Events July 27, 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.
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 27, 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.
Events after July 27, 2025
Jul 28, 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 30, 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 30 - Aug 14, 2025
Family Fun Peach Festival
11 am - 5 pm
Location: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
For 3 weekends enjoy scrumptious peach treats galore: peach cake, peach pie, peach cheese desserts, homemade peach ice cream and more! Take a Scenic hayride to our peach orchard to pick your own peaches and more. And then enjoy live entertainment and lots of Family Fun activities!
Jul 31, 2025
Peach 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 including Pancakes with our own fresh peach topping, eggs, bacon, sausage, and assorted beverages. Price includes breakfast and Pick Your Own admission with scenic hay wagon ride. Live entertainment included from 12 noon – 4 pm.
Aug 2, 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.
Aug 3, 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.
Aug 4, 2025
Corn 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 corn muffins using Cooper Gristmill- ground cornmeal. While the muffins are baking you can tour the Gristmill. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 908.879.5463 by July 21 to pre-register. Cost: $10 per family ($5 Friends members).
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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
Aug 9, 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.
Aug 10, 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.
Aug 11, 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.
Aug 13, 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
Aug 18, 2025
Apple 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 apple muffins with Cooper Gristmill-ground flour. While the muffins are baking you can tour the Gristmill. Call 908.879.5463 by August 4 to pre-register. Cost: $10 per family ($5 Friends members).
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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
Aug 20, 2025
Lace Creations at the Gristmill
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Watch incredible demonstrations by the nimble fingers of the Lost Art Lacers of North Jersey as they perform the centuries-old arts of bobbin lace-making and tatting. Try your hand at bobbin lacing.
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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
Aug 23, 2025
OPEN HOUSE at Chester Art of Dance
4:30-7:00PM
Location: Art of Dance and Essential Dance Shop
Come check out the excitement! Giveaways, Free Classes, Snacks and 20-50% off Storewide! 10% off first month of classes if you register during our open house! The Art of Dance is New Jersey's premiere dance training studio that features a wide variety of classes to suit all ages and interests. Our 8,000 square foot studio space has large viewing windows so you can see our professionally trained staff and students in action! Adjacent to the studio, our Essential Dance Shop is fully stocked with dance shoes, bags, clothing, and gifts boasting the hottest dancewear brands. Classes start September 12th!
Aug 27, 2025
Industrial Crafts Day
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Enjoy early industrial crafts demonstrations by a tinsmith, tin piercers, a blacksmith, weavers and spinners. Crafters will have items for sale. Cost: $3 Adult, $2 seniors, $1 child.
Donations are greatly appreciated.
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
www.morrisparks.net
Sep 10 - 11, 2016
43rd Annual FALL Craft Show
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Location: TWO GREAT LOCATIONS!
*Gazebo/Municipal Field,134 Main Street, Chester, NJ
and
*Perry Street, Chester, NJ
CHESTER CELEBRATES 43 YEARS OF FALL CRAFT SHOW
**RATED #1 IN NEW JERSEY AND ONE OF THE TOP 50 CRAFT SHOWS IN THE NATION**
Over 200+ Tents Filled with the Finest Handmade Crafts.
The most talented artisans on the East Coast will exhibit and sell their unique hand-crafted creations at the upcoming Chester Fall Craft Show, which will take place on September 10th and 11th at Municipal Field and Perry Street in Chester, NJ. This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the award-winning 'rain or shine' weekend event, which is produced by the Historic Chester Business Association (HCBA).
Rated #1 in New Jersey and one of the Top 50 "Best Crafts Show in The Nation" by America's Premier Art and Craft Show Magazine, Sunshine Artist, previous shows have set all-time attendance records, with crafters and artisans from throughout the region offering an array of select, hand-crafted furniture, jewelry, apparel, ornaments, home accessories and more.
"For the past 43 years, Chester has been the home to one of the Northeast's most celebrated arts and crafts event." says Kathy Barbieri, President of the HCBA, "This is the perfect time for attendees to join in the celebration and kick-off their holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts."
During this special weekend in September, Chester will host thousands of people from all over the country who come to enjoy this two-day, juried and tented arts & crafts expo. But this is not just an event to satisfy the artistic soul—be sure to stroll the brick-lined sidewalks and visit over 80 specialty shops featuring antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and accessories, gourmet pet products, confections and wonderful eateries.
Whether it's a decorative piece for your own home or a distinctive holiday gift for a friend, Chester is the place to discover that special something. Children under 12 are free (no pets please). Also, don't forget to enjoy all the natural beauty of the season, as Chester is home to wonderful parks and farms offering fun for the whole family.
Note: If you are a vendor and wish to exhibit at this show, visit http://www.chestercraftshow.com.
Official Aerial Video forthcoming.
Admission: $5.00 per person
***$1.00 Off Single Admission with a printed copy of this event listing**
Crafters interested in participating in the show can call 973-377-6600 or visit www.chestercraftshow.com.
Sep 10, 2025
National Milling Day
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Cooper Gristmill 66 State Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930-2411 - (908) 879-5463
Celebrate Oliver Evans' 261th birthday!
A famous 1780s inventor, Evans created the first automatic flour mill. See some of Evans' inventions at work in the Cooper Gristmill and view antique printed flour bags.
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Donations are greatly appreciated.
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
