Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond events guide has you covered with kid-friendly activities, performances, and much more happening locally in the neighborhood. Check out this list of all the virtual and in-person events happening in Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond this weekend (July 21st – July 27th).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change and some may be weather dependent. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Local Montclair (+ Beyond) Events
Zoo-vies + Family Nights at Essex County’s Turtleback Zoo
Wednesday, July 21st + Thursday, July 22nd | Every Wednesday + Thursday this summer
Essex County is offering free activities this month, including movies at Turtle Back Zoo. Films start at dusk. The zoo hours will be extended to 8:30PM with the last admission being at 8PM. Learn more here.
Newark Downtown District Market
Thursday, July 22nd | 11AM-3PM | Every Thursday through September 30th
The NDD Downtown Market is coming. It is a newly imagined version of the NDD Common Greens Farmers Market and will be back at the PSE&G Plaza on Thursdays from June 24th to September 30th. Learn more here.
Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga, Workouts + More
Thursday, July 22nd | Weekly events this summer
Essex County is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month with free weekly activities this summer including yoga, workouts, dancing, and more. Learn more here.
Goffle Brook Park: A Wellspring of Creativity
Thursday, July 22nd | 11AM-4PM | Through September 5th
Head over to Passaic County Arts Center to view Goffle Brook Park: A Wellspring of Creativity, Journeys by Michael Gabriel, and Watercolors by Christine Calandra. These exhibits are currently on view through September 5th at the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. Learn more here.
Montclair Jazz Festival: Lackawanna Soundcheck Series
Thursday, July 22nd | 6PM | Through September
Join in on these two summer evenings of free family-friendly concerts featuring regional jazz band favorites peppered with an accomplished jazz house professional teaching artists and alumni. Story Teller’s featuring Alex Laurenzi and Cocomama’s 9-piece all-female Latin jazz orchestra. Learn more here.
Seussical the Musical: Picnic Preview Party
Thursday, July 22nd | 6PM-8PM
Nicori Studios and Productions presents Seussical the Musical: The Picnic Preview Party fundraiser. Bring your decorated Suessian picnic basket. Prizes will be given for 3rd place, 2nd place, and 1st place baskets. There will be lawn games, improv games, musical theatre karaoke, a bake sale, and a preview of the show. Learn more here.
Montclair Brewery at Highland Park Farmer’s Market
Friday, July 23rd | 11AM-5:30PM
Montclair Brewery will be at Highland Park Farmer’s Market located at 212 Raritan Avenue. Learn more here.
Classes in Mixed-Media Abstract Art
Friday, July 23rd | 1PM | Every Friday
Award-winning Roseland artist Evan Stuart Marshall will be teaching a class on mixed-media abstract art beginning in mid-July 2021. Material covered includes: design and composition, classic abstract layouts, working with shapes, intuitive painting, and more. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Friday, July 23rd | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday
Take in an amazing night of art, music, shopping at unique independent shops, and eclectic dining at the Dog Days of Summer mural located at Church and Main Street. Learn more here.
Dinner Under the Stars in Bloomfield Center
Friday, July 23rd | 6PM-10PM | Every Friday through October 8th
The BCA invites you to come out for al fresco dining and live entertainment on Washington Street in Bloomfield Center. The Charlie Sigler Trio from the New Brunswick Jazz Project will perform. Learn more here.
Free In-Person Dance Concerts
Friday, July 23rd | 6PM | Recurring
Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, presents a series of free, in-person dance concerts with the Young Dancemakers Company, July 21, 23, 27, 28, 31, at various locations. Reservations are required for the livestream finale concert. To reserve tickets, email youngdancemakers@gmail.com. All performances are free and open to the public. Each one-hour concert will be followed by lively dance-making with the audience, led by the company, plus post-concert Q&A. Learn more here.
All Points West Distillery Tour + Tasting
Friday, July 23rd + Saturday, July 24th | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday + Saturday
Join All Points West for a 20-minute tour with spirit samples and a house cocktail. 10% discount on bottles and additional cocktails included with ticket. Learn more here.
Online Anti-Racism Training for July
Friday, July 23rd | 7PM-7PM | Through July
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey Anti-Racism Ministry invites you to enroll in 20 hours of virtual Anti-Racism Training streamed to your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The course is a historical approach to help participants understand systemic racism and empower them to confront and organize against racism, inequality, and injustice. Learn more here.
Live Music at Montclair Brewery
Friday, July 23rd, Saturday, July 24th, + Sunday, July 25th | 7PM-9:30PM | Every Friday, Saturday + Sunday
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music provided by different local artists all weekened. Learn more here.
EagleMania
Friday, July 23rd | 8PM
EagleMania is an ensemble of veteran musicians whose goal is to faithfully reproduce the Eagle’s repertoire – the music they love to sing and play. They strive to give you a perfect show every time they take the stage. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers Market
Saturday, July 24th | 8AM-2PM | Every Saturday
Stop by the Montclair Farmers Market at 86 Walnut Street at the Walnut Street Train Station in Montclair. The Montclair Farmers’ Market brings you an array of local farmers and food artisans, offering fresh fruits & vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, cheeses, prepared foods, baked goods, condiments, honey, flowers, wine, pickles, and so much more. Learn more here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, July 24th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
The Compound Coffee Co. Grand Opening + Ribbon-Cutting
Saturday, July 24th | 10AM-1PM
Help welcome Verona’s newest business, The Compound Coffee Co., located at 271 Grove Avenue, with a Ribbon Cutting at 10AM followed by a Grand Opening Party. Learn more here.
Learn to Play Golf
Saturday, July 24th | 11AM
Learn golf fundamentals: backswing, downswing and follow-through. Acquire the feel of the swing and develop dexterity through drills and exercises. Discussion will touch on rules, etiquette, safety, golf lingo, equipment and history of the game. Learn more here.
Yates Musical Theatre’s Pinocchio
Saturday, July 24th | 11AM-12:30PM
Join Pinocchio as he disobeys, follows the wrong leader and makes foolish choices, and root for him as he learns his lessons about honesty, bravery and love. All Family Series shows will be performed outdoors on the Lawn at Enlow Hall on Kean University’s East Campus. Chairs will be provided and seating will be arranged in pods with space between groups. Learn more here.
Wine Tasting +Hors d’oeuvres at Sicilia Mia
Saturday, July 24th | 1PM-5PM
Join Sicilia Mia at 4 South Fullerton for a wine tasting event. Guests can expect Italian bites and wine tasting from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County. The event will be held on July 24th from 1PM-5PM. Learn more here.
Michael Jr. Comedy Show
Saturday, July 24th | 5PM + 7PM
World-renowned Comedian Michael Jr. is coming to West Orange on Saturday, July 24th. Known as one of today’s most gifted communicators, Michael Jr. brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world by using comedy and dynamic storytelling to inspire audiences to discover and activate their purpose. Learn more here.
Michael Mayo at Kean University
Saturday, July 24th | 6:30PM
Though only in his mid-twenties, Michael Mayo has already earned his stripes as a jazz artist. As an up-and-coming jazz vocalist, composer, and arranger, Mayo’s voice is an elegant balance of charisma, confidence and an approachable vulnerability that draws audiences in. Join him on Saturday, July 24th at Kean University. Learn more here.
Maplewood Village Passport Sidewalk Sale
Wednesday July 21st-Friday, July 24th
Pick up your Maplewood Village Passport and shop the Sidewalk Sale throughout the Village. Pick up your stamps, and then drop them off at Kimaya Kafe at 168 Maplewood Avenue before 6PM. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, July 27th. Learn more here.
Butterfly Tent Safari at Essex County’s Turtleback Zoo
Now-July 30th | 12PM-3PM | Monday-Saturday
The public is invited to experience the “Butterfly Tent Safari” at the Essex County Environmental Center. It’s an interactive display where visitors can observe hundreds of butterflies while walking through a tent. Learn more here.
Music at the Mansion: Porch Performances – David LaMarr + Darnell White
Saturday, July 24th | 7PM | Recurring until September 25th
Join singer/actor David LaMarr and composer, Darnell White for a live performance on Saturday, July 24th. Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center is located at 240 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, July 24th | Multiple Times Available | Every Saturday
Head over to Branch Brook Park for family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Motown Sunday Brunch at Sweet Southern Eatery
Sunday, July 25th | Every Sunday
Head over to Sweet Southern Eatery for live music during brunch. Learn more here.
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema
Ongoing
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema is the best way to watch the latest movies from home while supporting the non-profit organization. Films in the Virtual Cinema are new, independent releases, available for rent at home before they show up on other platforms, featuring new indies, documentaries, foreign films, and restored classics, with new selections available every Friday. Learn more here.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
Montclair residents and artists Nina Cooke John and Charlie Spademan bring this installation to Montclair at no cost to the township for about four to six weeks. Crane Park is located at 1-9 Greenwood Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Tour Van Vleck House and Gardens
Open daily | 9AM-6PM
Take a free tour of Van Vleck House and Gardens, a center for horticulture, education, music, and art. The gardens are open to the public and the house is available to non-profits for meetings and events. Learn more here.
Kid-Focused Events
Music with Michaela: Outdoor Music Class for Little Ones
Saturday, July 24th | 11:15PM- 12PM | Every Saturday
Little ones will learn seasonal songs, play instruments, move their bodies, and have fun with Michaela. The event will take place in the grassy area on the corner of Essex Street + Chestnut Street in Montclair. Register here.
Bloomfield Public Library’s Summer Reading Program
Now-August 14th | 4PM
Join the Bloomfield Public Library for children’s activities all week long including stories + snacks, Spanish storytimes, and takeaway crafts. Register here.
Crayon Workshop
Now-August 26th | 12PM-5PM
The Jewish Children’s Museum is inviting children and “children at heart” to travel through the colorful journey of crayon making. Participants will be able to collect carnauba wax, beeswax, and cacao butter from the fields, and watch as the wax is melted together turning into the vibrant colorful crayon that children all love. The discovery is educational and playful where each child takes home the crayon they created. Register here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Monday, July 26th | 10:30AM-11:30AM | Every Monday
Mindfulness is a meditation practice that cultivates a positive state of mind like gratitude, kindness, and compassion. The following topics will be covered: mindful breathing/body, mindful emotions, development of the heart, interpersonal mindfulness, everyday stress reduction, and empathy. Register here.
Beginner Mah Jongg
Tuesday, July 27th | 6:30PM-8PM | Every Tuesday
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg. Register here.
Poetry and Interpretive Movement Virtual Class
Wednesday, July 28th | 6:45PM-7:45PM | Every Wednesday
Join Simone Coonrod over Zoom for a three-part workshop incorporating poetry and dance. Each session will feature a poem that the participants will collaboratively interpret through creative movement. Register here.
Film Club Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, July 28th | 7PM-8PM | Every Wednesday
See assigned movies, which are on widely available streaming services, then join classmates to talk about themes, plot, characters, acting, directing, cinematography, costumes, score, trailers, and/or viewer’s expectations. Register here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, July 28th | 7PM-9PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Cultural Academic Student Exchange | 211 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Become a host family for the Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE) and house a student studying abroad. The CASE program is always in need of families of all backgrounds to help immerse international students into the culture of the area and to help navigate everyday life during their stay. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
First Seventh-Day Adventist Church Soup Kitchen | 15 Elmwood Avenue, Montclair
Every Sunday from 12:00-2:30 the soup kitchen at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church is available to those in need in the community. Join as a volunteer to this ministry that has been in and of service for over a decade. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve food. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
Opportunities to give back to the community are always available here. As a necessary component to the operation of the food pantry, volunteers are needed to do tasks from packaging fruits and vegetables to sorting donated clothes. For those who would like to interact with the community, the opportunity to deliver food to homebound clients is available. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
