Isiah Christie 
If there’s any sign summer is around the corner, it’s Memorial Day Weekend. Although taking a trip is a common way to celebrate the time off, there’s nothing wrong with a good staycation, and Montclair + Essex County are full of things to do. From events to activities, there are plenty of options around the corner this MDW. Continue reading for the official guide to events in Montclair, Essex County, and beyond for this Memorial Day Weekend 2026.
Editor’s note: DYK? We have a full calendar of local events that is FREE to use! Check out what’s listed and add your own.
Porta Tea Dance | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Friday, May 22 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Porta Montclair is hosting the MDW edition of its monthly tea dance series, which will feature music, drink specials, pizza, and meet + greets with local Montclair organizations. To purchase tickets, visit here.
The Mozzarella God at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Friday, May 22 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
For the foodie fans, Montclair Brewery is hosting a food-themed event to kick off MDW. The mutz-themed food truck The Mozzarella God will be popping up at the brewery with creative twists on classic dishes.
Lorna Shore at The Wellmont Theater | 3 Seymour Street, Montclair
Friday, May 22 | 6:00 PM
This live event to kick off MDW at The Wellmont Theater will feature a performance from Lorna Shore, a New Jersey-based metal band. Tickets can be purchased here.
Wine and Wheel | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
Friday, May 22 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
This pottery workshop at Montclair Art Museum gives participants a chance to make ceramic items like bowls, cups, and vases. It is BYOB and only for those ages 21 and up.
Boonton Farmers’ Market | 810 Main Street, Boonton
Saturday, May 23 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Boonton’s Farmers’ Market will be active this MDW, on the morning of Saturday, May 23rd. Shoppers can expect pop-ups from 30+ vendors, live music, and a storytime read for little ones. (FYI: This farmers’ market is hosted every Saturday, so it’s worth visiting any weekend.)
Train Town Montclair: A Rails to Roots Story | 271 Midland Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, May 23 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM + Sunday, May 24 | 2:00 PM
Led by Montclair Art Museum, this all-ages event will give participants an opportunity to explore Montclair’s unique railroad history. It includes a family art activity on Saturday, May 23rd, and a MAM public tour on Sunday, May 24th.
May Family Saturdays | 49 Washington Street, Newark
Saturday, May 23 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Newark Museum of Art will be hosting a hands-on program for children ages 2 to 5. The activities include painting and quilting.
Siesta Disco Club | 10 Sloan Street, South Orange
Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Miti Miti Latin Street Food in South Orange is hosting a series of family-friendly music celebrations each Saturday of May, including this MDW. Visitors can expect live DJ sets and games to play. It is also BYOB.
Sunflower Shore | 10 Sloan Street, South Orange
Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
It isn’t quite the same as a weekend trip DTS, but those feeling the early summer spirit can enjoy this beach-themed paint + sip workshop at Pinot’s Palette. It is BYOB.
Rockband Karaoke | 85 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Saturday, May 23 | 8:00 PM
For a musical take on MDW, Hometown Arcade in Bloomfield is hosting this karaoke event where participants can play one of over 2,000 songs with a built-in mic, guitar, and drum setup. MG pro tip: Dress up as your favorite rock star for $5 off admission, with full arcade access + unlimited free play included.
Common Threads: A Monthly Sewing Club | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Saturday, May 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
If you’re in a crafty mood this MDW, Keep Creating Art Wellness Center is hosting a sewing club event with opportunities to work with an ongoing sewing project or take on something new. For more information, visit here.
Live Music Celebration in the Iris Gardens | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, May 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are celebrating its 99th anniversary this MDW, with live music and food for visitors.
Punch Needling Workshop | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Saturday, May 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Electric Chic Boutique will be hosting a technique workshop where participants can learn how to transform fabric into a vibrant, textured art piece. Participants must be at least 13 years old and are free to bring a snack or drink.
Bloomfield Memorial Day Parade | Warren Street + Broad Street, Bloomfield
Saturday, May 25 | 8:00 AM
The Bloomfield Memorial Day Parade will take place on the morning of the holiday at the corner of Warren Street + Broad Street. It will celebrate the veterans of the community and include a car show.
Memorial Day Celebration + Parade | 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange
Saturday, May 25 | 9:00 AM
East Orange’s Memorial Day Celebration will start at its City Hall at 9:00 AM. Afterwards, residents can go to the intersection of South Arlington Avenue + Central Avenue for a parade.
Livingston Memorial Day Parade + Remembrance Ceremony | Robert H. Harp Drive, Livingston
Saturday, May 25 | 9:30 AM
Livingston’s Memorial Day Parade will be hosted at Memorial Oval across from the city’s Town Hall on the morning of the holiday. A remembrance ceremony will take place at 9:30 AM, followed by the actual parade at 10:00 AM. In the case of rain, it will be hosted in the Livingston High School auditorium.
2026 Memorial Day Ceremony | Valley Road, Montclair
Saturday, May 25 | 10:30 AM
Montclair’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be hosted at Edgemont Park in honor of veterans and those who have lost their lives in war. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Council Chambers at 205 Claremont Avenue.
Memorial Day Ceremony + BBQ | 199 Fairview Avenue, Cedar Grove
Saturday, May 25 | 11:30 AM
Cedar Grove will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at Cedar Grove Community Park. After the ceremony, visitors can enjoy a BBQ event with food + ice cream.
See More: What’s the Weather in New Jersey for Memorial Day Weekend?
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