As we reach the midway point of October, locals are enjoying the cooler fall temperatures and all of the happenings going on in Essex County. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with Montclair Improv Comedy at Cinema505, a Murder Mystery Dinner at Casa de Flora Bar, a M&M’s Halloween Treat Truck Tour in Newark, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do in North Jersey this weekend, October 19th – October 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.
Haunted House at Montclair Book Center
Saturday, October 28th from 7:00PM to midnight | FOLLOW ON IG
Montclair Book Center, located at 221 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, is a local landmark and has been open for 39 years, selling new, used, and rare books, as well as records and records on consignment, apparel + merch, and assorted oddities. On Saturday, October 28th from 7:00PM to midnight, the bookstore is teaming up with other local businesses including White Rabbit Black Heart, East Side Mags, and DollyMoo, and transforming into a Haunted House — featuring spooky decor and fun raffles + assorted prizes throughout the night. Not to mention, admission to the haunted house will be just $5 for anyone who joins East Side Mags Zombie Walk and is dressed like zombies at the time of entry. Plus, you can receive 10% off all non-consignment items on Saturday, 10/28 if you mention the secret phrase “Montclair Spook Center” at checkout.
Click here to follow on IG + more details about the Haunted House event, and click here to learn more about Montclair Book Center.
Messika Paris Trunk Show + Diamond Giveaway at Frederic’s Fine Jewelers
Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st from 10:00AM -5:00PM | SHOP MESSIKA
Frederic’s Fine Jewelers, located at 233 Bellevue Avenue in Uptown Montclair, is hosting a two-day trunk show event with Messika Paris this Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st from 10:00AM-5:00PM. The store will be completely transformed into a Parisian boutique with French-inspired light bites, desserts, wine, and champagne. A Messika Paris brand ambassador will also be present, showcasing the jewelry collection and one-of-a-kind and limited-edition items during the event. Plus, MG readers will have the chance to win an 18-Karat Yellow Gold Move Uno Diamond Bracelet from one of Messika’s signature collections, Move Classique when you mention ‘Montclair Girl’ to Frederic’s team during the trunk show event.
Click here to shop Messika Paris and click here to learn more about Frederic’s Fine Jewelers.
Montclair Film Festival Begins 10/20
Starts Friday, October 20th through Sunday, October 29th | BUY TICKETS
The 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival is back this Friday, October 20th through Sunday, October 29th and will take place in numerous locations throughout Montclair and Newark. The festival will feature ten days of films, conversations, events, panels, and an exclusive sit down with 2023 Filmmaker Tribute honoree Martin Scorsese hosted by Stephen Colbert. Other notable screenings and events include Dream Scenario, American Symphony, My December, Stamped from the Beginning, and Robot Dreams, as well as a Sensory Friendly Screening of Robot Dreams and ‘What is The Future of Artificial Intelligence?’ Panel moderated by Stephen Colbert. Tickets for the Montclair Film Festival can be purchased online or at the festival box office located inside the lobby of the Hinck building at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
Click here for a full schedule of events + tickets to the festival, and click here to become a Montclair Film Member and learn more about Montclair Film.
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 a Real Estate Listings Directory. The directory is an ever-growing, curated list of 70+ real estate properties throughout New Jersey and New York, from Montclair + Essex County to Westfield and Point Pleasant. 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.
Tiny Gallery Exhibit at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Thursday, October 19th | Various times
Tiny Gallery is expanding to a second location in collaboration with Van Vleck. This event will be held at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Full Circle Exhibit at SOPAC
Thursday, October 12th | Various times
Ben Nile’s new exhibition in The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, showcases a mix of acrylic, ink, and more. This event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Pressed Flower Bookmarks at Van Vleck House + Gardens
Thursday, October 19th | 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Use a variety of floral samples collected from the Van Vleck Gardens to make a bookmark. This event will be held at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Supper Club at Ryland Inn
Thursday, October 19th | 6:30PM
Join Executive Chef, Christopher Albrecht, and others for the launch of the Supper Club featuring a new menu. This event will be held at 115 Old Highway 28 in Whitehouse Station. Learn more here.
Sommelier Series: Taste of Syrah at Stone House
Thursday, October 19th | 6:30PM – 8PM
Learn and taste various wines while pairing them with light food. This event will be held at 50 Stirling Road in Warren. Learn more here.
ENHYPHEN at Prudential Center
Thursday, October 19th | 7:30PM
K-pop band ENHYPEN will be performing. This event will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.
Ladies of Laughter at SOPAC
Thursday, October 19th | 7:30PM
This comedy event will be held at One SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.
Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ
Thursday, October 19th | 8PM
Win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Learn more here.
2023 Montclair Film Festival at Various Locations
Friday, October 20th – Sunday, October 29th | Various times
Celebrate ten days of independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events, and work by emerging artists. This event will be held at various locations in Montclair and Newark. Learn more here.
M&M’s Halloween Treat Truck Tour in Newark
Friday, October 20th – Sunday, October 22nd | Various times
M&M’s will be hosting a three-day-long family-friendly event where there will be candy and costume accessories for Halloween. This event will be held at multiple locations in Newark. Learn more here.
I Am Here Art Exhibit at Studio Montclair Gallery
Ongoing until October 20th | Various times
A new art exhibit that will honor the LGBTQIA+ community. This event will be held at 127 Bloomfield Avenue. Learn more here.