February has arrived and six more weeks of winter have been predicted, but don’t worry because we’ve got a bunch of Essex County events for you to enjoy. This week’s local Montclair + beyond events guide has got you covered with live music, language classes, performances, and more. Check out this list of all the events happening this weekend, February 3rd – 6th.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Montclair Girl’s 1st Annual Puppy Photo Bowl Contest
We are thrilled to announce The Montclair’s Girl’s 1st Annual Puppy Photo Bowl Contest! This interactive contest will crown one lucky dog as the winner (of some amazing local prizes!) We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships to Hounds in Pounds, and encourage our entries to do the same. Pup nominations end at 11:59PM this Sunday, February 6th with the 9 finalists to be announced Wednesday, February 9th. Learn more here on how to enter your pup and stay updated on MontclairGirl.com.
Drawing with Colored Pencils at Congregation Shomrei Emunah
Thursday, February 3rd | 10AM – 12PM
This class will explore various techniques, including types of mark-making, shading, texture, and how to blend and create vibrant color, no matter your skill level. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Personalized Help from the Access Navigator at Montclair Public Library
Thursday, February 3rd | 10AM – 4PM
Montclair Public Library’s Navigator will be meeting with individuals to help improve their digital literacy, guide them towards new employment, or develop new skills in general. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Senior Skating Session
Thursday, February 3rd | 10:45AM – 12:15PM
A skate session for seniors who are 40 years and older. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Jacob Lawrence: The Making of a Master
Thursday, February 3rd | 6:30PM – 8PM
This is a virtual event hosted by the Montclair Public Library. Learn more here.
Showings at The Clairidge
Friday, February 4th
Movies like Who We Are Now: A Chronicle Of Racism in America and Air Doll are opening this weekend at The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Beginner Mah Jongg with Elisa Hirsch
Friday, February 4th | 10AM – 12PM
Learn how to play the anceint Chinese game of Mah Jongg. This game is not hard to play but complex to learn. Guaranteed to have you playing with strategy by the end of the session. This event will be held at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Beginning Ukulele with Robert Mellman
Friday, February 4th | 1:30PM – 2:30PM
In this beginner’s ukulele class participants will learn basic chords and strums and some fun, easy songs. No music background or experience necessary. This event will be held at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Indoor Live Music Night with The Faso Band
Friday, February 4th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Musicians from Burkina Faso play all kinds of music from Roots, Reggae, and African music styles. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair Learn more here.
Almost Easy at Just Jakes
Friday, February 4th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This band will be performing at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station
Saturday, January 29th | 8AM – 1PM
The Montclair Farmers’ Market brings together 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 much more. This event will be held at 86 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Winter Journaling
Saturday, February 5th | 11AM
Discover the joy of phenology, the cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life with the Essex County Parks Environmental Center. This event will be held at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Wonders of the Wild at the Turtle Back Zoo
Saturday, February 5th | 1PM
The Wonders of the Wild program offers students an opportunity to participate in supplementary science and nature-themed programs and projects that facilitate scientific literacy and life-long environmental stewardship. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Holistic Soul Co. Pop Up
Saturday, February 5th | 1PM – 4PM
A special in-person pop-up event featuring Holistic Soul Co., crafters of handmade small-batch bath & body products. This event is hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique and will be held at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Distillery Tour + Tasting in Newark
Saturday, February 5th | 6PM & 7:30PM
A history and technique-filled tour followed by cocktails at All Points West Distillery located at 73 Tichenor Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Stefon Harris at NJPAC
Saturday, February 5th | 6PM
This event is presented by Bethany Church Jazz Vespers & NJPAC. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Joe Trent Band at Just Jakes
Saturday, February 5th | 6:30PM – 8:30PM
This band will be performing at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Wavey Saturdays at The ZuluBa
Saturday, February 5th | 7PM
Groove to a night of Afrobeats, Kompa, Soca, Dancehall, and music by Jhasirpow, Russian, and Ruthetruth. This event will be held at 437 Main Street in West Orange. Learn more here.
Gangstagrass at South Orange Performing Arts Center
Saturday, February 5th | 8PM
These Emmy Award-nominated musical pioneers have created a spirited, foot-tapping fusion of Bluegrass and Hip-Hop. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
New Power Soul at Just Jakes
Saturday, February 5th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This band will be performing at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Family Nature Club: Nature Adventures at the Turtle Back Zoo
Saturday, January 22nd | 1PM – 3PM
Run, climb, build, dig, or even just sit and experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors. This club will visit different nature locations within the Essex County South Mountain Reservation each month. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Mark Gross Quartet at South Orange Performing Arts Center
Sunday, February 6th | 7PM
Constantly pushing the music forward while staying true to the classic elements of Jazz, Mark credits his prolific sound to the rich appreciation for Gospel music that resounded through his parent’s home in Baltimore, Maryland. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Eddie Vedder and the Earthlings at NJPAC
Sunday, February 6th | 7:30PM
This rock and pop group, newly formed, gave its live debut at Vedder’s own Ohana Festival this September. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Adult Night Roller Skating in Newark
Sunday, January 30th | 8PM – 11PM
Adult Night Roller Skating is Back at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink. This event will be held at 7th Avenue in Newark. Learn more here.
Pop-Up Picnic in the Park Couple Date Night + 5 Love Languages (Self-Guided)
Ongoing
Enjoy a pop-up picnic sunset date with fun digital activities at Weequahic Park, Meeker Avenue in Newark. Learn more here.
The Whole Book Approach Online Story Time with Ms. Jessica
Thursday, February 3rd | 11:30AM – 12PM
The Whole Book Approach acknowledges that while the adult reads text aloud, children are reading pictures and design. It gives children the time, space, and vocabulary needed to articulate their visual readings and bring them into dialog with the oral text. Learn more here.
The Maplewood Strollers Presents: The Phantom Tollbooth
Friday, January 28th | 7PM
Join Milo on his zany adventures through The Land of Wisdom and learn to see things in a whole new way in this children’s classic adapted for the stage. This event will be held at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Turtle Back Tots at the Turtle Back Zoo
Sunday, February 6th, Monday, February 7th | 11:30AM – 12PM
Young children can discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Blippi The Musical at NJPAC
Tuesday, February 8th | 6PM
Children from the ages of 2 to 7 years old across the world have quickly taken a liking to Blippi’s charismatic personality and innovative teaching lessons. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Chesstronaughts at Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, February 9th | 6PM – 7PM
Chesstronauts meets virtually and uses Chesscall software designed by five students from Montclair Kimberley Academy who share a passion for chess. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Meditations and Qi Gong for Everyday Living
Monday, February 7th | 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Learn short easy relaxation techniques to put you at ease when you’re confronted with modern life’s stresses with Lisa Sargese. Learn more here.
French Speaking Class at Montclair Public Library
Monday, February 7th | 1:30PM-3PM
Participate in conversational classes on various aspects of everyday French life, moderated by a native French speaker Pierre Fabian. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Basic Italian Speaking Class at Montclair Public Library
Monday, February 7th | 6PM-7PM
This class is taught by Kristine Massari. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
American Sign Language Class for Beginners at Montclair Public Library
Monday, February 7th | 6PM – 7PM
Learn finger spelling, vocabulary, and ASL concepts, and become familiar with deaf culture. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Crystal Grid Creation Virtual Workshop
Learn how to create a crystal grid under the guidance of a certified Reiki Practitioner and Crystal Healer. This is an online event. Learn more here.
Poetry Writing Workshop at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, February 8th | 7:30PM – 9PM
Write and critique poetry and discover outlets for publication. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Manding: West African Languages and Culture at Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, February 9th | 6:30PM – 8PM
An introduction to the languages, culture, geography and customs of West Africa. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Film Club at Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, February 9th | 7PM – 8PM
See assigned movies, then join classmates to talk about themes, plot, characters, acting, directing, cinematography, costumes, score, trailers and/or viewer’s expectations. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Catholic Charities of Newark | Newark
A variety of options are available to support the community. Please contact Sharon Reilly-Tobin via email at [email protected] to learn about the greatest needs. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey | Montclair
Right before the turn of the century, this organization committed itself to addressing the needs of the Latinx community here in New Jersey. Since that time, the organization has supported both mental health professionals and the Latinx community at large through training, treatment, mentorship, advocacy work, and the development of resources. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Fund for Women | 41 Watchung Plaza
Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, and opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name; it joined forces with women of all backgrounds and became a prominent force in the community. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Your Guide to Super Bowl Sunday in the Montclair Area
A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Bloomfield
Real Housewives of New Jersey Landmarks to Visit on Your Next Day Trip
Have an event you’d like included in our guide? Email it to [email protected] by Tuesday at 12PM each week. You can also email advertising@themontclairgirl.
Have a great weekend, xo