Massive LDW Car Show And Oldies Music Fest Returns To Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Classic cars, rock 'n' roll and plenty of nostalgia will take over Parsippany this Labor Day weekend when Lead East returns for another year.

The annual classic car and oldies festival will run from Sept. 2 through Sept. 6 at the Hilton Parsippany, located at 1 Hilton Court. The event opens to the general public beginning Sept. 3.

Lead East has been bringing classic cars and oldies music to the area since 1982. Organizers bill it as one of the largest classic car and rock 'n' roll events in the tri-state area, featuring more than 30 live bands and musicians, five DJs, multiple performance areas, vendors, food trucks and activities for children.

This year's festivities begin Wednesday with an afternoon welcome for participants, followed by the third annual Colorado Café Line Dancing Night. Dance lessons begin at 7 p.m., followed by open dancing at 8 p.m.

Beginning Thursday, attendees can check out a collection of movie and specialty vehicles along "Memory Lane," including the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo and the Flintstones' car. Vendors and a collectibles show will also open Thursday morning.

The festival's longtime drive-in movie tradition also returns. Thursday night's double feature includes Hairspray and Cry-Baby, while Friday's classic horror lineup features The Blob and Christine. Cartoons for children will be shown before the movies.

Music will run throughout the weekend, including a Friday night performance by Jukebox 45 and a packed Saturday schedule.

One of the weekend's marquee events comes Saturday night, when The Doo Wop Project takes the stage, with Memories Music opening and radio personality Alan David Stein serving as master of ceremonies.

Later Saturday, Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets will perform on the outdoor stage beginning at 10:30 p.m., bringing the music of the early rock 'n' roll era to the festival.

Classic cars, trucks and cruisers will fill the hotel grounds throughout the weekend, while indoor and outdoor vendors will offer food, refreshments, vintage clothing and other goods. Organizers also plan children's entertainment and appearances by a clown brigade.

Weekend spectator wristbands are $55 for adults and $45 for juniors ages 12 to 16. Daily admission varies, ranging from $10 to $25 for adults and $5 to $20 for juniors depending on the day. Children under 12 are admitted free. A one-day family plan for two adults and children up to age 16 costs $50.

More information, including the full entertainment schedule and ticket options, is available on the Lead East website.