While this holiday surrounds all things love, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, but for friends too. Whether it’s spending a day at a crafty workshop with a friend or enjoying a night out solo-style, the Montclair + Essex County area has all sorts of events, things to do, and dinners to celebrate Galentine’s Day for 2025. Read on for a list of Galentine’s Day events and ideas in the Montclair and Essex County area and restaurants serving special dinners for 2025.
Events
Ongoing | Ignite Your Love By Creating a Valentine’s Candle + Gemstone Experience at Crystals + Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
This Valentine’s Day class at Crystals + Candle, tailored for couples and friends, is ongoing throughout January + February and has available time slots on February 13th. Attendees can make their own gemstone candles to infuse with love. See the details here.
February 6th — Speed Friend Dating at Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill | 118 US-46, Fairfield
Locals can celebrate the season of love by making new friends at this restaurant’s speed (friend) dating event, which is only open for women in their 20s + 30s. For $30 a person, attendees can also enjoy a buffet of Caesar salad, penne pomodoro, and grilled chicken with tomato bruschetta. This takes place on February 6th at 6PM. To reserve a spot, call Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill at 973-575-6500. See this Instagram post for more information.
Read More: Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren’t Dinner
February 6th — Wire Wrapped Crystal Heart Necklace Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Participants can turn heart-shaped crystals into wire-wrapped pendants at this necklace-making workshop on February 6th from 7PM to 8:30PM. All materials will be included by The Eclectic Chic Boutique and this event is open to all levels of crafters. Tickets cost $75 and can be found here.
February 6th — Valentine’s Day Craft for Adults at Montclair Public Library — Bellevue Avenue Branch | 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Gal pals can join the Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library for an adults-only arts + crafts event on February 11th from 5PM to 6PM. Attendees will make a heart-themed garland made with colorful paper hearts. All materials will be provided and registration is required. Register for this event here.
February 8th — Love Takes Flight: The Ultimate Valentine’s Photo Experience at Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Casa De Flora Bar is known for its stunning shop, fun activities, and creative photo events. For Galentine’s Day, locals can stop by this spot on February 8th for the ultimate photo experience. The setup includes a romantic private jet backdrop, where guests can pose on a jet staircase adorned with cascading florals, photo destinations like Paris, with an Eiffel Tower-inspired backdrop, featuring twinkling lights and vintage Parisian props, and more. See more information here.
February 11th-February 16th — Lovers + Friends Week at The MC Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The MC Hotel in Montclair will host a week-long Valentine’s Day + Galentine’s Day event from February 11th to February 16th. From a mixology class to a bouquet-making workshop to a lovers + friends dining experience, this spot is pulling out all the stops. See this Instagram post to see the full lineup.
February 12th — Mother + Daughter Valentine’s Date at Gigi’s Princess Palace | 382 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Gigi’s Princess Palace in Bloomfield will host a mother-and-daughter Galentine’s date on February 12th from 1PM to 2:30PM. This event will include canvas painting, ballroom dancing, makeup + manis, a princess dress-up, a princess coronation, and all kinds of sweet treats. Tickets range from $29.95 to $59.95 depending on how many children accompany adults. See more information and purchase tickets at this link.
February 12th — Love Shack Gingerbread House Decorating at Calandra’s Italian + French Bakery | 244 Route 46 East, Fairfield
Gingerbread house decorating isn’t just a Christmas activity. Calandra’s Italian + French Bakery in Fairfield is hosting a Valentine’s Day edition of everyone’s favorite festive pastime on February 12th from 7PM to 9PM. This event will also include a gift card raffle. Coffee, tea, and water will be available to all guests. This activity is BYOB and attendees are encouraged to bring snacks. See more details here.
February 12th — Fairy Terrarium Making Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Those looking for a crafty holiday activity can attend this fairy terrarium-making workshop on February 13th from 7PM to 8:30PM. For $35, participants will use materials like dried mosses, landscape elements, and miniature butterflies to make fairy garden-inspired mini terrariums. See more details about this workshop here.
February 13th — Comedy Night at Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
Just Jake’s, a local restaurant + bar in Montclair, is hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed comedy night on February 13th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. The line-up includes comedians like Karen Krents, Tim Rager, Suzanne Stein, No Filter Paul, Gina Dee, and Robert Field. See this Facebook post for more information about the event.
February 13th — For the Girls Galentine’s Day Party at The Hudson Rose | 238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
The Hudson Rose in Nutley will host a Galentine’s Day Party on February 13th at 6PM. This party is just for the girlies and will include live music by @aprillovesrecords, wine tastings from Jordan Wines, Grey Goose, Whistle Pig, appetizers and snack stations, a cash bar with drink specials, a raffle, chair massages, tarot readings, and vendors — including a tattoo vendor. See more information at this Instagram post.
February 13th — Galentine’s Night at Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
This Galentine’s Night will include everything under the sun, including music by DJ Chellie, a prize wheel, free tarot readings, an appearance from Let’s Link Permanent Jewelry, and henna tattoos. This event, which occurs on February 13th from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, will also feature a prix fixe and a la carte menu and half-priced specialty cocktails. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Il Vecchio Cafe at 973-226-8889. For more information about this event, see the restaurant’s website.
February 13th — Valentine’s Day: Malas + Meditation with Satya at Loopwell | 80 Maple Avenue, Montclair
Satya Scainetti, the founder of Satya Jewelry, is hosting a Valentine’s Day event all about wellness and mindfulness at Loopwell in Montclair on February 13th from 7PM to 9PM. In addition to meditation and shopping, guests will learn how to infuse energy into hand-crafted gemstone mala bracelets at this event. While Loopwell members can attend for free, non-members must purchase a $55 ticket. To see more information, click this link.
February 14th — The Grinch Steals Valentine’s Day at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center | 7th Avenue, Newark
Apparently, the Grinch steals more than just Christmas. At this event on February 14th from 6PM to 8:30PM, visitors can look forward to a live DJ, skating and dancing, and an “unromantic dinner,” which includes a slice of cheese pizza and a small drink. Attendees will also get the chance to meet the Grinch himself at this anti-Valentine’s Day gathering. Tickets range from $5 to $21 and can be found here.
February 14th — Valentine’s Day Terrarium Workshop Plant and Sip at Fern + Fossil | 145 Court Street #MS#1, Newark
Friends and couples can create personalized terrariums at this Valentine’s Day Terrarium Workshop on February 14th from 7:30PM to 9PM. Guests can choose from a wide selection of plants and special knickknacks, like rose quartz crystals and mini hearts, to add to their creations. Instructors will be in attendance to guide visitors through each step of the process. Light refreshments will also be served. Tickets for this event range from $50 to $90 and can be purchased here.
February 15th — Don’t Forget to Love Comedy Show at South Valley BBQ + Lounge | 34 South Valley Road, West Orange
Self-proclaimed as the “best comedy show in Essex County,” this event at South Valley BBQ + Lounge will feature Toni Fatz and Dylan Tucker, locally praised comedians. This takes place on February 15th from 8PM to 10:30PM. Tickets for this Valentine’s Day show cost $20 and can be found at this link.
February 15th — Galentine’s Day Brunch at Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Casa De Flora Bar will host a special Galentine’s Day brunch, which features bottomless pink champagne + mimosas, a luxury dessert + candy bar, and a build-your-own bouquet bar. This event takes place on February 15th from 12PM to 4PM. Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased here.
February 16th — Stained Glass Suncatcher Making Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Celebrate the holiday of love with a stained glass workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique on February 16th from 1PM to 4PM. Participants can expect to create their own stained glass creations to take home. This class is beginner-friendly and all materials are included. Tickets cost $150. See the shop’s website for more details.
February 16th — Rom Com Trivia at Alto Rooftop | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Locals should brush up on their rom-com knowledge for this Valentine’s Day trivia night at Alto Rooftop, which takes place on February 16th from 1PM to 3PM. This event will include five rounds of trivia on all kinds of cult classics. Attendees can also expect a menu of brunch specials to munch on while they play. See more information about this free event here.
Local Spots for DIY + Crafty Activities
Candle-Making Classes at Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
Alchemy Scent Bar is a custom scent experience in the heart of downtown Montclair. Guests can create their own custom-fragranced candles as well as home and body products from a wall of more than 100 different scents. The candles are natural soy and use pure fragrance oils, burning longer and truer to scent than others in the marketplace. See more information and schedule a reservation here.
Floral Bouquet Workshops at Blooms in Hand | 228 Claremont Avenue, Verona
At first, owner Anna Coy was only interested in the concept of a floral subscription service, which she started in her at-home workshop after receiving overwhelming support from the online community. Fast forward a few years and she is now the proud owner of Blooms in Hand, a full-service studio. In addition to subscriptions, Blooms in Hand also provides wedding and special event floral design, workshops, and bouquet bars. At a bouquet bar, guests can create their own arrangements with guidance and tips from a designer as a souvenir from your event. This spot is hosting Galentine’s Day bouquet-making classes on February 6th and February 7th. See more information here.
Floral Design Classes at Garden of Edith Floral Design | 54 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
If designing a custom arrangement has ever crossed your mind for potential Galentine’s Day ideas, then the flower bar at Garden of Edith might be the perfect place to give it a try. The store has a wide variety of fresh and dried flower stems that can be individually purchased to bring that one-of-a-kind touch to any bouquet or gift. The Instagram page is filled with helpful tips and tricks for flower care and maintenance, like how to hydrate and cautiously open the buds on a flower. To book an event with your gal friends, see this link.
Painting Classes at Pinot’s Palette | 351 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Pinot’s Palette is hosting special nights with themed Valentine’s Day painting sessions. Each class varies in pricing but some classes are currently open such as the “Sweetheart Gnome” class and the “Starry Valentine Kiss” class. Events are BYOB, so grab some wine to get those creative juices flowing. See the full list of classes here.
Painting Class at Wine + Design | 1 Greenwood Avenue, Montclair
Wine + Design has all kinds of painting classes. For this upcoming holiday, the business is hosting two different Valentine’s Day classes, which can be taken by a group of friends instead of a couple. See the event calendar here.
Pottery Class at Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
For the crafty group of friends, this pottery studio has comprehensive courses and BYOB pottery wheel events. Some of the classes include handbuilding + sculpture from life classes, wheel classes, and more. See upcoming classes here.
Dinners
Agave Maria | 170 Washington Avenue, Belleville
Diners can celebrate this holiday in the Casa Amor Speakeasy at Agave Maria. This Mexican restaurant will serve a four-course dinner, as well as four different love-themed cocktails. Specific details regarding the menu have yet to be announced, so check out Agave Maria’s website closer to the date. To book a reservation, see here.
Cucina Calandra | 216 US-46, Fairfield
From 12PM until closing, Cucina Calandra will serve a separate menu for Valentine’s Day + Galentine’s Day. This includes options like the Blackened Salmon Gremolata, topped with parsley lemon zest puree and served with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and the Pollo Vodka, which features breaded chicken cutlet parmigiana topped with vodka sauce and mozzarella over linguini. See the full menu here.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This French brasserie in Montclair will serve a four-course prix fixe menu on Galentine’s Day. For $85 per person, customers can try dishes like the Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo, served with avocado pearls, black radish, and Meyer lemon, the Lobster + Ravioli Fiore, made with winter chicories, ricotta, and saffron, and more. See the full menu here. Faubourg will be open for lunch between 12PM and 2:30PM and dinner between 5PM and 10:30PM. To make a reservation, see this link.
Gioia Mia | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Gioia Mia is serving a four-course dinner on Galentine’s Day. The menu includes options like Dressed Oysters, made with champagne mignonette, cilantro stem, and pickled chili, Duck Egg Raviolo, served with ricotta, truffle pecorino, and brown butter, and more. This dinner is priced at $115 per person. See this Instagram post for the full menu.
Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
This Italian cafe will offer a special deal to celebrate the season of love. Locals can enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner for $70. Aside from a complimentary glass of champagne, diners can enjoy options like eggplant rollatini, lamb chops, cannolis, and more. A separate kid’s menu will also be served for any kiddos that tag along. For those who prefer to stay in, Il Vecchio Cafe will also have a Valentine’s dinner-for-two takeout deal. For $120, customers can feast on their choice of two appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Pickups for this holiday package will be February 13th until 5PM and February 14th until 3PM. See this Instagram post for the full menu and more details.
Samba | 7 Park Street, Montclair
Celebrate this Galentine’s Day at Samba. This Brazilian restaurant will feature an a la a carte menu with specials, which includes fun options like yuca sliders with braised duck, served with gorgonzola and caramelized Onions. Make a reservation here.
See More: 15 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street, Montclair
Those wanting a Mediterranean-style Galentine’s Day can head to Zeugma Grill, which will present a four-course prix fix menu. Customers can look forward to dishes like Sauced Eggplant, Beet Falalfal, and Mushroom Manti, and desserts like Strawberry Pavola and Chocolate Mousse. This Instagram post has all the information.
NYC-Based Fitness Studio, The Strength Club, Opens in Caldwell
The Strength Club, a popular fitness studio in New York City, recently opened its second location — and its first in New Jersey — in Caldwell. Founded by Kenny Santucci, The Strength Club provides group classes and personal training, focusing on building muscle strength and conditioning. The gym’s second location is located at 351 Bloomfield Avenue, taking over CrossFit Caldwell’s former location. Read on to learn more about The Strength Club, Caldwell's newest fitness spot.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Strong New York
Coming to Caldwell
Nearly three years after The Strength Club opened in New York City at 1 East 28th Street, 5B, the founder decided to open a second location in New Jersey. “I'm a Jersey guy through and through, so I have always wanted to open another gym there. I was offered an opportunity through a friend who had already had a gym there. My family also lives there, so all of the pieces finally lined up and it felt like it was meant to be. I have wanted to go back to NJ for a while and the right situation just presented itself to me,” Kenny, 41, previously told The Montclair Girl.
“There isn't a gym in the area doing what we are doing. It's also a good family town where I already have some infrastructure,” he added.
^ Strength Club Founder Kenny Santucci. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Strong New York
Planning for the Caldwell spot's opening has been ongoing since January of 2024. It wasn’t until July that plans were set in stone. The Strength Club New Jersey was expected to open in September 2024 — and now, we know that the new fitness studio is officially open in Caldwell as of January 2025. The Strength Club held its grand opening on January 25th, per an Instagram post.
View this post on Instagram
Read More: A Guide to Workout Studios in Montclair
The purely strength-based gym’s motto is “Quit the HIIT and get strong.” The Caldwell location’s foundation is the same as the NYC location, as well as the programming. The gym provides group classes focused on strength training, personal training, semi-private training, kids classes, and high school athletic training.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Strong New York
Kenny shared what prospective clients can expect inside back in 2024: “I am a huge equipment geek. I love getting new pieces. We have some of the best equipment in the world. Our group classes will use everything from racks to Keiser machines, barbells, to dumbbells, kettlebells, sleds, ropes, and slam balls."
“We will have Keiser equipment, Panatta machines, Booty Builder, Rogue, Rep Fitness, and more. The Keiser machines are great for athletic-based training. We will also have machines as well as functional training," he said.
Strength Club’s Success
Kenny is a personal trainer who grew up in Cedar Grove and attended college at Montclair State University. He made a name for himself and became a TV personality after competing on the 14th season of MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Inferno 3, The Island and The Ruins, among other The Challenge shows — taking home the prize money.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Strong New York
After years of doing personal training (working with clients such as Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean) and working at other gyms in NJ and NYC, he launched the first-ever Strong New York Fitness + Wellness Expo in October 2015, which, according to the website, is an immersive day of workshops, panel discussions, workouts, and inspiring conversations with the best-in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers.
Strong New York 2023 brought together renowned fitness and wellness experts and trainers Don Saladino, Gunner Peterson, C.T. Fletcher, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, and Jennifer Cohen. The 2024 expo took place on October 5th, 2024, following the previous year’s successful event.
Caldwell's Newest Fitness Spot
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Strong New York
The Strength Club New Jersey follows the same format as the New York location with the weekly schedule as follows: Monday — Upper Body Strength; Tuesday — Lower Body Strength; Wednesday — Conditioning + Skill; Thursday — Upper Body Strength; Friday — Lower Body Strength; Saturday — Conditioning + Skill; and Sunday — Conditioning + Skill. The full schedule can be found here.
See More: Where to Find Puppy Yoga in Northern New Jersey
The Strength Club joins the list of fitness studios in Caldwell, including Embodi Fitness, Indigo Yoga, The Drip Fitness, Evolve Cycle and Fitness, and Turbo Personal Training and Nutrition.
For more information, visit the website.
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