Events May 18, 2026
May 5 - 26, 2016
Sip & Shop Nights at Country Curtains
4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Country Curtains
On Thursdays May 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you relax, shop and get answers to all of your decorating project questions!
May 14 - Oct 31, 2025
The Historic Chester Courtesy Coach
Weekends and Monday Holidays
Location: See complete details below.
Explore and Experience Historic Chester...for FREE!
A complementary transportation service− THE HISTORIC CHESTER COURTESY COACH − is available to and from 2 of Chester's renowned locations. Runs on weekends and Monday holidays (from May 14th to the end of October 2015) to enhance your Historic Chester Experience.
Details of Service
* From Gladstone/Peapack NJ Transit Station to Alstede Farms at 12:05pm & 1:05pm
* Continuous loop from Alstede Farms to the Historic Shopping & Dining District on Main
Street from 12:30pm to 5:00pm with stops cycling every 20 minutes.
* From Alstede Farms to the Gladstone/Peapack NJ Transit Station at 5:30pm & 6:30pm
THE HISTORIC CHESTER COURTESY COACH stops are marked by signage with the official logo and are located at:
*Alstede Farms (Back Parking Lot)
*92 Main Street (Next to the Chester Clock)
For details, call 908-879-7189
**The Historic Chester Courtesy Coach is sponsored by Alstede Farms and The Historic Chester Business Association.
Events after May 18, 2026
May 21, 2026
Chester Iron Furnace Walk
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
* Mill opens after the walk
We will explore the abandoned Chester Furnace site and the Railroad right-of-way. This will be a moderate walk with plenty of off trail exploration. We will meet at the Cooper Gristmill parking lot and drive to the starting point. Cost: $5 per family. Call 908 879 5463 to pre register.
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General Admission: (Suggested Donation for Mill Tours)
$3 Adults, $2 Senior Citizens, $1 Children 4-6, FREE for children under age 4
Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill members - FREE with valid membership card.Discounted fees for special events.
For additional information, please call 908-879-5463.
Directions: Copper Gristmill is located on County Highway 513 (old Route 24) in Chester Township, NJ. 1.3 miles west of the Route 206 intersection.
GPS: 66 Washington Turnpike (old state route 24), Chester, NJ 07930
Online Map Directions: 74 County Highway 513, Chester, NJ 07930
May 22, 2026
Move in Grace presents: St. Lawrence Cares Dinner Fundraiser
7:30 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Church Hall, 375 Main Street, Chester
Move In Grace is proud to partner with St. Lawrence Church of Chester for a 'delicious' fundraiser: St. Lawrence Cares: An evening of great food and fun to benefit two parish families.
Executive Chef Bobby Varua of the Blue Morel (Morristown) will cook an exquisite gourmet dinner.
Entertainment, wine pull, raffle, balloon sale. Tickets: $45.00 (BYOB or wine pull) For tickets call the Parish office: (908) 879-5371 before 5/18/16.
May 30, 2026
Chester's Memorial Day Commemoration Program
10:30 am
Location: Municipal Field Gazebo and Memorial Park
Chester's Memorial Day Commemoration Program
**RAIN OR SHINE**
If rain, the procession will not take place and we will gather inside the firehouse bays at the Chester Firehouse on Main Street at 11am.
10:45am: Assemble at Municipal Field Gazebo
11:00am: Procession to Memorial Park
Beginning at 11:05am:
*Welcoming remarks by Mayor Janet Hoven, Borough of Chester
*Pledge of Allegiance Led by Boy Scout Troop 139 & Troop & performed by all scouting troops
*Remarks by Mayor Bill Cogger, Township of Chester
*Invocation by Pastor Reverend Chris Scrivens, Community Presbyterian Church
Musical Interlude: West Morris Community Band under the direction of Gary Quam
*Remarks by Commander Andrew Honeycheck, American Legion Post 342 Chester
*Star Spangled Banner performed acapella by vocalist Mary Bolio
*Remarks by Robert Buchanan, Chaplain, American Legion Post 342 Chester
Musical Interlude performed by West Morris Community Band under the direction of Gary Quam
*Special presentation in recognition of American Legion 100th year anniversary by Commander Honeycheck to Mayor Janet Hoven & Police Chief David Jara, Borough of Chester &Mayor Bill Cogger & Police Chief Tom Williver, Township of Chester
*God Bless America performed acapella by vocalist Mary Bolio
*Roll call of Chester's Fallen Soldiers read by members of American Legion Post 342 Chester
*Laying of Wreath Ceremony performed by Larry Oppel, American Legion Post 342 Chester & Linda Oppel, Ladies Auxiliary member American Legion Post 342 Chester
(musical accompaniment by West Morris Community Band under the direction of Gary Quam)
*Closing Prayer by The Reverend Margaret Otterburn, Church of the Messiah Chester
*Rifle Salute by American Legion Post 342 Chester
*Taps performed by West Morris Community Band
Jun 4 - 5, 2016
18th Annual SPRING Chester Craft Show
10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Location: Gazebo/Municipal Field
134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*
CRAFT SHOW CANCELLED FOR SUN., JUNE 5TH DUE TO WEATHER.
With an anticipated weather forecast of severe thunderstorms, downpours, damaging winds and hail, it is with regret that we announce the Chester Spring Craft Show is cancelled for Sunday, June 5th.
We wish to thank all our amazing crafters, artisans, participants, staff and vendors for their commitment and support.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you all again at the 43rd Annual Fall Craft Show on Sept.10th and 11th.
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Call your friends and make plans to attend the 18th Annual Spring Chester Craft Show, being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th.
We are proud to announce that the Spring Chester Craft Show was ranked as one of the top 60 craft shows IN THE COUNTRY, WITH OVER 150 ARTISTS from around the region.
Admission: $4.00. No dogs/pets allowed.
****$1.00 OFF* A SINGLE ADMISSION***
PRINT THIS AD AND PRESENT AT THE GATE TO RECEIVE $1.00 DISCOUNT.
Experience a wide variety of hand made items including traditional craft, fine art and country crafts. Find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list as well as beautiful handcrafted furnishings for your home. Be sure to stroll through Historic Chester and visit over 80 unique shops and eateries which are just steps away from the show. You will discover a wonderful selection of antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and accessories, gourmet pet products, confections and wonderful eateries. The
Note: If you are a vendor and wish to exhibit at this show, please visit http://www.chestercraftshow.com.
Jun 4 - 19, 2016
Strawberry Harvest Festival
11 am - 5 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
3 Weekends in June - enjoy scrumptious strawberry treats galore: homemade strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry shakes, strawberry pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, and strawberry fudge and more! See website for details...
Jun 4, 2026
Family Fun Open House
10 AM
Location: The Westmont Montessori School, Mendham, NJ
Come visit our fun Camp "stations" and our classrooms, with entertainment by a balloon artist and story time by guest author and alumni parent, Meredith Stack Ross. All families are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected].
Jun 12, 2025
Strawberry Pancake Breakfast
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester NJ 07930
Enjoy a hayride around our beautiful farm to Harvest Hall where you'll have a delicious ‘all you can eat’ breakfast with Alstede Farms' delicious strawberries! See website for details...
Jun 18, 2025
People-Power Day
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Tour Cooper Gristmill, and watch demonstrations of tools powered by hands and feet. See a foot-powered scroll saw, one-and two-man saws, an angular boring machine, a stone jack, treadle sewing machines, and hand drills. Try some tools yourself.
Admission: (Suggested Donation for Mill Tours)
$3 Adults, $2 Senior Citizens, $1 Children 4-6, FREE for children under age 4
Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill members - FREE with valid membership card.Discounted fees for special events.
For additional information, please call 908-879-5463.
Directions: Copper Gristmill is located on County Highway 513 (old Route 24) in Chester Township, NJ. 1.3 miles west of the Route 206 intersection.
GPS: 66 Washington Turnpike (old state route 24), Chester, NJ 07930
Online Map Directions: 74 County Highway 513, Chester, NJ 07930
Jun 19, 2025
Father's Day Breakfast
8 am - 1 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Enjoy a scenic hayride around our beautiful farm to Harvest Hall where you will dine on a delicious breakfast buffet for the whole family! Ticket includes hayride, breakfast, and access to our pick-your-own areas.
Jun 19, 2025
Free Ice Cream For Dads
all day
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
We're celebrating dads here today by giving them a free ice cream cone! Stop by anytime between 10 am - 6 pm!
Jun 21 - 25, 2016
Annual Fireman's Carnival and Fireworks!
See Chester Fireman's Website for updates
Location: Chubb Park
West Main Street, Chester, NJ
The 2016 carnival will run from Tuesday June 21st through Saturday June 25th. Hours will be 6:30 - 10:30 PM.
Pay-one-price wristbands will be available Tuesday and Thursday nights. Fireworks will be at 10 PM Friday the 24th with a rain date of Saturday the 25th.
For complete details, visit http://www.chester-fire.org/ or our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chesterfiremanscarnival
Jun 26, 2025
Very Berry Pancake Breakfast
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Enjoy a Hay Wagon ride around our beautiful farm and a delicious ‘all you can eat’ breakfast featuring our strawberries and raspberries! Ticket includes admission to pick your own areas and live entertainment from 12 - 4
Jun 28, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 1
9:30am - 1:30pm
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street, Chester
Announcing the Tastiest Summer Boot Camp for Kids Ever!
Day 1 Includes an extensive tour of the J. Emanuel Chocolatier facility. Afterward, we will dive into where chocolate comes from, how it gets here, tasting chocolates, molding and decorating a chocolate lolly.
Pre-registration is required by calling J. Emanuel shop at 908-955-7591 or stopping in.
Jun 29, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 2
9:30am - 12:30pm (ages 8-11) and 1:00pm - 4:00pm (ages 12-15)
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street, Chester
Continuation of the Tastiest Summer Boot Camp for Kids Ever!
Day 2 and/or 3 are optional. Participants from Day 1 are split into two groups (morning and afternoon) based on age. Day 2 will involve making, decorating and packaging a chocolate flower pot.
Pre-registration is required by calling J. Emanuel shop at 908-955-7591 or stopping in.
Jun 30, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 3
9:30am - 12:30pm (ages 8-11) and 1:00pm - 4:00pm (ages 12-15)
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street (behind Redwoods Grill), Chester
Continuation of the Tastiest Summer Boot Camp for Kids Ever!
Day 3 is optional. Participants from Day 1 and 2 are split into two groups (morning and afternoon) based on age.
Day 3 will involve a summer theme 'Chocolate BBQ'. Students will dip, decorate and package pieces of fresh fruit, cookies, pretzels and make their own smores.
Pre-registration is required by calling J. Emanuel shop at 908-955-7591 or stopping in.
Jul 9, 2025
Sail, Sail, Your Boat!
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Decorate boats and sail them in the Cooper Gristmill tailrace. Children must be accompanied by an adult and are required to wear enclosed-toe shoes or boots- No bare feet! Boats may be purchased for $10 (Friends Members $5) or borrowed.
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Admission: (Suggested Donation for Mill Tours)
$3 Adults, $2 Senior Citizens, $1 Children 4-6, FREE for children under age 4
Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill members - FREE with valid membership card.Discounted fees for special events.
For additional information, please call 908-879-5463.
Directions: Copper Gristmill is located on County Highway 513 (old Route 24) in Chester Township, NJ. 1.3 miles west of the Route 206 intersection.
GPS: 66 Washington Turnpike (old state route 24), Chester, NJ 07930
Online Map Directions: 74 County Highway 513, Chester, NJ 07930
Jul 9, 2025
8th Annual Front Porch Bluegrass Festival & Pig Roast
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location: Gazebo Park / Municipal Field, Main Street, Chester, NJ
*FREE ADMISSION*
Kid's Activities, Live Bands, Vendors, Instrument Auctions. Rain or Shine - Join us under the Tent (bring your own blanket or lawn chairs)
This event will be held at the Gazebo Park on Main Street.
Questions? Call 908-443-1294 or visit http://www.frontporchbluegrassfestival.com.
Because of you, we were able to raise almost $10,000 for our mission trip to Central Appalachia last year.
We need your help again! This year we will be in Bud, West Virginia from July 16th -23rd helping to make homes safer, warmer, and drier.
We hope you can come out and support our mission!
Jul 9 - 17, 2016
Blueberry Festival
11 am - 5 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Delicious Blueberry Treats made with Our Own Local Blueberries including Blueberry Shortcake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Tart, Pie and much more! Scenic Hayrides to our Blueberry Patch for Pick Your OWN Blueberries! Enjoy lots of Family Fun Activities (Pony Rides, Tractor Train Rides, Moon Bounce, Hay Wagon Rides, Corn Kingdom and much more!!) Something for the whole family!
