The Weekender: Music in the Parks

If you want music and fun outdoors, you can find it this weekend.

The summer concert series in Taylor Park continues on Sunday with Van Martin and His Big Band. The band has toured all over the country since 1979 and their music will remind you of the stylings of Frank Sinatra. This free concert, sponsored by Arizona Iced Tea, is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m.

Maplewood hosts another year of its famous Maplewoodstock this weekend. This annual two-day festival features music, art, food (including Lalibella Ethiopian, Freeman's Fish Market, Sona Indian Restaurant, America's Pride Ice Cream) and stuff for the whole family (including bouncy rides, face painting, arts and crafts and kid-approved food). The festival begins on noon Saturday and Sunday, but ends at 11 p.m. on Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday in Maplewood's Memorial Park. Admission is free. For more information go here.

Want to catch some art? The New Jersey Arts Incubator in West Orange will be hosting the final days of its exhibit Peripheral Field this week. The exhibit focuses on the idea of space and its relation to how we see. Catch it this Saturday at 1-5 p.m. Admission is free to all. More information here.

Up for a hike this weekend? On the South Mountain Conservancy's agenda this week are two on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, bring your dog along from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a stroll along the back trails of the woods. Participants should meet at the dog park off of Crest Drive and must keep their dogs on their leashes throughout the walk. Additionally, make sure you bring equipment with which you can pick up after your dog.

On Sunday, meet at 6:30 p.m. at Tulip Springs (off of Cherry Lane) for a relaxing hike along the Rahway River.