There’s a special kind of magic in turning the pages of a physical book — the soft rustling, the weight of the novel in hand, and the excitement of diving into the next chapter. For those who love to read and channel their inner Rory Gilmore, hunting for the next great book becomes an ongoing adventure. Independent bookstores, with their distinctive charms, have long been treasured by literary buffs. Several special spots in Bergen County provide top-notch selections of timeless classics and contemporary favorites across genres like biography, self-help, fantasy, historical fiction, anime, and comics. Read on for a list of must-visit bookstores in Bergen County, NJ.
A&S Comics | 563 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Calling all Marvel and DC fans. Located in the quiet town of Teaneck, A&S Comics was founded by two devoted comic book enthusiasts. With a wide range of comics in stock, from classic issues to the latest releases, this store is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the worlds of Marvel, DC, and beyond.
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Bergen Community College Bookstore | 400 Paramus Road, Paramus
The Bergen Community College Bookstore is a huge store that delivers more than just textbooks for college courses or prep work. In addition to a vast collection of academic resources, it features various pleasure reading options — from thrilling James Patterson novels to insightful self-help books. Plus, the bookstore also carries a great selection of electronics and merchandise, making it a one-stop shop for both students and visitors alike.
Brier Rose Books | 450 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Brier Rose Books is a hidden gem. Without a sign or website, this bookstore is a tucked-away treasure in Teaneck. Books are piled from floor to ceiling, and the scent of old pages fills the air. Owner Howard Rose, a Bronx native, opened the store many years ago, intending to collect and read books, which is reflected in the store’s overflowing shelves. This store serves as an escape from reality, whether in search of a new book, a used book, or simply to be wrapped in a love of literature.
Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
A Bergen County classic, Bookends features an excellent selection of both new novels and beloved classics. This bookstore is a must-visit destination for New Jersey locals, prodiving the chance to meet authors at various meet-and-greet events throughout the year.
Books + Greetings | 271 Livingston Street, Northvale
This bookstore has a wide selection of books in-store, with the added convenience of ordering online. Each month, there are several chances to meet authors in person. To attend an event, purchasing a book or ticket directly from Books + Greetings is required.
The Curious Reader | 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock
The Curious Reader focuses on sparking a love for reading in children. With a fantastic selection of children’s books, this shop also hosts read-aloud events for an inviting storytelling venture.
Dear Reader Books + Stationery | 382 Main Street, Wyckoff
Dear Reader is a small shop filled with the latest books for adults and children. In addition to a vast selection of must-read titles and book club favorites, the shop sells uniquely designed stationery, greeting cards, and charming gifts like cups + candles. BG insider tip: A few outdoor seats provide a cozy spot for relaxation with a new book on a sunny day.
Joker’s Child Comics | 12-23 River Road, Fair Lawn
The Joker’s Child serves as the destination for all things comics. With a wide selection of current and back issues from major and independent publishers, it’s a great spot for collectors. The store also buys comics, toys, and collectibles by appointment. Beyond comics, there is an ample assortment of magazines, trading cards, manga, action figures, models, and more.
Kinokuniya Bookstore | 595 River Road, Edgewater
This Japanese-based bookstore has a diverse collection of Asian books and magazines. The shop also carries markers, pens, and pencils, making it an ideal place for stationery aficionados.
Koryo Books + Media | 208 Broad Avenue, Palisades Park
Koryo provides a great selection of Korean books and magazines, all in Korean, along with a wide range of K-pop merchandise for fans looking to add to their collection.
Ramapo Campus Store | 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Scott Student Center, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, 2nd Floor, Mahwah
The Ramapo College Bookstore has a variety of academic resources and pleasure reading options. It also showcases a great selection of Ramapo gear, from school attire to cozy blankets.
Soldato Books + Records | 15 Sylvan Street, Rutherford
Soldato Books + Records stands out for its compelling vibes, blending vintage books + records with an incredible selection of music. Stepping inside feels like a trip to another era. The store hosts author and DJ meet-and-greets, adding to its allure.
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Wandering the aisles of a local library to find that next read provides a vibe that simply can’t be replicated online. Whether it is a first visit or a familiar trip, BG recommends checking out one of the local Bergen County libraries.
21 Summer Festivals, Carnivals, + Fairs Happening in Bergen County for 2025
There's nothing better than a local summer, and in the Bergen County area, there are plenty of opportunities for just that. Summer 2025 comes with a list of festivals, fairs, and carnivals galore happening from June to August in towns including Lodi, Fort Lee, Rutherford, and more. Read on for a list of Bergen County festivals and community events happening this summer 2025.
Bergen County Festivals
State Fair Meadowlands | 102 NJ State Highway 120, East Rutherford
TBD
The State Fair Meadowlands will return for the 2025 season. This iconic event will feature a petting zoo, carnival food, a circus, rides, shows, live animals, and more. The 2025 dates have yet to be announced, but the fair typically starts in late June and ends in mid-July. Visit its website for future announcements.
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L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival 2025 at the Garden State Plaza | 1 Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus
June 4th-June 8th | Wednesdays, Thursdays, + Fridays: 5PM - 10PM + Weekends: 3PM - 11PM
The nonprofit organization Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) will host a carnival at Garden State Plaza from June 4th to June 8th. There will be carnival foods, rides, local vendors, and more. See the festival's website for more.
Fort Lee Artisan Market at Hudson Lights Park | Corner of Lemoine + Main Streets, Fort Lee
June 7th | 12PM-5PM
This artisan market returns in June. Attendees can look forward to Bergen County artisans + makers selling fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty + bath products, fine art, photography, and more. There will also be live music for all visitors to enjoy. For information, see here.
Summer Arts Fest | Ridgefield Park
June 7th | 4PM-9PM
The Ridgefield Park Arts Association will host its Summer Arts Fest along Main and Grove Streets on June 7th, with a rain date of June 8th. This event includes art demos + sales, starting at 4PM, as well as live music performances at 6PM. See here for more.
Tenafly Pride Parade + Celebration | Tenafly
July 7th | 1PM-4PM
The annual Tenafly Pride Parade and Celebration takes place on July 7th. The parade begins at 12:30PM at Oresko Memorial Green, located between Riveredge Road and West Clinton Avenue. A town-wide celebration, featuring speakers, LGBTQ+ authors, and visits from prominent activists and speakers, will follow at Huyler Park, located at 1 Piermont Road.
Rutherford PrideFest at Lincoln Park | 115 Highland Cross, Rutherford
June 7th | 12PM-4PM
Bergen County locals can celebrate Pride Month at Lincoln Park in Rutherford on June 7th. Hosted by the Rutherford Pride Alliance and Rutherford Arts Council, this community event is complete with a flag-raising ceremony at 11AM and a festival from 12PM-4PM, featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, arts + crafts vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and more. Local non-profits will also be in attendance, providing visitors with information and resources. For more information, see here.
Englewood Caribbean Festival | 8 Depot Square, Englewood
June 8th | 11AM-5PM
The Englewood Caribbean Festival will feature performances by the artist Kranium, a live DJ, free bounce house, petting Zoo, stilt walkers, games, giveaways, and more. Attendees can expect food vendors selling dishes from Caribbean countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and more. See more here.
Montvale’s Mile Long Street Fair | 101 Paragon Drive, Montvale
June 8th | 10AM-5PM
Montvale's Paragon Drive will transform into a street-wide festival boasting an arts + crafts area, live music, a kids' area, gourmet food trucks, a beer garden run by Davey’s Irish Pub, over 150 vendors selling jewelry, handbags, sports collectibles, clothing, home decor, and more. Food options include festival staples such as empanadas, kettle corn, sausage + peppers, cheese steaks, hot dogs, ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Italian Ice, zeppole, and more. See here for more details.
Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival at Paramus Park Mall | 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
June 8th | 3PM-11PM
Twenty-three gourmet food trucks will be in attendance at this food truck festival, including 1950 Originals, Angry Archies, The Brownie Bar, Chick Wings + Things, Chow Wow, Cold Stone Creamery, Dagastinos Desserts, El Lechon De Negron, and more. This dog-friendly event also features pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, knocker ball, bungee trampoline, rock wall, face painting, sand art, vendors, a beer, sangria, + margarita garden, and live music. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned or boxed items to help support the Paramus Food Pantry. See here for more.
Artisan Market at Bergen Town Center | 1 Bergen Town Center, Paramus
June 14th | 12PM-7PM
Bergen Town Center's Artisan Market will take place near the Kohl's at Center Court. Over 25 artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, treats, handmade gifts, and more will be in attendance. See here for more.
Kids' Fest at Borough Field | 300 Market Street, Elmwood Park
June 14th | 12PM-4PM
Elmwood Park's first-ever Kids' Fest takes place on June 14th at Borough Field. Children can enjoy bouncy houses + inflatables, face painting, arts + crafts projects, games, food trucks, and character interactions. There will also be kid-oriented vendors and demonstrations. For more details, see here.
Boots + BBQ Festival at Bergen Equestrian Center | 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
June 21st | 5PM-9PM
The Bergen Equestrian Center, located within Overpeck County Park, will host a Boots + BBQ Festival on June 21st. Attendees can look forward to all things country, including a BBQ truck, an ice cream truck, and pony rides. All proceeds will go towards A Stable Life's therapy programs. See this link for more.
Caribbean Island Food + Family Fun Festival at Teaneck Armory | 1799 Teaneck Avenue, Teaneck
June 29th | 12PM-7PM
This festival, taking place at the Teaneck Armory, is a celebration of Caribbean culture. DJ Mega Steve, authentic food options, craft vendors, a rock wall, zip line, train rides, and kids' activities are to be expected. See here for more.
Bergen County Star-Spangled Spectacular at Overpeck County Park | 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
July 4th | 2:30PM
The second annual Star-Spangled Spectacular returns for 2025 on July 4th at the Ridgefield Park side of Overpeck County Park. This patriotic community event boasts children’s activities, around 24 different food trucks, a beer + wine garden, and a fireworks show along Overpeck Creek. The New Jersey Wind Symphony will also perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. See this link for more.
Elmwood Park Flea Market + Collectible Show | 300 Market Street, Elmwood Park
July 6th | 9AM-5PM
The Elmwood Park Flea Market + Collectible Show will feature new items, collectibles, crafts, and gently used second-hand items for locals to shop. The vendor list has yet to be announced. See this link for future updates.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Annual Feast | 149 Copeland Avenue, Lyndhurst
July 9th – July 12th
Our Lady of Mount Carmel's Annual Feast, a town-wide celebration featuring live music, food vendors, artisan makers, rides, and more, takes place throughout four days in July. The music lineup includes bands like Lights Out, American Soul, Super 70’s Rock Show, Rubix Kube, The Magic of Heart, and Stevie Mac. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. See more here.
3rd Annual Sunset Party | Ridgefield Park
July 12th | 6PM-10PM
Ridgefield Park's third annual Sunset Park will happen on July 12th, with a rain date of July 19th. The event is 21+ only, BYOB, and features music from DJ Bobb Gray. Attendees can expect light bites. See this link for more.
Fort Lee Night Market at Hudson Lights Park | Corner of Lemoine + Main Streets, Fort Lee
August 2nd | 4PM-9PM
Fort Lee's Night Market returns to Hudson Lights Park on August 2nd. Along with live performers, vendors selling fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty + bath products, fine art, photography, and more will be in attendance. For information, see here.
Fiesta in America at American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, Rutherford
August 16th + August 17th
Fiesta in America is the largest indoor Filipino cultural and business event on the East Coast. As a celebration of Filipino culture, speakers, exhibitors, and more will be in attendance and visitors can look forward to networking, investment, and collaboration opportunities. See this link for more.
St. Philip Summer Festival of Fun at St. Philip the Apostle Church | 488 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook
August 20th - August 24th | TBD
This summer festival features rides, games, raffles, and food vendors. This also doubles as a fundraising event for the church. Specific details have yet to be announced. Visit the church's website for future updates.
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Saint Joseph Fest | 40 Spring Street, Lodi
August 29th - September 1st | 7PM + 6PM
The annual Saint Joseph Fest returns to Lodi the last week of August. As the last hurrah of summer, guests can enjoy food vendors, games, rides, and music from local DJs and bands. For more details, see here.
