Home Best of Guides 93 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | May 18-21

93 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | May 18-21

by The Montclair Girl Team
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As we reach the middle of the month of May, the days are longer and sunnier here in Essex County. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with a Grand Opening Party at Urban Natural Home, Love + Unity Comedy Night at Shillelagh Pub, the Forest Hill Historic House + Garden Tour at Ballantine Gates, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, May 18th – May 21st, 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.

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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

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featured events

Union Congregational Church’s Spring Concert

Saturday, May 20th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 21st at 12:00PM | LEARN MORE

union congressional church

Union Congregational Church, located at 176 Cooper Avenue in Montclair, is hosting a spring concert this Saturday, May 20th at 7:00PM  and Sunday, May 21st at 12:00PM with the Sanctuary Choir and select orchestra. The Heavens Are Telling: Songs from the Sky is a community concert including a collection of songs about the stars and heavens featuring works by Haydn, Esenvalds, Lauridsen, Dolly Parton, and more. Admission to the concert is free with donations graciously accepted. Make sure you let them know The Montclair Girl sent you.

Follow @unioncongmtc on Instagram and click here to learn more about Union Congregational Church.

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The Local Girl Real Estate Listings

Live Now | BROWSE THE DIRECTORY

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To make home hunting that much simpler, our parent brand The Local Girl has launched a Real Estate Listings Directory. The directory is an ever-growing, curated list of real estate properties throughout New Jersey, from Montclair + Essex County to the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re looking for a new house, condo, rental, or you’re looking to list your property as a realtor or owner, we’re here to help you find your way home.

Click here to browse The Local Girl’s real estate listings directory and click here to learn more about how it works.

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Website Divider Button Thursday Events

Launchpad Exhibition at Studio Montclair

Ongoing until May 20th

This exhibition will be featuring the thesis work of select graduating students of the Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University. This exhibition will be on display at 127 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


It Ain’t Over Movie Screening at The Clairidge

Thursday, May 18th | Various times

Come out for a special screening of the Yogi Berra documentary It Ain’t Over. This event will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


The Glided Age Lecture at Greenwood Gardens

Thursday, May 18th | 3PM – 4:30PM

This lecture will be based on The American Gilded Age, which was a period of economic change in the country. This event will be held at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills. Learn more here.


Networking Happy Hour at Montclair Brewery

Thursday, May 18th | 5PM – 7:30PM

The beSure Network is seeking local professionals for their growing networking group at this happy hour. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Yappy Hour at Montclair Brewery

Thursday, May 18th | 5PM – 7:30PM

Bring your best four-legged friend for a brew outside on the Montclair Brewery’s outdoor patio. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Grand Opening Party at Urban Natural Home

Thursday, May 18th | 5PM – 8PM

Urban Natural Home is celebrating its grand opening with food, drinks, live music, and prizes the whole family can enjoy. This event will be held at 5 South Willow Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Inspired Minds Opening Reception at SOPAC

Thursday, May 18th | 5PM – 8PM

SOPAC celebrates young artists in this new exhibit. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Montclair Pride Volunteer Drive at First Lutheran Church

Thursday, May 18th | 6PM – 8PM

This event will be held at 153 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Ladies’ Night Out in Uptown Montclair

Thursday, May 18th | 6PM – 9PM

Enjoy an evening of shopping, giveaways, music, raffles, drinks, and more. This event will be held at 598 Valley Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


BoDeans at SOPAC

Thursday, May 18th | 7:30PM

This musical event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place

Thursday, May 18th | 7:30PM

In collaboration with NJPAC, this monthly Jazz Jam session is back that features several NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This event will be held at 15 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Sip + Sing Karaoke at Montclair Brewery

Thursday, May 18th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM

Enjoy a night of karaoke, music, socializing, and beer. This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ

Thursday, May 18th | 8PM

Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


Love + Unity Comedy Night at Shillelagh Pub

Thursday, May 18th | 8PM

Come out for a night of comedy in the spirit of Love + Unity featuring a lineup of comics. This event will be held at 648 Prospect Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Friday Events

Showings at The Clairidge

Friday, May 19th | Various times

Films like Beau is Afraid, Book Club: The Next Chapter, Fast X, and more are playing this weekend. These events will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Codey Arena Learn to Skate, Public Skating Session, + Family Stick + Puck

Friday, May 19th | Various times

These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Block to Block at Hawthorne Avenue Farm

Friday, May 19th | 8:30AM – 3PM

In collaboration with Tito’s, volunteers will come together to help prepare the farm for the upcoming growing season. This event will be held at 446 Hawthorne Avenue in Newark. Learn more here.


Rapid Ride with Matthew at Ride It Fitness

Friday, May 19th | 9:30AM – 10AM

This workout class will be held at 50 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


Cornerstone Café at Montclair Art Museum

Friday, May 19th | 10AM – 4PM

Explore the MAM’s in-house coffee shop at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


The Golden Rule Sailing Ship at Riverfront Park

Friday, May 19th | 6PM – 8PM

Veterans For Peace will be bringing its famed anti-nuke, anti-war sailboat to 1-3 Brill Street. Learn more here.


Fresh Botanical Wood Wick Candle Making with The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Friday, May 19th | 6PM – 8PM

In this workshop, you will learn how to make your own fresh botanical wood-wick candles. Registration is required. This event will be held virtually and in person at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Expressions of Love + Unity Open Mic Showcase at Luna Stage

Friday, May 19th | 7PM

Hosted by GODSENT, enjoy a night of poetry, singing, rapping, dancing, and more. This event will be held at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. Learn more here.


Live Music: The Fermenters at Shillelagh Pub

Friday, May 19th | 8PM

This musical event will be held at 648 Prospect Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


An Evening with Eleri Ward at SOPAC

Friday, May 19th | 8PM

This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Trap Karaoke at Wellmont Theater

Friday, May 19th | 9PM

This musical event will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


The Cliffs at Just Jake’s

Friday, May 19th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM

This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Saturday Events

Codey Arena Learn to Skate, Public Skating Sessions, + Family Stick + Puck

Saturday, May 20th | Various times

These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Rose Squared Art Show at Verona Park

Saturday, May 20th – Sunday, May 21st | 10AM – 5PM

This free event welcomes guests to explore artists from around the nation that will showcase their unique art and fine crafts. This event will be held at Porcello Lane in Verona. Learn more here.


Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station

Saturday, May 20th | 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.


Fill-A-Truck at Kidville Montclair

Saturday, May 20th | 9:30AM – 11:30AM

Join Macaroni KID to Fill-A-Truck for Room to Grow, they will be collecting new and like-new baby and toddler items. This event will be held at 516 Valley Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


Personal Finance Fair at Science Park High School

Saturday, May 20th | 11AM – 2PM

This fair will feature financial tips from community-based organizations, financial institutions, and other nonprofit partners. This event will be held at 260 Norfolk Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Forest Hill Historic House + Garden Tour at Ballantine Gates

Saturday, May 20th | 11AM – 4PM

Step inside Newark’s historic homes as well as explore blooming spaces. This event will be held at Ballantine Parkway in Newark. Learn more here.


Montclair Vintage Market at Pineapple Express Barbecue

Saturday, May 20th | 12PM – 5PM

Hosted by Pineapple Express Barbecue, the market will highlight vintage shopping, food, drink, and music. This event will be held at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.


AAPI Jazz Fest 2023 at Express Newark

Saturday, May 20th | 12PM – 10PM

This festival will feature a wide variety of AAPI jazz musicians and voices. This event will be held at 54 Halsey Street in Newark. Learn more here.


8th Annual Love + Unity Fest at Liberty Middle School

Saturday, May 20th | 1PM

Bring your family and lawn chairs for a day of music from around the world. This event will be held at 1 Kelly Drive in West Orange. Learn more here.


Playing Card Art Workshop with The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Saturday, May 20th | 2PM – 4PM

In this workshop, you will learn how to make mini-works of art from an ordinary deck of playing cards. Registration is required. This event will be held virtually and in person at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Aging in Montclair Saturday Social on Zoom

Saturday, May 20th | 4PM

This virtual presentation will discuss New Jersey disability law, rights, and justice with special guest, Ruth Lowenkron. Learn more here.


94 Proof at Just Jakes

Saturday, May 20th | 6PM – 8PM

This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Live Music: Parker McQueeney Organ Trio at Montclair Brewery

Saturday, May 20th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM

This musical performance will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Live Music: Gregory Ave Band at Shillelagh Pub

Saturday, May 20th | 8PM

This musical event will be held at 648 Prospect Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


New Jersey Symphony at NJPAC

Saturday, May 20th | 8PM

New Jersey Symphony presents a show that is inspired by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Jim Norton at Wellmont Theater

Saturday, May 20th | 8PM

Stand-up comedian, radio personality,  author, and actor, Jim Norton will be taking the stage at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


The After Party at Montclair Art Museum

Saturday, May 20th | 9PM

Come out to a night with cocktails and music played by DJ Prince Hakim. This event will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Rocky Horror Picture Show Prom Night at SOPAC’s The Village

Saturday, May 20th | 9PM

Ordinary Kids presents this live movie experience and welcomes guests to dress to impress with their prom-themed outfits and dance the night away. This event will be held at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Band of Make Believe at Just Jakes

Saturday, May 20th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM

This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Sunday Events

Love in The French New Wave at The Clairidge

Sunday, May 21st | Various times

Montclair Film and La Cinémathèque come together to celebrate The French New Wave, one of the impactful movements of 1960s European cinema. This event will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Local Voices: Memories, Stories, + Portraits Exhibit at Grounds For Sculpture

Sunday, May 21st | Various times

This exhibit will be on display at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton. Learn more here.


Spiral Q: The Parade at Grounds For Sculpture

Sunday, May 21st | Various times

This exhibit will be on display at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton. Learn more here.


Codey Arena Learn to Skate, Public Skating Sessions, + Family Stick + Puck

Sunday, May 21st | Various times

These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Healing Sounds in the Loft at SOPAC

Sunday, May 21st | Various times

In this 75-minute guided, Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath, take a journey of sound and energy to recalibrate and balance the flow of energy. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


2nd Annual 5K Walkathon at Liberty State Park

Sunday, May 21st | 8:30AM

Essex County-based nonprofit, Embrace Relief will hold its 2nd Annual 5K Walkathon to benefit Africa. This event will be held at 30 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City. Learn more here


May Family Sundays at The Newark Museum of Art

Sunday, May 21st | 10AM – 5PM

Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Guided House Tour at Crane House + Historic YWCA

Sunday, May 21st | 12PM – 3PM

The Guided House Tour is an in-person guided tour that will take guests on a tour of the Crane House and Historic YWCA. This event will be held at 110 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


Cell Phone Photography with The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Sunday, May 21st | 2PM – 4PM

In this workshop, you will learn how to create photographs using only your cell phone. Registration is required. This event will be held virtually and in person at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Roseland Historical Society Annual Tea Party at Harrison House

Sunday, May 21st | 2PM – 4PM

Learn about tea etiquette and enjoy assorted teas, finger sandwiches, and desserts. Come in your finest tea party attire for a chance to win a prize. This event will be held at 126 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.


Rookwood Art Poetry at Greenwood Gardens

Sunday, May 21st | 3PM – 5PM

This presentation will show the garden’s extensive collection of classic 1920s Arts and Crafts style Rookwood tiles. This event will be held at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills. Learn more here.


Sound Bath Healing + Gentle Yoga at Yoga Mechanics

Sunday, May 21st | 5PM

Nourish and relax your nervous system with yoga and a healing vibrations performance from Michael Browne and Lauren Hemley. This event will be held at 107 Forest Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Lantern Festival at Edgemont Memorial Park

Sunday, May 21st | 6PM – 9PM

AAPI Montclair will host a night of lighting thousands of lanterns in remembrance of those harmed by violence and injustice. This event will be held at Valley Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Kid-Friendly Events

Animal Kingdom Exhibit at Newark Museum of Art

Ongoing

This exhibit explores a series of immersive and interactive experiences featuring art, animal specimen, and hands-on activities for all ages. This event will take place at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Discovery Weekends at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Ongoing 

Explore the Arboretum when the gardens and grounds are alive with the sights and sounds of spring. This event will be held at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.


Arboretum Afternoons: Creature Communication at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Thursday, May 18th | 4PM-5PM

Children can enjoy exploring nature with the Arboretum’s Environmental Educators. Stories, hikes, themed games, experiments, and one-of-a-kind art projects are all part of the fun. This event will be held at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.


Fishing Derbies for Kids at Multiple Locations

Tuesday, May 23rd + Wednesday, May 24th | 5PM

This free event welcomes children ages 15 and younger to participate in fishing derbies. This event will be held at various locations in Essex County. Learn more here.


dog friendly events

This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.

  • HDSID Farmers Market — Jersey City | May 18th; Learn more here.
  • Food Truck Thursdays at Biertuempful Park — Union | May 18th; Learn more here.
  • Hackensack Brewing Vinyl Thursdays — Hackensack | May 18th; Learn more here.
  • Yappy Hour at Montclair Brewery — Boonton | May 18th; Learn more here.
  • Van Vorst Farmers Market — Jersey City | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Hoboken Uptown Farmers Market — Hoboken | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Strutt your Mutt — Boonton | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Franklin Township Food + Music Festival — Somerset | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Corgi Meetup at Brookdale Park — Montclair | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Peace, Love, + Pitties — Morristown | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Wayne Farmers Market — Wayne | May 20th; Learn more here.
  • Clinton Community Farmers Market — Clinton | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • NJ Wiener Club Meetup at Hamilton Park — Jersey City | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • West End Farmers Market — Hackettstown | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • Garden State Plaza Farmers Market Hosted by Mega Bite — Paramus | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • Main Street Pops — Hoboken | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • Empanada Festival — Clifton | May 21st; Learn more here.
  • Bark-B-Q at The Pup Club — Colonia | May 21st; Learn more here.

Website Divider Button Weekday Events

Trevor Noah at NJPAC

Monday, May 22nd + Wednesday, May 24th | Various times

Trevor Noah brings his Off The Record Tour to 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Monday Morning Hybrid Yoga at Van Vleck House + Gardens

Monday, May 22nd | 9:30AM – 10:45AM

Enjoy a meditative yoga class virtually or at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Stronger Together Discussion on Zoom

Monday, May 22nd | 7PM

This NJPAC-hosted discussion will be held virtually on Zoom. Learn more here.


Crochet Wire Choker Necklace Making with The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Tuesday, May 23rd | 6PM – 7:30PM

Learn how to make your own crochet wire and crystal necklace in this workshop. This event will be held virtually and at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Registration is required. Learn more here.


Walking the Old Boonton Line at Bloomfield Civic Center

Tuesday, May 23rd | 7:30PM

Guests will get a glimpse of a photographic journey about the abandoned rails of New Jersey. This event will be held at 84 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.


Tie-Dye Party at Union Congregational Church

Wednesday, May 24th | 6PM – 8PM

Out Montclair Teens are invited to a tie-dye party in preparation for Montclair Pride’s week of events. This event will be held at 176 Cooper Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Live Music Wednesdays at Luna Stella

Wednesday, May 24th | 6PM – 9PM

Enjoy live music at Luna Stella while you eat dinner and have a drink. This event will be held at 5 Highland Place in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Wind Down Wednesdays at Casa de Flora Bar

Wednesday, May 24th | 6PM – 10PM

Enjoy pizza, pasta, and wine at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.


Unrivaled Opening Reception at Tiny Gallery

Wednesday, May 24th | 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Explore an opening reception that will feature a collection of extraordinary women by Jen Hager. This event will be held at 8 Stanford Place in Montclair. Learn more here.


My Cousin Maria Schneider Book Talk + Signing at The Clairidge

Wednesday, May 24th | 7:30PM

Join a special discussion with author Vanessa Schneider and translator/actress Molly Ringwald about their collaboration on the new book, My Cousin Maria Schneider. This event will be held at 505 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Taproom Trivia at Montclair Brewery

Wednesday, May 24th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM

This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Ways To Give Back Locally

First Seventh-Day Adventist Church Soup Kitchen | 15 Elmwood Avenue, Montclair

Every Sunday from 12PM-2:30PM, the soup kitchen at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church is available to those in need in the community. Join as a volunteer in this ministry that has been in and of service for over a decade. Volunteers are needed to prepare + serve food. Learn more here.


LGBT Rain Foundation Essex County | 168 N Park Street, East Orange

The mission of LGBT Rain Foundation of Essex County is to get 18-26 LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness on the path from transitional housing to permanent housing. A variety of tasks are needed to run this foundation. Volunteers are asking to make a six-month commitment at a time to allow for relationship building with the residents. Learn more here.


Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation | 228 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Recreation, community, + education are essential to childhood development. Through various programs, the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is able to provide a positive environment for children in the community. The year-long program, Project Oasis, is broken up into two seasons + focuses on closing the achievement gap among African American youth. These services are only made possible by the support of volunteers, mentors, + donors. Learn more here.


weekend planning

Thrift Stores + Consignment Shops to Visit in Northern NJ

This Wood-Ridge Club Has a Must-Visit Rooftop Bar

This Family-Owned Italian Spot Has Been Serving Roseland for 40 Years


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.com for more info on featured events.

Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with all the fun happening around the area.

Have a great weekend, xo

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