Parades march, jazz swings, Noël Coward spars and Greater Morristown pauses to remember. This Memorial Day weekend brings the unofficial start of summer, but around here it still begins with something more enduring: Flags, veterans and communities gathering to honor sacrifice.
From Morris Plains’ centennial-flavored parade to Morristown’s Monday commemorations, plus theater, music and a Repair Café that believes your toaster deserves a second chance, the long weekend is packed.
Scroll down for details. Check our handy calendar for even more activities–and add your own events, too.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026:
Free yoga continues at the Morristown & Township Library at 10 a.m., upstairs in the F.M. Kirby Gallery. No registration necessary. At One Miller Road, Morristown. More info
The Morris Museum presents Night at the Morris Museum from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, offering live music, open galleries and a complimentary drink for guests 21 and older. Tickets: $25. At 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township. More info
The Morristown & Township Library continues its Revolutionary War film series with You Say You Want a Revolution?: The Crossing at 6:45 pm. George Washington and company make a risky winter gamble in this 2000 film starring Jeff Daniels. Free, with light refreshments served downstairs in the Meeting Room at One Miller Road, Morristown. More info
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey concludes preview performances of Private Lives, Noël Coward’s sparkling comedy of romance and combustible exes. Preview tickets range from $15-$60 at 36 Madison Ave., Madison, on the Drew University campus. More info
FRIDAY, MAY 22:
The Morris Plains Rotary Club welcomes Jessica Orr of the Lupus Foundation of America during its weekly breakfast meeting at 7:45 am. The public is welcome; breakfast is included with the $15 fee at Uncle Giuseppe’s Market, 1171 Route 10 East, Morris Plains. More info
The Shade Tree Garage celebrates its 50th Anniversary Celebration from 11 am to 3 pm. Live music, a food truck and a changing of the guard accompany festivities at 171 Washington St., Morristown. Free. More info
The Morristown & Township Library goes Renaissance with Raphael: Artist and Visionary at 7 pm, a Zoom presentation by popular speaker Janet Mandel tied to the Metropolitan Museum’s major Raphael exhibition. Free. More info
Opening night arrives for The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and Private Lives at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $15-$90. At 36 Madison Ave., Madison. More info
At 7:30 p.m., the Folk Project presents Dan Rodriguez and Danielle Miraglia at 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township. Tickets: $15-$20; children 12 and under, free with adult; livestream $10. More info
The County College of Morris presents Cosmic Colors at 7:30 p.m. and Forward to the Moon at 9 p.m. at the Longo Planetarium, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Tickets: $10. More info
The Madison Community Arts Center presents Steal the Spotlight 2.0 at 7:50 pm, a monthly drag competition where performers vie for cash prizes and a spot in June’s all-stars showdown. BYOB. Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at the door. At 10 Kings Road, Madison. More info
SATURDAY, MAY 23:
Memorial Day weekend gets rolling early as the Borough of Morris Plains hosts its annual Memorial Day Service at 9 am at Roberts Garden, at Glenbrook Road and Mountain Way. The borough’s 40th Annual Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9:30 am—with an extra flourish this year as Morris Plains celebrates its 100th birthday. Expect veterans, bands and hometown pride, plus free hot dogs and family activities afterward at the VFW on Route 53. More info
The Morristown Rotary Club hosts the popular Repair Café from 9 am to 1 pm, inviting residents to rescue lamps, gadgets and other wounded household goods before consigning them to landfill purgatory. Free, donations appreciated. At the Morristown Presbyterian Church Parish House, 65 South St., Morristown. More info
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues Private Lives at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. See Friday’s entry for details.
The County College of Morris continues shows at the Longo Planetarium with Cosmic Colors at 2 p.m., Forward to the Moon at 3:30 p.m. and Starlit Nights at 5 p.m. Tickets: $10. At 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. More info
TV commentator Candace Kelley returns home to Morristown with Supernatural: The Play at 3 pm and 7 pm. The production explores faith, mystery and redemption at the Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 South Park Place. Tickets: $20. More info
The volume rises at the Madison Community Arts Center as Doom Fest opens from 6 pm to 10:30 pm, kicking off a two-night celebration of New Jersey music, vendors and underground energy. At 10 Kings Road, Madison. More info
SUNDAY, MAY 24:
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues Private Lives at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. See Friday’s entry for details.
The Madison Community Arts Center concludes Doom Fest from 6 pm to 10:30 pm. See Saturday’s entry for details.
MONDAY, MAY 25, MEMORIAL DAY:
The holiday itself begins with remembrance. The Memorial and Veterans Day Association of Morristown and Morris Township launches Greater Morristown’s Memorial Day commemorations at 7:45 am with visits to monuments and cemeteries across the area.
Formal ceremonies begin at 10 am at the Morris Township Municipal Building on Woodland Avenue. A procession heads to the Morristown Green at 10:30 am for an 11 am service featuring retired Navy Capt. Rob Hughes of Morris Township as keynote speaker. More info
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