The cold weather is finally settling in and Essex County is prepared with a variety of indoor activities to keep you warm. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with a New Beginnings Ritual Gathering at Houss Freya, Wonders of the Wild at Turtle Back Zoo, American River: A Journey Down the Passaic at NJPAC, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, January 19th – January 22nd, 2023.
Disclaimer: These events are included editorially as a community resource, and The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated. For the most up-to-date and accurate info including inclement weather cancellations, please contact the host directly.
The Lane Team is a family-run Montclair Real Estate business that offers a customized real estate experience. You can schedule an appointment and start your home search in the Montclair and/or North Jersey area here.
The Montclair Girl’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide Winners
Ongoing | VIEW THE WINNERS
We asked, you nominated, voted + FINALLY the winners for our Best of Montclair 2022 Guide have been announced. Congratulations to all that were nominated — and especially to the 2022 winners!
Click here to view the list of winners of MG’s Best of Montclair 2022 Guide.
Codey Arena Senior Skating Session
Thursday, January 19th | 10:45AM – 12:15PM
This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at The Wellmont Theater
Thursday, January 19th | 7PM
This laser show will feature the original master recordings of Pink Floyd and will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Viral Crush Show Live at Montclair Brewery
Thursday, January 19th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place Hosted by NJPAC
Thursday, January 19th | 7:30PM
Listen to Jazz music at 15 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ
Thursday, January 19th | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Night Forms: Infinite Wave Exhibition at Grounds for Sculpture
Various Dates + Times
This site-specific, multi-sensory experience will kick off and run until April 2, 2023. This event will be held at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton. Learn more here.
Showings at The Clairidge
Friday, January 20th | Various times
Films like The Son, Women Talking, and more are playing this weekend. These events will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Public Skating Session
Friday, January 20th | Various times
This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Resistance Ride with Matthew at Ride It Fitness
Friday, January 20th | 7:30AM – 8AM
This workout class will be held at 50 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Mindful Self-Compassion Course with Marcie Handler + Beth Sandweiss
Friday, January 20th | 9:30AM – 12PM
This empirically supported online training is designed to help participants cultivate self-compassion. Learn more here.
Cornerstone Café at Montclair Art Museum
Friday, January 20th | 10AM – 4PM
Explore the MAM’s new in-house coffee shop at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Chair Yoga on Zoom Hosted by Verona Public Library
Friday, January 20th | 11AM
This is a virtual event. Learn more here.
Wine + Wheel at Montclair Art Museum
Friday, January 20th | 7PM – 9:30PM
Make wheel-thrown ceramic objects such as cups, bowls, or vases. This event will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
American River: A Journey Down the Passaic at NJPAC
Friday, January 20th | 7PM
The Newark premiere of this independent documentary film will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Live Music: ELTON JOHNish at Montclair Brewery
Friday, January 20th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This cover show, performed by Andrew Schwarz, will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Russel Thompkins Jr. + The New Stylistics at SOPAC
Friday, January 20th | 8PM
This R&B group will be performing at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Event Horizon at Just Jakes
Friday, January 20th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Public Skating Sessions
Saturday, January 21st | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Various Saturday Events at NJPAC
Saturday, January 21st | Various times
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year of the Black Water Rabbit and New Jersey Symphony: 2023 Lunar New Year will be happening at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station
Saturday, January 21st | 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.
Alice + Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium at Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, January 21st | 12PM, 2PM, 3PM
An interactive theater for learning about astronomy, space, and planetary science. This event will be held at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Untold Stories: A Storytelling Experience at Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, January 21st | 2PM – 4PM
A powerful performance of untold stories by a troupe of BIPOC storytellers. This event will be held at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Sew a Tote Bag — Sewing Machine Workshop for Beginners Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Saturday, January 21st | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Learn how to make your own cute shopping tote. This event will be held at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, or virtually over Zoom. Learn more here.
Moe. Live at The Wellmont Theater
Saturday, January 21st | 6:30PM
For thirty years, moe. has been treasured for its musical synergy, showmanship, and songcraft. This event will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
New Beginnings Ritual Gathering at Houss Freya
Saturday, January 21st | 7PM – 10PM
Focus on the start of new cycles + the seeds that you want to plant for the coming year. This event will be held at 547 Valley Road in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.
SOMA Rocks! at The Woodland
Saturday, January 21st | 8PM – 10PM
The Local Heroes invites neighbors and members of the community to pick their favorite rock/pop songs to perform live with the band. This event will be held at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
The Cliffs at Just Jakes
Saturday, January 21st | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Various Sunday Events at NJPAC
Sunday, January 22nd | Various times
Dance in Our Community: Julio Jean and Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year of the Black Water Rabbit will be happening at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Public Skating Sessions
Sunday, January 22nd | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Makeup + Headshots at Celestina Ando Photography
Sunday, January 22nd | Various Times
Book a mini headshot session that includes a professional makeup touch. This event will be held at 7 Park Street Suite 202 in Montclair. Learn more here.
Reiki Level 1 Certification Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Sunday, January 22nd | 9AM – 3PM
Learn the foundation of Usui Reiki virtually or at I’m So Yoga, 1186 Raymond Blvd 4th Floor in Newark. Learn more here.
Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration + Open House at Durand-Hedden
Sunday, January 22nd | 1PM – 4PM
An afternoon of cooking at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Prudential Center
Sunday, January 22nd | 2PM
This NHL game will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Four Winters: A Story of Jewish Partisan Resistance in WW2
Sunday, January 22nd | 4PM – 7PM
The last surviving partisans relive their journey in Four Winters, sharing their stories of resistance at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Blues + Brews: Max Kaplan + the Magics at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, January 22nd | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This collaboration with the North Jersey Blues Society will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Wonders of the Wild at the Turtle Back Zoo
Saturday, January 21st | 1PM – 3PM
This event is 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.
Seollal New Year at Montclair Public Library
Saturday, January 21st | 2PM – 3PM
Listen to an interactive story in English/Korean, learn how to say Korean words, make Korean dumplings and crafts, and enjoy a traditional game. This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
- HDSID Winter Farmers Market — Jersey City | January 19th; Learn more here.
- Food Truck Thursdays at Biertuempful Park — Union | January 19th; Learn more here.
- Disney Movie Trivia at Alementary Brewing Co. — Hackensack | January 19th; Learn more here.
- Trivia Night at Czig Meister Brewing Company — Hackettstown | January 19th; Learn more here.
- Merry Hot Cocoa Pop-Up — Hoboken | January 20th; Learn more here.
- Dog Adoption Event with Hops For Hounds, Your New Best Friend Dog Rescue, + Cold Nose Warm Heart NJ at Jersey Girl Brewing Company — Hackettstown | January 22nd; Learn more here.
Skopos Hospitality Group North Jersey Restaurant Week
Monday, January 23rd – Sunday, February 12th | Ongoing
North Jersey residents can experience prix-fixe menus at participating North Jersey restaurants, including Franklin Social in Jersey City, The Vanguard in Harrison, and The Parkside Social in Verona. Learn more here.
Monday Morning Hybrid Yoga at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Monday, January 23rd | 9:30AM – 10:45AM
Enjoy a meditative yoga class virtually or at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
PSEG True Diversity Film Series Presents: Black-Jewish Allyship Through Creative Expression Hosted by NJPAC
Monday, January 23rd | 7PM
This is a virtual event. Learn more here.
Chip City Newark Grand Opening
Tuesday, January 24th | 10AM – 6PM
Celebrate the opening of this NYC-based cookie chain’s first New Jersey location. This event will be held at 245-281 Market Street in Newark.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Tuesday, January 24th | 4PM – 5PM
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with crafts and stories at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.
Wind Down Wednesdays at Casa de Flora Bar
Wednesday, January 25th | 6PM – 10PM
Enjoy pizza, pasta, and wine at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Trivia Night at The Fox + Falcon
Wednesday, January 25th | 7PM – 9PM
This event will be held at 19 Valley Street in South Orange. Learn more here.
Kids Helping Kids | 229 Midland Avenue
The name of this non-profit is really all that needs to be known to understand the scope of the work. Kids Helping Kids engages middle + high school students in service projects that directly support underserved kids in the area. Since its inception, over 65,000 students have benefited from this partnership across 139 schools through the help of over 5,200 volunteers. Learn more 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 + 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 here.
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, + opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, but also joined forces with women of all backgrounds + 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.
The Best Bagel Spots in the Montclair Area for Your AM Bagel Run
Where to Get Matcha in Montclair + Beyond
New Jersey Beaches to Visit in The Winter
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.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with all the fun happening around the area.
Have a great weekend, xo
Optimum Fiber Internet Expands to Montclair + West Orange
This article is sponsored by Optimum Fiber Internet.
Whether you work from home or just enjoy streaming the latest binge-worthy TV show, fast internet is key — and it shouldn’t break the bank. Luckily, Optimum Fiber Internet recently expanded to Montclair and West Orange, New Jersey with affordable plans and a secure internet connection (so you can stream all the shows). Keep reading to learn more about Optimum Fiber Internet coming to Montclair and West Orange + how to sign up for this new service.
Optimum Lands in Montclair and West Orange
Optimum is one of the largest broadband communications and video service providers in the country. It currently serves about 4.6 million people and businesses in 21 states. As of this fall, Optimum expanded to Montclair and West Orange providing Optimum Fiber Internet, Optimum Mobile, and Optimum TV to local New Jersey residents and businesses.
“Optimum offers unmatched internet speeds in Montclair and West Orange of up to 8 Gig which is faster than the other providers in the market and 4 times faster than Verizon Fios” shared Vic Pascarelli, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Northeast to The Montclair Girl.
Optimum Fiber Internet provides a safe + secure connection, as well as full WiFi coverage at home and access to unlimited data for streaming. Optimum also provides a compatible Gateway modem and WiFi extender for free when setting up Optimum internet service.
With 99.9% network reliability, the internet speed is fast — but don’t just take our word for it. OOKLA Speedtest recognized Optimum as delivering the fastest + most reliable internet speeds in New Jersey.
Affordable Internet, Mobile, + TV Services
There are a variety of packages available for all kinds of internet users that can help you save some serious money on phone and internet bills. There are bundle options with 1 Gig Fiber + TV, 1 Gig Fiber + Mobile, or 1 Gig Fiber + TV + Mobile. Add-ons make it easy to customize the TV viewing experience, cut down on spending, and still enjoy your favorite channels.
But, saving money doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Optimum Mobile is on America’s largest 5G network (and not to throw shade, but has even more coverage than the leading internet and cellular carriers in the USA).
Top-Notch Customer Service
We’ve all been there: trapped in phone call purgatory trying to reach an unreliable communications company. Optimum has great customer service, with 24/7 support available over the phone, on social media, and in a chatbox on its website. There is even an online troubleshooting page for help with additional questions.
“Optimum is also committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve so customers see Optimum and its employees in and around Montclair supporting the people and community,” said Pascarelli.
"This is an exciting time for Montclair and West Orange residents to get connected. If you see an Optimum team member in Montclair, say “hi." We are very excited to be part of the community."
Optimum is a new provider of internet, mobile, TV, and phone services in Montclair and West Orange. You can call 855-273-2071 to inquire and get set up or visit the website to chat with a customer service team member. Tell them we sent you!
