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.
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.
Union Congregational Church’s Spring Concert
Saturday, May 20th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 21st at 12:00PM | LEARN MORE
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.
The Local Girl Real Estate Listings
Live Now | BROWSE THE DIRECTORY
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 [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
