Home Best of Guides 64 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | October 20-23

64 Things to Do in the Montclair + North Jersey Area | October 20-23

by Samantha Impaglia
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It’s getting colder in Essex County as fall settles in and Halloween happenings are on everyone’s calenders. This week’s local Montclair + North Jersey area events guide has you covered with a canine Halloween costume contest at Branch Brook Park, stand-up comedy at Silver Stream Studio, a Halloween candle making + canvas painting workshop hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique and Alchemy Scent Bar, and more. Check out the list of all the events + things to do this weekend in North Jersey, October 20th – October 23rd, 2022.

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.

lane team

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 Ivy at Chatham

featured events

The Montclair Film Festival Starts 10/21

Friday, October 21st – Sunday, October 30th | SEE THE SCHEDULE

montclair film festival

The 11th Annual Montclair Film Festival returns to Essex County this Friday, October 21st, until Sunday, October 30th. The festival will feature over 140 films, conversations, events, and panels that will take place at multiple venues including The Clairidge, The Wellmont Theater, and Montclair Kimberley Academy Upper School in Montclair as well as NJPAC in Newark. Tickets are currently on sale to the general public and can be purchased online or at the festival box office located at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.

Click here to see the full lineup and learn more about The Montclair Film Festival.

see the schedule


The Montclair Girl’s FALLing for North Jersey Shopping + Deals Guide

Available through October 31st | VIEW DEALS

falling for north jersey shopping deals guide 2022

To make the most of all the great businesses in the area, we created a fun North Jersey guide of New Jersey local businesses we love — plus limited-time deals at some of the businesses for the fall season. From fitness spots to restaurants, beauty, shopping, wellness, + beyond — many of the businesses are sharing exclusive offers from now until October 31st. All you have to do is mention ‘Montclair Girl’ in person or follow the instructions in the guide to redeem online — so make sure to book, buy, + schedule your appointments now.

Learn more and browse MG’s FALLing for North Jersey shopping and deals guide here.

view deals


Montclair Girl’s Real Estate Directory

BROWSE DIRECTORY

real estate directory

The Montclair Girl readers are always seeking recommendations on everything from real estate rental buildings and condos for sale in the North Jersey area, so we thought it’d be helpful to create a guide to these buildings and homes. Meet our new Real Estate Directory, a curated (and ever-growing) list of real estate buildings in the greater North Jersey area. Discover these local real estate properties, compare and connect for tours, and keep checking back as the directory will be updated on a routine basis with new listings.

Check out the directory and browse properties here, and to learn more about MG’s Real Estate Directory, click here.

browse directory


Website Divider Button Thursday Events

The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival at NJPAC

Thursday, October 20th – Sunday, October 23rd

Enjoy four days of poetry readings, performances, discussions, and music at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


A Murder Is Announced at SOPAC

Thursday, October 20th – Sunday, October 23rd

This event is presented by Seton Hall Theatre and will be held at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


SOMA Film Fest at The Woodland

Thursday, October 20th – Sunday, October 23rd

This film festival will be held at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Personalized Help from the Access Navigator at Montclair Public Library

Thursday, October 20th | 10AM – 4PM

Montclair Public Library’s Navigator will meet with individuals to help improve their digital literacy, guide them toward 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 Senior Skating Session

Thursday, October 20th | 10:45AM – 12:15PM

This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Fall Movie Series at Montclair Public Library

Thursday, October 20th | 3PM – 5PM

Watch Dracula (1931) at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place Hosted by NJPAC

Thursday, October 20th | 7:30PM

Enjoy jazz music at 15 Washington Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Thursday Trivia Night at Pineapple Express BBQ

Thursday, October 20th | 8PM

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


An Evening with The Flaming Lips at The Wellmont Theater

Thursday, October 20th | 8PM

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


Website Divider Button Friday Events

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

Friday, October 21st | Various times

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


Live Music with Today is… at Montclair Brewery

Friday, October 21st | 7:30PM – 9:30PM

Enjoy live music from this Somerset-based emo band at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Mindful Self-Compassion Course with Marcie Handler + Beth Sandweiss

Friday, October 21st | 9:30AM – 12PM

This empirically supported online training is designed to help participants cultivate self-compassion. Learn more here.


Chair Yoga on Zoom Hosted by Verona Public Library

Friday, October 21st | 11AM

This is a virtual event. Learn more here.


Jim Class with James at Ride It Fitness

Friday, October 21st | 4:30PM – 5PM

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


Spooky Stories by Candlelight at Montclair History Center

Friday, October 15th | 5PM, 7PM

Explore ghastly tales from Montclair’s history on this candlelight tour at 108 Orange Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


Wine + Wheel at Montclair Art Museum

Friday, October 21st | 7PM – 9:30PM

Make wheel-thrown ceramic objects such as cups, bowls, or vases. This event will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Iron Maiden at Prudential Center

Friday, October 21st | 7:30PM

This event will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Stand-Up Comedy at Silver Stream Studio

Friday, October 21st | 8PM

This event will be held at 594 Valley Road in Montclair. Learn more here.


The Benjamins at Just Jakes

Friday, October 21st | 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 Session

Saturday, October 22nd | Various times

This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Tattoos With Jessa Bigelow at Houss Freya

Saturday, October 22nd

This event will be held at 547 Valley Road in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.


Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Train Station

Saturday, October 22nd | 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.


Strutt Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest at Branch Brook Park

Saturday, October 22nd | 9:30AM

This event has free entry and is an opportunity for dog owners to show off their creative talents, celebrate their pets, and share a happy event with other dog owners at Park Avenue + Lake Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Olmstead Historic Walking Tour at Anderson Park

Saturday, October 22nd | 10AM – 11:30AM

This event will be held at 274 Bellevue Avenue, East of North Mountain Avenue in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.


Alice + Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium at Newark Museum of Art

Saturday, October 22nd | 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.


Survivor Fest Hosted by My Second Chance NJ at Main Memorial Park

Saturday, October 22nd | 11AM – 6PM

This domestic violence awareness fundraising event will be held at 1395 Main Avenue in Clifton. Learn more here.


Row for the Cure + Open House at Row House Montclair

Saturday, October 22nd | 12PM

This 60-minute, donation-based fitness class is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer research will be held at 638 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


New Jersey Devils vs. San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center

Saturday, October 22nd | 1PM

This NHL game will be held at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Oktoberfest 2022 at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Saturday, October 22nd | 1PM – 5PM

The public garden will be turned into a beer garden for Oktoberfest at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.


Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest + Puptoberfest at Glen Rock Dog Park

Saturday, October 22nd | 2:30PM – 3:30PM

This event will be held at 320 Bill Gilligan Lane (behind the recycling center) in Glen Rock. Learn more here.


The Inspection at The Wellmont Theater

Saturday, October 22nd | 3:30PM

Elegance Bratton’s deeply moving The Inspection is the story of a young, gay Black man named Ellis (Jeremy Pope, in a stunning performance). This event is a part of the 2022 Montclair Film Festival and will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Dumplingpalooza Hosted by Dumpling Diplomacy + Toni’s Kitchen

Saturday, October 22nd | 4PM – 7PM

Feast on your choice of 4 different kinds of handmade dumplings with dipping sauces — with all proceeds benefitting Toni’s Kitchen. This event will be held at 70 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Saturday Social Hosted by Aging in Montclair

Saturday, October 22nd | 4PM – 6PM

This virtual event will feature a Zoom conversation with Fazal and Shabnam, a married couple who fled their home country of Afghanistan in 2011. Learn more here.


Spooky Night Moves at the Turtle Back Zoo

Saturday, October 22nd | 6:15PM, 6:30PM, 6:45PM, 7PM

Come in spooky attire for a Halloween-inspired, guided trip through the zoo at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Sunset Saturdays – TriState at Maplewood Village

Saturday, October 22nd | 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Enjoy live music on the street at Maplewood Village at this family-friendly event. Learn more here.


Unfinished Business at The Clairidge

Saturday, October 22nd | 7:15PM

Alison Klayman takes us behind the scenes of the birth of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This event is a part of the 2022 Montclair Film Festival and will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


The Rents + Changing Lanes at Just Jakes

Saturday, October 22nd | Various times

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


Website Divider Button Sunday Events

Codey Arena Learn to Skate + Public Skating Session

Sunday, October 23rd | Various times

This event will be held at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


When Men Were Men at The Clairidge

Sunday, October 23rd + Monday, October 24th | Various times

Aidan Dick and Izzi Rojas explore gender and faith through the lens of performance. This event is a part of the 2022 Montclair Film Festival and will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Patrick and The Whale at The Wellmont Theater

Sunday, October 23rd | 3:30PM

Patrick and The Whale explores the fascinating nature of the sperm whale. This event is a part of the 2022 Montclair Film Festival and will be held at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Brewing a Brighter Future Hosted by Courage in Time at Montclair Brewery

Sunday, October 23rd | 12:30PM – 4:30PM

Help spread awareness for pregnancy and infant loss with brews, mingling, and more at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Sunday Studio at Montclair Art Museum

Sunday, October 23rd | 1PM, 2PM, 3PM

This family art-making activity is taught in both English and Spanish, and will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


New Jersey Symphony: Xian Zang Conducts Brahms at NJPAC

Sunday, October 23rd | 3PM

This event will be held at 1 Center Street in Newark. Learn more here.


Trattoria Night at Fascino

Sunday, October 23rd | 4PM – 8PM

Enjoy a three-course dinner at 331 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Blues + Brews: Charlie Apicella + Iron City at Montclair Brewery

Sunday, October 23rd | 4:30PM – 6:30PM

This event is a collaboration with the North Jersey Blues Society, and will be held at 101 Walnut Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Halloween Candle Making + Canvas Painting Workshop Hosted by The Eclectic Chic Boutique at Alchemy Scent Bar

Sunday, October 23rd | 6PM – 8PM

Make your own scented soy wax candle with Alchemy Scent Bar and create a spooky canvas painting with Lovlee Art Studio at 30 Church Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


All the Beauty and the Bloodshed at The Clairidge

Sunday, October 23rd | 7:15PM

An epic, emotional, and interconnected story about internationally renowned artist and activist Nan Goldin that explores the trajectory of her life and work. This event is a part of the 2022 Montclair Film Festival and will be held at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Kid-Friendly Events

Garden Tales Kids Gardening Class at Van Vleck House + Gardens

Thursday, October 20th | 4PM – 5PM

Spend time in the edible garden at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Sophisticated Science at the Turtle Back Zoo

Saturday, October 22nd | 1PM – 3PM

A conservation program that covers topics such as animal anatomy, habitats and conservation, animal careers, and more at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Preschool Painters at Montclair Public Library

Tuesday, October 25th | 2PM – 2:30PM

Create art and read stories at 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Oaks + Acorns — Pumpkin Planting at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Wednesday, October 26th | 1PM – 2PM

Kids ages 3-5 will take nature hikes, read stories, and create a one-of-a-kind project every week at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Weekday Events

Scarecrows in the Garden at Van Vleck House + Gardens

Monday, October 17th – Monday, October 31st

An exhibit of handcrafted scarecrows created by scout troops, nonprofits, local businesses, families, classes, and individuals on display in the gardens. Learn more here.


Monday Morning Yoga at Van Vleck House + Gardens

Monday, October 24th | 9:30AM – 10:45AM

Enjoy yoga at a slow to moderate pace at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.


Senior Craft Club at Montclair Public Library

Tuesday, October 25th | 2:30PM – 3:30PM

This event will be held at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.


Diwali: A Cultural Celebration

Tuesday, October 25th | 3PM – 6PM

This free event will feature authentic Indian cuisine, live music, and family-friendly activities at 51 Conforti Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.


Bloomfield Community Farmers Market

Tuesday, October 25th | 3:30PM – 6:30PM

This event will be held at the Bloomfield Public Library courtyard, 90 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Learn more here.


Lunar Eclipse + Full Moon Ritual With TheCannaBossLady

Tuesday, October 25th | 6:30PM – 9:30PM

This event includes guided reiki meditation, aura cleansing, tarot readings, and more, and will be held at 9 Highland Place in Maplewood. Learn more here.


Lionel Hampton Big Band at SOPAC

Tuesday, October 25th | 7:30PM

This event is presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council, and will be held at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. Learn more here.


Trivia at Just Jakes

Tuesday, October 25th | 8PM – 10PM

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


Trivia Night at The Fox + Falcon

Wednesday, October 26th | 7PM – 9PM

This event will be held at 19 Valley Street in South Orange. Learn more here.


New Skater Boot Camp Hosted by Garden State Roller Derby

Wednesday, October 26th | 8:30PM

See if you have what it takes for roller derby at North Star Academy, 18 Washington Place in Newark. Learn more here.


Website Divider Button Ways To Give Back Locally

Montclair Fund for Women | 41 Watchung Plaza

Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, + opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, but also joined forces with women of all backgrounds + became a prominent force in the community. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here.


National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals | Northern New Jersey

This national organization has made itself available to real estate agents in various areas of the country. Its north New Jersey chapter is dedicated to championing homeownership for Latinx individuals in this covering region. Thanks to the Board of Directors, community events that support both homeowners, as well as Hispanic real estate professionals, are available. Learn more here.


The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue

Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, Wifi, + more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association is providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, a semi-private bathroom, three meals a day, a laundry facility, Wifi, + community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services + amenities are made possible in large part by 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.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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