You’ve probably driven past that green expanse right near the Woodbridge train station a thousand times. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, Parker Press Park might just look like another patch of suburban grass. But for anyone who actually lives in Central Jersey, this spot is basically the town’s living room. It’s where everything happens.
The park sits at 400 Rahway Avenue. It’s sandwiched between the tracks and the modern apartment complexes, a little oasis of history and loud music. It isn’t just a place to walk your dog—though you’ll see plenty of those on leashes—it’s a massive cultural hub that somehow keeps its small-town soul.
Why Parker Press Park Woodbridge Defines the Summer
If you mention this park to a local, the first thing they’ll probably talk about is "Woodbridge Wednesdays." This isn't just some local garage band setup. We’re talking about a full-blown concert series that brings in legitimate talent.
For 2025 and 2026, the schedule is already looking stacked. On any given Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, you’ll find hundreds of people sprawled out on lawn chairs. In 2025, for example, the park is hosting acts like the Screaming Orphans and Joanna Connor. Looking ahead to June 2026, you've got bands like MushMouth and Stretch & The Armstrongs ready to take the stage. It’s free. Totally free. You just show up with a chair, maybe some bug spray, and you're set.
The vibe is very "Jersey." You’ve got food trucks lining the edges, the smell of grease and kettle corn in the air, and a beer and wine garden featuring JJ Bitting Brewing Company. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a toddler dancing next to someone who’s lived in Woodbridge since the 1960s.
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The Farmers Market Scene
Before the music starts on Wednesdays, the park hosts the Woodbridge Farmers' Market. It usually runs from June through September, roughly 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
This isn't one of those tiny markets with two sad baskets of apples. It’s "Jersey Fresh" to the core. You’ve got Schieferstein Farm Market bringing in the heavy hitters: actual Jersey tomatoes, peaches, and corn that tastes like summer. There’s also stuff you didn't know you needed, like Jaker’s Pickles or specialty trail mixes from Island of Treats.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s a tip: do your shopping early. The best produce goes fast, and by the time the 7:30 PM concert starts, most of the farmers are packing up.
The History Nobody Really Notices
Most people don’t realize that Parker Press Park is named after James Parker. He was a pretty big deal. Back in 1751, he established New Jersey’s first permanent printing press right here in Woodbridge. He was actually a business associate of Benjamin Franklin.
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There is a small building on the grounds that houses Colonial-era artifacts and a replica of the printing equipment Parker used. It’s a weirdly cool contrast—seeing a 1700s printing press while modern NJ Transit trains roar past on the tracks nearby.
Every year, the park leans into this history with events like the Civil War Living History Weekend. You’ll see people in full wool uniforms cooking over open fires and demonstrating 19th-century crafts. It’s a bit surreal, but it’s a staple of the Woodbridge calendar that’s been running since the late '90s.
Planning Your Trip: The Logistics
Parking is the one thing that stresses people out about this place. Since it’s right by the station, you can’t just park anywhere.
The best move is usually the free parking at the NJ Transit train station lot or the lot opposite the park entrance on Rahway Avenue. If you’re coming for a big event like BarronFest—the huge arts and crafts festival held every October—get there at least 30 minutes before it starts. The park fills up fast.
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- Dogs: They are welcome, but keep them on a leash. No exceptions.
- Seating: Bring your own. There aren't many benches, and the "seating" is basically just the grass.
- Rain: Usually, events have a backup location at the Acacia Youth Center or Woodbridge High School, but check the town’s social media first.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re making a day of it, you aren't stuck with just park food. You can walk to Main Street in about five minutes.
Strictland’s Steakhouse is right there if you want something fancy, or you can hit the Reo Diner for a classic Jersey experience. There’s also a little spot called Knot Just Bagels that’s perfect if you’re heading to the park for a morning stroll.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that Parker Press Park is just for Woodbridge residents. It's not. Whether you’re from Edison, Perth Amboy, or driving in from further out, nobody is checking IDs at the gate for the concerts or the market. It’s an open community space.
Another thing? People think the concerts are "just for old people." While the "Oldies Mondays" (often held at the high school but part of the same series) definitely lean into the nostalgia, the Wednesday night shows at Parker Press Park are surprisingly diverse. You'll hear everything from Americana and World Music to local indie rock.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to experience the park at its best, here is how to do it:
- Check the 2025/2026 Schedule: Head to the Woodbridge Arts website to see the latest concert updates. The lineup for the summer usually drops in late spring.
- Mark Your Calendar for BarronFest: If you like handmade jewelry, pottery, or photography, the October festival is a must. It usually features over 40 artists.
- The Wednesday Strategy: Arrive around 5:30 PM. Hit the Farmers Market for some fresh snacks, grab a beer at the JJ Bitting garden, and stake out your spot on the lawn with a blanket before the band starts at 7:30 PM.
- Visit the Museum: If the history building is open during an event, take ten minutes to go inside. Seeing the replica press really gives you a sense of why this specific patch of land matters to New Jersey’s history.