unforgettable cross-country adventure” with “A Broadway Tour of America,” playing at the Black Box Theatre at the Grunin Center for the Arts from July 10-13 and July 19-20, 2025.
The infectious joy of “Hairspray” takes center stage at the Middletown Arts Center, presented by The MAC Players over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, this award-winning musical promises an evening of laughter, energy, and unforgettable dance numbers. Step into the magical world of Oz as Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan presents the timeless musical, “The Wizard of Oz,” running from July 12-27, 2025.
Also on July 11-20, 2025, The Summit Playhouse in Summit brings the “fabulously fun award-winning musical” “Legally Blonde, The Musical” to life. For a classic, head to the Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township, presenting “The Wizard of Oz” based on the classic motion picture, weekends from July 11-27, 2025.
Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown kicks off its SUMMERFEST 2025 with Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, running from July 10-20 in the Sitnik Theatre. This show combines tropical vibes and feel-good humor with Buffett’s most beloved hits.
And for a unique take on a classic, Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will present Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” in both Metuchen and Plainfield in July, inviting audiences into the heart of small-town America. Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville rides the wave with the hilarious Broadway hit “The SpongeBob Musical,” based on the popular TV series.
Family Fun, Arts & Community Events
Beyond the main stages, New Jersey offers a wealth of activities for families and community engagement.
On Friday, July 11, 2025, the New Jersey Symphony will present “How to Train Your Dragon” in Concert in Newark with Lawrence Loh conducting. It’s a captivating and original story combining humor, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure, all enhanced by a live orchestral performance!
For budding artists, the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch in Surf City invites you to Hand Paint a Shorefront Souvenir on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Newark will be celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Week from July 7-13, 2025, with a variety of events across the city, including a special Brick City Comedy Revue (Newark Pride Week Edition) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM at Newark Local Beer.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, WQXR, NJPAC, and the New Jersey Symphony present the first-ever Classical Kids Fair in New Jersey at Chambers Plaza at NJPAC in Newark, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to the magic of classical music.
Looking ahead, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM, the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch offers a unique opportunity to Discover Seeing Eye® Services, learning about this pioneering New Jersey philanthropic enterprise and even meeting trainers and their incredible dogs. And mark your calendars for Friday, July 25, 2025, as the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosts its Summer Brew Fest from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, featuring over 40 handcrafted New Jersey brews from 15 local breweries.
This is just a glimpse of the incredible events happening across New Jersey this July. Whether you’re drawn to the rhythm of live music, the drama of the stage, or the warmth of community gatherings, the Garden State invites you to explore its vibrant summer scene. For a comprehensive list and to search for events by date, category, or region, be sure to visit our full New Jersey Events Calendar. Get out and experience the best of New Jersey this summer!
