Everything You Need To Know About The Return Of Morristown's Festival On The Green

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Festival on the Green was among many major Morristown events canceled last year amid the pandemic. But it's about to come back.

This year's festival is set to return from 12-5 p.m. Oct. 3, rain or shine.

While many events are struggling to return because of financial restraints, the Morristown Partnership felt grateful for a $100,000 commitment from the Morris County Board of Commissioners. The funds came via the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, ensuring the event would go on despite higher operating costs.

“Our organization is overjoyed to be bringing back this event in 2021 and to shine a light on Morristown’s re-emerging vibrant business community,” said Jennifer Wehring, executive director for the Morristown Partnership. “It cannot be overstated how thankful we are for the financial support provided by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners to our organization and, thereby our community. This event simply would not have been possible without their significant contribution."

The event will offer a wide variety of entertainment and activities for all ages, including four stages, Kids Place amusements, carnival games and the beer tent.

First-time performers this year on the Main Stage (South and DeHart Streets) will be Flight Lights — the winners of Morristown OnStage 2021 in the adult category — from 12-1 p.m. Returning favorites will include Joe Bilotti’s Heart of Gold Band from 3-5 p.m.

Washington Street will be home to the Rising Star Stage, which will feature two new bands this year — Due South (12-2 p.m.) and The Counterfeiters (3-5 p.m.). The beer tent will be set up next door on Schuyler Place.

The festival will also feature carnival games and Kids Place children's amusements. New activities will include an inflatable corn maze, nine-hole mini-golf course and mini car racing.

Family-friendly entertainment on the Family Stage (Morris Street and Dumont Place) will feature returning performers throughout the day — Wallaby Tales (12-12:45 p.m.), Miss Jolie Music (1-1:45 p.m.), Polka Dot! (2-3 p.m.) and the TropyBand Orquesta (3:30-5 p.m.).

The Concert on the Green will feature classical favorites by the Stone Soup Symphony Orchestra (12-1:15 p.m.) and traditional American tunes by the Morris Plains Community Band & The Swing Tones (1:30-2:45 p.m.).

Sponsors include 40NORTH Restaurants, Atlantic Health Systems/Morristown Medical Center, Bayer, Beyer Family Automotive Group, Compass, County College of Morris, Geico – Local Office Morris Plains, Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry, Lakeland Bank, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Morris Animal Inn, MMU – Operators of Morristown Airport, NJ Advance Media, SJP Properties, Summit Health and TD Bank.

What are they doing to make it safe?

"In short, everything we can," a news release says. "We will follow the lead of Governor Murphy on the size of mass gatherings, as well as the sanitization guidelines and protocols set forth by the CDC and local agencies. You can expect to see multiple hand washing stations and signage encouraging self-regulated social distancing and the wearing of masks. We aim to provide the safest, healthiest and most patron-friendly event possible."

Where do I park?

The following parking lots are open and free during the event:

• Dalton Parking Garage with entrance on Cattano Avenue
• Ann/Bank Street Garage with entrance on Schuyler Place from Ann Street
• DeHart Street Garage with entrances on Dehart Street and Maple Ave.
• Free on-street parking

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