Free Outdoor Music and Movies in NJ

It’s officially summer, and in New Jersey that means many towns host outdoor music and movies, as well as theater productions. So if you’re looking for family friendly places to hear live music or cozy up on a blanket under the summer sky and catch a movie, here are some ideas.

NJ Outdoor Summer Concerts

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Enjoy live music in downtown Westfield while you dine al fresco, stroll along the streets, or sit and relax. Concerts are held Tuesdays, July 5-August 30th. Check the calendar for the artist lineup.

Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Series

Bring your lawn chairs and head over to Mindowaskin Park for one of the weekly concerts performed by the Westfield Community Band Series. Concerts are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm at the Gazebo in the park. Check the calendar for specifics.

Madison Friday Night Concerts

Enjoy an evening of music this summer on Fridays from 6-8pm at METC’s (Museum of Early Trades and Crafts) free Summer Concert Series.

Fanwood Summer FanJam

Rock out to live music from local bands and enjoy a classic car show, food trucks and more at Fanwood’s music festival in La Grande Park on Sunday, July 10.

Maplewood Community Music

Community bands perform in Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood and in South Orange. 

Maplewoodstock Music & Arts Festival

There’s something for everyone at Maplewood’s two day festival of regional and national music, food and arts vendors and KidsZone July 9th & 10th.

Summer Movie Nights Under the Stars in NJ

Scotch Plains Summer Movie Series

Catch a movie under the summer stars in downtown Scotch Plains. Movies are shown every Tuesday in July at the Alan Augustine Village Green.

Barnegat Summer Drive-In Movies

Take a trip down the shore to enjoy a drive-in family friendly flick with the kids at the Barnegat Public Dock.

Delsea Drive-In Theatre

Feeling nostalgic? Visit Vineland for the only remaining true drive-in theater in NJ. There’s even an onsite restaurant that delivers snacks to your car.

Demarest Farms in Bergen County

This Bergen County farm and garden center hosts a drive-in movie on-site at the farm. You can also book your own private drive-in movie event!

Warwick Drive-In

Want an old-school drive-in experiences? Take a trip over the border into New York, to the Warwick Drive-In. This vintage drive-in movie theater has three screens showing six different movies each night. There’s something that caters to every member of the family.

Summer Plays in the Park

Scotch Plains Stars Theatre

Performances for kids by kids begin at 6pm at the Village Green

Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park

Pack a picnic and take in a show on the outdoor amphitheater stage in Roosevelt Park in Edison. This summer’s lineup includes The SpongeBob Musical, Something Rotten, and A Chorus Line.

Basking Ridge Plays in the Park

Shows are held in Pleasant Valley Park or at Ridge High School if it rains.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy reading my Favorite Farms for Picking Fruit in NJ.

Need some tips for what to wear for summer photos? You might enjoy this post: What to Wear for Summer Photos in NJ.

And if you’re ready to schedule a relaxed backyard photography session that takes place at your home and doesn’t involve overly posed portraits, I’d love to meet you and capture your family! Get in touch.