Compiled by Katrina Langer and Kevin Coughlin
How often can you picnic with the New Jersey Symphony? Once a year, in these parts, and it happens this weekend at the 30th anniversary Giralda Music & Arts Festival. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket, and you’re all set.
But wait, there’s more!
Shakespeare, Steve Martin and the Civil War also make comebacks this weekend in Greater Morristown.
You can race your mountain bike, do a Relay for Life, and cook zucchini on Fairy Day, too.
And if that’s not enough, check our handy calendar for even more entertainment options.
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013:
The pride of Villa Walsh Academy, Alice Nemecek, brings her Ballet Enchante to the Roseland VFW for A Tribute to George Gershwin at 7:30 pm. The VFW is at 52 Eisenhower Parkway; admission is $20.
FRIDAY, JUNE 21:
Nashville-based Louise Mosrie and The Twangtown Paramours bring their award-winning, emotional musicianship and song writing to the The Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series at 8 pm at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, at 21 Normandy Heights Road in Morris Township. Admission: $8 for adults; under 12, free.
This summer, “All the world’s a stage” with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The group will transform the outdoor stage into the Forest of Arden with As You Like It at the family-friendly amphitheater at the College of Saint Elizabeth at 8:15 pm. At 2 Convent Road, Morris Township. Tickets: $35-$70.
At 9 pm, The Community rocks the Dublin Pub at 4 Pine St. in Morristown. Myke Rivera and the boys always put on a good show. Don’t take our word for it; see for yourself!
SATURDAY, JUNE 22:
Civil War Weekend marches into Morristown’s Historic Speedwell from 10 am to 5 pm, and again on Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Experience staged skirmishes, bayonet and artillery drills, authentic soldier camps and cooking, and educational activities for the whole family. While at Historic Speedwell, visit the National Historic Landmark Factory Building for a hands-on telegraph exhibit. Free Parking and shuttle services; admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children ages 4-16, children under 4 are free. At 333 Speedwell Ave. Call 973-285-6550 for more information.
Morristown recognizes 10 years of the Relay for Life, starting at 5 pm at Spring Street and Morris Street (behind the Morristown Diner). This year the American Cancer Society also celebrates 100 years, and it’s set to raise $1 million through the event. Area residents are invited to attend, join a team, or participate any way they wish. Learn more or make a donation to Morristown teams at www.RelayForLife.org/MorristownNJ. NOTE: Municipal Parking Lot 10 will be closed to traffic from noon Saturday through completion of the Farmer’s Market on Sunday.
Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on South Street celebrates “Juneteenth” from 5 pm to 8 pm. It’s part of the church’s yearlong commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; tonight’s event–which includes food, music, games and prizes–marks the day that word about the freeing of slaves reached Texas, the last frontier. The church also will honor parishioner Arthur Perkins Jr., an author and advocate for affordable housing who passed away this month. All are invited to attend.
Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers Featuring Edie Brickell bring their dynamic bluegrass and comedy show to the Mayo Performing Arts Center at 8 pm. Admission is $79-150; 100 South St., Morristown. Call 973-539-8008.
SUNDAY, JUNE 23:
The Morristown Farmers Market is back for another season, running every Sunday through Nov. 24 from 8:30 am to 2 pm. It’s in municipal parking lot 10, behind the post office, and is operated by the Morristown Partnership.
Mountain bike racing comes to Lewis Morris Park, at 296 Mendham Road in Morris Township, at 9 am. The Lewis Morris Challenge is brought to you by Marty’s Reliable Cycle. Registration ranges from $20 to $30; sign up here. This year there’s even a new Fat Bike category for owners of monster fat bikes. After the race, all those 21 and above can tap into some cold kegs at the finish line.
Re-live the Civil War at Historic Speedwell in Morristown from 10 am to 4 pm. See Saturday’s entry for details.
Ah, summertime! Sunshine, cookouts…and fresh vegetables from the garden. Ever wonder what to do with all that zucchini? Find out at 1 pm at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum‘s Will the Zucchini Never End? cooking demonstration. Admission is $25; at 353 East Hanover Ave., Morris Township.
While you’re learning new zucchini recipes, the rest of the family can roam the seventh Fairy Day at the The Frelinghuysen Arboretum from 1 pm to 3 pm. Kids will learn which types of plants and music attract fairies, and they will build their own fairy houses. All supplies will be provided (bark, branches, lichens, mosses, feathers, stones, and leaves). The houses will be on display at the Arboretum through the end of July. Each house is $30.
The New Jersey Symphony returns to Giralda Farms in Madison for the 30th anniversary of the Giralda Music & Arts Festival, a benefit for Morris Arts. Gates open at 4 pm, the concert starts at 6 pm. Enjoy an arts exhibition and sale, a Best Picnic Theme contest and a 50/50 raffle in addition to favorites from Carmen and West Side Story by the Symphony, led by conductor Gemma New from New Zealand. Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, and free for ages 4 and under. Discounts for advance purchases, through Saturday; see the Morris Arts website for more details, and for weather updates. Backup venue: Mennen Arena, Morris Township.
Does that song ring a bell? Why yes, it does, at the Ringers-on-the-Green Handbell Concert, which starts at 4 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown. Free; 57 East Park Place.
Morristown’s Sunday Night Portrait Drawing Sessions wind down at ArtSpace at 14 Elm St. Sessions run from 6 pm to 9 pm and feature live models and camaraderie for $10.
