'Big dance party:' NSYNC's Joey Fatone to host free 90s concert in NJ this month

Adults everywhere might as well be singing "I Want You Back" to the 90s.

And on Monday, July 14, they're going to get it when A Night of 90s Boy Band Music hosted by NSYNC's Joey Fatone lands in Metuchen.

The family-friendly 7:30-9:30 p.m. event will feature a DJ, music video wall, trivia as well as the live 90s cover band, Saved by the 90s, in the Metuchen Town Plaza. It's part of the borough's Downtown Summer Sounds summer concert series.

And who knows — fans might hear Fatone, who is currently on Broadway starring as Lance in "& Juliet," belt it out himself.

"We are hoping that Fatone gets inspired to take the mic," said Metuchen Downtown Alliance Executive Director Dawn Mackey. "I can't promise it, but I'm counting on his love of a good time and being a showman."

Although the "big dancy party," as Mackey described it, is free, attendants must register at bit.ly/4kw4vOW. Already, 3,000 people are planning to attend, which is hundreds more people than the borough's large summer concerts usually attract, even with headliners like The Sugarhill Gang and Tiffany.

"Some people are losing their minds at the fact that Joey Fatone is coming to Metuchen," said Mackey. "Women are fan-girling out."

They're not the only ones. Mackey said the borough was inspired to host the event because Mayor Jonathan Busch is a huge fan of the era's music.

"That was his heydey in college," Mackey said. "I think he loves it and it's very nostalgic, and there's a belief that many people feel the same way."

The event will be held outdoors weather-permitting. In case of rain, it will be moved to Metuchen High School, where attendance will be limited to 600 people.

The first 600 people who make a $10 donation to the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, also available at bit.ly/4kw4vOW, will be guaranteed indoor admission. Half of those tickets have already been sold.

Joey Fatone.

If the event remains outdoors, the donation is nonrefundable.

If the weather cooperates, food and drink will be available for purchase at the Plaza, including frozen cocktails from Meximodo.

It will be standing room only, and chairs are not permitted. Those with mobility issues can make accommodations by emailing Mackey at [email protected].

Large purses, sized at over one-foot, and backpacks are also not permitted.

Those who want to enjoy dinner and a show can make reservations at restaurants with outdoor patios facing the plaza including Meximodo, Che Pizza and Hatch 44. Hatch 44 is normally closed for dinner, but will open for the event.

The family-friendly 7:30-9:30 p.m. event will feature a DJ, music video wall, trivia as well as live 90s cover band Saved by the 90s in the Metuchen Town Plaza.

Although not facing the plaza, music will also be able to be heard from Terzo's outdoor patio.

Throughout the borough, other restaurants and shops will also get into the 90s spirit. Rose & Root Boutique will offer 90s themed clothing — ideal for the many who will wear neon and other era styles for the event.

"I expect to see a lot of neon and crazy hair," Mackey said.

Plus, Cai's Cafe will transform into Central Perk from "Friends."

The borough's next free summer concert will be 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 when The Metuchen Beach Ball featuring a Beach Boys cover band takes to the stage.

"In the years past, these concerts have welcomed people from more than 40 zip codes to Metuchen," Mackey said. "These concerts have been a great way to attract people who have never experienced the borough. And I'm a big believer that if you visit once, you'll come back."

Go: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 14; free, or make $10 donation to guarantee indoor admission at bit.ly/4kw4vOW; Metuchen Town Plaza at 33 Pearl St.

Jenna Intersimone.

Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: 'Big dance party:' NSYNC's Joey Fatone to host free 90s concert in NJ this month