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 14th – July 20th).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change and some may be weather dependent. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Featured Events
Shoott’s Christmas in July Promotion
Now until August 31, 2021 | BOOK YOUR PHOTO SHOOT NOW
From now until August 31st, Shoott [online] is offering their biggest discount of the year through their Christmas in July promotion. Montclair Girl readers can enjoy free 30-minute photo shoots with a vetted pro photographer at local parks and hot spots at three local locations in Essex County including Downtown Montclair on July 16th and July 25th, Verona Park on July 23rd and July 24th, and South Mountain Reservation in West Orange on July 18th. Not to mention, you only pay for the photos you love at $15 each or less. Plus, if you use the promotion code “SUMMERSANTA” you can receive 25% off any full gallery purchases [photo sessions must take place between 7/12-8/31 and clients must select full gallery or 20+ photos at checkout for promotion to apply. Cannot be combined with referral credits or other promotions.]
Click here to book your photoshoot and learn more about Shoott.
Local Montclair (+ Beyond) Events
Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga, Workouts + More
Thursday, July 15th | 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.
Zoo-vies + Family Nights at Essex County’s Turtleback Zoo
Wednesday, July 14th + Thursday, July 15th | 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 15th | 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 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. Learn more here.
Goffle Brook Park: A Wellspring of Creativity
Thursday, July 15th | 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 and will run through September 5th at the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. Learn more here.
Meet and Greet YA Author Debbie Rigaud
Thursday, July 15th | 6PM
Meet YA novelist Debbie Rigaud in person on Thursday, July 15th at 6:00PM. Books will be available for personalization at the event. Learn more here.
7th Annual Harmony Concert
Thursday, July 15th | 8PM
The 7th Annual Harmony Concert will be streamed on YouTube on July 15, 2021, at 8:00PM. The Harmony Concert is a variety benefit show with singing, dancing, and many other musical performances. Visit the YouTube channel to stream the show on July 15th. Talented teens and tweens do it all – organize the show, perform, create videos, manage social media and publicity – to raise money for IMANI. Please join online for a fantastic show that supports a great cause. Learn more here.
Yayoi Kusama: Cosmic Nature Talk
Friday, July 16th | 2PM-3:30PM
At age 92, contemporary Japanese painter and sculptor Yayoi Kusama is having a moment— today she is one of the world’s most popular and recognizable artists. This talk will discuss her life and extraordinary work and prepare you well to enjoy the New York Botanical Garden’s exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Cosmic Nature, on view till October 31st. Learn more here.
Estate Planning & Living Trusts with Attorney Milvidskiy
Friday, July 16th + Saturday, July 17th | 2:30PM + 11AM
Learn about estate planning and living trusts. This is a free, educational webinar. No services or products will be offered during the presentation. There is no cost or obligation to attend. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Friday, July 16th | 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 16th | 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.
Summer Bath Bomb Making Virtual Workshop
Friday, July 16th | 7PM
Learn how to make your own scented and colored bath bombs. A great workshop for adults and kids. Learn more here.
All Points West Distillery Tour + Tasting
Friday, July 16th + Saturday, July 17th | 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 16th | 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: Chasing Paragon and School Of Rock House Band at Montclair Brewery
Friday, July 16th | 7PM-9:30PM | Every Friday
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 6:00PM-9:00PM provided by local teen band Chasing Paragon and Montclair School of Rock’s house band. Learn more here.
Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Friday, July 16th + Saturday, July 17th | 8PM
Pleasant Valley Productions presents Smokey Joe’s Cafe. A rock and roll musical revue packed with memorable songs like “Hound Dog”, “Love Potion #9”, “On Broadway” and “Stand by Me”. Directed and Choreographed by Jelani Remy, and Music Direction by Joseph Christianson. Learn more here.
State of the Art 2021
Now-Friday, July 16th
Studio Montclair presents “State of the Art 2021”, on exhibit from now to July 16 at Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, June 13 from 2PM to 4PM. This exhibit, featuring the artwork of over 120 artists in Montclair and beyond, celebrates the talent and diversity of Studio Montclair members. Learn more here.
College Women’s Club Used Book Sale
Now-Saturday, July 17th | Multiple Times
Come to the Used Book & Music Sale sponsored by the College Women’s Club of Montclair. This event features thousands of new and used books and paperbacks, LPs, CDs,DVDs/BluRays, Audio Bp, Sheet Music, Software, Ephemera. Everything is sold at bargain prices, and the proceeds go to college scholarship awards for local girls. Learn more here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, July 17th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
Yates Musical Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty
Saturday, July 17th | 11AM
Watch Sleeping Beauty at Kean University, to see the captivating tale of a Princess put under the spell of a slightly scary witch. Not until a Prince from a distant Kingdom discovers the sleeping castle is the evil spell broken. Learn more here.
Butterfly Tent Safari at Essex County’s Turtleback Zoo
Starting Saturday, July 17th-July 30th | 12PM-3PM | Monday-Saturday
The public is invited to experience the “Butterfly Tent Safari” at the Essex County Environmental Center. The Butterfly Tent Safari is an interactive display where visitors can observe hundreds of butterflies while walking through a tent. The usual program has been modified to promote social distancing, appointments are required, and visitors must wear face coverings. Learn more here.
DJ Ritters at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, July 17th | 3PM-8PM | Every Saturday
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 3:00PM-8:00PM provided by DJ Ritters. Learn more here.
Music at the Mansion: Porch Performances – Jane Seaman
Saturday, July 17th | 7PM | Recurring until September 25th
Join Jane Seaman for a performance on Saturday, July 17th. Ms. Seaman is a Broadway veteran who sings a rainbow of vocal styles from show tunes to classical to jazz. Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center is located at 240 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, July 17th | 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.
Live Music: No Wake at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, July 18th | 6PM-8:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 6:00PM-8:00PM provided by No Wake. Learn more here.
MSU Department of Theatre & Dance Presents Spring 2021 Virtual Festival
Now-July 18th | 8PM
The Department of Theatre and Dance Virtual Festival presents a collaborative effort between the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Cali School of Music, the School of Communication and Media, and Arts and Cultural Programming at the College of the Arts. 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 17th | 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
A Week of Giving
Now-Sunday, July 18th
School of Rock Montclair is collecting canned and non-perishable goods for Toni’s Kitchen this week. An end-of-week benefit concert will take place on July 18th at 2PM at The Van Vleck House and Gardens. Learn more here.
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Monday, July 19th | 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 20th | 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 21st | 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 21st | 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 21st | 7PM-9PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Montclair Jazz Festival: Lackawanna Soundcheck Series
Thursday, July 22nd | 6PM | Through September
Join in on thesw 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.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Association of Latino Professionals for America | Northern New Jersey
For over 15 years, this organization has been serving professionals that identify as Hispanic throughout the State of New Jersey. Through networking events and other opportunities, this community offers support in areas such as capital resources, professional development, human resources, business development, diversity branding, and more. With thousands of members, both professionals and students, ALPFA is the group to join when looking to advance in a career. Check out the organization’s upcoming virtual events and ways to benefit from this group here.
Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey | Montclair, NJ
Right before the turn of the century, this organization committed itself to address 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. Any interested in learning more about its services or looking to donate can log onto the website here.
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals | Northern New Jersey Chapter
This national organization has made itself available to real estate agents in various areas of the country. Its north New Jersey chapter is dedicated to championing homeownership for Latinx individuals in this covering region. Thanks to the Board of Directors, community events that support both homeowners, as well as Hispanic real estate professionals, are available. Information on the organization’s mission and upcoming events can be found via the website.
