Pride Month and the month that starts summer is here — and Essex County is packed with themed happenings to kick off the sunny days ahead. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has got you covered with Montclair Pride events, a Caribbean poetry showcase, drag queen bingo, and more. Check out this list of all the events happening this weekend, June 2nd – June 5th.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. 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.
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Check out the directory and browse properties here, and to learn more about MG’s Real Estate Directory, click here.
Out Montclair’s Pride Festival
Saturday, June 11th from 12PM-6PM | BUY CONCERT TICKETS
Out Montclair, a local non-profit organization supporting and providing solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community in and around Montclair, is hosting Montclair Pride for the first time ever. The festival is FREE and will be filled with performances, art, culture, food, and music celebrated on two stages across Downtown Montclair, with special guest speakers and LGBTQIA+ talent, surrounded and supported by more than 150 renowned institutions and businesses as partners and sponsors including The Montclair Girl, in one of the largest Pride festivals in the state’s history. Not to mention, Montclair Pride Week includes nine days of events and celebrations leading up to the festival including Pride Night at the Museum, Drag Variety Show, and a closing concert featuring Australian singer/songwriter Betty Who at The Wellmont Theater with tickets for purchase.
Click here to purchase tickets to The Montclair Pride Concert and click here to learn more about Out Montclair.
Personalized Help from the Access Navigator at Montclair Public Library
Thursday, June 2nd | 10AM – 4PM
Montclair Public Library’s Navigator will meet 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 Skating Session for Adults
Thursday, June 2nd | 10:45AM – 12:15PM
A skate session for those who are 35 years old and up. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
New Jersey Symphony at NJPAC
Thursday, June 2nd | 1:30PM
This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Pride Night at the Museum Hosted by Out Montclair
Thursday, June 2nd | 5PM – 9PM
A night of musical programming to kick off Montclair Pride 2022. This event will be held at Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
VIP Cocktail Reception With Artist Kyle Meyer Hosted by Out Montclair
Thursday, June 2nd | 5:30PM – 7PM
Kyle Meyer will discuss his series, Interwoven, at Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Voices From the Caribbean – Poetry Showcase at Montclair Public Library
Thursday, June 2nd | 6:30PM – 7:45PM
Celebrate the culture and oral tradition of the Caribbean with a diverse array of spoken word poets at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ
Thursday, June 2nd | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Showings at The Clairidge
Friday, June 3rd
Films like Crimes of the Future, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love, Poison, and Tangerine are playing this weekend. These events will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Pride Workout Weekend Hosted by Out Montclair
Friday, June 3rd – Monday, June 6th
Explore a variety of workout events to celebrate Montclair Pride 2022. These events will be held in locations throughout Montclair. Learn more here.
Roses to Rock Gardens – In Full Bloom Tour at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Friday, June 3rd + Saturday, June 4th | 11AM – 4PM
Explore Montclair and Verona’s gardens in this exclusive tour. This event is held at multiple locations. Learn more here.
Friday Afternoon Movie at Verona Public Library
Friday, June 3rd | 1PM
This event will be held at 17 Gould Street in Verona. Learn more here.
Intermediate Ukulele at Montclair Public Library
Friday, June 3rd | 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Learn songs in additional keys, a variety of strumming patterns, and learn to play melodic solos on the ukulele. This event will be held at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Opening of Douglas Diaz: Joy Is Happiness For No Reason at Ria x Gallery
Friday, June 3rd | 6PM – 9PM
Browse the work of this Brooklyn-born artist that currently lives in Sweden at 204 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Drag Queen Bingo With Harmonica Sunbeam at Maplewood Village
Friday, June 3rd | 6:30PM – 8PM
Six rounds of hilarious and charismatic bingo in celebration of Maplewood Pride at Maplewood Village. Learn more here.
Movie Night Under the Stars Hosted by Out Montclair
Friday, June 3rd | 7PM – 11PM
Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Live Music with The FuMos at Montclair Brewery
Friday, June 3rd | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This funk, rock, soul, and jazz band will be performing at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Boyz at NJPAC
Friday, June 3rd | 8PM
This group will be performing at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Event Horizon at Just Jakes
Friday, June 3rd | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Live in Living Color! at SOPAC
Saturday, June 4th + Sunday, June 5th | Multiple showtimes
Class Acts Performing Arts Center will be holding its 2022 showcase at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Hasan Minhaj: The King’s Jester Tour at NJPAC
Saturday, June 4th + Sunday, June 5th | Multiple showtimes
This comedian will be performing at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station
Saturday, June 4th | 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.
Young Gardeners Club at Essex County Environmental Center
Saturday, June 4th | 10AM – 11AM
This event is for children ages K-12, and will meet at Garibaldi Hall, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Signs of Pride at The Woodland Parlor
Saturday, June 4th | 11AM – 1PM
A sign-making event for the MAPSO Equality March. This event will be held at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Alice + Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium at Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, June 4th | 11AM, 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.
Sophisticated Science at the Turtle Back Zoo
Saturday, June 4th | 1PM – 3PM
A conservation program that covers topics such as animal anatomy, habitats and conservation, animal careers, and more. This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Sunset Saturdays – Vin at Maplewood Village
Saturday, June 4th | 6PM – 8PM
Enjoy live music on the street at Maplewood Village at this family-friendly event. Learn more here.
Art in the Garden at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Saturday, June 4th | 6PM – 11PM
A fundraiser and garden party with live and silent auctions, cocktails, a full open bar, food, live music, and more. This event will be held at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.
Broadway Then + Now at NJPAC
Saturday, June 4th | 6PM, 8PM
Watch Ted Sperling, Santino Fontana, and Jessica Vosk perform at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Live Music with The Richard Pierson Band at Montclair Brewery
Friday, June 3rd | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This classic but funky jazz band will be performing at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Almost Easy at Just Jake’s
Saturday, June 4th 28th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This band will be performing at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
2022 5K Run + Walk at Giralda Farms
Sunday, June 5th
Walk or run in memory of a loved one at 152 Loantaka Way in Madison. Learn more here.
Summit Challenge at The Park
Sunday, June 5th
Watch challengers take on a multi-stage obstacle course surrounded by a festival of food and entertainment as they raise funds for Summit Cares cancer programs. This event will be held at The Park 350 Connell Drive in Berkely Heights. Learn more here.
Arboretum Explorers Hosted by Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Sunday, June 5th | 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Explore the Passaic River’s scenery and wildlife. Learn more here.
Lantern Festival For Justice + Remembrance Hosted by AAPI Montclair
Sunday, June 5th | 6PM – 9PM
Remember those killed and harmed by violence, injustice, and anti-Asian hate at Edgemont Park in Montclair. 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.
Listen on the Lawn at Montclair Public Library
Thursday, June 2nd | 11AM – 11:30AM
An in-person storytime for children up to age 5. This event will be held at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Kristen Balouch, One Million Trees Storytime on the GreenHosted by Watchung Booksellers
Friday, June 3rd | 4PM
This event will be held at the Watchung Plaza Green in Montclair. Learn more here.
June Family Sundays at Newark Museum of Art
Sunday, June 5th | 10AM
A day of family fun activities at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Sunday Studio at Montclair Art Museum
Sunday, June 5th | 1PM – 4PM
A family-friendly art-making activity inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions. This event will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
NJPAC’s Celebrity Roast of Christian McBride
Monday, June 6th | 6PM
This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
American Sign Language For Beginners Class at Montclair Public Library
Monday, June 6th | 6PM – 7PM
Learn fingerspelling, vocabulary, and ASL concepts, and become familiar with Deaf culture. This event will be held at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Open Level Pilates on the Mat at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, June 7th | 11AM – 11:45AM
This classic Pilates series is a virtual event. Learn more here.
Spanish Class at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, June 7th | 6:15PM – 7:30PM
This intermediate class will help expand your Spanish vocabulary and more, and will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Pro-Choice Dance Party at Montclair Brewery
Tuesday, June 7th | 6:30PM – 9:30PM
A dance-a-thon to benefit Yellowhammer, an organization that provides abortion access in the deep south. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Reading Scripture with Pride Hosted by Out Montclair
Tuesday, June 7th | 7PM – 9PM
Hear from LGBTQ people of faith on their experiences and watch clergy reflect on why Sacred Scriptures should not be weaponized against LGBTQ people. This event will be held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Poetry Writing Workshop at Montclair Public Library
Tuesday, June 7th | 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.
Tours at Montclair History Center
Wednesday, June 8th | 12PM – 3PM
Explore stories of the Crane House + Historic YMCA at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.
Cream Tea at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Wednesday, June 8th | 1PM – 2:30PM
Enjoy a tea service with scones and finger sandwhciehs while overlooking the gardens. This event will be held at The Secret Tea Room, 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.
Frog Pond Club at Essex County Environmental Center
Wednesday, June 8th | 4PM – 5PM
Uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. This event will be held at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Taste of Screenwriting at Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, June 8th | 5:30PM – 7:30PM
This adult school class is held in partnership with Montclair Film, and will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Cornhole League Meet at Montclair Brewery
Wednesday, June 8th | 6:30PM – 9:30PM
This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Colin Jost at The Wellmont Theater
Wednesday, June 8th | 8PM
Colin is the head writer of Saturday Night Live, and will be performing at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Communities Promoting Animal Welfare in NJ | Montclair
With options to help from home, at school, in-person, and virtually, the entire community can help save animals in the area. Volunteers are needed to help educate the community on animal welfare, help organize events, transport animals to and from doctor’s visits, and more. Learn more here.
House of Love Soup Kitchen/Pantry | Newark
The House of Love Soup Kitchen is run completely by volunteers and serves about 30 neighbors every Tuesday for two hours. In addition to a hot nutritious meal, guests receive spiritual guidance, connection to resources of other non-profits in the area, and ‘care packages’ of perishable and non-perishable goods. Learn more here.
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris | 33 South Fullerton Avenue
The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is working to reverse the stigma around Mental Health and provide support to those living with mental illness as well as their caregivers. Through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and services, the organization is working to achieve its mission. Case management services, suicide prevention work, and housing opportunities are just a small sample of the community work of this organization. Learn more here.
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Have an event you’d like included in our guide? Email it to events@themontclairgirl.com 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
