Events July 1, 2025
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 July 1, 2025
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.
-------------------
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!
Jul 10, 2025
Blueberry 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 own blueberries! Adults $12.99, Kids $7.99, Kids under 2 are free. Price includes breakfast and Pick Your Own admission with scenic hay wagon rides. Live entertainment from 12 noon - 4 pm. Kids Package: $19.99 Includes all inclusive farm fun activities wristband and breakfast.
Jul 11 - 29, 2016
Highlands Farmers Adventure
9 am - 1 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
2 sessions: M - F Join us this summer and learn how we take care of the land that produces our delicious and nutritious food! Our Future Farmers will learn about animals and how to take care of them, where our food comes from and what it takes to take care for it as well as down-in-the-dirt gardening activities, craft projects and more!
Jul 13, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 1
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street (behind Redwoods Grill), Chester
Announcing the Tastiest Summer Boot Camp for Kids Ever!
Day 1 of this 3 day camp is required in order to attend Day 2 and 3.
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.
Jul 14, 2025
Blueberry Muffin Baking (Children's Workshop)
11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Make delicious blueberry muffins using Cooper Gristmill-ground flour. While the muffins are baking you can tour the mill. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 908.879.5463 by June 30 to pre-register. Cost: $10 per family ($5 Friends members).
-------------------------------------
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
Jul 14, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 2
9:30am - 12:30pm (ages 8-11); 1:00am - 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 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.
Jul 15, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 3
9:30am - 12:30pm (ages 8-11); 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 16, 2025
Natural Art
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Use grain and natural items collected from around the Gristmill to create artwork. Explore painting, printmaking, rubbings, collage/mosaic, and other art techniques. This event is in the air conditioned Visitors Center and children must be accompanied by an adult.
---------------------
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
Jul 16 - 17, 2016
GRAND OPENING of Dean's Natural Food Market
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sat. July 16th at 10:00am
Location: Dean's Natural Food Market
The Streets of Chester Shopping Center, 270 Route 206 South, Chester, NJ 07930
IT'S FINALLY HERE - THE GRAND OPENING OF DEAN'S NATURAL FOOD MARKET -
New Jersey's Premier Natural Food Store located at The Streets of Chester Shopping Center.
The official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 16th at 10:00 am.
Guest Speakers include:
• Andrea Tudor, Dean's Director of Marketing
• Kathy Barbieri, President of the HCBA
• Janet Hoven, Mayor of Chester Borough
• Dean Nelson, Dean's Owner
• Tommy Langford, Dean's Director of Operations
RAFFLES & GIVEAWAYS
FREE Limited-Edition Cotton Tote for the First 500 Customers
FREE Samples & Demos
LIVE MUSIC
Dean's Natural Food Market offers the best selection of....
• 100% organic produce and all-natural groceries.*Dedicated gluten-free and allergy-friendly foods.
• Award-winning organic juice and smoothie bar.
• Fresh foods department, which includes a wide selection of grab-n-go organic entrees, sides, sandwiches, soups and more.
• Full selection of vitamins, supplements,health and beauty.
• Wellness Experts to assist your health and wellness needs.
The Grand Opening celebration runs all week-end long: Saturday 10am-3pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.
Jul 19, 2025
Advanced Chocolatiers Summer Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 1
10am to 2pm
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street (behind Redwoods Grill), Chester, NJ
Day 1 of this 2 day offering will build upon the skills learned in the Chocolate Summer Boot Camp. Students will make a Ganache (truffle center) and mold a hollow piece of chocolate for filling.
Pre-registration is required by calling J. Emanuel shop at 908-955-7591 or stopping in.
Jul 20, 2025
Advanced Chocolatiers Summer Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 2
10am - 2pm
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street (behind Redwoods Grill), Chester
Day 2 of this 2 day offering will build upon the skills learned in the Day 1 Advanced Chocolatier Summer Camp session. Students will fill their hollow mold with the ganache they made on Day 1; They will also decorate truffles, dip strawberries and decorate, and learn the concepts of making fudge.
Pre-registration is required by calling J. Emanuel shop at 908-955-7591 or stopping in.
Jul 20 - 24, 2016
Morris County 4-H Fair
See details
Location: Chubb Park, Chester, NJ
Purpose:To showcase and celebrate the many achievements of Morris County 4-H members.
Provide wholesome family fun for the community.
Activities & Attractions:
Project animal shows (i.e. dog, goat, herpetology, horse, poultry, rabbit, cavy and small animals)
Live music, performances & demonstrations
Delicious food including chicken bbq and rootbeer floats
Amusement rides, pony rides, hay rides, petting zoos, Tricky Tray, watermelon eating contest, cake decorating contest, and dress-a-pet contest.
Dates: July 20-24, 2016
Location: Chubb Park, Chester, NJ.
Times:
July 20 - 6:00pm-10:00pm
July 21 - 4:00pm-10:00pm
July 22 & 23 - 10:00am-10:00pm
July 24 - 10:00am-4:00pm
Sponsored by the Morris County 4-H Association in support of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Admission: None
Parking: $5.00 donation (Friday after 6:00pm, $10.00 donation for fireworks)
For complete details, visit: http://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/Fair.html
Jul 22, 2025
Free Movie Night at Alstede Farms
8:00 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Join us in Alstede Farm's Harvest Hall for a presentation of Disney's "Cars". Admission will be FREE as part of our customer appreciation weekend!
Jul 23, 2025
1880's Music Day at Milltown
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Enjoy the magical sounds reminiscent of musical events performed in Milltown over a century ago. Join musicians by playing fiddlesticks and animating the limber jacks.
-----------------------------------
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 23 - 24, 2016
Customer Appreciation Weekend at Alstede Farms
11 am - 5 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Join us for Customer Appreciation Weekend! Have fun - win prizes! We'll have sack races, egg toss, pie eating contests, live entertainment, and lots more! All are welcome!
Jul 24, 2025
Chester Gazebo Concert Series: The Tones
6:00 pm to 7:30pm
Location: Gazebo Park - Municipal Field on Main Street, Chester.
*In the event of rain - concert held at Highlands Barn, 100 North Street, Chester
Classic Rock and Blues with a Groove . . .
The Tones cover a classic mix of rock and blues music with creative arrangements and tight vocal harmony. This four piece band features drummer, Rick Smith; base guitarist and vocalist, Scott Randolph; guitarist and vocalist, Bob Marks, and guitarist and vocalist, Steve Aluotto.
Together the quartet represents over a century of performing experience and musical collaborations throughout the New Jersey music scene. The Tones are celebrating their sixth year of banging out joyful jams together, covering a range from well-known legends like CSN&Y, The Stones, Tom Petty, The Eagles and Van Morrison to Ray Charles, Ry Cooder, T-Bone Walker and Watermelon Slim.
Chester Summer Gazebo Concert Series- Free Outdoor Concerts
This promises to be a musical celebration you won't want to miss. The concert takes place from 6:00-7:30pm at the Gazebo on Main Street. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved indoors to the Highlands Ridge
Barn located up the street at 100 North Rd Chester (across from Black River Middle School).
Bring some friends, grab take-out from town, and join us for live music!
Concert Sponsored by Chester Borough & Chester Township Recreation and Chester Municipal Alliance and GACADA.
Jul 26, 2025
Chocolate Summer Boot Camp (ages 8 to 15): Day 1
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: J. Emanuel Chocolatier, 461B Main Street (behind Redwoods Grill), Chester
Announcing the Tastiest Summer Boot Camp for Kids Ever!
Day 1 of this 3 day camp is required in order to attend Day 2 and 3.
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.
