What is Maplewoodstock?

If it’s not obvious by now, Maplewoodstock is a two day festival of local music and arts put on by your friends and neighbors. We started in 2004 with one day and a few local bands. Over the years we have evolved to two days, with food and arts vendors, a KidsZone, and some headline regional and national music acts.

Umm, when?

Maplewoodstock is usually scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday following Independence Day.  Each day typically kicks off about noon and ends around 9 pm.

Where?

The same spot as always.  See Memorial Park in Maplewood, NJ, on Google Maps.

What bands are playing?

Click on our MUSIC link to see our schedule.

Can my band play?

Each year we open up a band application process in January and February. We usually make our lineup selections by March or April. Watch our MUSIC link to see the details about applying.

How do you pick the bands?

We have a music selection sub-committee that tryies to curate the best lineup of free music of and for the community. There are 3-4 slots reserved for regional or national acts. The other 18-19 slots are for a calibrated mix of new sounds and old faves, with an emphasis on acts from our local/community.

Does it cost money to come to the festival?

No!  It is free and open to everyone.

So, how do you fund the festival?

Maplewoodstock is 100% self-supported by (1) our merch sales (t-shirts, hats, lawn signs), (2) our sponsors and advertisers, and (3) fees from our food and art vendors and band applicants.

What about parking?

There is small parking lot by the Maplewood train station.  Other than that, park on the streets (just observe all posted signs about where and when you can and can’t park).

Can I get there on public transportation?

For sure.  Since we are right across from the Maplewood train station on NJ Transit.

Tickets? Seatings?

We are FREE. No tickets needed. Seating is first come/first serve. Bring a blanket; throw it down; respect our marked-out aisles.

Will there be food to buy there?

Yes!  Many local restaurants set up tables to sell their delicious foods. In the past we’ve had everything from hamburgers/hotdogs to Indian food and Portuguese sausages.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes!  Many people bring a blanket and a picnic basket and hang out all day long.

Are there rest rooms?

Maplewoodstock provides several Port-o-Potties.  There are also restrooms in the Maplewood train station.

Can I bring a dog?

Town ordinance applies: dogs must be on leash, and you pick up after the dog. Please note: this is a VERY crowded, yet mellow, event. Uncontrolled dogs making a mess will be asked to leave.

I am a food, arts + crafts, local service vendor.  How can I get a table?  How much does it cost?  What about a tent?  What about power?

If you want to be an arts vendor at Maplewoodstock, watch our ART link for details on the application process.

Similarly, if you want to be an food vendor at Maplewoodstock, watch our FOOD link for details on the application process.

I am a local business. Who can I talk to about sponsoring opportunities? Can I get my company’s name on a banner or in the program?

Yes; we do have sponsorship opportunities.  Gary Shippy is chairing the Maplewoodstock subcommittee on sponsorships.  Email Gary at gshippy@msn.com.

What else can I do in the town of Maplewood before and after Maplewoodstock?

Since Maplewoodstock is a two minute walk from Maplewood village, there is plenty of opportunity for you to eat in its restaurants and browse in its shops.  Here’s the website to the Maplewood Village website, the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and MaplewoodOnline’s business directory.

I love what you guys are doing.  How can I help?  How can I volunteer?

Oh, yeah, baby.  There are lots of opportunities to help.  If you have professional skills you can offer to Maplewoodstock, please let us know:

  • graphics design
  • flyer, poster, t-shirt, etc. printing
  • legal
  • sales and sponsorship

Plus, as the event gets closer we will need “Street Teams” to help get the word out and sell some of our merch.

Lastly, on the weekend of the event, we always could use extra hands on set-up, break-down, and garbage patrol.

Email maplewoodstock@gmail.com if you want to volunteer.

Teenagers wishing to volunteer should contact HK Community Fund of Maplewood & South Orange at hkcf@comcast.net or visit their website — www.hkcommunityfund.org.