It's a Grand Old Nerd: July 1-4

Festival Nerds, Food Nerds, Main Street Nerds, Nerds with Kids... 4th of July weekend could not be more satisfying. Besides enjoying your local town's fireworks, Sports Nerds can see a spectacular show at any of NJ's minor league ballparks. If you're feeling particularly patriotic and watching things explode just isn't enough, stop by the first national historical park in Morristown to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrate freedom in a wetter way by joining the 2nd Annual Gay Day Floatilla, a tubing event that includes BBQ and a swimsuit contest, launching from Frenchtown on July 2.

The NJ State Fair at the Meadowlands is sure to include some explosion and hot-dog related festivities this weekend, but nerds who love a bargain may want to hold out for Wednesday, July 6, "Cheap Cheap Night" with $3 admission for adults and children.

To escape the orgy of feasting, fireworks and flag-waving for a while, check out the Stanhope House's now-open Beer Garden or see what's playing at the ongoing NJ International Film Festival.

The Haps: June 24-25-26

Denville is the place to be for Book Nerds and those looking for something a little weird this weekend. The Great Denville Duck Race happens Saturday and the FOL Book Sale will be held at the Town Hall Community Room Sat & Sun (bag day!).

Artsy and Music Nerds can sing along at the Masterwork Chorus Summer Sings (Wednesdays starting this week and continuing through July; $13, New Providence; see website for masterworks on tap), then sit back, picnic, and take it all in at Music at Moorland on Friday ($25, Far Hills) for a classical sound and classy fireworks.

Outdoorsy Nerds and Nerds with Kids should make a reservation at Duke Farms' Sunday 'BioBlitz,' a "one-day treasure hunt to identify and record species of plants and animals found on the property" with multiple guided walks and presentations on everything from butterflies to fungus.

OK Nerds, Here's the Situation.

Your parents went away on a week's vacation. They did not leave the keys to their brand-new Porsche, but they did suggest some wholesome diversions for you:

The 2011 NJ International Film Festival at Rutgers New Brunswick continues this weekend with offerings from as close as West Orange and as far as Israel and France.

The town of Clinton continues its summer Friday music nights around downtown; a different band on each corner!

And, I'm sorry, something called "Cupcakefest" is happening in Rutherford on Saturday, June 18. Need I say more?

Are we missing important nerdy happenings? Hook a sister up by e-mailing the address in the sidebar.

Nerd Alert Roundup: June 10-11-12-13

Music Nerds have a lot to choose from this weekend around Morris County:
The New Jersey Jazz Society's JazzFest at the College of Saint Elizabeth on Saturday is not cheap, but is cheaper if you get your tickets in advance from their website.
Masterwork Chorus's Camerata, a chamber chorus, performs Sunday at Frelinghuysen Arboretum and it's only $5.
The Bickford Theatre has its own moderately-priced jazz series; the next performance is Monday.

Artsy Nerds who missed last weekend's Maplewood/South Orange Artists' Studio Tour can take heart; Madison is hosting its own event this Sunday. Maps for the self-guided tour are only $5.

Movie Nerds of the North, head to Loew's Jersey City this weekend for some classic intrigue in the form of the 1962 Cape Fear starring Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum (June 10), 1958's The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (June 11), and Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much (June 12). Tickets are $7/adults, $5 seniors & kids under 12. See the theater's website for more details.
Movie Nerds of the South should check out what's playing this weekend at the NJ International Film Festival at Rutgers, New Brunswick. There's always something interesting and weird, and the most you'll pay is $10.

Nerds looking for something just plain weird need look no further than The Raconteur in Metuchen on Friday, where curious characters will abound both inside and outside the shop--sword swallowers, repurposed 9' sculptures, and YA-inspired music. It all starts at 6:30 pm and is FREE! See the shop's website for more.

Long Range Plans for Nerds

Though we try to keep it simple and only list events for the coming weekend, here are some things you may want make reservations for in advance, or just put on the calendar.

Wednesdays, June 22 through August 3: Free music from around the world on the Morristown Green from noon - 1:30.

June 25: Watson Adventures Princeton Prowl Scavenger Hunt. Dorky but satisfying, especially if you like architecture or history. Sign up with a group.

July 20: Circurious at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. Seems weird, and is only $10.

In other weird but intriguing news, THIS FRIDAY, June 10, The Raconteur in Metuchen is hosting a melange of curious characters both inside and outside the shop--sword swallowers, repurposed 9' sculptures, and YA-inspired music. It all starts at 6:30 pm and is FREE! See the website for more details.

Nerd Alert Roundup: June 3-5

Festival, Food and Music Nerds rejoice! The Crawfish Festival comes to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta this weekend. Outdoorsy nerds can camp on-site, for a price.

Movie and Festival Nerds alike will welcome the return of the New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers New Brunswick, which kicks off its 2011 season this weekend promising free food! Though the prices have gone up a bit over time, the NJ Film Fest is always a good bet for something quirky. See the festival website for screening times and locations.

Music and Main Street Nerds should stop by the Boonton River Jam this Saturday in Canal Side Park, just below Main Street. For just $1 from noon - 8 pm you can picnic and enjoy an eclectic mix of performances. The town Historical Society is also offering one of their famous walking tours, starting at 11:30. See the Society's website for info and tickets.

Garden and Outdoorsy Nerds can stock up at the NJ Audobon Society's Native Plant Sale, happening Saturday at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Visit the Society's website for more information and a list of available plants.

Music Nerds may also want to visit FDU's campus on Sunday for a "free Summer Gala featuring outstanding artists of New York Piano Society whose professions are not in the field of music. Their professions range from doctors and lawyers to scientists and executives. The Summer Gala will be held in Hennessy Hall (The Mansion) on Fairleigh Dickinson University’s College at Florham, 285 Madison Avenue (Route 124), Madison, N.J., on Sunday, June 5th, at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. This program will include works by Chopin, Liszt, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. A Gala reception follows the concert."

Artsy Nerds should be sure to check out Maplewood & South Orange's Artists Studio Tour, which is self-guided and allows you to see what you want to see, at your own pace. Tickets are $5 in advance/$7 day of; see an overview of the event here, and more detailed info here.