Fan Jam Rocks LaGrande Park with Live Music, Classic Cars, Food Trucks and Vendors

Fan Jam Returns to Fanwood, NJ, With Music and Classic Cars

A Sunday Full of Music at La Grande Park

The smell of grilled Greek skewers drifted across La Grande Park on Sunday as families staked out spots on blankets and lawn chairs and kids darted toward a game where they popped balloons for prizes. This was Fanwood's Summer Fan Jam, the borough's signature summer festival, back for another year. For more on Fanwood events and community coverage, Union County Life was on hand to catch the day's highlights.

Fan Jam has grown into a Fanwood tradition since it began in 2017, and this year's edition ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., falling on Father's Day weekend. The stage, set up near the ballfield, carried music through the entire day.

Theatrical Artist's Prep, a performing arts school based in Scotch Plains, opened things up. From there the lineup moved through genres. Higher Ground brought rock, blues, gospel and country. Bluegrass band Duck Foot had its own following in the crowd. Grateful Dead tribute act Strangers Stopping Strangers played to fans who came just for them. Acoustic guitarist and vocalist Robert Matarazzo closed out the day.

Food Trucks and Vendors Fill the Park

Food was everywhere. Nearly a dozen trucks set up shop, serving everything from Greek cuisine to lobster rolls to chicken wings, with the Authentic Greek truck and Paolo's Kitchen's King of Wings among the crowd favorites. Vendors sold crafts and goods alongside them, and a Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by Crossroads of Garwood gave adults a place to relax.

Kids' Activities and Community Groups

For kids, there were floatable rides and games scattered through the park. The Fanwood Community Foundation and Terrill Road Bible Chapel both set up tables, mixing community outreach in with the festival atmosphere.

Councilwoman Gina Berry stopped by, as did a Union County Sheriff's Officer, Fanwood volunteer firefighters and Fanwood Police Sgt. Thomas Chisholm. Mayor Colleen Mahr made her way through the crowd too, stopping to meet families enjoying the day.

Classic Cars Steal the Show

The car show was its own draw. Galloping Hill Cruisers brought 25 classic cars for enthusiasts to admire, with Hot Rod Mike serving as Master of Ceremonies. Between the music, the food and the rows of vintage vehicles, there was enough happening to hold everyone's attention from late morning into evening.

A Fanwood Tradition Continues

By the time Matarazzo's acoustic set wound down, the park had spent a full day doing what Fan Jam always seems to do: bringing neighbors together for a Sunday that felt like the middle of summer, even with Father's Day still on everyone's mind.

Find more Fanwood events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

When was Fanwood's Summer Fan Jam held in 2026?
The festival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Father's Day weekend, believed to be Sunday, June 21, 2026 (pending confirmation).

Where does Fan Jam take place?
Fan Jam is held at La Grande Park in Fanwood, NJ.

What bands played at Fan Jam this year?
The lineup included Theatrical Artist's Prep, Higher Ground, Duck Foot, Strangers Stopping Strangers and Robert Matarazzo.

How many classic cars were at the Fan Jam car show?
Galloping Hill Cruisers brought 25 classic cars to the event.

Were there food trucks at Fan Jam?
Yes, nearly a dozen food trucks attended, including the Authentic Greek truck and Paolo's Kitchen's King of Wings.