If you haven't kept up with your local town's events, you can easily miss something great.  Here are 2 ongoing free programs that I bet a lot of you will love.  So check out what's happening in your town with your Borough Clerk who will direct you to the right Department.  Meanwhile, here's what we have:

Shakespeare's The Tempest
Did you know that Hackensack has a Shakespeare in the Park every summer?  This summer it's been The Tempest.  Wednesday night is the last performance at 7:30 pm in the Atlantic Street Park (102 State St) next to HACPAC.  These outdoor Shakespearian plays have become more and more popular every year.  Admission is free - just bring a blanket or chairs.  August will be The Comedy of Errors.

Sunset Yoga
Hackensack has a summer long free yoga session at sunset on Mondays.  Sunset Yoga offers 2 options for this free Monday program - 5:30 and 7:30 pm.  All you have to do is bring your mat and water.  It doesn't matter if you're new to yoga or experienced.  All levels  are welcome. 

Jazz Under The Stars at the Englewood Public Library
Every week during the summer, the Englewood Public Library has a jazz concert on Thursdays at 7:30 pm.  These free outdoor concerts are so popular that they've been doing this for years.  Nelson Riveros and his Quartet are on for this Thursday night.  He brings a unique twist to Latin Music that's been highly acclaimed.  If it rains, although this week we should be safe, they just reschedule for September.  

Open House Evenings at Mrs. Kearney's House
Here's the last session in this 3 week series.  The historic Kearney House at the Alpine Boat Basin is open to the public (no reservation required) 7-9 Thursday night.  Re-enacting the 1700's with music, story telling, games and more, you'll truly feel that you're there.  Billed as an adult only event, you can bring alcoholic beverages. While free, a donation box is at the door - please participate.  This is a lot of fun.

Lorrimer Sanctuary Tiny Tots - Summer Series
While I did mention this program a while ago I thought I'd remind you about the Lorrimer Sanctuary Tiny Tots - Summer Series this week because it's really fascinating for young children (18 mths - 3 years old).  This Thursday at 3-3:45 pm is their Mysterious Moths program.  These are truly terrific opportunities for your child to learn about nature while they're getting dirty and having fun.  It's only $6 per child for members; non members are $7.  One adult is required to supervise your children.

Ramapo College TD Bank Summer Concert       
I've witten about TD Bank sponsoring summer concerts at Ramapo College this summer followed by fireworks.  This Thursday night 7-9 it's the high energy group, The Nerds  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy this free concert.  I believe food trucks are there too.

Emil Buehler Trust Observatory Public Viewing Nights
Would  you believe it?  We have an observatory in Bergen County - the Emil Buehler Trust Observatory at Bergen Community College (400 Paramus Rd, Paramus).  Located there at the Buehler Challenger & Science Center, previously scheduled public viewing nights were cancelled due to all the rainy weather we've had this summer.  But, not this week!  This free event happens Thursday night 8:30-10:30.  Check out the schedule - there are many more weeks ahead to enjoy looking at the stars and planets!.

Meadowlands Race Track Seafood Fest
Oh Wow!  More seafood than you can imagine will be on display and for sale at the Annual Meadowlands Race Track Seafood Fest Saturday 5-11 pm.  There are loads of food trucks and restaurants there plus racing begins at 6:20 pm.  As for the races, it's a huge night because this is the elimination races for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks.  The Hambletonian is the 1st leg of the trotting trip crown.  Admission is free for the seafood fest as well as racing.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Come out on Saturday night at 7 pm or Sunday night at 6 pm to see a play based on the American classic by Mark Twain - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Performances will be at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus grounds  Tickets are only $20 and $15 plus a small service fee - get them online.  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a timeless classic and this theatrical production is certainly something you don't want to miss.

The Puffin Cultural Forum
Unique and special, The Puffin Cultural Forum promotes a diverse set of arts that are socially relevant and timely.  You'll find events here you won't find anywhere else.  This weekend they have 2 different events -
Friday night is SPEAK July: Writer's Workshop and Open Mic.  The writer's workshop is at 6 pm followed by an Open Mic session at 7 pm. 
Saturday night at 7 pm is the jazz concert, Sounds of April and Randall.   
Both of these links have a Register button - while free they do ask for a $5 donation and because space is limited, you must register.

Artisan Market at Bergen Town Center
It's time for another Artisan Market at Bergen Town Center this Saturday 12-7 pm.  Highly popular, these artisan markets have well over 30 different crafts men and women displaying and selling their very beautiful and unique wares.  Location is Center Court near Kohls.

AND DON'T FORGET - Butterfly feeding is still going on weekends at the Tenafly Nature Center.  Plus Fair Lawn's Garretson Forge & Farm volunteer days and open house Sundays.

Stay tuned too because in another day or so, I'll be putting out another blog article on the market from both Jeff Otteau and my research on this.  Meanwhile, have a great week ahead!