The events are heating up in Essex County as warm weather approaches and we look ahead to the weekend. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with the Montclair Literary Festival, a Birder’s Walk at Greenwood Gardens, Bracelet Making at The Eclectic Chic Boutique, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, May 4th – May 7th, 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 Lane Team is also a sponsor for The Walnut Street Fair, which is taking place this Sunday, May 7th in Montclair.
The Walnut Street Fair in Montclair
Sunday, May 7th from 11:00AM-4:00PM | LEARN MORE
The 2023 Walnut Street Fair is happening this Sunday, May 7th from 11:00AM-4:00PM on Walnut Street (between Forest Street and Grove Street) in Montclair with over 200 local vendors and food trucks. The traditional street fair will feature a main stage with musical performances, a beer garden, kids classes, face painting, a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, a full-scale replica of Optimus Prime from Transformers and so much more. The day event + all kids activities are free to the public and could not happen without some of the amazing local sponsors including The Lane Team, The Bravitas Group, and many more.
Click here for more details and learn more about the Walnut Street Fair.
Urban Natural Home’s Grand Opening Event in Montclair
Thursday, May 18th from 5:00PM-8:00PM | RSVP NOW
Urban Natural Home, located at 5 S Willow Street, is thrilled to join the Montclair community and is celebrating with a grand opening event next Thursday, May 18th from 5:00PM-8:00PM with a commemorative ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce at 6:00PM. The event will include live Blues music by the Michael Reitman Band along with organic wine, beer from Montclair Brewery, St. Agrestis non-alcoholic Phony Negronis, pies from The Pie Store, sweets from Scream Truck, and fun giveaways + raffles from Urban Natural. Plus, the first 20 guests to arrive will receive a free tote bag and signature candle (RSVP for the grand opening is required). Make sure you let them know The Montclair Girl sent you.
Click here to RSVP to the grand opening event and click here to learn more about Urban Natural Home.
Say Hello to 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.
Papaver Exhibit at SOPAC
Ongoing until Sunday, May 7th
This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Art in the Heart of Campus Exhibition at Susan A. Cole Hall
Ongoing until Tuesday, May 9th
This Montclair State University student-led art exhibition will be on display at 1 East Normal Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Montclair Literary Festival
Ongoing until Thursday, May 11th
The festival will kick off on May 4th with an event featuring Broadway legend Chita Rivera in conversation with local stage and screen actress Laura Benanti. This event will be held at various locations in Montclair. Learn more here.
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.
Shen Yun at NJPAC
Thursday, May 4th – Sunday, May 7th | Various times
The Chinese dance company Shen Yun will take audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture, weaving a wondrous tapestry of ancient legends, modern heroic tales, and treasured traditions. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Annual Herb + Heirloom Tomato Sale at Montclair History Center
Thursday, May 4th – Sunday, May 7th | Various times
Come out to pick up unique, organic herbs for your garden. This event will be held at
Birder’s Walk at Greenwood Gardens
Thursday, May 4th | 8AM – 11AM
Expert New Jersey Audubon Naturalist Dave Hall will lead a walk to seek out the songbirds of spring. Registration is required. This event will be held at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills. Learn more here.
Spectrum360 on Tap at Glenbrook Brewery
Thursday, May 4th | 6PM – 9PM
Join an evening at Glenbrook Brewery, where there will be locally brewed beer, food, live music, a basket raffle, and more in support of Spectrum360’s programs and services. This event will be held at 95 Morris Street in Morristown. Learn more here.
Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be With You at Montclair Film
Thursday, May 4th | 6:30PM
Out Montclair presents a movie screening of Star Wars: A New Hope. There will be a cosplay contest, theme snacks and drinks, merch, and trivia. This event will be held at 505 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Michelle Buteau at NJPAC
Thursday, May 4th | 7PM
New Jersey’s own Michelle Buteau will be performing at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Sip + Sing Karaoke at Montclair Brewery
Thursday, May 4th | 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 4th | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Non-Productive Comedy Show at Just Jake’s
Friday, May 5th | 8PM – 10PM
This comedy show will feature all-star comedians like Jim Search, Tiz Irie, Angela Sharp, Jordan Fried, and more. This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Rummage Sale at Far Hills Fairground
Friday, May 5th – Sunday, May 7th | Various times
Hundreds of volunteers come out and attract thousands of bargain hunters who scour two acres and 25 departments of bargain merchandise including pet supplies, antiques, appliances, electronics, and more. This event will be held in Far Hills. Learn more here.
Showings at The Clairidge
Friday, May 5th | Various times
Films like Everything Went Fine, Joyland, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, 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 5th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Montclair Bike Bus Launch at Multiple Locations
Friday, May 5th | 8AM – 9:30AM
Come out to one of several routes that lead to local schools. This will be the official kick-off of a grassroots movement to make riding to school with kids joyful, fun, and safe. This event will be held at multiple locations and RSVP is required. Learn more here.
Mindful Self-Compassion Course with Marcie Handler + Beth Sandweiss
Friday, May 5th | 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, May 5th | 10AM – 4PM
Explore the MAM’s in-house coffee shop at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Cinco de Mayo with Matthew at Ride It Fitness
Friday, May 5th | 4PM – 4:30PM
This workout class will be held at 50 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
Mass Appeal Fashion Show at Montclair State University’s Presentation Hall
Friday, May 5th | 6PM
The FADM juried fashion show, Mass Appeal, returns to honor creators and scholars from the fashion design studio courses and independent design. This event will be held at 1 Normal Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Bracelet Making at The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Friday, May 5th | 6PM – 7:30PM
In this monthly free Friday event, learn how to make your own bead bracelets. This class is perfect for beginners and experienced beaders alike. This event will be held at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Gary Gulman at NJPAC
Friday, May 5th | 7PM
Standup comedian Gary Gulman will use his charm to explore issues of wealth and class, starting with his own humble roots in this performance. This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Live Music: Joe Taino and The Blue Flames at Montclair Brewery
Friday, May 5th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Listen to Joe Taino and The Blue Flames perform at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Pink Talking Fish at Wellmont Theater
Friday, May 5th | 8PM
This musical event will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Emily King at SOPAC
Friday, May 5th | 8PM
This musical event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Event Horizon at Just Jake’s
Friday, May 5th | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Free Museum Admission at Various Locations
Saturday, May 6th + Sunday, May 7th | Various times
Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to Morris Museum, Montclair Art Museum, and The Newark Museum of Art. This event will be held at various locations. Learn more here.
Codey Arena Learn to Skate, Public Skating Sessions, + Family Stick + Puck
Saturday, May 6th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Alice + Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium at Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, May 6th | Various times
This planetarium is an interactive theater that explores astronomy, space, and planetary science. This event will be held at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Free Comic Book Day at East Side Mags + Fortress of Solitude
Saturday, May 6th
These events will take place at 491 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair and 53 University Avneue in Newark. Learn more here.
Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station
Saturday, May 6th | 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.
Big Truck Day at Universal Technical Institute
Saturday, May 6th | 9AM – 12PM
Bloomfield Township is hosting a big truck/electronic recycling event. While kids are sitting in and pretending to drive Bloomfield’s big trucks, parents can drop off e-waste such as computers, monitors, wires, cables, keyboards, phones, TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. This event will be held at 1515 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Boutique + Rummage Sale at Community Congregational Church
Saturday, May 6th | 9AM – 3PM
This is a community-wide effort involving volunteers from Millburn and Short Hills community organizations and churches. Discover an array of gently used toys, housewares, linens, sports equipment, and more. This event will be held at 200 Hartshorn Drive in Short Hills. Learn more here.
Trans-Health Summit at Project WOW Pride Center
Saturday, May 6th | 11AM – 2PM
Join this event to raise awareness of transgender health and wellness. This event will be held at 45 Commerce Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Gel Plate Monoprinting with The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Friday, May 5th | 6PM – 7:30PM
Guests will learn how to create layers of color and texture with textured prints, and with this satisfying and creative process, you will discover how each print becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art. This event will be held virtually and at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Sterling vs. Cejudo at Prudential Center
Saturday, May 6th | 6PM
This UFC tournament will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Steve Wilson Trio at Bethany Baptist Church
Saturday, May 6th | 6PM
Bandleader, sideman, and jazz educator, Steve Wilson will be backed by bassist Ed Howard and pianist and organist Miki Yamanaka in this performance. This event will be held at 275 West Market Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Live Music: Nick Dunbar + Sad Cowboy at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, May 6th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This musical performance will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Audio Riot at Just Jakes
Saturday, May 6h | 10:30PM – 1:30AM
This event will be held at 30 Park Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Local Voices: Memories, Stories, + Portraits Exhibit at Grounds For Sculpture
Sunday, May 7th | 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 7th | 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 7th | Various times
These events will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
May Family Sundays at The Newark Museum of Art
Sunday, May 7th | 10AM – 5PM
Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family at 49 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.
NJ NEDA Walk at Verona Park
Sunday, May 7th | 10:30AM
The NJ NEDA Walk empowers the community to gather and celebrate connecting with one another, to collectively take a stand against eating disorders, and to raise awareness and funds for NEDA to continue their work. This event will be held at Porcello Lane in Verona. Learn more here.
The Glen Ridge House Tour Hosted by the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge
Sunday, May 7th | 1PM – 5:30PM
This self-guided tour is a showcase of exceptional homes followed by a reception and boutiques at the Clubhouse. This event will be held at 219 Ridgewood Avenue in Glen Ridge. Learn more here.
Make an Explosion Box Workshop with The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Sunday, May 7th | 2PM – 3:30PM
In this class, guests will learn how to make a spring-themed explosion box. Participants must bring their own machines and copies of photos to participate. This event will be held virtually and at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Laura Benati at SOPAC
Sunday, May 7th | 3PM
This musical event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes at Prudential Center
Sunday, May 7th | 3:30PM
This NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals game will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Bad Omens at Wellmont Theater
Sunday, May 7th | 7:30PM
This musical event will be held at 5 Seymour Street 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.
Imaginature: Children’s Book Art at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Ongoing until May 14th
This exhibition features illustrations, paintings, and woodblock prints by award-winning artists Margaret Peot and Giselle Potter at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. 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: Mini Beasts at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Thursday, May 4th | 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.
The Jungle Book at SOPAC
Saturday, May 6th | 1PM
Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this tale will delight the young and the young at heart. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
- Merry Hot Cocoa Pop-Ups — Hoboken | Various dates + times; Learn more here.
- Alementary Brewing Co Star Wars Trivia Night — Hackensack | May 4th; Learn more here.
- HDSID Farmers Market — Jersey City | May 4th; Learn more here.
- Food Truck Thursdays at Biertuempful Park — Union | May 4th; Learn more here.
- Hackensack Brewing Vinyl Thursdays — Hackensack | May 4th; Learn more here.
- Van Vorst Farmers Market — Jersey City | May 6th; Learn more here.
- Hoboken Uptown Farmers Market — Hoboken | May 6th; Learn more here.
- Tarot Card Reading for Your Pooch at The Wellness Path — Chester | May 6th; Learn more here.
- Wayne Farmers Market — Wayne | May 6th; Learn more here.
- Paramus Food Truck + Music Festival — Paramus | May 7th; Learn more here.
- Clinton Community Farmers Market — Clinton | May 7th; Learn more here.
- Hoboken Arts + Music Festival — Hoboken | May 7th; Learn more here.
- West End Farmers Market — Hackettstown | May 7th; Learn more here.
- Summit Farmer’s Market — Summit | May 7th; Learn more here.
Bubble + Flow at the Tiny Gallery Montclair
Ongoing until May 12th
Dive into the underwater vistas of Bloomfield artist Trillian. Her aquatic-inspired installation, featuring sculptures and paintings, immerses you in a world of vibrant color and bioluminescence. This event will be held at 8 Stanford Place in Montclair. Learn more here.
Monday Morning Hybrid Yoga at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Monday, May 8th | 9:30AM – 10:45AM
Enjoy a meditative yoga class virtually or at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Crocheted Wire Bracelet Making Workshop with The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Tuesday, May 9th | 6PM – 8PM
Guests will learn how to make their own crochet wire bracelets. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. This event will be held virtually and at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Wind Down Wednesdays at Casa de Flora Bar
Wednesday, May 10th | 6PM – 10PM
Enjoy pizza, pasta, and wine at 75 Washington Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.
Live Music Wednesdays at Luna Stella
Wednesday, May 10th | 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.
Anita Baker at Prudential Center
Wednesday, May 10th | 7PM
Grammy Award-winning superstar, Anita Baker will be bringing her The Songstress Tour to the Prudential Center. This musical event will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Taproom Trivia at Montclair Brewery
Wednesday, May 10th | 7:30PM – 9:30PM
This event will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Theo Von at NJPAC
Wednesday, May 10th | 8PM
Comedian Theo Von will be performing at 1 Center Street in Newark. 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.
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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
