Concert, Tours, Kids' Events At Arboretum In Summit This Week

SUMMIT, NJ — The last concert in the Summer Concert Series at the 40-year-old Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is scheduled for this Wednesday evening.

In addition, there are several events planned for the garden and education center in the next few weeks (some for members, some for the general public).

The events include kids' activities, free tours, and a meet-and-greet for the new curatorial director of horticulture.

Some events are free; others require tickets. See the rundown below.

Reggae Concert

You can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum Wednesday to enjoy the last concert in their summer series, Sounds of a Summer Night.

The grounds at the garden and education center — open to the public for more than 40 years — will open at 6 p.m. that Wednesday for picnics and garden strolls. The performance begins at 7 p.m. in the Yon and Francie Cho Garden Amphitheater (165 Hobart Ave.)

The arboretum will close to the public at 3 p.m. that day so staff can prepare for the concert.

While entry to the concert is free for Reeves-Reed Arboretum Members and children 3 and under, non-member tickets are $15 and students are $5. Tickets are available online at reeves-reedarboretum.org or at the entry gate the evening of each performance. Student tickets must be purchased at the gate.

Random Test Reggae will perform. According to a description, the group "has been rocking New Jersey with music heavily coated in Caribbean traditions since 1999. With members hailing from all over the Caribbean, the group brings a cache of authentic reggae and calypso rhythms in true West Indian fashion. They will take you on a musical journey that pays tribute to pioneers in reggae and soca music – from the early days to today, staying true to the real roots and culture."

Sounds of a Summer Night is sponsored in part by INVESTORS BANK and Ciel Power.

Other Events

While a food tasting for kids on Wednesday is sold out, other events are coming up for individuals and families.

On Thursday, the arboretum is hosting a meet-and-greet reception for John Berine, the new curatorial director of horticulture. Find out his vision for the future of the arboretum.

There's also a family movie night Thursday, "Babe," but it's only for arboretum members. Find out how to join at the link below.

Free tours of the arboretum are held Saturdays as well. And there's a Tea and Scones event scheduled for Sept. 1.

Find out more about the events at this link.

About The Arboretum

Celebrating over 40 years as a historic public garden and education resource, Reeves-Reed Arboretum engages, educates and enriches the public through horticulture and environmental education, and the care and utilization of the gardens and estate.

Open seven days a week, the Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey State Historic Registers. Funding for RRA has been made possible in part by the NJ Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Dept. of Parks & Community Renewal.

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