'Bluey,' New Eatery, Green Thumbs, And More In Morris Co. This Weekend

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — If you're looking for something to do around Morris County this weekend, there are opportunities for entertainment, new food experiences, and getting some fresh air outdoors.

And for those foodies who are reading, a reminder that Morristown Restaurant Week begins Monday and runs through Friday, April 19.

But first — here is what we found on the calendar from Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14, 2024:

Looking for a colorful, fresh new dining option? Stop by the soft opening of Shaka Kitchen’s new restaurant in Morristown this weekend. Started by two sisters — one of whom is a "Chopped" champion — this eatery brings the flavors and "Aloha" culture of Hawaii to the Garden State.

• Dates and times: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: 62 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
• No tickets or registration are needed.
• Where to get more info: Check out this Patch article, or visit Shaka on Facebook.

Those with green thumbs – and in neighborhoods that have lost trees – can pick up free tree seedlings on Saturday at sites around the county. Anyone can stop by and take the young trees back home, to plant in their yard or around their community to help keep neighborhood trees alive for future generations. For more info, check out this Patch article, or view the NJ Forest Service’s latest list.

• Mendham Township
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at the Municipal Building Parking Lot, 2 West Main Street, Brookside
• Morris Township
  • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Frelinghuysen Middle School, 10 Jane Way
• Rockaway Township
  • 10 a.m. Saturday at Park Lake, Mt. Hope Pond and Egbert Lake
• Washington Township
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Rock Spring Park, Large Gazebo, 35 E Springtown Road, Long Valley

Join the Morris Park Alliance for the Spring Forward 5K, along the scenic trails of Central Park of Morris County. After the race, join the post-race festivities and show off your one-of-a-kind finisher medal. Runners and walkers of all abilities and experience levels are are welcome.

• Dates and times: Saturday, race begins at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive between 7:45 and 8 a.m., and packet pickup starts at 8:15.
• Location: Central Park of Morris County, North Cottage Street entrance, Morris Plains (cross-country trails).
• Registration is $38 and can be done the day of the event.
• Where to get more info: Click here.

Step back in time to coastal Maine in the 19th century, as the County College of Morris performs Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” This classic musical includes the well-known songs “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “If I Loved You,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

• Dates and times: Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Dragonetti Auditorium
• Tickets are $15, and also available for purchase at the theater.
• Where to get more info: Click here.

“Bluey's Big Play” brings characters from the popular children’s TV show to life on stage, as siblings Bluey and Bingo get up to some cheeky canine mischief to disrupt their Dad’s lazy weekend afternoon. The Heeler family (in puppet form) will be at the Mayo Performing Arts Center all weekend for this play, with an original story by creator Joe Brumm and new music by the show’s composer. The show is about 50 minutes with no intermission. The Saturday show at 5 p.m. will also be sensory-friendly, with modulated sound and light levels and a supportive atmosphere.

• Dates and times: Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.
• Location: 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
• Tickets run from $29 to a $124 VIP package that includes a meet-and-greet.
• Where to get more info: Click here.

The Morristown-based Canal Society of New Jersey is hosting a lecture at Macculloch Hall on Sunday called “The Morris Canal in the 21st Century: Creating The Morris Canal Greenway Trail.” Joe Macasek, president of the Canal Society, will talk about the canal today and in the future, and give updates on greenway projects going on across the state.

• Date and time: Sunday, April 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
• Free for members and included with museum admission; $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.
• Where to get more info: Click here.

The Morris Winter Farmer's Market is in its last month, so don't miss a chance to stop by Convent Station and see what's in store. Local farmers, bakers, foragers, artisans, and makers of all kinds will be set up, and Grow It Green Morristown will welcome their "favorite supporter and singer" Mike Heitmann to perform. And, First Energy will be bringing an electric car for attendees to check out.

• Date and time: Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Convent Train Station, 11 Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ
• No entry fee or tickets required.
• Where to get more info: Click here.