Ashtyn Asay 
The Maplewoodstock Music + Arts Festival is set to return July 11-12, bringing 22 bands, local vendors, a beer garden, and a kid zone to Maplewood’s Memorial Park, located at 580 Valley Street. This will be Maplewoodstock’s 21st iteration since the festival began in 2004. The two-day event is run entirely by volunteers and is produced by the Music & Arts Education Project, a SOMA nonprofit that advocates for a comprehensive arts and music curriculum in schools. Read on for more about Maplewoodstock 2026 and what to expect.
About Maplewoodstock
Maplewoodstock is a community event that was founded in 2004. It started with some local musicians who were looking for a way to play together, and is now a highlight of an Essex County summer. With over 60 art vendors and 30 artist exhibits, organizers anticipate that this year’s event will draw in over 14,000 attendees.
The weekend will also feature 20 food vendors, several of which will offer vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can bring their own food or purchase food on site from the vendors. The beer garden will be open from 12PM to 9:30PM. each day on the East Field and will feature local beers served by members of the South Orange Elk’s Lodge #1154. Proceeds from the beer garden will be split between Maplewoodstock and the South Orange Elk’s Lodge.
Read More: The Best New Jersey Gardens to Visit This Summer
2026 Music Highlights
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Saturday will be headlined by Lettuce, a six-piece American funk band that has earned a devoted following through its energetic performances and genre-bending sound. According to the band’s bio, it draws inspiration from James Brown and the JB’s while honoring longtime mentors such as Tower of Power and Maceo Parker.
Saturday evening’s featured act, Slap Dragon, formed by bassist Scott Mulvahill and vocalist Laura Berens in 2023, combines acoustic instruments with soul vocals for a sound that’s bluegrass, disco, and R&B. After debuting in Nashville in 2024 and appearing at Bonnaroo, the band released its first album, Mission Statement, last month.
Sunday will be headlined by Anders Osborne, a Swedish-born singer-songwriter and guitarist. Known for his open-D fretwork and songwriting influenced by blues, folk, rock, and jazz, Osborne has released 17 albums and written songs recorded by artists including Keb Mo, Tim McGraw, Aaron Neville, and Trombone Shorty.
Sunday evening’s featured act, Megan Jean’s Secret Family, will round out the lineup with a genre-crossing blend of rock and roots music. Built around singer-songwriter Megan Jean Klay in 2021, the band’s debut album, PLOT (Play Loud On Turntable), was supported by a Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant. Their sophomore album is slated for release in 2027.
Lineup Details
July 11 Lineup
- 12PM | Bard
- 12:45PM | A Band Called Sundown
- 1:30PM | The Brand New Steadys
- 2:15PM | Dhärä
- 3PM | VØYAGR
- 3:45PM | Rini
- 4:30PM | Royal Blush
- 5:15PM | the dt’s
- 6PM | Waiting on Mongo
- 6:45PM | Slap Dragon
- 8:30PM | Lettuce
July 12 Lineup
- 12PM | little slicer
- 12:45PM | Mya Byrne Band
- 1:30PM | The Jist
- 2:15PM | Similar Kind
- 3PM | Heroes for Ghosts, Pink Floyd tribute
- 3:45PM | Troubleman
- 4:30PM | Whiskey & Sugar
- 5:15PM | James “Biscuit” Rouse
- 6PM | Heston
- 6:45PM | Megan Jean’s Secret Family
- 8:15PM | Anders Osborne
Maplewoodstock is one of many summer festivals happening in Essex County this summer 2026. For a full list across Montclair, Bloomfield, Newark, and beyond, visit here.
See More: Summer Festivals Happening in Bergen County, New Jersey for 2026
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